May 5, 2014 by The Nation

APC condemns Nyanya blast

NEWS

Page 3

•NLC: explosion slap on our face

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•Pro-PDP poll is voodoo survey, says Fayemi AND MORE •Bamidele: I’ve not withdrawn from race ON•PAGES 10&64 •Youths rally support for governor’s re-election

•Principal of Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Mrs Asaba Kwabura, after a meeting on the rescue PHOTO: NAN of the missing girls at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…at the weekend.

THE MISSING CHIBOK GIRLS 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28.

Deborah Abge Awa Abge Hauwa Yirma Asabe Manu Mwa Malam pogu Patiant Dzakwa Saraya Mal. Stover Mary Dauda Gloria Mainta Hanatu Ishaku Gloria Dama Tabitha Pogu Maifa Dama Ruth kollo Esther Usman Awa James Anthonia Yahonna Kume Mutah Aisha Ezekial Nguba Buba Kwanta Simon Kummai Aboku Esther Markus Hana Stephen Rifkatu Amos Rebecca Mallum Blessing Abana Ladi Wadai

29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39 40. 41 42. 43 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56.

Tabitha Hyelampa Ruth Ngladar Safiya Abdu Na’omi Yahonna Solomi Titus Rhoda John Rebecca Kabu Christy Yahi Rebecca Luka Laraba John Saratu Markus Mary Usman Debora Yahonna Naomi Zakaria Hanatu Musa Hauwa Tella Juliana Yakubu Suzana Yakubu Saraya Paul Jummai Paul Mary Sule Jummai John Yanke Shittima Muli Waligam Fatima Tabji Eli Joseph Saratu Emmanuel Deborah Peter

57. Rahila Bitrus 58. Luggwa Sanda 59. Kauna Lalai 60. Lydia Emmar 61. Laraba Maman 62. Hauwa Isuwa 63. Confort Habila 64. Hauwa Abdu 65. Hauwa Balti 66. Yana Joshua 67. Laraba Paul 68. Saraya Amos 69. Glory Yaga 70. Na’omi Bitrus 71. Godiya Bitrus 72. Awa Bitrus 73. Na’omi Luka 74. Maryamu Lawan 75. Tabitha Silas 76. Mary Yahona 77. Ladi Joel 78. Rejoice Sanki 79. Luggwa Samuel 80. Comfort Amos 81. Saraya Samuel 82. Sicker Abdul 83. Talata Daniel Continued on page 4

Elders list 180 abducted girls Govt won’t negotiate with Boko Haram, says Jonathan

MID the growing controversy on the number of girls abducted from the government school in Chibok, Borno State, the Northern States Christian and Elders Forum (NOCSEF) released yesterday 180 names of the April 15 incident’s victims. In a statement issued by President/Founder of Old

By Leke Salaudeen, Precious Igbonwelundu and Musa Odoshimokhe Time Revival Hour, Kaduna and immediate past chairman of NNOCSEF, an affiliate of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye, the organisation said: “Chibok Local Government is 90 per cent

Christian. Majority of the girls abducted are Christian. Why did Boko Haram visit Chibok Local Government? Why didn’t they visit so many other Local Government Girls Secondary Schools in Borno State?” The statement urged Christians to fight the Boko Haram insurgency with prayers. It said: “The Church in Ni-

Oputa dies at 90

•Tributes for ‘Nigeria’s Lord Denning’

•The late Justice Oputa

LEGAL giant departed yesterday, setting off a rain of tributes. Former Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, revered by many as Nigeria’s Lord Denning for the philosophical depth of his decisions, died “peacefully” after recovering from a brief illness. Lawyers described the late justice as a legal colossus who would not only be missed by the judiciary but by the coun-

By Joseph Jibueze and Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

try. A statement by his son, the singer Charles Oputa (Charley Boy), said: “The family of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa wishes to announce the passing to glory of the eminent jurist and retired justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the age of 90 years. “He passed on peacefully

geria is hereby called to a lamentation prayer. “Every Christian home must raise a lamentation to heaven daily. Let God arise and defend His name, honour and majesty. “Let a 15 minutes cry to heaven be done in every Church every time they gather. Oh God, rend the heavens and come down! Why should

the people say where is our God? “The list is only of Christian girls. The others were not immediately known. Parent claimed that 234 girls are missing. “The military may not be able to solve the problem but prayer will. Ordinary military force may not get them out. Continued on page 4

WHERE ARE THE GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 AT THE GOVT SECONDARY SCHOOL, CHIBOK, BORNO STATE?

•Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, receiving papal blessings at the Canonisation of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII in Rome... on April 27.

Continued on page 4

•SPORTS P24 •CEO P27 •MOTORING P36 •JOBS P37 •POLITCS P43 •FOREIGN P56

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

NEWS CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

Dame Patience News Analysis

•Head of Sales, Oando Marketing Plc, Jonathan Sanyaolu and Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Olaposi Williams displaying Oando’s prize as the most innovative and impactful company award at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and lndustry 2014 Commerce and lndustry Awards in Lagos . With them are Chairman, lkeja Hotels Plc, Goodie lbru (third right); Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Seun Soyinka (second right) and Marketing Manager, Oando Marketing, Mr. Seun Adeosun.

•From right: Chairman, Dangote Cement Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Chinedu & Sons Inv. Nig. Ltd. & 1st winner of Customer Award, Chief Chinedu Ezenyili and 2nd winner, Chairman, Giwa Dinamic Ventures, Alhaji Giwa Muhammed during the night Award of Dangote Cement Plc in Lagos... at the weekend. PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

• From left: Brand Manager, Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser, Ms. Morolake Onifade; Speaker for Reckitt Benckiser on Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease, Dr. Michael Ezeanochie; Member, Global Hygiene Council/ Speaker for Reckitt Benckiser on Dettol, Dr. Nneoma Idika; and Marketing and Activation Lead, West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Mrs. Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi at the 54th Annual General Conference and Delegates' Meeting of Nigerian Medical Association in Benin.. at the weekend..

• From left: Executive Director, Legal Services, Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA), Barrister Philips Ehighale; Director General, CDGA, Dr. Dafe Akpocha; Executive Director, Finance and Admin, CDGA, Mr. Adeniji Omirin and Executive Director, Foreign Relations and Business Development, CDGA, Mr. Fola Martins, during a news conference on the upcoming Annual Lecture/Global Excellence Award on social delivery in good governance in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON

S there no end to farcical governance in Nigeria? Last Friday, the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, peremptorily summoned a number of state and federal officials to some of the meetings she conducted in the bid to end the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. No matter how altruistic and good-natured she is, she has no right whatsoever to conduct the sort of meetings she has saddled herself with, and absolutely no right to summon state and federal officials to those meetings. It speaks volumes of the confusion, inertia and irresponsibility pervading the seat of government in Abuja that just as the president himself was setting up a fact-finding panel to look into the abductions, his wife was engaged in a five-hour meeting with officials to tackle the national and international embarrassment. The first lady’s meetings, which began on Friday, was expected to continue yesterday, if no one in the seat of government had commonsensically called her to order. Dame Patience’s first reaction after her first Friday meeting was to decry the role of the state government in the abductions, accuse it of insensitivity and deliberate political provocations, lampoon what she insinuated could be a sexed-up number of abductees, and brusquely order the Borno governor to secure the schoolgirls’ release or risk a march upon the seat of government in Borno, Abuja and the National Assembly. These orders and provocations are insufferable. Is this what governance in Nigeria has become? Is the first lady not aware she is, in short, directly indicting her husband’s presidency of gross irresponsibility and inertia? She is no virtuoso in the art of diplomatese and elegant talk. But she carried her indiscretion to an intolerable level when she thundered that once she was involved in a matter, she always achieved result. She had worked behind closed doors, but now she must work in the open, she revealed without the timorousness her place beside her husband dictated. She spared no thought for how her statements made her husband look inactive, if not completely paralysed. The cause of the controversy and trigger for Dame Patience’s meddlesomeness are of course President Goodluck Jonathan’s dereliction of duty and gross inability to appreciate the weight and impact of the abductions. Nearly two weeks after the abductions – and estimates of the number of schoolgirls involved has shifted from 129 to 234 and now, courtesy of the security services in Borno State, 276 – the president was yet to declare a mini-emergency over the abductions, notwithstanding all the frightening connotations of sex slavery. Worse, a few days after the schoolgirls were taken, the president continued his political rallies with barely a thought for the unfortunate girls and their anguished parents. More damningly, the president has not deemed it fit to visit the sorrowing parents, comfort them and lead the charge, at least metaphorically, against the Boko Haram abductors, a charge his wife now seems preposterously eager to lead even if it costs her dearly. It is perhaps in response to these acute failings that the president has set up a belated fact-finding panel, and the first lady, to begin to enact a series of measures to turn the heat on any other person and institution but her husband. The appalling tactics by the first lady completely ignore the fact that she has no right at all to summon any public official, let alone directly intervene in state policy and affairs. Already she

•Mrs Jonathan (right) receiving the list of the students who registered for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Government Secondary School Chibok Borno State from the Head National Office of WAEC Mr. Charles Eguridu (centre) during the meeting the First Lady had with wives of Northern state governors and others over the abduction of some female students from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday. With them is the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Josephine Mark. PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

‘

The abduction of the schoolgirls and the lackadaisical approach of the Jonathan government to their rescue, as well as the ludicrous efforts to make Borno State the scapegoat of the whole saga, have already lowered us in the esteem of the world. Dame Patience should not compound the country’s misery

‘

By Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

has begun to interpret and even second-guess the constitution in her usual obtruding manner. She describes the Borno State governor as chief security officer of the state under a state of emergency, and compared the abducted girls to the kidnappings in the Niger Delta over which the former President Olusegun Obasanjo riled and harried her husband when Dr Jonathan was Governor of Bayelsa State. It is not clear who all the officials that attended Dame Patience’s unlawful five-hour Friday meeting were, but WAEC officials were among. So, too, were the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and the Chibok schoolgirls’ principal. As follow-up, she also summoned a retinue of other state and security officials. If they attended her meeting of yesterday, they should be charged with treason. If President Jonathan cannot rein in his wife, the rest of the country should come in forcefully to help him in order not to allow her ridicule Nigeria before the whole world. The abduction of the schoolgirls and the lackadaisical approach of the Jonathan gov-

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

e’s unacceptable meddlesomeness

•Principal of Girls Secondary School, Chibok Mrs Asaba Kwabura; Director-General, State Security Services, Mr Ita Ekpeyong ; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubarka and others after their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on how to rescue teh abducted girls at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...on Saturday.

ernment to their rescue, as well as the ludicrous efforts to make Borno State the scapegoat of the whole saga, have already lowered us in the esteem of the world. Dame Patience should not compound the country’s misery. It is indeed surprising that President Jonathan indulges the first lady so casually. Her very first involvement and comments on the abduction saga heavily indicted her husband. She gave the impression she was courageous, pushy and purposeful, and her

husband effete and distracted. She might very well be pushy. But she should look for other more mundane causes fitting for her role as first lady to be pushy and purposeful about. The Nigerian constitution does not give her a role in state affairs; she should not appropriate what has not been vouchsafed to her by any law in the country. But if she insists on meddling in state matters, then we must put her in her place by cautioning and censuring any public official that honours her

invitation on anything but private matters. The Jonathan government has set up a fact-finding panel, perhaps because there are insinuations the girls are not really missing. Though annoyingly belated, the panel must be allowed to work and submit its report. But care must be exercised not to politicise the matter, nor to look for scapegoats. Security is strictly the responsibility of the federal government, while governors are chief security officers of their

states in name only. If any scapegoat is needed, Nigerians are not so dimwitted as not to know who has been remiss in his responsibility. The clumsy attempt to focus attention on the name(s) of the affected Chibok school is unnecessary. The school remains a girls’ school, even though it was collapsed temporarily into a mixed school for the purpose of letting some male final year students from other afflicted schools write their WAEC at a school previously but er-

roneously thought to be safe. We must not be distracted from finding urgent means of rescuing the abducted girls, which was where we started from in the first instance before Dame Patience introduced burlesque into a matter requiring only her empathy. For now, Dame Patience is not president, and neither she nor her husband, nor snivelling and grovelling state officials must give the impression she could pretend to be one whenever she was minded to be.

Nyanya blast: APC says nothing justifies killing of innocent people

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as cowardly and incomprehensible Thursday’s bombing at Nyanya in Abuja. It said nothing can justify the mindless, senseless and barbaric killing of innocent people by a group of demented people masquerading as ideologues. In a statement issued in Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also said the fact that the dead-enders can bomb the same area twice in as many weeks has given a fillip to the widening call on President Goodluck Jonathan to provide much-needed leadership instead of shifting blames. ‘’That almost the same spot can be bombed twice in close proximity is the height of devilish audacity by those who perpetrated the evil act. But it is also a poke in the eye for the authorities, considering the closeness of the scene to the seat of power. ‘’If these insurgents are gaining in strength and audacity, it is because President Jonathan has allowed them through failure of leadership. If these insurgents are back in Abuja after almost three years of their last attack in the city, it is because they have seen a soft target in a President who has failed to lead,’’ it said. The APC said the time has come for the President and Commanderin-Chief to earn his epaulet by providing purposeful leadership at such a critical juncture in the history of the nation, rather than quietly egging on those who stupidly believe these insurgents are being sponsored by the opposition and some other ill-defined people to discredit the government. ‘’It has been argued in certain quar-

NLC: explosion slap on Nigeria’s face

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday described the May Day Nyanya bomb blast as a slap on Nigeria’s face. According to the NLC , Acting General Secretary, Comrade Chirs Uyot, in a statement entitled: “We shall overcome,” despite the previous bomb explosion in the same place, the security forces only responded by barricading the access road to worsen gridlock for commuters. He said: “The only response was the blockage of the access road to the city centre by our security forces, making life extremely difficult for workers and other commuters. We therefore consider it a slap on the face of our country that this is happening again. “With this second blast, our security forces ought to have some clue about the source(s) of this bombs. “ In this war, platitudes, wild allegations and hunches alone are not enough.” Uyot said NLC is deeply saddened by another bomb blast at Nyanya, Abuja, which has left about 19 persons dead and several others injured. He said as was the case in the first bomb blast at Nyanya, the majority of the victims were workers on a day they were celebrating the May Day. Uyot wondered at the success of the insurgent within two weeks. According to him, the security agencies have not done enough to prevent another attack, in spite of claims by the Police after the first blast that they were on top of the situation. ters that the resurgent attacks and the shameless abduction of the over 200 school girls are aimed at discrediting the Jonathan Administration, especially ahead of this week’s World Economic Forum on Africa. What these evil theorists have forgotten, conveniently, is that the activities of the insurgents tar every Nigerian, whether in the ruling or opposition party, with

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

The statement added: “We hold the view that our security forces have to be inventive, proactive and more focused. As at this moment, they need more brain than brawn. We also believe that security has to be built around people by making them feel and believe that this is all about them. “The notion that security is unnecessarily secretive or cultish is anachronistic and way out of tune with modern realities , especially in a war of this nature. “With the notice served on the government by Boko Haram that they are in Abuja to stay, no one should deceive themselves that the attacks will end with prayers or with the wave of the hand. Thus, we urge our personnel to involve the local people, set set up network Centres as well as rapid response camps, especially in crowded and vulnerable areas. “The attacks in the suburbs, we dare say, may be a prelude to more sinister strikes. Accordingly, we invite our security personnel to be up and doing in securing public places, especially. We have noticed with dismay most car parks are unprotected and are littered with unserviceable vehicles. Those who run it are more concerned with revenue than the lives of Nigerians. “Like other privileged Nigerians, we demand protection for our members at home, at work and on the road. They too are bonafide citizens. The present attacks on them are direct attacks on productivity and

same brush and that no Nigerian, ultimately, benefits from these barbarous insurgency. ‘’Therefore, Mr. President, rise above the fray and seize this moment in history to assert your leadership and stop whinging about this insurgency. The buck stops on your desk, so stop pushing it to other people. If indeed you believe in the lies being peddled

by your genuflecting and capricious party officials that the opposition is behind these attacks, what prevents you from ordering the arrest and prosecution of these sponsors if you have concrete evidence of their involvement? ‘’In any case, how did these talesby-the-moonlight sponsorship allegations prevent your government from

frontally tackling this all-consuming insurgency? Does the head of a household refuse to put off a fire set on his roof because some arsonists are behind it? Mr. President, this is your battle to win or lose, and you are the one history will judge over the outcome, not those self-serving members of your party,’’ the APC said. The party said the government has made a laughing stock of itself by setting up a fact-finding committee on the missing girls some clear 17 days after the girls were abducted. ‘’That this government waited for all of over two weeks after the girls went missing before deciding to set up this committee has shown why it has not made much progress in tackling this insurgency. This action is akin to shutting the pen after the chicken has bolted. ‘’Why did it take this long for the President to act on an issue that has attracted the attention and concern of the global community? What ‘fact’ can any committee find now that the girls are reported to have been ‘married’ by their abductors and taken to several locations? Should we be engaging in fact-finding now or be pursuing the abductors of the girls? Is this not another instance of the governance-by-committees that this President has engaged in, to no positive outcome? What kind of father is that who will wait for 17 days after his daughter has gone missing before seeking information on how it happened?’’ it queried. The APC urged Jonathan to shake off his lethargy and head to Chibok immediately to provide support and succour to the families of the girls, and then declare a nationwide emergency until the girls are safely reunited with their families.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

NEWS Elders list 180 abducted girls Continued from page 1

•Phillips Oduoza, GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, speaking at the panel on Pan African businesses at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, California last Thursday. Listening (from left) are Jonathan Berman, Senior Adviser Dalberg Consulting; Barend Petersen, Chairman De Beers Consolidated Mines, South Africa; and Ahmed Heikal, Chairman and Founder Citadel Capital, Egypt,

First Lady weeps as stakeholders shun meeting

IRST Lady Dame Patience Jonathan was all tears yesterday at a meeting she convened in Abuja over the abduction of school girls in Chibok, Borno State. Her first meeting on Friday set up a committee headed by the Borno State governor’s wife to ensure attendance at yesterday’s meeting. But the governor’s wife did not attend. Mrs Jonathan was said to have wept when she learnt that the school had no stand-by power generator. Besides, no extra security was provided at the school, she was told. She was devastated that the governor’s wife did not show up for the meeting on Friday and yesterday . The First Lady insisted that the state government and the Commissioner for Education should be blamed for the abduction of the girls as they allegedly failed to act on the letter from the Minister of Education for relocation of West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) candidates to Maiduguri or safer places. The West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

school’s principal disagreed at the meeting over the number of candidates for English and Maths in the school. Among those that did not show up for the meeting were parents of the girls who escaped from the insurgents and teachers from the school. Also, no student who escaped from the terrorists came for the meeting. The vigilante group, wife of the Chibok village head, the gateman of the school, chairman and secretary of the Parent Teachers Association and the school matron were also absent. Mrs Jonathan said: “I told the governor’s wife to call the parents of the abducted children; she did not honour it till today. The next thing I saw was women demonstrating on the streets. Now again, before Friday, my protocol (officer) called her and she gave 100 per cent assurance that she will be here on Friday. But she did not.” “Now again, she is not here. Because she is the mother of Borno, she is the mother of those children and I am the grandmother. She should feel

more concerned. But she is not. I and the Nigerian women are calling her, but she is not here. “It is left for you. If you tell me you are not pained, why should I cry more than the bereaved? If I do so, the world will ask me questions. “You people are playing games. This thing will not help us. After today, if these Borno people say we should not help them, you Nigerian women should not go out to demonstrate because they are playing games. You can keep it in Borno and let it end there. “The Police came with their own; the Army came with all their own, WAEC came with all their own, but the Borno government came with a few. No parent is here to tell us that a child is missing. They cannot produce a parent whose child is missing.” The First Lady wondered why some people were dying and others playing politics. She noted that the next kidnap victim could be anybody, including her. The First Lady added: “As a person, I really want these killings to stop. We may be the next people to be kidnapped if we let things pass by like this.

We should not fold our hands and let things happen like this. “Our sisters in the North, we are one country and we are sisters. We are not accusing you; we do not mean any harm and we are not quarrelling with anybody; we just want to stop all these killings.” “We don’t wear bullet proof, we don’t know who they have already targeted. I’m not exempting myself or my husband. If I’m found guilty, let me go. Whoever is behind this, let us go politely to him and ask him to let all these stop. “If it is the Constitution that is causing this, let us go to the National Assembly and beg them to amend whatever it is.” “When something happened, let us all find solution. Look at the way the matter was brought up. The country would have gone on fire. You are making it look as if the President abducted the children,” she said. During the responses from the school principal, Asabe Kwaburah, the Commissioner for Education, Musa Kubo and the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Chibok and some

Int ensive agonising prayer will.” NOCSEF made three demands. They are: •N50million damages as trauma compensation to each girl; •overseas university scholarship for each of the girls by September. •transfer of SS1 and SS2 girls in that school to other schools The government is not negotiating with Boko Haram on the release of the abducted Chibok girls, President Goodluck Jonathan said last night. According to him, the government could not have been negotiating with “faceless” people. Dr. Jonathan spoke in a Media Chat from the Presidential Villa, broadcast on national television. The President promised parents, guardians and Nigerians that the government would rescue all the abducted girls. “We sympathise with parents and guardians of these girls,” he said, adding that the kidnapping of the innocent girls is painful and urged their parents and guardians to cooperate with security agencies to secure the girls’ freedom. He said the Federal Government was discussing with neighbouring countries Benin Republic, Chad, Niger and those in the North-African sub-continent - to

•SEE ALSO PAGES 2,3,7,15,18&19 secure the girls’ release. The President expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the security agencies, noting that the activities of the terrorists were being checked across the country. Jonathan noted no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction. He described the girls’ kidnap and the Nyanya bomb blast as “worrisome”. He assured Nigerians that no stone would be left unturned to rescue the girls. Making reference to the missing Malaysian flight MH370,

Continued on page 58

Okorocha, Obi, Oyetibo, Idigbe mourn Oputa Continued from page 1

on Sunday afternoon 4th May 2014 after recovering from a brief illness. Funeral arrangements will soon be released by the family.” Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, his deputy Eze Madumere and other prominent Imo State indigenes lamented the exit of the foremost jurist. Madumere described the passing of Justice Oputa as a huge loss to the Igbo nation and the country. In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha described the late Oputa as one of the foremost jurists Nigeria has ever produced, adding that he was a good ambassador of the Igbo nation. Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi said Justice Oputa was the Lord Denning of Nigeria. “If the great biographer, Plutarch, were alive today to write lives by parallel, he would find no difficulty pairing Lord Alfred Denning and our own Justice Oputa. “Both approached law more from jurisprudence, insisting on examining the philosophical underpinnings of different laws and inter-

The man Chukwudifu Oputa

ON. Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa,CFR and a retired justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, was a legal icon, Chukwudifu Oputa, as he was fondly called in the judicial circle, was born into the family of Chief Oputa Uzukwu and Mrs. Nwametu Oputa on September 22, 1924. Justice Oputa was born into a polygamous family at a time that a man’s wealth was measured by the number of wives in his harem. His father, Chief Oputa Uzukwu had ten wives, and Chukwudifu Oputa was the last of his children. Pa Oputa Uzukwu passed on when Chukwudifu was only three months old. His mother died when he was barely six months old. The task of his welfare and education passed onto his grandmother who laid the foundation for his up-bringing. He attended Sacred Heart School, Oguta; Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha for his Secondary education and later, High College, Yaba. He was a student of Achim-

preting them in manners to serve the needs of man and the society in the most just manner,” Obi said. He said the greatest service to the memory of great sages, such as Justice Oputa, was to make their wisdom function actively in the society through the preservation of their legacies. Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN)

By Adebisi Onanuga and Joseph Jibueze

ota College, Ghana from where he proceeded to the University of London, England. He was called to the English Bar, the Gray’s Inn, London in 1953. Ten years later, he was appointed a judge of the then Eastern Region of Nigeria. Chukwudifu Oputa set up a private legal service. He was Principal, National College, Buguma beiween 1945 and 1948 and was Administrative Officer, Nigerian Secretariat between 1949 and 1951. The late Justice Oputa served the country diligently in many capacities even before the attainment of independence. He was a member of the University of Nigeria Governing Council between 1959 and 1966; counsel Harcourt Inquiry 1959; Counsel Oguta Chieftaincy dispute; Counsel, Nembe chieftancy dispute; Counsel, Obudu chieftaincy dispute in 1960; Chancellor, Imo State University and was member, former Eastern Nigerian Marketing Board between 1958 and 1965.

said the late Justice Oputa was known for his philosophical reasoning. “Oh my God! That was the Socrates of the Supreme Court! He did not only understand the law as a justice of the Supreme Court, he applied the philosophy of law. “His reasons for his judgments were often illuminating. He made law look like

Justice Oputa was appointed Chairman, Commission of Inquiry into Structure of Customary Courts in former Eastern Nigeria in 1967; Chairman, Commission of Inquiry into Abakaliki Nkpuma Akpatakpa Disturbance in 1973. Justice Oputa was appointed to investigate abuses that took place in the country during the 15 years of military rule, which ended when President Obasanjo took office as elected president on May 29, 1999. The Oputa Panel was required to examine human rights abuses from 1976 to 1979. The quest followed demands for a thorough investigation of rights abuses in Nigeria since independence in 1960. He was also a delegate representing Imo State at the National political Reform Conference in 2005. The judicial career of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa spanned 26 years through four regions, states and territories until his retirement from the Supreme Court in 1989 at the age of 65.

mathematics. He was the original source of the expression that justice is a threeway traffic – justice to the accused, justice to the victim and justice to the public. “I enjoyed reporting his judgments when I was a law reporter. The Bar and Bench and the public would miss him.” Chief Anthony Idigbe de-

Continued on page 58

scribed Oputa’s death as a huge loss. “O! What a loss for the nation. He was a great jurist who impacted our jurisprudence. He was my father’s classmate at CKC Onitsha. His other classmates there include the late Chief G.C.M Onyiuke (SAN). “A generation of committed patriots has passed with Continued on page 58

THE MISSING CHIBOK GIRLS 84. Rejoice Musa 85. Deborah Abari 86. Salomi Pogu 87. Mary Amor 88. Ruth Joshua 89. Esther John 90. Esther Ayuba 91. Maryamu Yakubu 91. Zara Ishaku 93. Maryamu Wavi 94. Lydia Habila 95. Laraba Yahonna 96. Na’omi Bitrus 97. Rahila Yahanna 98. Ruth Lawan 99. Ladi Paul 100. Mary Paul 101. Esther Joshua 102. Helen Musa 103. Margret Watsai 104. Deborah Jafaru 105. Filo Dauda 106. Febi Haruna 107. Ruth Ishaku 108. Racheal Nkeki 109. Rifkatu Soloman 110. Mairama yahaya 111. Saratu Dauda 112. Jinkai Yama 113. Margret Shettima 114. Yana yidau 115. Grace Paul 116. Amina Ali 117. Palmata Musa 118. Awagana Musa 119. Pindar Nuhu 120. Yana Pogu 121. Saraya Musa 122. Hauwa Joseph 123. Hauwa kwakwi 125. Hauwa Musa 126. Maryamu Musa 127. Maimuna Usman 128. Rebeca Joseph 129. Liyatu Habitu 130. Rifkatu Yakubu 131. Naomi Philimon 132. Deborah Abbas 133. Ladi Ibrahim 134. Asabe Ali 135. Maryamu Bulama 136. Ruth Amos 137. Mary Ali 138. Abigail Bukar 139. Deborah Amos 140. Saraya Yanga 141. Kauna Luka 142. Christiana Bitrus 143. Yana Bukar 144. Hauwa peter 145. Hadiza Yakubu 146. Lydia Simon 147. Ruth Bitrus 148. Mary Yakubu 149. Lugwa Mutah 150. Muwa Daniel 151. Hanatu Nuhu 152. Monica Enoch 153. Margret Yama 154. Docas yakubu 155. Rhoda peter 156. Rifkatu Galang 157. Saratu Ayuba 158. Naomi Adamu 159. Hauwa Ishaya 160. Rahap Ibrahim 162. Deborah Soloman 163. Hauwa Mutah 164. Hauwa Takai 165. Serah Samuel MUSLIM GIRLS 166. Aishatu Musa 167. Aishatu Grema 168. Hauwa Nkeki 169. Hamsatu Abubakar 170. Mairama Abubakar 171 Hauwa Wule 172. Ihyi Abdu 173. Hasana Adamu 174. Rakiya Kwamtah 175. Halima Gamba 176. Aisha Lawan 177. Kabu Malla 178. Yayi Abana 179. Falta Lawan 180. Kwadugu Manu

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THE NATION MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

Security agents shun court order to seize Sanusi’s passport

ESPITE being shown a court order, security men at the weekend prevented suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from traveling abroad. A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had described as illegal and unconstitutional, Sanusi’s arrest at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, after he was suspended from office by President Goodluck Jonathan. It ordered the return of his passport, which the security again seized at the weekend. He was stopped at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, in Kano on his way to France enroute Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj. He was to travel on Turkish Airline. Sanusi’s passport was also reportedly seized by the men who said they were acting on instructions. But the State Security Service last night denied stopping Sanusi. Former FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai criticised the Federal Government for the action El-Rufai said he was angry, helpless and ashamed of the government’s “sheer brainlessness”. He said: “My brother Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (SLS) has just been stopped at Kano Airport and prevented from travelling to Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj, violating his freedom of movement, religion and conscience. “These Jonathanians have no respect for the laws of the country and court judgment, yet they expect citizens to respect them and take them seriously. “They have failed to provide basic security. They dance and party when citizens are being bombed to death and our daughters being abducted by Boko Haram. They then insult our sensibilities by questioning

•SSS denies stopping ex-CBN boss

By Precious Igbonwelundu

whether over 200 girls have ever been kidnapped from Chibok, and then form a committee in search of someone to blame. Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, in a judgement on May 2, granted Sanusi’s plea for a declaration that: as follows: • the Respondents acting through the officers of the 3rd Respondent or any law enforcement agency do not have any power to forcefully withdraw and seize the Applicant’s Passport for any reason whatsoever; • the Respondents acting through the officers at the State

Security Services do not have any power to forcefully withdraw and seize the Applicant’s Passport without compliance with Section 5 (1) of Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, CAP 343 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004; • the forceful seizure and/ ore retention of the Applicant’s passport by the Respondents action through the Officers of the State Security Service is an unlawful violation of the Applicant’s right to freedom of movement enshrined under Section 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended); and Article 12 of African Charter on Human & Peo-

ple’s Rights (Ratification & Enforcement) Act. CAP A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; • the conduct of the Respondents (acting through the officers of the State Security Service officers of the State Security Service) in forcefully arresting and detaining the Applicant without any allegation of commission of crime or charge justifying restriction on his personal liberty guaranteed by Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended); and Article 6 of African Charter on Human & People’s Rights (Ratification & Enforcement) Act, CAP A9, Laws of the Feder-

•Sanusi

ation of Nigeria, 2004; •and an order restraining; and an the Respondents, their agents, privies, representatives or other law enforcement agencies of the government of the Federation from further interference with or violation of the Applicant’s right to personal liberty, freedom of movement and right to personal dignity.

Transcorp, NNPC sign production sharing contract on OPL 281

RANSNATIONAL Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, the national conglomerate with 300,000 Nigerian shareholders, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) signed at the weekend a production sharing contract for the exploration and production of OPL 281. Under the agreement, Transcorp is committing to a work programme to prove and develop an estimated 104 million barrels of oil reserves, an additional 335 million barrels of probable reserves, and approximately 4 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves. The addition of OPL 281 to its portfolio of oil and gas assets is another milestone in Transcorp’s strategy of creating Nigeria’s leading integrated energy company, operating in production, refining, power generation, petrochemical and fertiliser production. The chairman of Transcorp, Tony Elumelu, said: “Integrating across the energy value chain is the foundation of Transcorp’s strategy. OPL 281’s gas reserves will be deployed directly into

Nigeria’s power generation industry, as we seek to transform the economy of our country.” Transcorp’s existing investment, the Ughelli Power Plant in Delta State, is undergoing extensive rehabilitation, adding 1,000MW to the existing 1,000 MW capacity, thus doubling the plant’s electricity output to 2000MW over the next three to five years, in collaboration with GE and other partners. Ughelli is Nigeria’s largest gas-fired power generation facility and will be powered directly by the natural gas delivered from OPL 281. “OPL 281 is rich with nearly 4 tcf of natural gas, and will support the newly-expanded Ughelli power plant for up to 25 years at 2000 MW per day,” Mr. Elumelu continued, adding, “This volume of reserves also guarantees 15 years of feedstock supply for our future fertiliser and petrochemical plants, which will utilise the gas stores to bring value for Nigerians locally, instead of the wastage in flaring and environmental destruction that has historically characterised the industry.” From left: Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, Senate President David Mark and Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at the Asaba International Airport after arriving for the funeral service of Obi-Bridget Okpuno, mother of the Chairman of ULO Construction, Chief Uche Okpuno in Asaba… at the weekend.

Eko Disco gets $150m From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

KO Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has secured a $150 million facility to expand its network. Its Managing Director, Oladele Amoda, disclosed this to the House Committee on Commercialisation and Privatisation, when the committee visited him. The company, he said, plans to invest N42 billion in the next five years in network improvement to reduce aggregate technical, commercial and collection losses and enhance service delivery. A statement by the Head of Public Communications of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Chigbo Anichebe, said as part of its digitalisation programme, customers could pay their bills on-line and through banks in any part of the country. He said beside EKEDC, no other firm has achieved the feat. Amoda urged the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to address the severe power evacuation capacity limitations in the transmission stations for EKEDC to improve power supply to its customers.

Award for Oando ANDO Marketing Plc has won the Most Innovative/Impactful Company in the Downstream Oil and Gas sector award. The oil marketer emerged winner, beating other nominated players in the category at the 2014 Commerce and Industry Awards organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) last weekend. The Chamber’s president, Alhaji Remi Bello, said: “Even amidst a slow-down in investments in the downstream petroleum, especially by multinationals, Oando Marketing has gradually stepped in to become the undisputed market leader through its array of farsighted investments of international standards in the downstream sector. “Through innovation and vision, Oando Marketing is changing the retail space in gas distribution and consumption through its Oando O-Gas initiative.” Receiving the award, Chief Operating Officer of Oando Marketing Plc, Mrs. Olaposi Williams thanked LCCI for the unique award, describing it as a great initiative that can only come from a pioneer and foremost Chamber of international repute. Besides, she said the award would serve as a moral booster and a fresh challenge to Oando Marketing Plc to renew efforts in innovations and projects that will guarantee added value to all Nigerians and relevant stakeholders. “We thank LCCI for counting us worthy for this unique award. We will continue to be steadfast in our commitment to add value to our customers lives through various innovations and projects”, Williams said. The award jury panel headed by Professor Juan Elegido, Vice-Chancellor, Pan Atlantic University received over five hundred and fifty entries from virtually all sectors of the economy. There were thorough analytical processes involving business intelligence to validate outcomes of the entries. No fewer than twenty-two corporate bodies were presented awards in different categories and sub-sectors of the economy. Other members of the jury were: Mazi Ohuabunwa, Mrs. Nadu Denloye and Mr. Sola Oyetayo.

NNPC needs foreign assistance to fight crude oil theft

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it requires the assistance of the international community to stem crude oil theft. The corporation’s Head of Strategic Planning, Mr. Jimoh Okon, while interacting with the National Conference Committee on Power, also explained that a dedicated pipeline protection unit to tackle vandalism is required to stem the twin evil of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. Okon’s position was contained in a statement by the Conference’s Assistant Secretary, Media and Communications, Mr Akpandem James, who expressed concern over the activities of itinerant crude oil refiners that degrade the environment. It reads: “He hinted that crude oil traders are a veritable link between oil thieves and

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

legitimate businessmen. “Stolen crude, according to him, goes through the creeks and such activities take place at night with the aid of small vessels that transfer crude into large ships anchored on international waters. “Okon lamented that the issue cannot be tackled in isolation (by Nigeria alone) because of its international dimension, and therefore called for international collaborative efforts that may involve the use of helicopters and gunboats on international waters. “He however offered, that to stem the twin evil of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, a dedicated pipeline protection unit as obtained in Russia must be in place.

“The NNPC chieftain said there are six main creeks in which barges operate and suggested the procurement of six coastal vessels to effectively police those creeks. “He added that the recent meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the US Assistant Secretary of Defence was part of government’s efforts to curtail crude oil theft. “He insisted that Nigeria was suffering from energy crisis because the country exports primary energy sources and imports processed Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). “For Nigeria to reach the level of South Africa, he said the nation needed to generate 50,000 megawatts as opposed to the current 4,000 megawatts. “The Gas Master-plan by the federal government suffers a set back because international oil companies did not see Nigeria as a viable market, he said.

“He spoke at length on the nation’s over reliance on its natural resources as income, especially oil and gas. “Emphasis, according to him, should be more on the utilization of oil and gas at home as these constitute about 15 per cent of the nation’s GDP, even though it constitutes about 85 per cent of government revenue. “While suggesting ways that government can generate revenue, he warned of a situation where there is complete reliance on a product whose price cannot be determined or controlled locally. “He suggested the removal of subsidy on oil saying it was a two trillion naira drain on the nation’s resources. “He also suggested that the production of 300,000 barrel of crude oil per day be differed; and advocated the payment of environmental sub-charge, in-

clusion of pipeline tax of about six naira into the cost of PMS, as well as the implementation of the five per cent road maintenance charge. “He stressed the need for the use of energy to create wealth for the people rather than as a means of rent collection. “He doused fears about the possible non availability of kerosene in an event of subsidy removal and expressed firm belief that the product will be available. “While indicating that the unit cost of producing a barrel of crude oil was approaching 39 dollars, Okon said Nigeria currently exports 22 million tons of gas per annum from six trains. “International gas demand, he said, stands at 992 million tons and Nigeria is the fifth gas exporting country with about 7.5 per cent of the international market.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

NEWS CHIBOK GIRLS ABDUCTION

Cleric flays govt committee From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

HE cleric in charge of Destiny Chapel, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Pastor Akeem Idoniboye, has flayed the decision of the Federal Government to set up a fact-finding committee on the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect. The Federal Government recently set up a 17-man committee, to be led by Gen. Ibrahim Sabo, to get facts on the abducted schoolgirls. Its terms of reference, the government said, would soon be made public. The committee comprises security agencies, civil society organisations, international organisations and other stakeholders. But during at a service yesterday, Pastor Idoniboye said setting up a committee was not the best approach to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls. The cleric hailed Lagos lawyer and rights activist Mr. Femi Falana for rejecting his membership of the committee. He said: “They (Federal authorities) are forming a committee, to do what? Thank God for people like Femi Falana, who said he would not be part of the committee. I am not saying this because I am from the Niger Delta; I am talking because I am a pastor and as a pastor, I must say the truth.” The cleric also blamed Nigeria’s problem on lack of good leadership. Idoniboye wondered why President Goodluck Jonathan danced at a rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano, less than 48 hours after Boko Haram insurgents abducted the schoolgirls and killed in Nyanya, Abuja. He said: “Our greatest challenge as a nation is not resources, not wisdom; it is leadership. It is the lack of good leadership that will make a President, after insurgents had abducted over 200 people, would gp to Kano, dancing Azonto and Skelewu. It is a lack of leadership.”

Southeast governors urge govt to publicise girls’ identities From Chris Oji, Enugu

OUTHEAST governors rose yesterday from their meeting with a call on the Federal Government to make public the identities of the schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram sect in Chibok, Borno State. The form’s chairman and Abia State Governor Theodore Orji addressed reporters at the end of the meeting. He said the publication of the names of the missing schoolgirls would enable the nation to assist in their search. In a six-point communiqué at the end of the meeting, Orji said the governors “sympathise with the families of the victims, the Borno State Government and the Federal Government on the abduction of students of Government Secondary School, Chibok. “Accordingly, we urge the Federal Government to continue its search for the students and suggest that the names and the identities of the students be made public so that the whole nation would assist in the search.” The governors also said they “commiserate with the families of the victims of the bomb blast, which occurred at Nyanya on May 1, 2014”.

Jonathan orders rescue of abducted schoolgirls

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan ordered yesterday that all the abducted secondary schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, should be rescued alive. Over 200 schoolgirls, who were said to be writing an examination, were abducted by insurgents over two weeks ago. Jonathan gave the order during a meeting with Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa. The meeting, which ended early yesterday, was also attended by the deputy governor; Commissioner for Education, Mr. Musa Kubo; the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

chairman of the local government, the police commissioner, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Chibok and the principal of the school, Hajia Asabe Kwabura. Also at the meeting were Vice President Namadi Sambo; Senate President David Mark; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Anyim Pius and security chiefs. Addressing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Dr. Reuben Abati said there was an explicit in-

struction from the President to those at the meeting on the urgent need to rescue the girls fast. Abati said the meeting was a follow-up to the meeting Dr Jonathan had on Friday on the need to quickly rescue the schoolgirls. The presidential aide said there was a high-powered collaboration among stakeholders, including governments at all levels and the community, to ensure the safety of the girls. Abati said: “The President has given a very clear directive that everything must be done to ensure that those girls are brought back to safety.

“There was a lot of discussion. This was the first time the President was meeting with all the other key persons, like the school principal, the local government chairman and the commissioner of police. “Before now, the President and the governor were meeting regularly. This is a security operation and at this stage, it is not every detail of the efforts of the Federal Government that would be put into public domain, particularly that there are indications that those responsible for the abduction have been issuing all kinds of threats. “What is clear is the determination, the commitment

•Some members of Borno State delegation arriving for a meeting on the missing schoolgirls at the Presidential Villa, PHOTO: NAN Abuja…on Saturday.

Mark to Fed Govt: Don’t negotiate with sect

ENATE President David Mark has warned the Federal Government not to negotiate with Boko Haram unless the abducted 234 girls are freed unconditionally. This is even as Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba expressed support for Mark’s earlier call for a full scale military action against the insurgents. Mark spoke at the weekend at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Asaba, Delta State, during the funeral service for Lady Obi-Bridget Ngbelenwa Okpuno, mother of High Chief Uche Okpuno. A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary Paul Mumeh quoted the Senate President as saying the government should avoid any negotiation with

•Senate Leader backs military action From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

the sect. Mark said: “The current situation in the country - where some children have taken arms against their own country - is totally unacceptable. Parents must share in the blame. “I have been an advocate for dialogue with the Boko Haram elements in this country. But things have gone absolutely beyond bounds and no government will negotiate with Boko Haram members as long as they keep our girls and boys. “They must free those they have abducted unconditionally. Nobody is going to negotiate with them on that basis.” The Senate President warned the sect not to test the will of

Nigerians. He added: “They (Boko Haram members) must never test the will of the government. They must never test the will of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Above all, they must never test the will of the Nigerian people because we must stand united against evil. “They must have taken government decision to negotiate with them for weakness. They must not. The Nigerian Armed Forces have performed creditably well across the globe. They will do even better at home to preserve our unity and sovereignty.” Mark prayed God to touch the hearts of the abductors of the Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State to free them un-

conditionally. He insisted that negotiation was no longer an option but full military action against the abductors. Mark said: “They (insurgents) have touched the hearts and souls of Nigerians by abducting and kidnapping our children. Children are our future. They have, in effect, declared war on Nigeria and Nigerians. “We are not going to sit down and fold our arms. The Federal Government must intensify military action against the perpetrators and bring the issue of Boko Haram to a logical conclusion. “But while we pray, we will take the battle to their ground. They should return their victims unconditionally, before we can call for dialogue.”

Falana won’t join presidential panel

AGOS Lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has rejected his appointment as a member of the Presidential Committee on Abducted Girls of the Government College in Chibok, Borno State. The lawyer issued a statement yesterday in Lagos on his rejection of the appointment. Falana said he rejected the appointment because he had accepted to collaborate with an international human rights organisation which is mobilising diplomatic and political support for the release of the abducted girls from their captors. The frontline lawyer explained that besides this, a committee of those who protested the abduction of the girls, had engaged his professional services to seek legal redress and compel the Federal Government to

By Adebisi Onanuga

discharge its duty to the victims. Falana counselled President Goodluck Jonathan, as the “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to direct the Joint Task Force to intensify the military campaign to secure the release of the girls”. The statement added: “I thank the Federal Government for appointing me a member of the Presidential Committee to make recommendations for the release of the 223 students of the Government College, Chibok, Borno State, who are still held incommunicado in the illegal custody of a gang of heartless criminals. “Apart from my involvement in the ongoing nationwide demonstrations, in which protesters are demanding the immediate re-

lease of the abducted girls from the custody of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, a committee of concerned Nigerians - working with the parents of the girls - has engaged my professional services to seek legal redress with a view to compelling the Federal Government to discharge its duty to the victims of the crime against humanity. “Furthermore, I have accepted the request to collaborate with an international human rights organisation, which is currently mobilising diplomatic and political support for the release of the abducted girls from the captivity of the nihilist forces. “In the light of the foregoing, I regret my inability to accept the appointment to serve on the committee to determine the number of the missing girls.

•Falana

“However, I urge the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to direct the Joint Task Force to intensify the military campaign to secure the release of the girls. After all, the military authorities did announce last week that the girls would regain their liberty in a matter of days!”

and the resolve of Mr. President and the governor to make sure that the girls are brought back to safety. “I don’t want to deal with numbers. Even if it is one person, the safety of every Nigerian is important.” At the end of the meeting, the President and his team waited back and met with Shettima and his deputy for about 15 minutes. The Borno delegation declined to address reporters at the end of the meetings.

Lagos Speaker hails U.S By Oziegbe Okoeki

AGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has hailed the United States (U.S) for promising to assist Nigeria to rescue the over 200 school girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents from a government school in Chibok, Borno State, about three weeks ago. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, the Speaker said the news was heart-warming. Ikuforiji said: “The news that the U.S. has pledged to assist Nigeria in the efforts at rescuing the over 200 school girls (who are still with their Boko Haram captors) is most heart-warming. And it could not have come at a better time than when the whole world is getting agitated about the nonrelease of the girls till now. “While it is highly commendable for the U.S Senate to have passed a resolution condemning the abduction of the school girls, it is equally praiseworthy for President Barack Obama’s government to have acceded to the resolution of the U.S. Senate, calling for the U.S government’s assistance to Nigeria in the rescue efforts. “It is equally encouraging that the U.S Secretary of State, Senator John Kerry, has also expressed the willingness of the U.S. government to speedily come to the aid of Nigeria to rescue the abducted school girls and defeat the Boko Haram insurgents.”

Govt ‘not committed’ From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

GROUP, Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF), has accused the Federal Government of not showing enough commitment to secure the release of the over 200 secondary schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram sect in Chibok, Borno State. IWF urged the government to take appropriate steps to rescue schoolgirls. It stressed that the duty of any good government is to protect the life of every citizen, adding that the government should ensure the rescue and safety of the schoolgirls. IWF’s National Coordinator, Mallam Aliyu Bhadmus, spoke at the weekend during the group’s 30th anniversary. He said: “For almost three weeks, over 200 schoolgirls have been left to the mercy of these criminals and the government, in our view, has not shown enough commitment to securing their freedom. “There is need for more proactive, coordinated and concerted efforts on the part of the nation’s security apparatus to put an end to insurgency in Nigeria. In our view the best options are good governance, creation of employments for the teeming unemployed graduates and total extermination of poverty from the polity.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

Youth employment’ll p end insurgency, g says Aregbesola l •Utomi: Nigeria needs strong institutions

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said the only way to stop insurgency is to create jobs for youths. He spoke at the weekend in Ilesa while receiving the BusinessWorld’s Most Innovative Governor Award. Aregbesola urged those in authority to create jobs for youths, adding that power is meaningful only when it is used to better people’s lives. Explaining that power is nothing but responsibility, he said: “A sure way out of our national instability is the provision of jobs for youths, such as the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES). “Engaging alienated youths as we did in Osun will end the insecurity and terror unleashed on the nation by Boko Haram. This is why we made education our number one priority in Osun, as this is our passport to a secure future.” He hailed BusinessWorld for monitoring his administration’s programmes, adding that the award will motivate him to do more. Economist and Founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership Prof. Pat Utomi said Nigeria needs strong institutions, rather than strong personalities.

Odu’a Group gets GMD From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

R. Adewale Raji has been appointed the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/ CEO) of the Odu’a Investments Limited. He will resume duty on June 2. Raji succeeds Mr. Adebayo Jimoh, who retired voluntarily after nine years. Raji has 28 years working experience, acquired predominantly at the PZ Cussons Nigeria Group, where he rose to become the Managing Director (Distribution Services), overseeing the conglomerate’s Strategic Business Unit (SBU). He was responsible for Outbound Logistics and Customer Services.

•Aregbesola displaying the award ... at the weekend. With him are his wife, Sherifat; Chief Akande (left); Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salam (second right); Utomi (right) and Omidiji (second left).

Utomi, who was the guest speaker, said only strong institutions can ensure good governance. In his speech, titled: “Innovation in Governance: Regarding Good Government”, he said until a government serves the interest of the common man, it is not a good government. Utomi said the country needs the kind of governance delivered by the Aregbesola administration, adding: “What Africa and, indeed, Nigeria need are strong institutions and not

fails in this regard has no business being in power and does not deserve to be honoured.” He described Aregbesola as a leader with a strong commitment to serve his people, hence his peoplecentred policies. Utomi identified the introduction of the e-learning device, Opon Imo, as a solution to poor teaching. He said: “We are impressed enough by Osun’s work to draw a Delta State development plan called ‘Aregbe x20’. If there are

Osun APC alleges violence plans by PDP

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to unleash terror in Osun State. In a statement by its Publicity Director, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, the APC alleged that plans for the terror attack were concluded a few weeks ago at a meeting at the Ibadan home of a former senator from Oyo State. A notorious road transport union kingpin in Ibadan and some Osun PDP chieftains were said to be in attendance. APC alleged that the PDP

•‘It’s false’

plans to clothe thugs that will be assembled by the transport union kingpin in the uniforms of the Osun State Governor’s Monitoring Team (GTM) and the traffic section of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) to give the impression that they were state sponsored thugs. These uniforms were said to have been sewn by Osun PDP. According to the APC, the alleged terror would begin after an Osun PDP chieftain

travels out of the country, “so that he would not be associated with it”. It said the PDP chieftain is scheduled to travel this week. The APC urged security agencies to be at alert and prevent the “planned violence”. It urged residents to alert security agencies of suspicious movements in their areas. PDP Chairman Alhaji Ganiyu Ola-Oluwa said: “If the APC is alleging that, it is a blatant lie. Since I became PDP chairman, no crisis has been attributed to us. The PDP is a disciplined party that does not joke with peace.”

Third Lagos HOMS draw holds on Wednesday

HE third draw of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) will hold at the LTV8 Blueroof, Lagos, on Wednesday. According to a statement by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos Mortgage Board, Mr. Akinola Kojo Sagoe, 158 application forms were received for the May draw, of which 102 applicants were prequalified for the draw.

He said the schemes for the May draw are Alhaja Adetoun Mustapha Estate, Ojokoro; Oba Adeboruwa Estate, Ikorodu; Chois Gardens, Abijo, Lekki; Hon. Olaitan Mustapha Estate, Ojokoro; Hon Rotimi Shotomiwa Estate, Igbogbo, Ikorodu; Shitta Estate, Surulere; Shogunro Scheme 1, Ogba, Ikeja and Sir Michael Otedola Estate, Odoragunshin, Epe.

Sagoe said 21 winners from the first draw held in March have paid their equity contribution, adding that 20 of them have signed the legal documents and received the keys to their homes. He said eight winners have paid their equity contribution from the second draw in April and received their keys. Sagoe said some were already moving into their homes.

Oyo Deputy Governor: no one can come between YO State Deputy Ajimobi and me He said: “The Almighty

•Raji

strong men. A strong institution has the capacity to provide good governance for the people. Lack of strong institutions is contributing to the stagnation of the nation’s fortune, both politically and economically. “Therefore, our country is in bad shape because our leaders are not told the truth about their performance. Government has a primary duty of creating an enabling environment for the realisation of people’s dreams. A government that

Governor Chief Moses Adeyemo has lauded the “exemplary leadership qualities” of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, adding that no one or situation can come between them. Adeyemo spoke at the weekend at the wedding of his son, Dr. Adeyemo, and Bukola Majolagbe at the Masifa Baptist Church in Ogbomoso. Adeyemo pledged his loyalty to the governor, adding

that plans by their political enemies to pull them apart will fail. He said: “I thank Ajimobi for his support for me. He has always related with me as a friend and not like a boss. This is the reason our relationship has been cordial.” Ajimobi thanked Adeyemo for his loyalty, describing him as “a loyal friend”, who had contributed immensely to the state’s growth.

God brought us together for a purpose to be accomplished for the progress of Oyo State.” The governor urged the couple to be tolerant, forgiving and faithful to their vows. He advised them to love and respect each other. At the occasion were the governor’s wife, Florence; her Lagos State counterpart, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; and top government officials.

only two things a government must do, it will be education and health.” The All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) Interim National Chairman and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Bisi Akande, said: “This award does not surprise me because you deserve it. I am only waiting to come to Osogbo for the celebration of your victory at the August 9 election. Your work is a clear testimony that your victory is certain. It is an election we have won before the contest.”

BusinessWorld’s Chairman Daisi Omidiji said 12 states were considered in the Innovation Award Initiative, adding that two states in each of the six geo-political zones were closely examined for three months. On how Osun emerged the overall winner, Omidiji said: “We came to this conclusion because of the turn-around projects embarked upon by the Aregbesola administration, which represent a tremendous improvement on what he met on ground about four years ago.”

Fayemi, others for synod

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi, House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin and the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Ayo Daramola, are among guests expected at the Fifth Synod of the Diocese of Ekiti West (Anglican Communion) slated for May 16 at St. Paul’s Anglican Millennium Church in Odo-Owa by 11am. The event, which will be opened by Fayemi, is tagged: “I know your works”. The four-day event will be presided over by the Bishop, Rev. Samuel Oke.

PDP faults suspension of Ondo supplementary poll

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticised the suspension of the planned supplementary election in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement by its Publicity Director, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, the PDP said: “It was with shock and disbelief that we learnt of INEC’s indefinite postponement of the supplementary election in deference to a court action instituted by the Labour Party (LP) to forestall the conclusion of an election that it is obvious they are going to lose. “INEC’s action represents a betrayal of the trust and fairness expected of an unbiased umpire that ordinarily must maintain neutrality. It has merely acquiesced to the demand and dictate of its ally, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, by declaring this unjustified intention to assist the LP in its quest to frustrate the emergence of a representative for that constituency. “We make these assertions in view of the fact that in other places INEC conducted elections not withstanding litigations against such elec-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

tions, and to buttress this claim we refer to Agbaso vs INEC, PDP and Ohakim vs INEC. “It is pertinent to underscore the fact in the cited instances, INEC relied on the provisions of Section 87, subsection 10, which empowers it not to subject already declared elections to litigation, thereby empowering it to disregard frivolous litigations that may be prosecuted to disturb, delay or frustrate it in the execution of its duties.” Urging INEC to begin plans for the supplementary poll, the PDP said: “Any other action aside this will leave us with no other impression than that INEC has been compromised, bought and absolutely acquired by Mimiko. “We recall that in respect of this same election, the REC, at a time, echoed the frustration of the LP in relation that the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, came to campaign for the PDP here. Thus, this latest action constitutes the second instance that INEC has seen developments from the LP’s prism.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

NEWS EKITI 2014

Pro-PDP poll is voodoo survey, says Fayemi

HE John Kayode Fayemi (JKF) Campaign Organisation has described as laughable a survey declaring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ayo Fayose as the leading candidate. The organisation, in a statement, said the survey was doctored. The statement reads: “The attention of the John Kayode Fayemi (JKF) Campaign Organisation has been drawn to the result of a poll purportedly conducted to test the opinions of Ekiti people in the runup to the June 21 Governorship elections. The result of the opinion poll purportedly conducted in Ekiti State but for which a result is being doctored and released in Abuja cleverly positions the controversial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Mr. Ayo Fayose as the preferred candidate of Ekiti people for the June 21 election. The result of the voodoo exercise does not reflect and cannot be reflective of the realities of an administration that has delivered on its promises through good and impactful governance during its first term in office. “We hereby urge Ekiti peo-

Chieftain urges PDP supporters to stay with Fayose A CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Mr Lati Ajijola, has challenged the All Progressive Congress (APC) to debunk with facts and figures claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr Ayo Fayose, that he (as governor) developed the state better than any other administration. Ajijola, who said no amount of character assassination would save the APC from defeat in the June 21 election, added: “From Ado-Ekiti to Mobaland, Ekiti people have made up their minds to reject the APC government and no amount of campaign of calumny against the person of Fayose will change that.” In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Ajijola described as “lie from the pit of hell,” the claim by the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation (KFCO) that Fayose locked the Alafao of Afao-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Ademilua, in his palace to prevent the monarch from attending to Governor Kayode Fayemi during his campaign tour of the town. He said: “First and foremost, the liars in the APC do not even know that the Kabiyesi, Alafao does not live in the palace. He lives in his private residence. ple to be vigilant. We wish to state categorically that NOI Polls is nothing but an acronym for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Polls, the real owner of the company who is Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. Our people would recall that the All Progressive Congress (APC) at the national level has indeed challenged Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to publicly

deny her ownership of the company. Expectedly, she has kept mum on the matter. We again reiterate that challenge. NOI Polls is nothing but a front organisation organising voodoo polls to achieve pre-determined ends for the PDP. Indeed, since these folks are the Pollsters of the Jonathan administration, Nigerians can now understand why we are in this present mess as this

“Secondly, if Fayose had behaved like Fayemi, who made it impossible for any other party to campaign in his Isan-Ekiti hometown, would Fayemi have been able to enter Afao-Ekiti, not to talk of wanting to see the monarch?” While urging PDP supporters to remain steadfast in their support for the party and its candidate, Ajijola said: “The APC propagandists have tried all their old tricks and failed. They lied that Kabiyesi, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe would not allow Fayose to enter his palace, but Fayose and PDP leaders visited the palace on Friday, with the Ewi praying for him (Fayose).” He advised the APC to defend their government instead of engaging in smear campaign, saying: “Like I said before, let the APC people deny the fact that their government surpassed the achievements of Fayose in Ado-Ekiti. “Let them deny that Fayose’s government was not the one that made Ado-Ekiti what it is today. Let them tell Ekiti people that Fayose’s government did not dualise Ijigbo-Ajilosun, IjigboIlawe, Fajuyi Park-Adebayo and Fajuyi Park-Bashiri roads.” same company organises monthly polls for the Presidency under the close supervision of its owner, Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “Ekiti people are hereby enjoined to be ready to defend their votes. The purported poll is nothing but an exercise in gimmickry orchestrated to prepare the ground for a predetermined elections result already being calculated to give

false victory to Ayo Fayose at the polls. “Unfortunately for NOI Polls and its owner, Ekiti people are highly cerebral. This is the fountain of knowledge and a state renowned to be the land of honour. If the result of this voodoo polls is anything to go by, the fabricators of the result are unwittingly saying Ekiti people prefer a relapse to the days of one week, one trouble

•Dr Fayemi

for the which Ayo Fayose’s reign is better known. NOI polls and its owner, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have indeed forgotten that Dr. Kayode Fayemi is indeed running on records. The records are not only self evident, they are indeed verifiable and comparable. We will not waste our time to question their sample population and methodology. “Our most important assignment is to prepare Ekiti people for their end-game which is to rig the June 21 election and truncate the will of the people. The voodoo foundation for the fraudulent edifice being planned is the deceptive exercise by Ngozi OkonjoIweala, alias NOI Polls. Ekiti people are enjoined to be vigilant.”

‘Why opposition must lie about Fayemi’s achievements’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

•GovernorKayode Fayemi (second right) speaking at a campaign rally in Afao-Ekiti. With him are former Governor Niyi Adebayo, All Progressives Congress (APC) chair in Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe and Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Strategic Communications, Kayode Akinyemi.

Bamidele: I’ve not withdrawn from race

•Bamidele

ABOUR Party (LP) governorship candidate Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has said he has not withdrawn from the race. His spokesperson, Ahmed Salami said what the LP and its candidate did was to suspend campaigns and rallies temporarily to secure protection from the security forces. The statement said: “It has been brought to our notice the rumour emanating from enemies of progress being spread across Ekiti State that the La-

In the next few days, we will change our campaign tactics, we will consult and contact stakeholders within and outside the state on the way forward. I don’t know for how long I will be able prevent people from reacting to all these acts of provocation. From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

bour Party governorship candidate Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) has withdrawn from the June 21st, 2014 race. I want to state categorically and affirmatively that Hon. Bamidele has not withdrawn from the election and is still in the race. “I am confident to add that besides the LP’s candidate being in the race, he is currently working round the clock with his team of astute politicians

to ensure his emergence as next elected governor of Ekiti State. “I also use this medium to reassure our teeming supporters and party faithful that Bamidele is determined to contest the election, regardless of ongoing propaganda, especially those of All Progressives Congress (APC) who are bent on misleading the public. “Our candidate and the LP had decided after due consultation to temporarily suspend ongoing open rallies and townto-town campaigns. This was disclosed to the entire world via a press conference on the 2nd of May, 2014 at Iyin-Ekiti country home of the LP candidate. “At the event, Bamidele raised concerns over spate of insecurity, violent attack on labour party faithfuls and official lawlessness being orchestrated by the APC-led government in the state reason for the temporary suspension of open rallies “In the exact words of Bamidele: ‘in the next few days, we will change our campaign

tactics, we will consult and contact stakeholders within and outside the state on the way forward. I don’t know for how long I will be able prevent people from reacting to all these acts of provocation. Also, I don’t know how we can continue our rallies under the present circumstance’.”

N All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, has said opposition politicians would have to lie to the electorate about the achievements of Governor Kayode Fayemi to win “sympathy and relevance”. The former ally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Ayo Fayose, said the achievements of Fayemi remain a headache for all the opposition politicians and their parties. Speaking in a release entitled “The thriving industry of lies among opposition politicians in Ekiti and the necessity to remain wakeful” made available to reporters at the weekend, Olatunbosun warned the electorate to be wary not to exchange the gold in their hands (Fayemi) for mere coated stones crying for possession. According to the Information Commissioner during former Governor Segun Oni’s administration, “the legacies and imprints of Oni in teaching and public service and in the administration of the state generally which are clearly discernible in the strides and achievements of governor Fayemi himself today will make any aspiring governor green with envy”. Said he: “I want to warn our people not to be bought over by the lies of Fayose who is a genius when it comes to devising schemes to win cheap sympathy, recognition and popularity. I charge anyone to ask an average teacher in Ekiti how much he/ she earned during Fayose’s time and how much they are earning today under Fayemi? “I equally want to charge them to make efforts to find out how much Fayemi has earned in the entire life of his administration including the N25 billion he borrowed and the value of what he has done across the state today in the areas of empowerment, social/infrastructural development, education, health, agriculture and tourism. “Let me also challenge Fayose to come out with a list of his achievements in Ekiti during his inglorious three and a half year reign of mayhem and balance it against what this governor (Fayemi) has done today within the same time frame.”

Youths rally support for governor’s re-election

OME youths under the auspices of the Youth Traders’ Association have launched a campaign to rally support for the re-election of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi. The campaign was launched by members of the association in the popular Erekesan Market, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, with a visit to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe. The youths also visited stalls within the sprawling ware point to widen the support base of the incumbent governor among traders. Waving banners with various inscriptions on the landmarks of the Fayemi-led administration, the youths urged traders to return the government to office with their votes on June 21.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Their spokesman, Mr. Opeyemi Fakayode, said the mobilisation became necessary because of the innovation Dr Fayemi has brought into governance and turning AdoEkiti to a befitting capital city. Backing the youths, an apolitical organisation – Modupe Adelabu Support Group, noted that the state has witnessed tremendous progress under the Fayemi administration. The Group’s Coordinator, Prince Diran Aladesanmi, said the state capital has been a major beneficiary of transformational programmes since Fayemi mounted the saddle as governor. Aladesanmi described as laudable legacies the infrastructure provided by the government.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

CITYBEATS FRSC warns A THE Ota Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Command (FRSC), Mr Sunday Omafu, yesterday urged motorists to obey the traffic rules and regulations while driving. He made the plea on the ever-busy Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, while leading members of his team on a patrol of congested spots that lasted several hours. The traffic snarls, he observed, were occasioned by heavy downpour and illegal parking along the route. Omafu, while speaking on an accident involving a vehicle marked, DAF 85CF and a truck marked, ALR33XA, at the Expressway/Toll gate, in which two persons were killed, some injured and many cars damaged last week, said a driver claimed it was due to brake failure. The FRSC boss said the truck, which was loaded with Fiju Milk, was coming from Ilaro, an Ogun State community, rammed into the vehicle along the road, killed a woman. Omafu advised vehicle owners and companies to always ensure good condition of their vehicles before embarking on any journey, noting that “lack of adequate maintenance and human errors lead to crashes.” He warned drivers against reckless driving and urged them to always consider the safety of other road users to ensure safety of lives and property.

Council commissions projects From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

AS part of effort to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of his council area, Mr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Transition Committee Chairman of Ibadan North West Local Government in Oyo State has again commissioned 17 projects across wards in the council area. The projects are: 14 public toilets which according to the council boss, cost N490,000 and three electrical transformer, 500 KVA each in Oju Abere, Maxima and Ajadi enukoko communities at the cost of N1.5 million, N1.8 million and 2.8 million respectively. According to Olatunbosun, the commissioning was to commemorate Workers’ Day as workers have taken a centre stage in contributing to the society and its economic development. He said all the 17 projects are people-oriented, which was why people trooped out en masse at the commissioning. According to him, the communities’ leaders were consulted to seek their views on what they needed. Said he: “If we have done these projects without people’s consent, they would not have appreciated them or see them as theirs. Parts of the toilets commissioned are: three toilets with a borehole donated to Onireke Girls High school, and other two primaries schools in the communities.

11 CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

N employee of the Nigerian Breweries Plc, his wife and five children, have been found dead in their home. The remains of the man, Etim Edet and those of members of his family, were discovered a few days after they had died in their sleep at their residence in Badigo, Ijede in Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb. It was gathered that their neighbours, who did not see any member of the family for days, attempted to find out what was wrong. “After knocking for a long time without any response, they left, wondering what must have happened to them,” a source

Family of seven dies in sleep By Jude Isiguzo

told The Nation yesterday. “However, as they went close to their own apartments, they perceived an offensive odour, which prompted them to inform the police,” the source added. It was gathered that policemen broke the door and discovered the decomposing bodies of members of the family on their beds. Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superinten-

dent (DSP), confirmed the incident. She said at about 4pm on May 1, The Workers’ Day, there was a report at Ijede Po-

lice Station that seven members of a family were suspected dead in their home in Ikorodu. “Operatives moved in and

By Jude Isiguzo

their home in Ojo on the outskirts of the city. Police operatives attached to Ojo Police Station rescued them from their abductor at a hideout around CTU Point, Iyana-Iba, a suburb of Lagos. It was gathered that preliminary investigations

showed that the boys were abducted from their mother, Mrs Iyabo Lawal. Lagos Police Command’s spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), confirmed the suspect’s arrest and the rescue of the children. Braide said: “On May 1 about 3pm - policemen attached to Ojo Division

‘We’re for peace, unity’

“E

LEGBA is a major festival being celebrated yearly by all the children of Lagos progenitor Olofin, from March to the middle of the year. It is important to us because it is a means of appeasing the gods to ensure our peaceful co-existence and prosperity. It works for us and for Lagos State as a whole.” With these words, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Elegushi of Ikate Land, justified the just-concluded seven-day festival, a celebration of tradition and culture, which was held in his domain. At the event, attended by all the monarch’s chiefs, including Lagos white-cap chiefs, prayers (Ikunlepabi) were held for peace, security and prosperity in Elegushi’s domain, the state

By Basirat Braimah

and the country as a whole. For the prayers, devotees of Elegba deity used traditional items including kolanut, allegator pepper, water, bitter kola, palm oil, snail, pigs, dogs, goat, dry gin and others as prescribed by the Ifa oracle. Asiwaju of Ikate Land who doubles as the Aro of Elegba Ejiwa, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi (who also chairs Eti-Osa Local Government), said Elegba is all about ensuring purity, love and unity in the land. Alhaji Mudashiru Goriola, the Baale Gbara, said the snail water that was shared among the worshippers for them to apply on their bodies would ward communicable diseases off them. Chief Moruf Sanni

• Oba Elegushi (right) with his chiefs at the event

Elegushi, the Olisa of Ikate Land, urged government to see the festival as one of the foremost festivals celebrated in Yoruba land, which would promote peace in the land.

Lions Club, pediatricians battle diseases

O find lasting solution to some preventable diseases among children, Lions Club International (Multiple District 404, Lagos, Nigeria), is in partnership with the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN). Lion (Dr.) Kola Oyekan, its immediate past district chairman, said the collaboration was aimed at serving humanity better. He said the club had been looking forward to such collaboration with PAN to end to some of the preventable diseases, adding that this year’s world immunisation week, with the theme, ‘Are you upto-date,’ provided a platform that brought the two groups together. He said: “About two or three million people die of preventable diseases every year; this is why the leadership of our club sought a partnership with that of the Paediatric Association on Nigeria to celebrate this year’s World Immunisation Day.” Another member of the club, Lion (Princess) Adetope B. Tycchus, said because the club is known for fighting blindness, discovered that such a disease is associated with too

By Eshiet Uyoatta

many other diseases, caused by non-immunisation of the kids at birth. She stated that the partnership is beyond race and boundaries, as it is intended to be of great benefit to all Nigerians, adding that with the partnership, the future of the children in the country is guaranteed. Professor Adebiyi Olowu, PAN’s President, praised the leadership of the club, both Nigeria and abroad, for the gesture and the opportunity

Edet was allegedly found dead with his wife and five children on their beds at his residence in the Bagido area of Ijede. No sign of violence was seen on their bodies. The victims were suspected to have died from generator fumes,” she added. Braide, who said their bodies had been moved to Ikorodu General Hospital’s mortuary for autopsy, added that the incident “is under investigation at the Ijede Division.”

Police rescue three abducted kids

HREE male siblings have been rescued from a suspected kidnapper, Iheanachor Collins, in Lagos. The suspect is being detained at the Ojo Police Station. The kids, The Nation learnt yesterday, were abducted by a man suspected to be into child trafficking from

• Braide

‘... their neighbours, who did not see any member of the family for days, attempted to find out what was wrong. After knocking for a long time without any response ... they perceived an offensive odour, which prompted them to inform the police’

afforded his association to join the partnership against infant deaths in the country. He said: “Most of the killer diseases of children are highly preventable. We are not happy with present the high level of infant mortality in the country. We are happy that Lions Club is collaborating with PAN in reducing the rate.” Olowu said his association would open the eyes of Lions Club to other areas about from immunisation, which he said, would, strengthen the survival of the Nigerian child.

8,000 pupils seek spaces in colleges

AGOS State Government has said that about 8000 pupils in both public and private primary schools in the state, last Saturday, participated in an examination into the model and upgraded colleges in the state. The screening, which was meant to allow pupils from primary schools in the state gain admission into public secondary schools, was conducted with an im-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

proved methodology simultaneously in all the designated centres across the state. Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, who monitored the conduct of the examination in some of the centres, expressed satisfaction over the general conduct of the test, particularly with the new methodology introduced into this year’s examination.

acted on a tip-off and arrested Collins of unknown address around the CTU Point, Iyana-Iba, with three male children allegedly abducted from Mrs Iyabo Lawal in Ojo. The children were rescued and handed over to their parents. The case is under investigation at the Ojo Division”.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

• Scene of an accident involving a container-laden truck along Apapa-Oshodi Express way, Lagos ... yesterday PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES • Another scene at Idi-Oro, Mushin where a container fell on two cars ...yesterday

Amputated cyclist: LASTMA to pay N10m damages

USTICE Doris Okuwobi of an Ikeja High Court has awarded N10milion damages against the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), and one of its officials, Mr Aidelebe Sunday, for causing bodily injury and amputation to a student, Samson Dibie, in 2011. Dibie, who was attacked at Abule Egba with stick by the LASTMA official on December 1, 2011, while attempting to escape arrest with his motorcycle, had dragged the official, LASTMA and the state Ministry of Transport to court through his lawyer, Mrs Funmi Falana. He had asked the court for

By Adebisi Onanuga

N200 million as general damages for his injury and the infringement of his fundamental human rights. He had also prayed the court to declare that the action of the LASTMA official, was unconstitutional and illegal, saying it violated his rights to dignity. Mrs Falana had told the court the action of the first respondent in the case had almost resulted in the death of the applicant, adding that while he was in hospital, the incident eventually led to the amputation of his right hand, in a bid to save his life. She told the court that

on December 1, 2011 at about 8:45 am on his way to school, while on his motorbike at Oja Oba, Abule Egba bus stop, the applicant noticed some LASTMA officers arresting motorcyclists, and stopped at the Total Filling Station near the bus stop. However, Mrs Falana said while Dibie was trying to escape from the filling station, the LASTMA official named Aidelebe S. in uniform, rushed at him and hit him with a stick on his right arm. She submitted that the applicant managed to escape from the scene, but later observed that the arm had swollen up,

•R-L: Comrade Adewale; Major-Gen Alade, The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.A. Alade, and Rear Admiral Ofik, during the event.

Navy fetes senior officers

HE Nigeria Naval base headquarters in Apapa, Lagos State, has organised what it tagged, “happy hour” for its senior officers. The event attracted top members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, diplomatic corps and politicians, including the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale. The Chief Security officer, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik, said the event is an age-long tradition of the Nigeria Navy, which is meant to interact, socialise and re-

By Basirat Braimah

unite officers in a relaxed atmosphere. “For some time now, we have not been having this ritual to get to know ourselves very well; this is another opportunity to do such,” he said. Also, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Admiral S.A. Alade, tasked the Navy and indeed the Armed Forces, to interact with the civil society, saying: “We cannot be an island; we should get to interact with the civil society frequently,

because when we retire from active service, we are still going back to them” Comrade Adewale commended the Navy for protecting and defending the country. He also heaped praises on Rear Admiral Ofik, saying: “He is a blessing to the Nigeria Navy. During his time at the NNS Wey, he brought monumental development to the command. He is a great officer.” The council chief also urged the Navy to work with other relevant bodies, to make the country a better place for all to live.

‘Mrs Falana said while Dibie was trying to escape from the filling station, the LASTMA official named Aidelebe S. in uniform, rushed at him and hit him with a stick on his right arm’ while he was also unconscious and dizzy. Mrs. Falana told the court that the applicant later discovered after medical examination that the bone in his right arm had been fractured, but was advised to amputate the arm to survive. He, therefore, prayed the court to grant his prayers. The state government

denied the incident, insisting that on the said date, none of his officials participated in arrest of bike riders as alleged by the applicant. In a counter affidavit, Sunday said: “There was no fracas between the 2nd respondent officers including me and the motor bike riders on that particular day.” He denied the existence of a Total Filling Station at Oja Oba as claimed by the applicant and that the agency never operated with buses, except IN its Toyota Hilux pick-up, adding that the claimed that the applicant instituted the case in bad faith. Two years after the case was argued by Mrs Falana and the respondents defended the case through their lawyers from the Ministry of Justice, Justice Okuwobi held that the action of the official was unconstitutional and subsequently illegal.

She held the action of the LASTMA official violated the applicant’s rights to dignity of human person as guaranteed by Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The court further declared that the assault and physical attack on the applicant by Sunday on the fateful day, which eventually led to the amputation of his right hand, is illegal, unconstitutional and a threat to his right to life as guaranteed in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution. The trial judge also held that the act violated Article 4 of the Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Justice Okuwobi awarded the sum of N10 million in favour of the applicant as damages for the infringement of his fundamental rights to life and dignity of person.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

TRIBUTE In this tribute, Sunday Saanu extols the virtues and leadership acumen of Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), who clocks 60 today.

Celebrating Adewole, UI VC at 60

ERHAPS the best way to summarise his (first) 60 years of voyage thus far in life is to employ that particularly all-in-the-air American expression: awesome. Or, how does one describe the life of a man who has achieved a kind of historical immortality on account of the fact that he is one of the brightest but luckiest few to manage the University of Ibadan (UI) as its 11th Vice Chancellor with a rare menu of miracles? Although this writer has only worked with Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole in the last four years when “the special breed” became the UI VC on 1 December, 2010, reports from diverse sources including Ilesa Grammar School, where he obtained Grade 1 with distinction in 1970, as well as testimonies from his childhood friends indicate that God deliberately packaged him specially with uncommon favour, brilliance and benevolent spirit. Today, as he marks his 60th birthday, tribute, like torrential rain will be fulsome as the celebration of this enigma shall literally turn to a festschrift given his positive attributes that have really endeared him to the throng of admirers. The refrains from those who know him well have always been “Adewole is kind,” the man is humane, sentiment apart, Adewole is good.” But how does one validate all of these claims? Well, a detailed synthesis and analysis of his actions, pronouncements and body language will leave no one in doubt that Prof. Adewole could be likened to what Winston Churchill describes as a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. With all the swagger that is all his, coupled with a richly precocious mind, bristling with the rare combination of brilliance, confidence and compassion for humanity, Prof. Adewole is indeed the calm that defies storm. Though, not as tall as some other men, and certainly, not a dwarf, he is definitely and clearly one of the tallest and the most successful among his peers when measured on the scale of divine favour and human accomplishments. The first miracle he performed in the University, shortly after assumption of office as VC, by formalizing the appointments of about 200 hitherto adhoc staff, many of whom had been on contract job for years created positive reaction in the system. Nobody thought such a giant stride was possible in a closed system in which confirmed staff members always feel superior to any other category. Adewole

By Sunday Saanu supply removed the disparity, thus, bringing joy to those who had been slaving away in the system. He has stopped the idea of ad-hoc appointment in UI. At another point, he did the unthinkable. Prof. Adewole paid to all workers what some people called “13th month-salary” but which he described as “allowance”. Those who had been agonizing about payment of their children’s school fees joyfully went to their banks and performed their financial obligation with easy. They are still expressing gratitude to a man of guts and conviction. He has initiated so many welfare packages for the workforce- the feats that have now turned his bitterest critics into ardent admirers. As if intensity of his adversity will ultimately determine the immensity of his glory, Prof. Adewole who faced excruciating stiff opposition in his bid to win the coveted seat of the VC has always been rising from every debilitating crisis victoriously. Like the mythological phoenix that resurrects from its own funeral pyre in a legendary circle of wonder and rebirth, he survives attacks without feeling the need to neither revenge nor demonize anyone for his travail. To say that he is a man of peace is stating the obvious. He believes those who are at war with others are not at peace with themselves. I was in his entourage to Mr. Gamaniel Onosode’s 80th birthday in Lagos. We were in the church when a particular personality suspected to be having an axe to grind with him came in. Prof. Adewole made spirited effort to greet him, but the man ignored him. When I confronted him much later, he said “so Sunday, you noticed what happened in the Church? I have nothing against the man and I don’t understand why he is fighting with me, but you know, I am a man of peace. I follow peace with all men and if anybody is fighting, even in the House of God, I will not be a party to that” Assessing him through his creative leadership style, one will come away with an impression that Prof. Adewole is a specialist not only in Gynaecology but in clinically cutting the Gordian knot in University administration as he carries out his burdensome schedules with a calm and collected confidence. He has created right value paradigms for transformation, sustainability, effective and relevant partnerships, as well as processes and pro-

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A man with uproariously humorous mien and gravely serious inclination, the UI VC is obviously a charismatic personality, whose leadership style has always been defined by courage, he is a master of repartee. He creates jokes without offending the object’s sensibilities.

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cedures that ensure and preserve best practices. Indeed, this birthday boy of 60 has created exceptionally commendable precedents in office. Very many of his devices to grow the university’s operational efficiency have been copied by many Nigerian Universities so much so that many VCs come to learn at his feet, calling him “VC of the VCs” Surely, in the pantheon of VCs, imbued with compassion and uncommon touch, Prof. Adewole stands out. At every inspection, he challenges the people towards greater heights. When he visited UI Fish Farm and people complained that birds were poaching the fish in the night, he retorted, “Have you researched into why they come at night? Have your Ph.D students written papers on that? Have you visited Fish farms in town to know if they have similar problems?” He simply dazzled the people with his prodigious élan! A thinker of finest hue, you may say. Responding extemporaneously to questions he had no prior knowledge about, Prof. Adewole is a beauty to behold in terms of communication skill and creative fecundity. With his urbane English and sophisticated diction, coupled with a mellifluent delivery, he always keeps his audience spellbound. Recently at a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) held at the Trenchard Hall in which all the higher institutions in Southwest made presentations on how they have been managing the allocated fund, Prof. Adewole’s presentation

•Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Wale Odunlami (right); Chief Yemi Nelson; his wife and APC Women Leader, Kemi; Vice Chairman, Lagos APC Chief Funsho Ologunde and a chieftain of the party, Mrs Modupe Lawale at a thanksgiving service by the new leaders at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos...at the weekend.

was adjudged the best by a former information minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, A man with uproariously humorous mien and gravely serious inclination, the UI VC is obviously a charismatic personality, whose leadership style has always been defined by courage, he is a master of repartee. He creates jokes without offending the object’s sensibilities. But as a human, he has his foibles like every other person. He often gets upset when people steps out of line with impunity. However, his mind is like heaven. When it is resentful, it thunders forth its indignation. But once having loosed its feeling, the mind becomes like a sunny day with a clear sky within the heart; there remains not the trace of a cloud. Such is the beauty of true manliness as posits by Yoshida Shion, vividly illustrated by Prof. Adewole’s good heart. University is a place of dissent and controversy and that is the dialectics of arriving at the truth. For a man to lead close to 400 professors successfully without protest and acrimony, Prof. Adewole certainly deserves a pat at the back for his sagacity and people management skill. He is an achiever extraordinaire. He is a man of conscience over commerce, mind over money and justice, not just - as - it -is. I remember his admonition when we went to Ethiopia , Addis Abbaba for a function and someone was trying to be dubious , Prof. Adewole publicly chastised the culprit and emphatically condemned the quest for money at all costs almost by all and sundry in the society. He always carries himself as a quintessential purveyor of values, morals and manners. Crisp, professional and confident about his capacity to embrace pains as fuel meant to be burned for the journey, this gynecologist of note does his job with managerial panache with an uncanny capacity to dream and dare. Yet, he he comports himself in a way that conforms to the tenets of civilized conduct.He is intensely motivated, dogged driven, relentlessly inventive and remorselessly tenacious As he marks his Diamond milestone today, he says he will not be taking gifts from anybody. Rather, he adds that he will unveil a Foundation known as Isaac Folorunso Adewole Foundation (IFAF) which will largely fund research and advocacy work in the area of women’s health but with a sharp focus on Cervical Cancer. He appeals to his admirers to donate to the IFAF. This is probably another way with which ‘Oga at the top’ intends to

•Prof. Adewole

assist humanity. To Prof. Adewole, kindness in words creates confidence, kindness in thinking creates profoundness and kindness in giving creates love. Being a phenomenal philanthropist, his popularity steps from the acts of kindness he has been extending to all and sundry. His philosophy is rooted in the words of Publilius Syrus who says “you can accomplish by kindness, what you cannot by force. As he gathers all his friends and admirers to thank God for his glorious and marvelous 60th anniversary, one just prays that his rest of the sojourn on earth, (60 more years of course) be the best of his life. Prof. Adewole was born on 5th May, 1954. He attended Ilesa Grammar School from 1966-1972 and even at that tender age he was a role model to his schoolmates, on account of his good conduct, exemplary character and exceptional brilliance. He obtained Grade 1 with Distinction in his West African School Certificate in 1970 and scored AAC grades at the Higher School Certificate Examination in 1972. He enrolled as a National Award Scholar at the University of Ibadan in 1973. He obtained his MB BS degree in 1978, winning the Glaxo Allenbury Prize for the best overall performance in Pediatrics. He underwent further medical training in Nigeria, becoming a Senior Registrar in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in 1984. He then proceeded to the United Kingdom for a Research Fellowship in the Department of Medical Oncology at Charing Cross Hospital in London. He obtained the Fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCOG) in May 1986 and the Fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) in January 1994. Happy birthday sir. •Saanu is with the Directorate of Public Communication, University of Ibadan

•All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Chairmen in Lagos State taking the Oath of Office at their Swearing-in at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja...at the weekend. PHOTOs: DAYO ADEWUNMI

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Failed pledge

Nigeria’s missing schoolgirls

•CDS Badeh’s promise to bring Boko Haram to heel by April underscores the need for less garrulity in security matters

A broader approach is needed to combat Islamist thugs

T his resumption on January 20, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, former Chief of Air Staff and new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) assured that, by April, Boko Haram and its murderous insurrection would be history. “I can say confidently,” he had enthused, at the ceremony of his take-over from his predecessor, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, “that this war is already won.” With current realities, the CDS counted his chickens before they were hatched! What might be the driver of his upbeat declaration since, as Chief of Air Staff, he was part of the security apparatuses under the old CDS? Excitement of promotion as new military top dog? Improper analysis of the situation on the ground before making a pronounce-

‘The right lessons having been learned, Nigerians should get fully behind their military as they go on the arduous task of facing down the blood-thirsty Boko Haram. And this support should start with the CDS. This is no easy call given the level of hurt and amount of bitterness and pain in the land. But we can defeat terror only if we stand as one people’

ment? Latter-day reversals in the battle front that made complete nonsense of a very promising situation? Whatever it was, and taking cognisance of the fact that nothing is absolute and definite in human terms, the CDS’s failure to keep his promise underscores the need to be less garrulous in security matters. To be fair, he spoke in the context of a patriot, a military officer quite anxious that the insurrection would not result in a constitutional crisis. “The security situation in the North East must be brought to a complete stop before April 2014,” he had said. “We must bring it to a stop before April so that we will not have constitutional problems in our hands.” Aside, things were looking up in the North East theatre of war. Things were looking good not because the terrorists had been vanquished but because the bulk of their attacks were limited to farflung border areas, which the terrorists could hit and run across the border. It looked far away from the wild freewheeling days of terror when the anarchists could strike, anytime they wanted and anywhere: from Kano to Abuja to Kaduna to Jos to Jaji — and no place was sacrosanct, not the Police Headquarters, the United Nations Headquarters in Abuja or the military high shrine of Jaji. That relative curtailment was believed to be positive results of the emergency in the three North East states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

Still, the two Nyanya bombings, in a spade of less than two weeks, have brought everyone back to the rude reality: Boko Haram is long from being defeated. That makes the CDS’s pledge run hollow, if not outright unthinking. From a hurting populace, the CDS is assailed by flak. From it all, he should learn the virtue of humility and the imperative to be less naive and more clinical in his utterances on security matters. Besides, military history has shown even the best of generals carefully weigh their words in making war forecasts, knowing full well the lack of certainty in combats. The right lessons having been learned, Nigerians should get fully behind their military as they go on the arduous task of facing down the blood-thirsty Boko Haram. And this support should start with the CDS. This is no easy call given the level of hurt and amount of bitterness and pain in the land. But we can defeat terror only if we stand as one people. On his part, the CDS and his generals, under the civil authority of the president and other political bosses, must dig anew and uproot the Boko Haram madness. They must work especially at intelligence — both to latch on Boko Haram’s plots before they are executed and to figure out the case of probable pro-Boko Haram moles in the military. Now that the CDS has learned his lessons, it is time to move in and finish the job.

Questionable confusion •The court must find out the source of misrepresentation of its order on Diezani’s suit

HE orchestrated confusion over the actual order made by the Federal High Court, in the suit brought by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to frustrate the summons extended to her by the House of Representatives, over the alleged N10 billion bill on jets, is embarrassing. So, we share in Justice Ahmed Mohammed’s angst that a simple ruling of the court that the defendant, the House of Representatives, should be put on notice, has been misrepresented by the House spokesman, Zakari Mohammed, to mean a restraining order against the House in the performance of its constitutional responsibility. That is scandalous, and there is need to find out who engineered this misinformation. Rightly, the court has summoned the House to explain the source of this misinformation, as counsel to the minister and the House have both denied knowledge of such an order by the court. But even more importantly, the court must ask itself: what is the substance of the suit brought by the minister to it? If as we suspect, the minister is on mere frolic, to frustrate a clear constitutional prerogative of the House of Representatives to investigate and expose corruption, inefficiency and waste in the administration of laws within its legislative competence, the court has no business allowing such a frivolous suit on its cause list. Even as the confusion lingered, it is reassuring that the Speaker, Alhaji Aminu

Tambuwal, has assured Nigerians that the probe on the incredulous sums allegedly expended by the minister on chartering private jets for her trips, has not ended. Indeed, it must not. For, how can the House of Representatives which is clearly mandated by the provisions of sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution to conduct such a probe it has told Nigerians it shall do, over the AlisonMadueke’s saga, turn around to do otherwise? The claim by the House, that a court has issued an order, which the court has openly denied, puts the integrity of the House in question over its determination to conduct the investigation. It is bad enough that such humongous sum has been allegedly wasted by the minister and her cohorts. But it will be heart-rending were a constitutional watchdog, like the House of Representatives, give itself out as either not giving a damn about such serious allegations of corruption, or of having been compromised by that rapacious agency of government. The House and indeed Nigerians are not unaware of the grave opacity pervading the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, neither are they unaware of the great length the ministry is reputed to usually go, to ensure that its activities are never opened for scrutiny. It is public knowledge that efforts in the past to bring the ministry to be publicly accountable never succeeded, and unless the House moves swiftly, the general impression will be

that this probe has suffered a similar fate. While we acknowledge the rights of individuals to approach the court to ventilate their claims, we are surprised at the minister’s resort to court in this instance. After all, unless she has something to hide, the issue at stake was ordinarily the propriety of the costs she incurred as a public official, which should be in the public domain. Notably, the House is not in a position to convict, merely to expose corruption and make necessary laws to correct any defect. So, what is the haste by the minister, to stop a mere investigation for? On our part, we urge the court to quickly dispense with the matter, in the overriding interest of public policy.

‘We share in Justice Ahmed Mohammed’s angst that a simple ruling of the court that the defendant, the House of Representatives, should be put on notice, has been misrepresented by the House spokesman, Zakari Mohammed, to mean a restraining order against the House in the performance of its constitutional responsibility. That is scandalous, and there is need to find out who engineered this misinformation’

SLAMIST extremists from the Boko Haram sect have a five-year record of atrocities. In the impoverished northeast of Nigeria they have murdered schoolchildren, attacked mosques and churches and this year slaughtered villagers in their hundreds – in the pursuit of imposing strict Islamic law on a multi-ethnic and multi-faith nation. In the past three weeks they have carried out two bomb attacks in a crowded neighbourhood of Abuja, the capital, signalling a fresh bid to broaden their impact after a period in which they have been largely confined to the remote northeast. Nearly 100 people died in both attacks, the latest of which comes days before Abuja is due to host business leaders and politicians from across the continent and beyond at a World Economic Forum conference. The militants’ sobriquet translates as “western education is forbidden”. No crime they have committed in that name has traumatised the country quite like the abduction of 270 schoolgirls on April 14. The girls, aged between 16 and 18, were preparing to sit exams when they were taken from school hostels late at night. About 50 escaped. It is thought that the militants initially took the rest to a forest redoubt. Subsequent reports suggest some may have been trafficked into Chad and Cameroon and forced to “marry” the insurgents as sex slaves. There is no easy way to combat an enemy willing to use such tactics. But the mass abduction, together with the bombings in Abuja, have exposed the limitations of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency strategy and greatly undermined public confidence in the capacity of the state. Nigerians have understandably been outraged at the girls’ disappearance, incensed by ineffectual efforts to find and free them and upset at an initial lack of international support – which some have contrasted to global efforts to track down the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. That is changing. A Twitter campaign under the hashtag “bringbackourgirls” is drawing global attention. Both Britain and the US have offered assistance. The Nigerian military is now reportedly deploying more troops in addition to those struggling to police a state of emergency in the worst affected states. Meanwhile, the tragic plight of the girls has united Nigerians in demanding a more effective response to the threat posed by Boko Haram. President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration can build on this sentiment to make the case for a more comprehensive approach to the crisis. His administration has committed ever greater resources for defence – now twice those allocated to national education. But his military strategy to contain the insurgency is insufficient given the magnitude of the threat. This is exacerbating divisions between the predominately Muslim north and mostly Christian south, and poisoning national politics just when Nigeria should be capitalising on its new status as Africa’s largest economy. More troops are clearly needed to protect villages and schools and to pursue Boko Haram in the bush. Belatedly, the government is putting together a relief fund to help victims of the violence. This should be buttressed with a well-resourced, and publicised development plan to address the economic malaise of the north. This has worsened in parallel with a surge in pockets of relative affluence in the south and contributed to the radicalisation of parts of the population. The government should also intensify efforts alongside northern political, traditional and religious elites to deradicalise and reintegrate militants while isolating the hard core of terrorists. The battle will inevitably be long. But Nigerians need to feel as though the state is winning. For now, they do not. -Financial Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: To state that the Nigerian government has a colourblind approach to the suffering of her people is stating the obvious. And until the government can actually begin to acknowledge the suffering, hurt, and death- preventable death, then Nigeria will become desensitised and numbed to the gripping suffering across country all the time. The government needs to understand that human security which is simply freedom from fear and threat of crime and war, want, poverty, illness and environmental degradation is not guaranteed in this country. Where did we miss the step as a nation? My heart bled on the reading of the news of the second Nyanya bomb blast on May Day. After the first Nyanya bombing of April 14, which was described as national embarrassment given its proximity to the nation’s capital, Nigerians were thrown into anguish with the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by the Boko Haram members in Chibok. Why I am not underestimating the efforts of the government in addressing this menace, I am forced to ask: “How is the country winning the war on terror”? There are massive checkpoints in most parts of the country today, but children are abducted in their hundreds, conveyed in not less than five vehicles unchallenged to unknown destinations. Where were the Joint Task Force operatives or was the school located in the forest? Since the April 14 bombing, it has become easier for a camel to pass

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Enough of the mindless killings

through the eye of the needle than to drive from Mararaba, one of Abuja’s adjoining settlements to Area 11 in the city due to massive checkpoints on this route. Just adjacent to the exact point where scores were killed two weeks ago, dozens have again been massacred. Where are the CCTV cameras that Senator Bala Mohammed, the FCT Minister promised to fix when he visited the scene of the bombing last time?

IR: The crisis of modern times must have caused a change in the belief system of Nigerians. Young and old people have joined the wagon of crusaders to shout down the Holy Spirit from heaven in different tongues and dialects. It used to be in the past that different denominations of Christianity were associated with a particular form of worship. It appears not to be sufficient anymore to maintain the silence of reflection during church services. Congregants have to verbalise their innermost thought in an atmosphere of raucous, rising to a level of a religious whirlwind.

It has been reported that the federal government spent $7billion in the course of stemming the insurgency since 2012, yet this has done little to safeguard the lives of the citizens. Instead, our mourning continues to grow in geometrical progression from recurrent incidents. It is high time government at all levels get under the situation to uproot this menace called Boko Haram. My candid opinion is that

the government should provide Special Security Intervention Fund for all the local government areas in the federation because most of the attacks and other criminal activities are carried out in the rural areas but unfortunately, local governments lack financial strength to aid security operatives because what they receive as allocation is not even up to allowance of some top permanent secretaries in Abuja.

Confusing identities of God

The language of praise the believers use is of a striking consequence. Pagans are known for their demonstrative incantations, extolling the virtues of the ancestors and the forces of the land. They call upon the powers of their deities during their rituals using humanistic phrases like ‘twice the warrior’, ‘lightning of the sea’, ‘the last voice’, ‘trembling force’ and such others. Christians used to shun them for their barbaric babblings. They deem their practice irrational and without redeeming qualities. How the wheel has turned. If one landed from the moon today and blindly listens to the prayers of the

Christians and the incantations of the heathens, the harmony in meaning strikes a magical resemblance. The musicality, either by clapping of hands or the use of instruments during worship, is essentially the means of both religions reaching a spiritual accord. Even the hours of prayers have changed from daytime to past midnight for spiritual intercessions by the Christians. One remembers a time when children were strongly admonished not to leave the house late at night for fear of being killed by accidentally encountering a pagan worship session. To the extent that the worship of

The problem with our youths

IR: The youths constitute about 70% of the Nigerian population. We can, therefore, say that youths have a greater role to play in moving Nigeria forward, or vice versa. We cannot dispute the fact that most of the atrocities that have been committed in Nigeria today are not done through the youths. Our power-hungry politicians use youths to rig elections or snatch ballot boxes. When we talk of evil activities such as armed robbery, terrorism, violence and snuggery, youths are the active members. Even the majority of the members of Boko Haram are youths. The crucial question, therefore, is

why should youths allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction rather than bringing development to our country? Youths ought to understand that they are the leaders of tomorrow, and therefore, should do nothing that would undermine their chances of becoming good ambassadors of the country. The underlining fact is that, many parents have failed in their responsibilities of proper upbringing of their children. Majority of the population of youths of nowadays lack adequate home training that would groom them to know how important they are to their immediate societies and

development of the country in general. We must not shy from stating the fact that politicians have, over the years, taken the advantage of poor home training to brainwash the younger generations and use them as political thugs and agents of religious, regional and ethnic crises. These poorly groomed children today have constituted more problems that would cost Nigeria more than she had expected in terms of human lives lost, resources spent and her image that has been battered across the world. Now that President Jonathan has confirmed that Nigeria is not a

poor country, why not then use our wealth to improve the lives of the citizens? True, Nigeria is not poor because she lacks human and material resources; it is poor because leaders have failed to harness these rich human and material resources to the advantage of the common man. It is worrisome how citizens continue to sink into poverty while the few rich continue to develop fatter stomachs through the resources that should be used to improve the well-being of all. • Hauwa Isa Gogo, IBB University, Lapai-Niger State.

Many of the local government can’t even pay full salary to their staff due to the drastic and constant shortfalls in their allocations. With such fund, the local governments should be able to provide patrol vans and other security gadgets to security operatives, fund a formidable vigilante groups for proper community policing. Today, our politicians have dozens of police escorts and guards around them while the masses are unprotected. Government should understand that real security flows from placing the poor, vulnerable and marginalized at the heart of her development and security policy. Enough of the mindless killings. • Onogwu Muhammed, Lokoja-Kogi State.

idols is no longer exclusive to the pagans, Christians use different religious paraphernalia to represent spiritual powers. Followers troop to a certain river for example to worship and at the end, take home some of its water with the singular purpose that it has the spiritual power to work miracles. One can logically compare this ritual to the pagan’s worship of a water deity. The belief in the magical power of inanimate objects, witchcraft and animals, which used to be fundamental with the practice of paganism, are now pervasive among the Christians. Priests and pastors display their prowess to cancel the evil forces; this is no less similar to shamanism. Language is crucial to the channel through which spiritual forces flow. Understanding God requires a familiarity with one’s tradition. Therefore, the emergence of a combination of the Christian and native religious values in worship is a natural course to divine growth. It becomes irresponsible to condemn any form of religion so far it is not inimical to human survival. The spirit recognises the truth and celebrates any supplication offered in the altar of joyfulness. The Bible says that God is not the author of confusion. Tradition says that one who holds the sword of truth must return. One can summarily state that the identity of God is peace. •Pius Okaneme, Umuoji, Anambra State.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

COMMENTS

ECENT revelatory events reinforce the thinking that until Nigeria embraces good governance with religious zeal, or more exactly, as a religion, the country may be going nowhere. A striking pointer was last month’s startling and puzzling appearance of Chief Femi FaniKayode, an ex-Aviation Minister, former partisan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and lately an enthusiastic voice of the opposition in the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he reportedly met with President Goodluck Jonathan behind closed doors. It provided evidence of a misperceived, questionable and regrettably retrogressive linkage between faith and political performance. Certainly, this is not to deny that religion can be politically influential; rather, the point is that, except perhaps in an extreme theocratic context, the influence of faith on political players is usually tempered by other, or outside, factors. Interestingly, after familiar but unconvincing bromides about the Presidential Villa being a place where every Nigerian who is welcome can always visit, Fani-Kayode spoke about “the wonderful people here”, a flattering reference that was food for thought, given his known oppositional attitude to the Jonathan administration. What has changed about the government to prompt the praise, or perhaps to be more precise, what has changed about Fani-Kayode to inspire the new song? “I won’t go into that,” was his curt reply to reporters who sought information about what he discussed with Jonathan; and when he was asked whether this unexpected meeting was a signal that he was about to exit APC, his answer was pregnant with meaning. He said: “The step I will take will be made known to Nigerians at the right time. The most important thing and I think you are fully aware of this is that I cannot and will not be associated with a situation whereby any group of people is promoting a religion above

‘The exemplary leaders, focused on excellence in office, which the country desires and deserves, will not emerge as long as religious considerations reign; and it would amount to undesirable capitulation to visionless mediocrity should the criteria for high political office be defined in terms of religious balancing rather than an equilibrium of effectiveness’

T is no longer news that a selected group of Nigerians are currently in Abuja to discuss salient issues that could probably re-shape the socio, political and economic outlook of the country. Before now, various groups have been agitating for the convocation of a national conference where sensitive issues relating to the union could be freely discussed. Though many have expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the federal government in instituting the conference, others are, however, of the opinion that it offers better prospects for nation building. Whatever the position being canvassed, since the conference has started, it is important that delegates and other stakeholders effectively utilise the platform to draw attention to salient aspects of our union that demand urgent attention and restructuring. One of such is revenue allocation. The current revenue formula favours the federal government as it takes a lion share of 52.68 per cent of allocation from the federation account. The 36 states share 26.72 per cent, while the 774 local government areas take 20.6 per cent. Oil-producing states share 13 per cent in accordance with the principle of derivation. However, current realities in the states and local governments, make a review of the current formula imperative. The states and local governments are the closest to the people. Therefore , delegates to the confab need to really emphasise fiscal federalism in their deliberations. The federal government should devolve more powers to the states or regions that make up the federation. Equally, some of the items on the exclusive legislative list of the current constitution such as customs, ports, police etc may have to be shed. For instance, the current trend of insecurity in the country requires state police that would normally be in a better position to curb crime using the community policing model. How can the governor of a state be held liable for the insecurity being experienced in his domain when the commissioner of police only reports to the Inspector General of Police and not the state governor? In the spirit of justice and fairness, we need to reverse the status quo where the federal government holds as much power and influence as it currently does over the revenue sharing formula as well as other critical sectors in the country because it has little to show for it. We need to revert to the practice of true federalism as it is being done in other advanced democracies of the world. Indeed, for us to reduce the pressure and tension associated with governance at the centre, this is the time to tilt towards the evolution of a weak centre with stronger federating units. This is a main feature of a true federation Another critical issue which the confab needs to dispassionately consider is that of according a special status to Lagos State. When the seat of federal government was moved from Lagos to Abuja, there was a subsisting

Religionise good governance another.” It would appear that there was a lot more significance about what he did not say than what he actually said. There was an unmistakable implication that all is not well with his APC-connection. More importantly, there was also the implied point that religious differences, or differences about perspectives on religion and its political influence, may be why he is rethinking his political affairs. According to him, “I think all of us have gone past the stage of religious politics in this country. We must treat the Muslim community with utmost respect and we must treat the Christian community in the same way, and even the non-religious.” So who is playing “religious politics” by Fani-Kayode’s definition or standard? It is noteworthy that Jonathan, well before his March visit to Pope Francis, the global head of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican in Rome, which was possibly the ultimate move in a series of churchy activities, faced a barrage of criticism for his overt romance with Christian places of worship in particular and his indecent exploitation of otherwise spiritual space for the strictly secular business of politics. More concretely, it is logical to situate Fani-Kayode’s fresh exploration of a possible renewal of old political affiliations within the conservative circle. Or could it be better described as an unprincipled pursuit of reunion with his old ideological collaborators? In this connection, it is worth mentioning that his pilgrimage to the Presidential Villa was sequel to his publicised rejection of a speculated APC Muslim/Muslim combination for the 2015 presidential election, which has also been criticised as unrealistic in certain quarters where the accepted wisdom is that a same-faith blend is unworkable and bound to fail in a multi-religious state like Nigeria. Obviously, convenient amnesia is at work here, for such union was a hit in the country’s famous June 12,

1993, presidential election. The critical question arising from this stance must be whether such otherwise enlightened critics should be more attentive to so-called “religious politics”, whatever the form or content, rather than the goodness of governance in form and content. Indeed, this consideration is crucial as next year’s general elections draw near. However, it should be admitted that the meat of the matter may not be as clear-cut, and Fani-Kayode’s position as an insider must come with insights that may be obscure to non-participants. Be that as it may, the religious dimension need not be overstretched, particularly to the detriment of reason, by the suggestion that the faith question, or the influence of belief, is of paramount potency in the country’s politics. To project such unrestrained viewpoint is to insult the concept of good governance, which is neither a function of religiousness nor irreligiosity. As things stand, there is a compelling need to de-religionise the country’s political space, and to relegate religionism and religionists to irrelevance. To put it more accurately, it is time to religionise good governance, which is not to imply the end of spirituality. The idea of secular spirituality, indicative of non-religious worship of eternal virtues and values, should be appealing for its emphasis on solid social-development orientation instead of socially unhelpful misorientation based on religious thinking. In practical terms, Nigeria’s disgraceful rating as 41st on a 52-country list called the 2013 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), a project of the respected Mo Ibrahim Foundation, is gravely instructive. The country not only scored lower than the continental average (51.6), it also ridiculously scored lower than the regional average (52.5) for West Africa. Assessment was based on four key areas: Safety and Rule of Law, Participation and Human Rights, Sustainable Economic Opportunity and Human Development. It goes without saying that the country desperately needs new paradigms of progressive leadership, particularly in today’s world with its galloping pace of development. It is a huge shame that the country is still struggling with inexcusable poverty, appalling infrastructure, backward education and primitive health care arrangements, among other inadequacies that make it the butt of jokes in enlightened circles. The exemplary leaders, focused on excellence in office, which the country desires and deserves, will not emerge as long as religious considerations reign; and it would amount to undesirable capitulation to visionless mediocrity should the criteria for high political office be defined in terms of religious balancing rather than an equilibrium of effectiveness. Demonstrable commitment to good governance and capacity to deliver what the people yearn for should rank among the uppermost qualifications for the type of progressive leadership that would benefit the country at this historical juncture; and religion should belong to the lower rungs as a deciding factor.

Confab, revenue formula and status of Lagos By Tayo Ogunbiyi & Tope Ojo agreement that the city would not be abandoned. Indeed, the late General Murtala Muhammed acknowledged the onerous nature of the responsibility of leaving Lagos alone to deal with the burden of infrastructure that the federal government was leaving behind at the time. However, successive governments have refused to take a cue from countries which relocated their national capitals without abandoning infrastructural development of the former capitals. It is now time for Nigeria to imitate Germany, Brazil, Malaysia, Australia and Tanzania, which, after relocating their capitals, did not hold back developmental programmes targeted at the former capitals. From 1954 to 1994, the capital of Germany was Bonn. It was moved to Berlin, following the endorsement of the ‘agreement of movement’ which spelt out the responsibilities of German government for the maintenance of the old capital and which it has been meeting conscientiously. Also, Brazil moved its capital from Rio-De Janeiro to Brasilia. Till date, all federal roads, buildings and other infrastructure in both cities are maintained simultaneously by the central government. Malaysia has also maintained two capitals. Its old capital, Kuala-Lumpur, has been retained as the legislative capital, where the National Assembly operates. Its new capital, Putrajaya, which is the most computerised city in the world, is the administrative capital. In Australia, the old capital, Sidney, still enjoys special recognition. Although Canberra is the new capital, most activities of government, international conferences, party conventions and meetings still hold in the former capital city. The former capital of Tanzania is Dar-es-Salam. When Dodoma became the new capital, the old capital did not suffer neglect. The Lagos State government, in the last 12 years, has invested huge amount of money on infrastructural development, especially construction of drainages, durable roads, beautification and restoration of parks to forestall the negative impact of flooding, erosion and other environmental hazards. However, these efforts are not enough for obvious reasons. A recent study reveals that over 25,000 people, from across the world, move into Lagos for various reasons on a daily basis. The number of heavy duty trucks and other vehicles that ply Lagos roads on a

daily basis is quite alarming. Same goes for the number of pupils in its public schools as well as those that daily visit its hospitals. Consequently, the state spends more on infrastructural upgrading and provision of other basic life necessities than any other state in the country. The need to accord a special status for Lagos is a nonpolitical project. There is hardly any Nigerian that doesn’t have a stake in Lagos. Lagos’ special position as the commercial nerve-centre of Nigeria, and indeed West Africa, has its peculiar infrastructural challenges. Its sheer human density driven by an increasing population due to endless survival and economic driven immigration, its ports and waterways, its border with Benin Republic, its high concentration of banks, industries, companies, and other commercial enterprises makes it a very complex state to govern. Being the pane through which the whole world views the country, granting a special status to Lagos remains the best possible way to drive Nigeria’s development as it is the country’s most industrialized city with needs that align with its growth. No nation grows by treating the needs of its golden geese anyhow since the future growth of the country’s economy is tied to the development of the city which hosts over 85 per cent of Nigeria’s industrial hub, over 65 per cent of its financial nucleus and over 75 per cent of its active workforce. •Ogunbiyi and Ojo are of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

‘Being the pane through which the whole world views the country, granting a special status to Lagos remains the best possible way to drive Nigeria’s development as it is the country’s most industrialized city with needs that align with its growth’

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

COMMENTS

OUNTING concerns on the fate of the 234 schools girls abducted by insurgents in Chibok, Borno State are to be understood. The fury and frustration generated by the continued incarceration of the poor girls have given rise to demonstrations in Abuja, Kano and Ibadan by women groups and civil society organizations. The demonstrators were piqued by what they perceived as the tepid approach of the federal government in securing the release of the girls more than two weeks after their abduction. They are miffed that even with the assurances from the government after the expanded National Security Council meeting; no visible progress appears to have been made to free the girls. The Abuja protesters issued a 24hour ultimatum to the government to do something positive else they resume their demonstrations. Most of those who spoke especially in Kano heaped huge blames at the door steps of President Jonathan for not showing sufficient empathy for the excruciating pains of the girls’ parents through the delay. Some even picked holes with the president’s inability to visit Chibok or the school where the kidnap was carried out. Matters are not helped by speculations that the girls are being married off to the insurgents. Further allegations from the Chibok Elders Forum that the girls have been moved to Niger and Cameroon have further heightened the tensed atmosphere. As each day passes by, imaginary pictures or conjectures of what the girls will be passing through given the criminal records of the insurgents are bound to ruffle emotions. That accounts for the seeming desperation of the protesters to have the authorities quickly secure the release of the

‘It is germane that we address the root cause of the problem rather its symptoms. The demonstrations targeted at the symptoms and therefore are of very limited value in addressing the insurgency debacle’

Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Chibok abduction dilemma girls. Yet, there is something untidy in the way the protesters are rooting for the quick release of the abducted girls. It would seem that the delicate nature of this engagement is not being fully appreciated by the public. Chibok abduction is a deviation from the style of operation of the Boko Haram group. Before now, the news the nation would have been treated to is that of the roasting of the girls in the most blood-thirsty and reprehensible manner. That was what exactly played out at the Federal Government College Buni Yadi where 59 innocent children were murdered in their sleep in the most callous and cruel manner. We thank God the girls are hopefully alive. The Chibok abduction therefore presents a metaphor of sorts. It is reflective of the evils of Boko Haram and the dangers in the actions, inaction or utterances of some political elite that have tended to encourage the devious onslaughts of these merchants of death. It is sufficient warning that unless leaders of all hue close ranks and stamp out this malignant tumor called Boko Haram, nothing is safe in this country. And nobody is safe. That is the stark reality that has been forcefully underscored by the abduction of the girls in Chibok. The war against terrorism would have become a huge success if the kind of mobilizations that saw protesters in the streets of Abuja, Kano and Ibadan had been applied all these while to show the unmitigated evil the insurgents had been. In my view, the demonstrations are in order but the target was missed. The target should be the insurgents and all those who have through their actions and utterances aided and abetted their murderous activities. Such people should be the target of the demonstrations. This is more so with disclosures from some of the escaped girls

that some of the masterminds of the abduction were locals known to them. The abduction of the girls as painful and agonizing as it has been, may pale into insignificance given the weight of atrocities that have been committed by this blood-thirsty group. It can neither equate with the roasting of the 59 school children in Buni Yadi, nor the sacking of many villages that sent many women, children and the aged to their early graves. These ought to have generated public revolt against Boko Haram and its sympathizers. But they did not. Those who demonstrated could not have protested against the federal government. Their protest was with the abduction of the school girls. So their grouse must be with all those overtly and covertly connected with the spate of contrived insurgency that has brought this country to it knees in the past few years. They should be the subject of the anger and fury of the women demonstrators and civil society groups. That is the fitting of the issue if we are not deceiving ourselves. Without the abduction, the issue of securing release would not have featured. So it is germane that we address the root cause of the problem rather its symptoms. The demonstrations targeted at the symptoms and therefore are of very limited value in addressing the insurgency debacle. Since women and civil society groups have shown the capacity to resist the manifestations of the unbridled insurgency in the country, they must use their network to mobilize the entire country to rise against Boko Haram proper. This mobilization is very vital especially in the north-east part of the country that has been the hotbed of the insurgency. They need to mobilize their religious and traditional insti-

tutions. There is the need to mobilize the political elite, women groups and civil society organizations to denounce the evil that Boko Haram is. With such level of activity, the statement would have been made very unambiguously that the insurgents do not enjoy the support of the locals. But as long as the local elite continue with their ambivalent disposition to the matter, so long shall we have cause to grieve over the atrocities of the group. That is the real issue; and the real danger. It is by no means being suggested that the government should not do all within its powers to ensure a quick release of the abducted girls. Neither is there any attempt to circumscribe the duty of government to maintain law and order. There have been copious assurances to that effect. But the protesters want quick action and quick results. However, the battle comes with its own dilemma. It is a game situation with its payoffs. The option to be adopted by the military should be that which will minimize losses in the event of the worst outcome. It is all about rational calculations and rational action devoid of sentiments. The issues involved were aptly captured by the Chief of Defense Staff Air Marshall Alex Badeh when he told a delegation that visited him “We cannot go with our armoury to where they are; otherwise we will go and kill them. If you go and kill them then you will not have achieved anything. But I know that we will get those girls”. That is the real issue. And those in custody of the girls know it. They are prepared to harm the girls if the government applies maximum force to secure their release. They will kill them and then blame the government. Public reaction to this scenario will also be very adverse. That is the uncanny dilemma in which the country’s security forces are currently entangled in the matter of the abducted school girls. Those who through demonstrations canvass quick action must come to terms with this reality. Moreover, what the insurgents have done is akin to hostage taking. Their intention is to use it as a shield or bargaining tool with the authorities. Those at the centre of the carrot approach as a solution to the insurgency are already beating their chests weighing their options. We may soon begin to hear some bizarre demands as conditions for freeing the girls. Hostage exchange may feature very prominently. In all, the girls may not get quick respite unless those northern leaders we have been told the insurgents respect intercede on their behalf. That is the challenge.

FOREIGN

‘Bring Back Our Girls’

OZENS of heavily armed terrorists rolled into the sleepy little town one night in a convoy of trucks, buses and vans. They made their way to the girls’ boarding school. The high school girls, asleep in their dormitory, awoke to gunfire. The attackers stormed the school, set it on fire, and, residents said, then herded several hundred terrified girls into the vehicles — and drove off and vanished. That was April 15 in northern Nigeria. The girls were kidnapped by an extremist Muslim group called Boko Haram, whose name in the Hausa language means “Western education is a sin.” These girls, ages 15 to 18 and Christians and Muslims alike, knew the risks of seeking an education, and schools in the area had closed in March for fear of terror attacks. But this school had reopened so that the girls — the stars of their families and villages — could take their final exams. They were expected to move on to become teachers, doctors, lawyers. Instead, they reportedly are being auctioned off for $12 each to become “wives” of militants. About 50 girls escaped, but the police say that 276 are still missing — and the Nigerian government has done next to nothing to recover the girls. “We are now asking for world power countries to intervene,” the desperate father of a missing 18-year-old girl, Ayesha, told me by phone. He said that the parents had given up on Nigerian government officials — “they are just saying lies” — and pleaded for international pressure on Nigeria to rescue the girls. The parents pursued the kidnappers, carrying bows and arrows to confront militants armed with AK-47s, but finally had to turn back. The father, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution, said that the parents are now praying to God for the United States and United Nations to help get their daughters back. While there has been a major international search for the missing people on Malaysian flight MH370, and nonstop news coverage, there has been no meaningful search for the even greater number of missing schoolgirls. I spoke by telephone with Secretary of State John Kerry, who is visiting Africa, and asked him whether the United States can nudge Nigerian authorities to do more to find the girls.

By Nicholas Kristof “We’re really pushing them ... about the situation with the girls,” Kerry said. “Oh, God! Yes, absolutely.” He described it as “not just an act of terrorism. It’s a massive human trafficking moment and grotesque.” I asked whether the United States could use satellites or intelligence assets to try to locate the girls. “We’re engaged and cooperating,” he said, declining to discuss details. Kerry also emphasized the broader effort to disrupt Boko Haram and its financial flows, while supporting the training of Nigerian authorities to respond to terror attacks without violating human rights. “We’re upping the game with them,” he said. In hopes of viral pressure on Nigerian authorities to try to recover the girls, campaigns have started on the White House website, on Change.org and on Facebook to demand: “Bring Back Our Girls.” All this may or may not help, but it’s worth trying. The attack in Nigeria is part of a global backlash against girls’ education by extremists. The Pakistani Taliban shot Malala Yousafzai in the head at age 15 because she advocated for girls’ education. Extremists threw acid in the faces of girls walking to school in Afghanistan. And in Nigeria, militants destroyed 50 schools last year alone. If the girls aren’t rescued, “no parent will allow their female child to go to school,” Hadiza Bala Usman, who has led protests in Nigeria on behalf of the missing girls, warned in a telephone interview. Northern Nigeria is a deeply conservative area, and if the schoolgirls are recovered, it may be difficult for them to marry because of suspicions that they are no longer virgins. While the Nigerian military has shown little interest in rescuing the girls, it has, in the last few years, presided over a brutal counterinsurgency in response to Boko Haram bombings. There is viciousness on both sides. The best tool to fight extremism is education, especially of girls — and that means ensuring that it is safe to study. The greatest threat to militancy in the long run comes not from drones but from girls with schoolbooks. “These abducted schoolgirls are my sisters,” Malala told me in an email from Britain, where she is recovering

from the Taliban attack, “and I call on the international community and the government of Nigeria to take action and save my sisters.” She added: “It should be our duty to speak up for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who are in a very difficult situation.” Malala’s right. More than 200 teenage girls have just been enslaved because they had the brains and guts to seek to become teachers or doctors. They deserve a serious international effort to rescue them. •Kristof is a New York Times columnist

‘

The attack in Nigeria is part of a global backlash against girls’ education by extremists. The Pakistani Taliban shot Malala Yousafzai in the head at age 15 because she advocated for girls’ education. Extremists threw acid in the faces of girls walking to school in Afghanistan. And in Nigeria, militants destroyed 50 schools last year alone.

’

Kristof

BUSINESS

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

THE NATION

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THE CEO

Adire, a seasonless vocation for all - P. 37 News Briefing NIG chief roots for NigComSat’s sale THE Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) has called on the Federal Government to privatise the Nigeria Satellite Communication Limited (NigComSat 1R), adding that it is the only way the satellite firm can be properly managed to serve its objective. –Page 26

‘Fuel subsidy fraudulent’ THE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has supported the call for the removal of subsidy, calling it a waste of national resources. –Page 26

‘20,000 agents unlicensed’ NO fewer than 20,000 unlicensed agents transact insurance business in the country, the new President, Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN), Mr. Gbadebo Olamerun, has said.

We want a SONCAP programme that would serve its purpose; a programme that would be dynamic, where all the identified loopholes would be effectively plugged thereby making it difficult for the plaque of substandard products to continue to dominate the Nigerian business space. -Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

‘Nigerian banks can fund huge projects’ - P. 27

‘Banks not responsible for real sector’s woes’

IGERIAN banks should not be blamed for not funding the real sector, an industrialist and the Chief Executive Officer, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, Dimeji Owofemi, has said. Owofemi, who is also the President of the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (CPAN), said Nigerian banks do not have access to the volume of funds required to bankroll the real sector, adding that those blaming banks for neglecting the manufacturing sector, should beam their searchlight elsewhere. The CPAN helmsman, explained that a greater proportion of the money earned by the government is kept abroad in foreign banks beyond the reach of the local

By Simeon Ebulu,

Group Business Editor

Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), arguing that the bulk of that is repatriated into the country in hard currency which government regards as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), is actually money earned by Nigeria that is deposited in escrow accounts. Owofemi, who spoke with the press at the Multi-Trex complex along the LagosIbadan Expressway, faulted government’s claim that there has been considerable inflow of FDI into the country, arguing that much of what is tagged FDI is Nigerian money kept in foreign banks . His words: “There is no such thing called foreign investment, I will explain that as well. Government says we

have a lot of foreign investment coming into Nigeria. This is what the scenario is. Nigeria earns export proceeds from oil, from anything, even services. We take it to the banks in England, or City Bank in New York and deposit that proceed there. We have no confidence in our Nigerian banks…to put the money with them. They put it in foreign banks.” He wondered why other countries do not keep their money abroad as Nigeria does, saying the practice has denied the local banks access to money with which they could have funded the real sector. He asked rhetorically: “When China generates money, where do they take it to, do they bring it to Nigerian banks? When Britain

generates money, do they take it to another country? America, does it take its money to another country?” According to him, people should desist from blaming Nigerian banks, arguing that they even starved of money and have access only to highly priced funds. He said: “In the real sense of it, banking can never be fully funded by depositor’s money, and by the way, who is that depositor-salary earners. How much is that amount? “So, the big income is from the government, and you then exclude these banks from having access to that money. So when a foreign company comes to Nigeria and it wants to do business, it goes to borrow money from the same for-

Don warns against commercial production of GM food

–Page 34

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

eign bank where Nigeria’s money is deposited.” Owofemi, explained how Nigeria’s money in foreign banks is lent at higher interest rate through the back door to Nigerian banks. “What they do is, when they raise funds, they syndicate it. Any bank in the US that wants to lend Nigerian bank the same money that Nigeria (government) put in the foreign bank will say there is a country risk. It will therefore put, may be four per cent. Your money is coming back to you as a country risk and it is now recorded as foreign investment coming to you. It is your money ultimately,” he said, adding that banks were just being blackmailed each time they accuse them of not supporting the real sector.

•Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right) flanked by Chairman of the occasion/former President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hassan A. Sunmonu (left) and Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro at the Economic Summit at Holiday Inn, Osogbo, Osun State. With them (left) is National Coordinator, Peoples Welfare League (PWL), Comrade Abiodun Agboola. PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Customs recovers N2.5b from importers

HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has re covered N2.5 billion from importers who failed to pay the required duty on their cargoes and other levies attached to their unutilised Risk Assessment Reports (RAR) inherited by Customs from the former service providers. The money was recovered by its revenue recovery team, which was constituted about three weeks ago by Customs Comptroller-General (CGS) Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi.

By Oluwakemi Dauda

The defaulters included importers who were given opportunities to defer payment on their goods to avoid accumulation of demurrage and to facilitate trade. It was gathered that the NCS may publish the names of defaulters. Customs’ Public Relations Officer Mr Wale Adeniyi said the amount was recovered from importers and other shipping agents who were given “temporary importation con-

cessions”. “On temporary importation, a total of N 1.6 billion outstanding has been established against three beneficiaries who contravened the regulations. The defaulting beneficiaries applied for and enjoyed Temporary Importation concession while they had active Forms M and Risk Assessment Reports against their names. “The recovery team has over 2,000 companies under its radar; transactions of RARs and unpaid assessments of these companies are undergoing a comprehen-

sive audit to confirm evidence of RAR utilisation and duty payments,” he said. Adeniyi added that Customs would, henceforth, publish the list of defaulters, adding that the order to publish the list was by the CGS. The image maker said the measure was part of efforts to address its dwindling revenue. He continued: “Defaulters included importers who were given various forms of deferred payment concessions to avoid accumulation of demurrage.

By Daniel Essiet

HE President, Save Food and Feed Foun dation, Prof Stephen Fapohunda, has urged the Federal Government not to support the commercial production of genetically modified (GM) staple food. Fapohunda warned that support for modern breeding techniques, GM crop imports and commercial seeds, means that many local varieties are under threat, adding that one of the main concerns about GM crops is that they may produce new allergens. Consequently, there is a need for allergy testing to be done on all GM crops. He said there are no surveillance systems set up to determine the effects of GM foods on health, and no one is paid to look for problems. He advocated the labelling of food containing ingredients which are the products of genetic engineering. He maintained that there was consumer resistance to consuming GM foods and hence the demand for their proper labelling. According to him, the labelling system should be improved to the standards desired by consumers, so that they can easily identify foods containing ingredients originating from GM animals and plants, and from animals fed GM feed. Stressing proper policing of the labelling laws by health departments, the expert called for a comprehensive monitoring and surveillance to track the effects of GM foods.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

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

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

1. 2. 3. 4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1. 2. 3. 4.

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

NIG chief roots for NigComSat’s sale

HE Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) has called on the Fed eral Government to urgently transfer the ownership of Nigeria Satellite Communication Limited (NigComSat 1R) firm to private investors, adding that it is the only way the satellite firm can be properly managed to serve the purpose for which it was designed. Its National President, Bayo Banjo, who spoke over the weekend in Lagos, said the satellite firm has the capacity to provide affordable, reliable and fast internet connectivity to all the nooks and crannies of the country, lamenting that this enormous resource has been left idle by the government. Banjo warned that NigComSat 1R should not be allowed to go the way of former state-run but now moribund telecoms firm, Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL) and its mobile arm, MTel. According to him, provision of internet infrastructure is one way the government can create employment opportunities for the army of the unemployed and reduce crimi-

By Lucas Ajanaku

nal activities in the country. He said: “NigComSat has capacity to deliver internet connectivity to every part of Nigeria but the capacity is just sitting idly there. I think it should be sold to private entrepreneurs for proper management. It should be sold to investors with real money and not investors with non-real money (ill-gotten wealth) else, it will go the way of NITEL. There are so many estates in Abuja that are not occupied. This is because of the exorbitant rent placed on them. They have been there for years unoccupied. These are estates built with unreal money. No investor with real money (money realised through legitimate means) will allow his property to be tied down like that for five years unoccupied; he will reduce the rent so that people can come occupy the buildings. In developed countries, government will show interest in the source of the money. That is why things are not working here.”

He said: “The internet is a tool that can help create jobs for our unemployed youths. If there is good internet infrastructure, our youths can get jobs overseas while being in Nigeria. India is using the internet to the advantage of its citizens. It has led to the creation of applications which have boosted the economy of India.” In his reaction, Head, Corporate Affairs, NigComSat Limited, Mr. Sonny Aragba-Akpore, said Banjo, in his position as president of NIG could not be stopped from coming to see the level of infrastructure on ground at the Abuja office of the firm. He insisted that instead of making spurious statements about the firm, Banjo, who is an engineer, should have first come on inspection of the facility, adding that the NIG president neither knows the number of transponders the firm has nor where its network operating centre is located. “He should come to Abuja and find out what is on ground and what is not on ground,” he said,

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1. 2. 3. 4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

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

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

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

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

08.00 18.00

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

Group faults NCP, BPE on power privatisation

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

adding that NigComSat is a government company and if the governent wants to privatise it, let it be. Banjo said the internet is one way the government could open up employment opportunities for the ever increasing army of the jobless. He called on the Federal Government to intervene in the provision of internet infrastructure, but warned that such intervention should not be viewed by the government as active participation in the industry, insisting that the government has no business in doing business. Banjo identified speed, cost, reliability and devices as factors affecting internet penetration in the country, lamenting that despite the availability of, at least, four operators with capacity to provide ubiquitous internet service to the country, penetration remained low. He said the absence of anti-competitive law or the failure to apply it, sabotage and apathy are factors militating against the penetration of internet.

• Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun presenting the state plaque to Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, when the Unilever chief visited the governor in his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office.

Fuel subsidy fraudulent, says LCCI boss

HE Lagos Chamber of Com merce and Industry (LCCI) has supported the call for the removal of subsidy, calling it a waste of national resources. Its Director-General Mr. Muda Yusuf said in Lagos that the budget for fuel subsidy should be deployed in providing services for Nigerians. According to him, the fuel subsidy regime should be reviewed, adding it has turned out to be the biggest fraud in the country. Yusuf said if the subsidy is removed, it would make the oil and gas sector attractive for investment. He argued that spending over N1trillion on a select few in the name of subsidy with a national budget of N4.56 trillion is wrong. It is more prudent to use the quantum of money set aside to subsidise the rich that own luxury cars that consume a lot of fuel to provide essential services for the greater majority of the people. He said: “My own argument is

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

that the fathom benefit of fuel subsidy to the poor is not true, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) should be advised that it is better for the subsidy to be removed and the money used to develop the education and health sector and indeed other critical services that will benefit them and their children than sticking to it. They should sit down and do their home work well. Why do have industrial action in the education and health sectors, it is because of the paucity of infrastructure provision and the decay of the system. “What is happening, therefore, is that a lot of money is budgeted for the so called fuel subsidy, but it is actually for the rich who enjoy the perks of office with their convoy of cars who have no need for the local hospitals and schools as they treat themselves and their families abroad even their children attend the best schools abroad.

“Our fuel reserves should not be used in that manner because it does not make good economic sense, the poor should actually be in the vanguard of fuel subsidy removal if they understand the economic s of what the contraption is all about. Besides, Nigerians should ask what has happened to those accused in the fuel subsidy scandal, how many of them have been convicted or jailed?” The LCCI boss also criticised the government’s spending, noting that where over 76 per cent of the budget is for recurrent spending in such areas as travels, entertainment and emoluments is improper. According to him, Nigerians will benefit more if there is a reverse where the capital expenditure will be more than the recurrent which will make it possible for hospitals, schools, roads and other developmental projects that will improve the living standards of the people.

By Akinola Ajibade

HE National Council on Pri vatisation (NCP) and the Bu reau of Public Enterprises (BPE) claims that they carried out financial and technical due diligence on new power investors may not be true. The General Secretary, Senior Staff Association of Electricity Workers and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), Abiodun Ogunsegha, said the claims were misleading, in view of the financial and technical problems the 15 power generation companies (GENCOs) and distribution companies (DISCOs) were experiencing. He said: “Had it been that NPC and BPE conducted a thorough financial and technical due diligence on the investors, they would know that many investors are not financially prepared for the electricity business. Many are struggling to pay back the banks the money they borrowed to purchase the assets of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Some of the distribution firms cannot provide money for imprest because they could not generate enough revenue. “Many investors are technically deficient. They do not have deep knowledge of operations of the sector. They were not properly advised on the technical partners needed for growth. They thought they would recoup their money within the three months. However, events and circumstances have proved them wrong.’’ Ogunsegha said the sector is suffering because the investors were not ready to commit additional funds. He said it is illogical for investors to use money realised from other business to finance the loans, adding that the sector would continue to suffer. According to him, the pre- and post-privatisation mistakes committed by the BPE and NCP have culminated in the problems facing the sector. He said consumers are protesting because they could not get regular power, arguing protests would not stop until there is improvement in electricity supply. However, BPE’s Spokesman, Joe Anichebe said the allegations that proper due diligence was not carry out on the bidders was not true. He said the bodies consulted on wide range of issues before taking decisions, noting that they spent months in examining the bidders’ proposals. He said no privatisation programme succeeds without sound due diligence, adding that BPE considered many factors before starting the exercise.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

THE CEO Oil and shipping are, by nature, money spinning businesses that require huge funding. This is why many believe that Nigerian banks cannot participate in those businesses. But to outgoing Managing Director of Skye Bank Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, this is an unfounded fear. Nigerian banks, he tells Capital Market Editor TAOFIK SALAKO, can finance such big businesses.

‘Nigerian banks can fund huge projects’ Y

OU have been in the banking sector for nearly three decades, how will you assess banking then and now? It’s been very transformational, a lot of things have happened, we have moved from three-bedroom flat banks of N5 million share capital to banks with several billions share capital and with branch network of more than 500 to 800 branches. So, it has been very transformational. A lot more people have come into banking. The banks have better capacity to finance projects and also to help retail consumers. Information technology has also been key to that transformation and it is not just the banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the industry as a whole. Electronics channels that have come up in the last few years have changed the face of banking, ATM has been very good, we have seen improvement in risk management and corporate governance but we have seen banks’ failures too. In the past four years, we have seen many transformations too; we have seen the emergence of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Today, you can rely on banks. What is your opinion about the regulatory environment? The regulatory environment is good, it has also transformed with several requirements now to safeguard the sector. The Central Bank in particular has been in the forefront of ensuring the soundness of the financial system and therefore it ensures that banks meet up on all requirements, all regulations and keep us in check-whether you are having the right amount of capital, whether you are strong on risk management, strong on corporate governance, they want to see that banks are strong on a lot of things. There is the competency framework, making sure that the right people are put in the right places, people who have the competence. They are also ready to ensure that people that go into banking behave like bankers in the sense of probity and to see that where people have erred, they do not work in the banks anymore. They have been able to get banks to get up and meet up globally.

Some people are of the opinion that Nigerian banks are over-regulated. What is your opinion on this? Well, if we talk about that, there is a reason. First of all, I don’t believe that the industry is over-regulated. In America, Europe, we have much higher levels of regulation, a bank like Citi Bank in New York will have like 300 resident regulators from at least five different regulatory bodies and they are resident there permanently. So, if you finish with one regulator, you are being reviewed by another, so there is real-time regulation. In terms of regulation, I don’t think we are being overregulated, what happened recently was that the CBN brought a new guide to bank charges and this really reduced the tariff and it is affecting the banks. The banks are adjusting. It might be harsh, I may not agree with everything but I see the reason behind it and really, the reason behind it is financial inclusion-bring down charges so we can bank more people. If we bank more people, even if you are making less fees, you will compensate on volume, some of those changes may be a bit too much but the banks and the Central Bank are still working out something so we can rebalance some of these changes. It is a good thing but the question is: can we sustain it? Some watchers say Nigeria is still under-banked. What is your view on this? We have over 10,000 banks in the United States (US) alone. In some countries, they have four main banks. It depends on the growth level. What we still have is a handful of main banks and then you have specialists, those that are known regionally, some might be strong in the North; some might be strong in the South. If you look at our population with the number of banks, you will see that the country is not over-banked; there is still •Continued on page 28

•Durosinmi-Etti

Profile Institutions attended

University of Ibadan (UI); Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, UK.

Qualifications

BSc. (Economics), Fellow (Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, UK)

Previous positions

MD, Midas Merchant Bank; MD, Eko International Bank.

Present position

Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc.

Experience

25 years

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

THE CEO •Continued from page 27

‘

Skye Bank and many Nigerian banks are truly capable of largescale financing and that has been shown by all the privatisation that you have seen. In the shipping industry, we are the first to finance Platform Support Vessel (PSV), local content of about $140 million, which is used at the Agbami oil well

’

room for growth in the banking industry. Some analysts have touted lack of financing capacity as main challenge in the Nigerian banking sector, is it true that Nigerian banks can’t undertake largescale financing? Skye Bank and many Nigerian banks are truly capable of large-scale financing and that has been shown by all the privatisations that you have seen recently. There are other several examples. In the shipping industry, we are the first to finance PSV (Platform Support Vessel), local content of about $140 million, which is used at the Agbami Oil well. We are also the first to structure a transaction for refinancing of another vessel through an export credit from Norway and we are the guarantor bank for the same company in a transaction worth about $130 million. So, Nigerian banks, individually and collectively, are capable of large-ticket transactions. What is your reason for leaving Skye Bank when you have the opportunity for a second term of another four years? When I took this challenge, I set goals for myself that by the time I was 49, I would stop working for anybody and I am 52 this year and I feel that you should give me time to do things for myself. So, it’s just personal and from day one, I told the chairman at that time and some of my board members and colleagues that I am only going to do four years, so that’s why I am going. I am sorry to go, it’s sad, I have enjoyed the time I have spent but that’s what I have set my mind on. I know it’s not common but I have done it a few times so it’s common with me. Look at it this way, I did it the first time I left after two years for personal reasons. I did it the second time. I stepped down because I felt the other person was able and also competent and I offered to step down. I don’t hold on to anything in terms of power, position and all the things that go with such an office, it means very little to me. What’s most important to me is, I have been given the opportunity to serve, and so I have done creditably and honourably. Talking about your stewardship, how has it been in the past four years? Well, I took over at the point of global financial crisis; we had our national crisis as well then. AMCON came after that, so the industry was going through crisis. All the banks had a lot of toxic assets, so at that time, banks were making losses, we too were barely scraping to make profits.

•Durosinmi-Etti

‘Nigerian banks can fund huge projects’ ‘

I don’t believe that the industry is over-regulated. In America, Europe, we have much higher levels of regulation, a bank like Citi Bank in New York will have like 300 resident regulators from at least five different regulatory bodies and they are resident there permanently. So, if you finish with one regulator, you are being reviewed by another, so there is real-time regulation So if you look at our ratios then, they looked terrible. But in the past three and half years, one has grown the balance sheet of the bank by about 80 per cent and a lot of the indices have improved. Capital adequacy was quite low at the time; today it is about 20 per cent while the required industry ratio is 15 per cent. What would you be remembered for? I will be remembered for a lot of things that we did to ensure that we have an open access system that is acceptable, we have had an open management system and we have strengthened the whole framework whether it is corporate governance, risk management, credit processes and staff welfare. We ensured that the people were well motivated by instituting a system for

’

good compensation and welfare for the employees. So, all that ensured a fair and enjoyable environment that ensures that we work hard and work well to meet up on our corporate goals. What is the single achievement that you think is the highlight of your tenure? Well, one thing I did, I reduced the number of loss-making branches from over 100 to an average of 12 to 13; and I did that in two years. As you retire, what is your message to the bank? Well I will like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to serve and urge them to continue to support the new management of the bank the way they supported me; the board, the staff and shareholders

they supported me very well over the years and they should continue to do that. I give the new management a strong endorsement, I am sure that they will not disappoint. To the shareholders, they should stand behind the new leadership and I am sure that there will be continuity, there will be continued growth, they will continue to get returns they are getting; the bank is poised to do better. What can you say about your successor, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo? Timothy Oguntayo, right from 2006, has worked very closely with me, I have been his direct supervisor for most of the last eight to nine years and he has got all round competence both in commercial banking and merchant banking. He started his career in United Bank for Africa so he’s got strong commercial background. He has the thinking of an investment banker and the skills of a commercial banker and nothing can be better than that and he’s got great, sound judgement which is key to decision making. He is experienced, he is a people’s person, he gets on well with people, he’s got good leadership skills, he has the attribute to lead so he can ensure continuity and move the bank forward. I have no doubt that he can move the bank in the right direction. After nearly three decades in banking and 10 years as chief executive, what will you be doing next? I have been in banking since 1987. I went in as head of accounts and computers in Nigerian American Merchant Bank which was a middle management position. I moved to Midas Merchant Bank in 1990, I rose to become CEO of Midas Bank in 1995 and I left in 1997, after almost two years. I left on my own volition. I came back into banking in 2002 as the CEO of Eko International Bank, and I stepped down after guiding the bank through the turbulent consolidation then. I thereafter became the deputy managing director of the emergent Skye Bank Plc following the consolidation exercise. I have not fully decided on my next step. I am only going on a long vacation after a long time working.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

MONEYLINK

CBN bans debtors with N250m NPL from accessing fresh loans

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has banned banks from lending to all debtors of closed banks with non-performing loans (NPLs) of a maximum of N250 million from accessing new facilities in any deposit money banks. This was disclosed by the Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Umaru Ibrahim during the Bank Examiners’ Conference held in Lagos at the weekend. He said the decision followed a request from the corporation, adding that the lenders have been notified of this development while NDIC examiners are expected to ensure compliance. He said the names of the debtors will be populated through the CBN’s Credit Risk Management System and approved private sector credit bureau. Ibrahim said the implementation of risk-based supervision, has led to significant improvement in risk manage-

WARD-WINNING actress, Rita Dominic, will be the face of Keystone Bank’s soon to be launched exclusivelyfor-women account, the Keystone Bank Pink Account. In a statement, Head, Brand Management, Keystone Bank, Omobolanle Osotule, said: “The Keystone Bank Pink Account is a current and savings account for women that are resourceful, innovative and glamorous. The account is primarily designed for the empowerment of women with entrepreneurial drive and career inclination, to actualise their financial independence, lifestyle and domestic needs”. She said the account will create avenues for women to network and share ideas through periodic networking events, seminars and workshops, which will be anchored by Rita Dominic as the ambassador of the project.” Osotule explained that the choice of Rita Dominic as the face of the

Stories by Collins Nweze

ment practices such as macro prudential supervision, sustainable banking, International Financial Reporting Standards, Basel II /III and consolidated supervision have been substantially implemented in the bid to strengthen the system. The NDIC boss also said banking in Nigeria faces some surmountable challenges that have to be addressed to achieve seamless services. He said challenges of lending in Nigerian environment, corporate governance, impact of fixed income securities on financial positions of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), technological innovations including mobile money have remained critical in providing banking services to the population. Ibrahim also said the conference theme: Sustaining a Safe and Sound Financial System through Effective

Bankers discuss at CIBN forum HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, will assemble top bankers and other selected stakeholders to articulate effective strategies to ensuring the entrenchment of global best practices in the industry.The gathering, which is the Presidential Address of the Institute with the theme: “Banking & Bankers: Looking Back, Looking Ahead” is scheduled to hold on Friday in Lagos and will be addressed by President/ Chairman of Council, Segun Aina.The objective of the event, a statement

Keystone Bank set to launch Pink Account

from the bank said, is to reduce incidents of fraud, forgeries, management error and unprofessional practices while enhancing competency among practitioners in the industry. Dr. Aina will use the platform of the epoch event to present to the banking community, an ocasional paper titled: “The Economy of Financial Inclusion in Nigeria: Theory, Practice and Policy”, which he co-authored with Dr. Onafowokan, Oluyombo, Department of Financial Studies, Redeemer’s University.

•CBN, Acting Governor Dr Sarah Alade Banking Supervision- is apt. He said there is need to focus on the challenges faced by examiners in appraising the affairs of the banks. He said the future of banking will be more complex in terms of product offerings using the latest form of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools. He said that in NDIC, aside the above challenges, it continues to face challenges of debt recovery in terms of debt owed the closed banks, some of which remain unrecovered since 1994.

Barclays Africa grows earnings by 14%

ARCLAYS Africa Group reported a 14 per cent rise in fullyear earnings partly due to sharp fall in bad debt charges that showed the bank’s tighter lending policy is starting to pay off.Reuters said the African subsidiary of Britain’s Barclays reduced its exposure to personal lending over the past three years and increased bad debt provisions in response to a downturn in the country’s economy after the financial crisis.”There is no denying that our business has been through a tough

period,” Chief Executive Maria Ramos said.The bank, the first of South Africa’s main four banks to publish earnings this season, reported a 21 percent drop in bad debt charges. Barclays Africa is remaining cautious even though South Africa’s economy is showing signs of picking up and could grow by as much as 2.8 percent this year, according to the central bank, from an estimated 1.9 per cent in 2013.Unemployment has fallen and the jobless rate slowed to 24.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, the low-

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

OBB Rate

Price Loss 2754.67

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change

Year Start Offer

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 02-05-14

SYMBOL O/PRICE C/PRICE ASHAKA CEM 16.50 18.18 NPFMCRFBK 0.81 0.85 ACCESS 8.19 8.59 DIAMONDBNK 6.06 6.28 GUARANTY 26.23 27.15 LEARNAFRCA 1.61 1.66 NESTLE 1,040.00 1,072.00 CONTINSURE 0.98 1.01 CUSTODYINS 2.35 2.42 AGLEVENT 1.56 1.60

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

CHANGE 1.68 0.04 0.40 0.22 0.92 0.05 32.00 0.03 0.07 0.04

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

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 02-05-14

SYMBOL DANGSUGAR TOTAL UPL CADBURY UBCAP LIVESTOCK NEIMETH RTBRISCOE DANGFLOUR ETI

O/PRICE 9.90 161.20 4.00 75.05 2.25 3.30 1.24 1.19 8.08 13.50

C/PRICE 9.26 153.14 3.80 71.32 2.14 3.14 1.18 1.14 7.78 13.00

CHANGE -0.64 -8.06 -0.20 -3.73 -0.11 -0.16 -0.06 -0.05 -0.30 -0.50

est in seven quarters. Manufacturing is also starting to look up with output rising 2.5 percent year-on-year in volume terms in December, compared with the 1.4 percent economists polled by Reuters had expected.Chief financial officer David Hodnett said Barclays expected slow loan growth in South Africa, its biggest market, in 2014. “With South Africa interest rates likely to rise further and consumers under pressure, we expect mid single digit loan growth in South Africa this year.”

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Pink Account “was predicated on her profile as a thoroughbred professional, a dedicated and consummate actress, and a celebrity with role model credentials and of course, because of her entrepreneurial drive.” Speaking on the project, Rita Dominic said she was excited about the idea of an account for women to make them financially independent as entrepreneurs, mothers and caregivers. “I am also excited about the fact that the bank considers working with me to promote this laudable project to other women in different strata of the society’s ladder. “I am aware that the Pink Account, as a project, will cater to the empowerment need of professional and working class women, self-employed female entrepreneurs, female lecturers, actresses, musicians, women in uniform and even female politicians and society women. This account is truly for women.”

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

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

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE

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 Offer Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 153.82 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.06 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.72 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,637.31 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,070.14 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.47 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 1,087.30 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 KAKAWA GUARANTE ED INCOME FUND 143.11 LEGACY FUND 0.78 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND 1,916.66 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 12.72 STANBIC IBTC ETHICAL FUND 1.07

Bid Price 153.13 9.08 1.05 1.17 0.71 1.33 1,634.46 1,069.86 114.69 1,087.00 1.62 1.03 142.62 0.76 1,909.29 12.40 1.04

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

1.2757 1.3248 0.9277 1.1698

Movement

1.2871 1.3248 0.9463 1.1698

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

EQUITY NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 2-5-14

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

EQUITIES

Dangote Cement: Dangote, shareholders pocket N119b dividend

LHAJI Aliko Dangote, the founder and owner of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), and other minority shareholders in Dangote Cement (Dancem) Plc at the weekend shared about N119.3 billion as dividends from the N201 billion profit made by their company in 2013. At the annual general meeting of Dancem at the weekend, shareholders approved the annual reports and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2013 including 133 per cent increase in cash payouts to shareholders. Dangote and other shareholders are expected to receive their warrants or cheques for the dividends today. A breakdown of the dividend distribution indicates that Dangote would receive the largest chunk of N110.7 billion through Dangote Industries Limited, which holds 92.81 per cent equity stake in Dancem. Dangote will personally receive N193.48 million as dividends registered in his personal names. Other shareholders would share about N8.6 billion. According to the breakdown, shareholders would receive a dividend of

•Dancem increases capacity, delivery to stabilize cement price Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

N7 on every share. Dancem has 17.04 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each with DIL holding about 15.816 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. Dangote personally holds 27.64 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. The increased dividend came as the company witnessed impressive growths in sales and profit in 2013. Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Dancem for 2013 showed that group turnover rose by 29.4 per cent from N298.45 billion in 2012 to N386.18 billion in 2013. Pre-tax profit rose by 40.6 per cent from N180.15 billion to N243.66 billion. Profit after tax rode on the back of tax credits to N201.2 billion in 2013 as against N145.02 billion in 2012. Addressing shareholders at the meeting, Dangote assured that the company’s prospects remains robust citing increasing domestic demand and opportunities for exports to other

African countries. He said the company plans to add 9.0 million metric tonnes to its capacity by the end of 2014 to increase cement supply and saturate the market in order to stop activities of profiteers who allegedly are behind cement price increase. He said Dancem would intensify direct-to-consumer deliveries as a means of stabilizing the price of cement noting that Dancem sold 13.3 million tonnes of cement in Nigeria within the financial year representing an increase of 28.2 per cent over sales recorded in 2012 Dangote insisted that Dancem has not increased the price of its cement in spite of increase in prices of most inputs into cement production in demonstration of the company’s commitment to making cement available to Nigerians at reasonable price. “Trading remains robust in Nigeria and we have experienced a solid start to the year with demand up in all regions,” Dangote said on the outlook of the company in 2014.

According to him, the company had recently introduced 52.5 strength cement, which is appropriate for heavy load-bearing structures such as bridges and flyovers, through which it hopes to increase its market share in the short-term by increasing the level of direct-to-customers deliveries and competing on product superiority. Dangote also informed the shareholders the status of the company’s various African projects as the shareholders one after another shower commendations on the management of the cement company. “In Ethopia, work is well underway, to build 2.5m mtpa plant at Mugher with production expected late in 2014. In Tanzania, we have begun work on a 3m mtpa plant at Mtwara and would be fully operational in 2015. In Zambia, work is underway on a 1.5m mtpa at Ndola with cement production expected in second half of 2014. “We are reviewing plans for Kenya with a view to increasing the scale of our proposed factory from 1.5 to 3.0m tpa,

because we are confident there will be sufficient demand both in Kenya and neighbouring countries, “ Dangote said. Group managing director, Dangote Cement Plc, Devakumar Edwin, attributed the impressive results of the company to focused and strategic management. He outlined that the company’s direct-delivery strategy is proving very popular with customers with this initiative now accounting for more than half of total sales. “We increased our margins despite continuing disruption to our gas supply and believe that the gas distribution infrastructure will be more robust in 2014, enabling us to improve our margins even further. At the same time we are looking at ways to diversify our fuel supplies to mitigate the impact of any future disruption and reduce the cost of using alternative fuels to gas,” Edwin said. He added that the company would next year open many of its factories across Africa to further realize its aim of being Africa’s leading cement producer and generate strong and sustainable returns for shareholders.

Fidson grows sales by 28%

NSE promotes corporate ethics

IDSON Healthcare Plc grew its top-line by 28 per cent in 2013 as the healthcare company increased its market share. Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Fidson for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that total sales rose from N7.2 billion in 2012 to N9.2 billion in 2013. Gross profit also rose by 25 per cent from N4 billion in 202 to N5 billion in 2013. The increase in sales and better management of operational costs led to higher gross margins, which saw operating profit rising from N854 million to N1.3 billion However, profit before tax dropped considerably from N540 million in 2012 to N250 million in 2013. Profit after tax also followed the downtrend, dropping from N207 million to N155 million. Management of the company indicated that the decline in pre and post tax profits was due to impairment loss incurred on Fidson Products Limited, an associate company that was adversely affected by the ban on importation of diapers, the major product of the company. However, other comprehensive income majorly from actuarial gains at N42 million against a loss of N19 million the previous year moderated total comprehensive income for the year to N197 million, up from N188m in 2012. Fidson’s balance sheet grew by 15 per cent from N10.8 billion in 2012 to N12.4 billion, mainly resulting from the company’s investment in the Biotech plant. Management of the company said they expected better performance this year citing increase in pre-tax profit in the first quarter. Profit before tax for the first quarter stood at N283 million as against N269.6 million recorded in corresponding period of 2013. Fidson recently said it was rounding off pre-offer process to issue a N2 billion bond to partly refinance its new multi-billion Naira World Health Organisation (WHO)-standards manufacturing complex. Operations Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Biola Adebayo, said the company is concluding arrangements for the bond issue noting that the bond may hit the capital market next month. According to him, the net proceeds of the bond issue would be used to refinance some existing bank loans with a view to consolidate the bank loans into a more amenable medium term bond issue. This is part of the company’s financing mix strategy to ensure that the benefits of its expansion impact on shareholders’ returns.

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in partnership with key publicly quoted companies will be holding the 1st NSE Corporate Challenge. The one-day event which is scheduled to take place in Lagos on Saturday, May 17, 2014 will be a highly competitive and fun-filled five kilometre walk, run or jog competition to promote and support teamwork, company pride and corporate wellness. The competition is open to the broker dealer community and companies listed on the NSE. Head, corporate services, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Bola Adeeko, in a statement, stated that the idea behind the corporate challenge is for responsible organisations and their employees to take part in the initiative as a way of enhancing employee-employer relations and boost goodwill by bringing all together for fun, fitness and fellowship. According to him, the inaugural NSE Corporate Challenge is a professionally organised and volunteer-driven initiative involving over 350 companies listed on the Exchange and support organisations from the capital market community. He said the NSE would be working in close partnership with public and private sector organisations such as the Lagos Island Central Business District, First Bank of Nigeria, Unilever, Unity Bank, Nestle Nigeria, Malta Guinness and First City Monument Bank among others. “The Corporate Challenge is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Exchange, aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of our operating community which will also present a platform for teamwork and networking. The initiative will enhance the concept of volunteerism within participating companies,” Adeeko said. Though the challenge will be primarily open to teams of employees from companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, non-commercial organizations such as Federal, State and Local Governments, quasi-governmental organizations, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will be invited to compete as well.

UBA Capital, NSE, LSE, JSE, TSX explore dual listings for oil, mining firms

AJOR African and global stock exchanges have initiated discussions on the prospects and opportunities for Nigerian oil and gas and mining companies to list their shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and other international stock exchanges. At an interactive session organized by UBA Capital, officials of three major international stock exchanges: Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), London Stock Exchange (LSE), and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and top management of the NSE held discussions with select companies in the oil and gas sector and mining industry on the opportunities in dual listing. Senior Manager, primary markets, London Stock Exchange (LSE), Darko Hajdukovic, said LSE could help African companies seeking listing to de-risk the process and enhance their valuation noting that London offers a very cost effective option among major stock exchanges. According to him, LSE has a long experience of listing companies from Africa with its main market currently having 42 listed African companies with total market capitalization of $239 billion. Business development manager, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Tamsin Freemantle, outlined that dual listing offers companies larger and complimentary pools of capital, increased visibility, increased liquidity through two pools of liquidity on the home and secondary exchanges and access to capital from emerging market focused funds.

She noted that 86 companies listed on the JSE have dual listings while JSE has been able to achieve average market liquidity of between 40 per cent and 50 per cent since 2010. In the same vein, head, business development, Europe and Africa, Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), Graham Dallas, said TSX offers Nigerian oil and gas companies the best opportunities to have access to the largest community of listed peers. According to him, TSX is the number one exchange in the world by the number of listed oil and gas companies as well as listed mining companies while it also hosts the highest number of oil and gas analysts among world stock exchanges. He pointed out that in 2013, oil and gas companies raised $5.2 billion on the TSX with $789 million raised for oil and gas companies covering projects in Africa. According to him, TSX has competitive advantages in dual listing because of its superior access to capital especially for small companies, tailored listing rules for oil and gas companies, availability of TSX staff with specialized knowledge in oil and gas matters and rules to facilitate fast capital raising, strong energy trading liquidity, vibrant retail and institutional investor base and a strong equity culture among Canadians with 50 per cent of the Canadian population owning stocks. In her remarks, general manager, listings, sales and retention,

Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Taba Peterside, urged the oil and gas companies to take advantage of the increasing visibility and interest in the Nigerian economy to list their shares. She noted that 48 per cent of the funds raised by the Seplat dual listing were raised from local shareholders underpinning the importance of local investors when listing a Nigerian company on any exchange. Partners from the international law firms Jones Day and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP however, stressed the need for appropriate corporate governance structures to be put in place well before a company approaches the international markets. Group chief executive officer, UBA Capital, Oluwatoyin Sanni, said UBA Capital would support capital raising aspirations of African issuers while simultaneously creating attractive and accessible investment opportunities for investors. According to her, UBA Capital will continue to partner with credible regional and international institutions as it pursues its strategic intent to build Africa’s leading integrated financial services group. Managing director, investment banking, UBA Capital, Wale Shonibare, noted that UBA Capital Plc is well-positioned to support fast-growing mining companies and their oil and gas counterparts to raise the much needed equity capital from local and international sources.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

ISSUES International oil firms’ divestment from onshore oil fields is gathering momentum. To some, this is a welcome development for indigenous companies as it will help them to build capacity, but to others, it portends danger for foreign investments as the divestments could mean that all is not be well in the sector. Senior Correspondent AKINOLA AJIBADE reports.

• Drums of stolen crude oil

Pains, gains of oil divestments

HE international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria have been divesting some of their assets considered marginal and commercially unviable. Such marginal oil blocks were handed over to local oil companies, which are small in both balance sheet size and technology, to aid them make foray into exploration and production. However, from 2009, the game changed. The IOCs began to divest, not just from oil blocks that were considered marginal, but also those with considerable oil and gas reserves that have substantial commercial value and make good business to operate in.

Since 2009, oil giants, such as Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and British Gas, have sold no fewer than 20 oil blocks, which are considered juicy. Shell is about concluding sale of four oil blocks. With the sale of interests in the four blocks, the number of blocks in which Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) would have divested its stakes since 2010, would be about 10. Although these divestments are coming at the peak of the oil and gas industry reforms, which aims at promoting Ni• Continued on page 33

• Table source by Ecobank Research from Nigeria Develoment and Finance Forum

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

ISSUES

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Pains, gains of oil divestments • Continued from page 32

gerian Content development, local capacity and capability, industry observers said it is both good and bad. To them, the transfer of such assets certainly would boost the drive to grow indigenous capacity in the exploration and production, and position Nigerians and local firms to take control of the industry. They, however, argued that the remediation of the polluted and damaged environment would be at a huge cost to indigenous companies buying up these assets. Besides, they said the absence of a requisite business operating environment, a major factor responsible for the divestment is not adequately addressed by the government, the indigenous oil firms would also find it difficult to operate the assets. They listed challenges such as crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and kidnap of oil workers for ransom, among others, as some of the issues government must address to create the environment for the locals. They also noted that addressing these issues becomes imperative because local firms get funds at very high cost and should anything happen resulting in undue delay, or shutin of such assets, the affected companies may go bankrupt. They said: “Undoubtedly, divestment will enable local operators to engage in exploration activities regarded as the exclusive preserve of the IOCs, and will ultimately increase their contributions to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).” According to Ecobank Research, by the end of last year, the IOCs would have sold at least 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) worth of equity in onshore and shallow water producing assets in the Niger Delta region. We estimate that the corresponding monetary value of these divestments will be in the region of at least $5 billion. In addition, the total number of blocks divested by IOCs between 2010 and end of 2014, will surpass 22, the research said. Earlier, Shell and its partners, Total and Agip sold 45 per cent interest in onshore Oil Mining Lease (OML) 40 to Elcrest Nigeria Limited. The SPDC also sold its 30 per cent interest in OML 30 with share production of 11,000barrels per day (bpd) in the Niger Delta to Shoreline Natural Resources Limited. Total sold its 20 per cent stakes and operating mandate of its Nigerian offshore project to a local unit of China Petrochemical Corporation for $2.5billion. Besides, US oil firm, ConoccoPhillips disposed its assets in the country to indigenous oil company, Oando Plc. The deal is said to have jerked up oil the major’s assets’ sale to $11 billion last year. Brazilian oil firm, Petrobras, which began operations in Nigeria about 20 years ago, has put the country on notice of its intention to auction its stakes in Nigerian oil fields to raise cash for domestic projects. The firm plans to sell its eight per cent stake in the Nigerian offshore Agbami block, which is operated by another US oil major, Chevron and its 20 per cent share of the offshore Akpo field, operated by French oil firm, Total.

IOCs’ stand

The oil majors say their divestment decision was informed by the need to grow the country’s petroleum sector. The Managing Director, SPDC, Mutiu Sunmonu, said part of the reasons for his firm’s divestment of its assets was to encourage indigenous participation in the upstream oil and gas sector. Sumonu, who spoke in an oil and gas forum in Lagos, said: “We want to create a new set of indigenous players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry within the next 10 to 20 years from now, while the IOCs concentrate on more difficult issues and also allow us to focus on material oil and gas fields.” Total’s Chief Executive Officer,

•Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deazini Alison Madueke

•Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporoation, Andrew Yakubu

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•Mutiu Sunmonu

•Group Managing Director, Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu

Undoubtedly, divestment will enable local operators to engage in exploration regarded as the exclusive preserve of the IOCs, and will ultimately increase their contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product

Christophe de Margerie, said the disposal of his company’s assets does not mean it is leaving Nigeria’s shores, but that the divestments are being carried out to give room for indigenous players in the nation’s petroleum sector to grow. Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Petrobras, Ms Maria das Graças Foster, said divesting from the oil blocks would help the company concentrate more on exploration activities in a vast deep sea region off the coast of Brazil, known as the subsalt, believed to contain dozens of billions of barrels of high quality oil.

Stakeholders’ position

But stakeholders said the divestment of stakes might be linked to the fact that IOCs were considering that some of the onshore assets as ageing and becoming unviable. According to industry players, the divestment allows the companies to prioritise the most attractive opportunities and reconfigure, or exit from less attractive ones. In addition, incessant crises between the host communities and the oil firms would have prompted the divestment for deep water prospect where there are fewer community related issues and less financial expenses on conflict resolution. They argued that the decision could also be linked with what the industry players consider as unfavorable profit-sharing agreements, high royalties, taxes and insecurity, considering the production output of the fields. Chairman, International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), Nigeria Chapter, Sola Falodun, said the problems in the Niger Delta region were affecting crude oil

A situation where oil theft and frequent leakages do not result in reduction in official oil production levels clearly shows that far more than officially acknowledged, volumes of crude oil are being extracted from these fields. So, these corporations are trying to avoid responsibility

’

He said the companies were eager to shake off accountability for the damage they have done to their host communities, adding that they are not ready to clean up the oil-polluted areas. According to him, the IOCs may be unwilling to adjust to a regime that requires that they be more transparent. He said: “A situation where oil theft and frequent leakages do not result in reduction in official oil production levels clearly shows that far more than officially acknowledged, volumes of crude oil are being extracted from these fields. So, these corporations are trying to avoid responsibility.” He said the IOCs are playing an arm twisting game with a government that relies heavily on oil rents. “Threats of divestment can affect the passing of the PIB (Petroleum Industry Bill) and if passed, its implementation. These fellows are playing games. They cannot run away from the incredible gains they make here,” he said.

Divestment a threat

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production, adding that it is becoming difficult for IOCs to produce enough oil from their fields. He said the divestment had given IOCs an opportuntity to relocate to safer environment. The President, International Association of Energy Economics, Prof Adeola Akinnisiju, said multinational oil companies were divesting their shares because of security problems in the industry. He said the frequency of attacks on facilities of the companies in the onshore area had put investments and stocks of the companies in danger. He, however, said divestment is not bad as it will give indigenous companies the opportunity to have a good stand in the sector. He said the level of indigenous opportunity depends on how well the local players are able to exploit the fields to the advantage of Nigerians through investment in research and development. He said divestment would aid the development of marginal oil fields. Akinnisiju said the future is bright for indigenous firms, adding that the divestment will jerk up oil production. He, however, said the assets divestment is a smokescreen designed by the IOCs to run away from responsibilities for the environmental despoliation oil exploration has caused the host communities. “There is a generally deep displeasure by the communities whose environments they have damaged without redress. This dislike or disdain poses a peculiar risk to companies that had entered those communities on th crest of expectations and promises,” he said.

Executive Director, African Heritage Institution, Ifediora Amobi, said the auction of these oil blocks and their gas resources would threaten Federal Government’s power sector reforms by jeopardising domestic gas supply for power generation. According to him, it will lead to job losses and insecurity, as “we hope that some of the displaced workers from Shell, Total, others, who will be absorbed by the local firms, have the same working conditions they were used to under the oil majors”.

Labour kicks

Oil workers say divestment is ill wind that blows nobody good. President, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Achese Igwe, at a joint press conference in Lagos penultimate week, warned Petrobas of the severe implications of divesting its assets in the country. Last Tuesday, oil workers in a Brazilian firm demonstrated against the plan to divest. The workers protested at the Lagos office of the company, wondering why Petrobas is planning divestment at the time when their stakes were high. They said the decision of the company to leave the country meant they would be out of job noting the severe economic implications to their families and the nation. They also criticised government for not doing enough to guarantee them job security in the hands of the foreign oil companies. Lagos Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN), Rev Folorunsho Oginni, said the decision to divest is not in the interest of workers and the country. He lamented that expatriates in the employ of the IOCs repatriate several millions of dollars year to Brazil at the expense of Nigerians.He said the workers have despatched protest letters to the Ministers of Petroleum Resources, Labour and Productivity to halt the wave of divestment. According to him, the union will not hesitate to mobilise members on a national strike if the two ministries fail to address their grievance at the appropriate time.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS INSURANCE

20,000 agents unlicensed, says Olamerun

O fewer than 20,000 unlicensed agents transact business in the country, the new President, Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN), Mr. Gbadebo Olamerun, has said. He has therefore called on insurers to ensure that their agents are licensed by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). Olamerun, who disclosed this at his investiture in Lagos, said his target along with other new executives is to register 20,000 agents at the end of 2015. The association currently has 3, 000 registered agents. His position is hinged on the belief that increasing the number of registered agents with NAICOM will increase premium collection which will lead to increase in insurance gross domestic product (GDP) contribution in the country. He said: “My vision is to make insurance agency business easy by collaborating with

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

other stakeholders in and outside the industry, especially with state governments, NAICOM, NIA, CIIN, NCRIB etc to foster the deepening of insurance penetration in Nigeria. We will also collaborate with my constituency, the agents, in introducing interactive session with all insurance agents tagged: Members Evening Initiative (MEI), which will be a quarterly strategic session where agents will be hosted by one of the leading insurance companies. “This drive will afford all the major players in the industry opportunity to meet with the agents, increasing their capacities, give them a positive mind set and sense of belonging. “As we speak, we have 3,000 registered agents with NAICOM and we project that by 2015, we would have registered 20,000 agents

into the books of ARIAN and NAICOM.” On the Market Developmental Restructuring Initiative (MDRI), he noted that the association will drive the project with a national holistic view of mobilising all insurance agents for its execution. Speaking further, he said his leadership will continuously equip its members on the skills needed to sell insurance business to the grassroot He said: “We will also ensure agents are certified by CIIN because we have been able to push for a reduction of the amount for the proficiency test certification which is the most expensive requirement for agent’s registration with NAICOM. ‘We also want to add value to agency network by recruiting more matured executives such as retired personnel and retrenched bank staff to market specific products such as annuity.

30% of brokers fail to file returns to NAICOM

“The era of commission only aided and abetted sharp practices among some agents which have affected the image of the insurance industry. However, ARIAN has set up a portal in its website to check the activities of members, relate with HR of each organisation, and collaborate with the insurance companies to reduce sharp practices to the barest minimum.” Chief Olusola Dada of Anchoria Investment and Securities Ltd called on insurance companies to expand their networks to the rural areas, adding that most people in the rural areas are still very ignorant of the importance of insurance. He said that insurance is still very strange to the people in the rural areas, adding that with the issue of financial inclusion, insurance operators must go beyond what they are doing to boost insurance penetration in the country.

•Old Mutual woos brokers

BOUT 30 per cent of brokers have failed to file returns to the regulatory body, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Ayodapo Shoderu, made this known at a meeting between the Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel and council executives held at the council’s members evening hosted by Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited in Lagos. Shoderu said the commission would not renew the licences of erring brokers. He warned brokers to be cautious and adhere to the regulations of the commission. He also said individuals seeking to establish insurance broking firms will henceforth have to scale more stringent hurdles before they can be admitted as members of the NCRIB. He stressed that the body will be more stringent in admission of new members to prevent infiltration of the broking world by opportunists who may want to borrow the garb of insurance brokers under

whatever guise. He noted that whatever bad name the insurance industry has attained today could be said to have been caused by the activities of these unethical practitioners who are always set to dupe unsuspecting insurance clients, a trend which he says must stop. He further disclosed that NAICOM has agreed to process this year’s renewals with 2012 accounts, as against the earlier position which stipulated that 2013 International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) compliant accounts should be used. He said the Commissioner for Insurance Fola Daniel agreed based on appeals by the council leadership. According to him, the commissioner was not happy with the number of companies that have so far submitted their 2013 accounts. Managing Director, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited, Keith Alford, called for more collaboration between brokers and underwriters. He added that the job of taking the industry to lofty heights rests on both parties.

NEM, Unic, others pay N60m to NSE

T least 21 listed firms have paid N60 million penalties to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for submitting their 2012 financial accounts late. This was revealed in the X-Compliant Report dated April 25 released on the NSE website. The report showed that the companies filed their financial statements to the exchange after the regulatory due date lapsed. It further showed that Universal Insurance Plc paid N4.2 million as fine while Guinea Insurance Plc

paid N3.8 million fine. Equity Assurance Plc paid N3.2 million each while Great Nigerian Insurance Plc was equally fined N3.8 million. NEM Insurance Plc, on the other hand, got N3.5 million fine, Prestige Assurance paid N2.9 million, Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc N2.7 million fine, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc N2.5 million, Cornerstone Insurance Plc paid N2.8 million, Unity Kapital Insurance Plc N2.1 million, among others.

•From left: Dada; General Manager, FBN Insurance, Segun Balogun and Head, Corporate Services, FBN Ngozi Onuma, at the luanch of Sure4Life in partnership with Etisalat in Lagos.

Etisalat, FBN Insurance launch Sure4Life

BN Insurance Limited and Etisalat have introduced ‘Sure4Life”, an airtimebased insurance product designed to increase penetration and consumer access to affordable insurance products via the mobile phone. Director, Business Segment at Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada, who spoke at the launch, said the product will help drive availability and access to agood number of uninsured Nigerians. In addition, it will provide Etisalat customers with one month free life insurance cover between May and July, this year, he said. Dada noted that the partnership would bring inexpensive and easy reach to insurance products to the benefit of Etisalat’s growing prepaid and post-paid customers. He said: “Sure4Life is an innovative product which takes away all the challenges that may be associ-

NAICOM okays four insurers’ 2013 accounts

OUR insurance firms have had their 2013 financial accounts approved by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in the first quarter of 2014 as required by law. The four firms are Mansard Insurance Plc, Custodian General Insurance, Custodian Life Assurance Ltd and Cornerstone Insurance Plc.

The commission disclosed this in a circular titled: “Submission Status of 2013 Financial Statements of Insurance Companies as at April 23, 2014. The early approvals is a departure from the past where insurers find it difficult to submit their true financials and get approval from the regulator as and when due. While Mansard Assurance Plc

has already done its AGM, the other three are expected to do theirs soon. Meanwhile, the accounts of Zenith Life Insurance Limited; NSIA Insurance Limited; FBN Life Assurance Limited; Wapic Insurances Plc; Zenith Insurance Company Limited and Wapic Life Assurances are being reviewed.

ated with taking an insurance policy and allows Etisalat subscribers to access and maintain insurance coverage with ease. It is in line with our reputation as the most innovative telecommunications company to provide such life-changing products to our customers. “The plan is optional and open to all registered Etisalat subscribers that are between 18 and 80.” Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Val Ojumah of the underwriting firm said the initiative will help correct the inaccurate perception that insurance is only for the rich and reduce the complexities and paperwork often associated with insurance. The initiative also supports our aspi-

ration to bring the benefits of insurance to Nigerians who otherwise would have remained uninsured. He explained that with a monthly insurance premium of N100 monthly, registered Etisalat subscribers will have the benefit of a flat of N100, 000 payable to the beneficiary in case of death of the policy holder and a maximum of N10, 000 for medical expenses in the event of an accident. Death benefit per life shall be limited to N200, 000, maximum of two Etisalat registered numbers, whereas the medical expenses benefit per any one life shall be limited to N20, 000, maximum of two Etisalat registered numbers, he said.

Custodian & Allied records 90.7% profit

USTODIAN and Allied Plc has announced a profit before tax of N1.3 billion for the unaudited first quarter results ended 31 March 2014. This represents an increase of 78.5 per cent over the N746.9 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. Head, Corporate Affairs, Custodian, Bunmi Aderemi made this known in a statement. She said the results have been transmitted to the stock

market. She noted that profit after tax increased by 90.7 per cent from N587 million to N1.1billion for the period in review, while the gross written premium was N5.9 billion from N4.1 billion written in the same period in 2013 representing 41.8 per cent increase. The Group’s asset base increased from N45.6 billion as at December 31, 2013 to N47.6 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, indicating 4.2 per cent growth within a threemonth period.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

BUSINESS MOTORING

Automobile enthusiasts in the country can look forward to a completely redesigned and re-engineered Ford Mustang on the roads, later this year. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

•Ford Mustang

HE new Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models promise exceptional performance and refinement while embracing the Mustang’s half-century of heritage and status as a global icon. Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonate with people, even if they have never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford,” he said. More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964 – one million of those in its first 18 months of existence. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook, Mustang, has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and will now be available with modern technology and engines for fans to experience first-hand. “The Mustang’s formidable reputation for performance and its iconic status as a symbol of freedom and optimism precedes it even in those parts of the world where the car has never been sold,” said Stephen Odell, Ford Executive Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The new Mustang epitomises Ford’s aggressive product acceleration; technologically advanced and forward-looking, but without forgetting the heritage that has inspired Ford customers for generations,” Odell said. The new Mustang has been developed with impressive performance, driving dynamics and usability in mind – and includes a significant amount of advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies. “After the Mustang’s global unveiling earlier this year we have been working hard to ensure that Nigerian fans will have the opportunity to be part of the Mustang journey going forward,” Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Mark Kaufman said. The clean-sheet design of both Ford Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the vehicle, retaining key design elements of the classic Mustangs recognisable to car fans across the globe, including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution. “You only get one chance to make a first impression and when you see this car, you immediately see a Mustang strong and true,” Ford Executive Director, Design for the Americas, Moray Callum said. Several key design features define the new Ford Mustang, including: a low roof height

Ford Mustang: sleekly, comfort ride

•Interior of the car

and wide stance, sleek profile enabled by steeply sloped windshield and rear glass three-dimensional tri-bar tail lamps. Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car an upscale appearance and a quiet cabin. The top has a sleek profile when folded for open-air motoring. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy cabin with an aviation-inspired cockpit, while ergonomic and tactile switches and knobs provide control. The vehicle’s width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped boot space that can accommodate two golf bags.

The new Ford Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter sub-frame helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride. The new double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of large, powerful brakes. At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this highperformance application, and are well suited to high speeds driving. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling. The new Mustang features a significant

number of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control, and connectivity when they want it. The advanced, Ford-developed stability control is tuned to maximise the new Mustang’s dynamic capabilities with features like torque vectoring that directs engine power to individual wheels to keep the car on course. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, manual transmission variants of the Mustang GT include standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time. Advanced driver-assist features include standard Ford SYNC™ with voice control and touchscreen, that lets drivers control their entertainment.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

• A training centre for adire in Osogbo, Osun State.

Adire, a seasonless vocation for all Adire, a locally designed fabric, is fast becoming popular fashion among both the rich and powerful in the society. It is a fast growing industry both nationally and internationally. The sector holds job potential for all class of the jobless, ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI reports.

DIRE is the traditional Yoruba hand painted cloth on which patterns are made. The designs are made by tying and stitching the cloth with raffia or cotton thread, or by using chicken feathers to paint cassava paste which then acts as a resist-dye. Despite the influx of foreign batik into the country, Adire continues to enjoy much popularity in the fashion and style subsector, just as it is loved by Nigerians in the Diaspora. Over the years, Adire has been creating job opportunities for people irrespective of their education. With the growing army of the jobless, it is an industry that holds enormous potential for job opportunities. A specialist in Adire and Chief Executive Officer, Expressionale, Mr.

Olatunbosun Ayodeji, identified job prospects in the sector to include tie/dye, marketing, pressers, dyers and sellers. He said: “Tie/dye is a vocational work that is creating lot of employment opportunities. The venture provides opportunities for marketers, the tiers (the professionals who specialise in tieing the fabrics), to the dyers (those whose duty is essentially dyeing the fabrics), the pressers, and sellers (the marketers). So, it involves a lot of people which also includes the artist.” For all these cartegories of job opportunities, there is no hard and fast rule to entry the market. This implies that people with the West African School Certificate (WASC) Ordinary Level (O/L) as well as those with university degree or its equivalent could easily find accommoda-

tion in Adire business. All that is required is apprenticeship attachment to someone that is already in the business. How long a prospective an adire entrepreneur spends in learning the trade will depend on his/her ability to catch up. Managing Director, Nike Centre for Art and Culture, Osogbo, Mrs. Oyenike Okundaye, said her outfit has enhanced the lives of many jobless Nigerians by offering free training. According to her, the growing business opportunities in the textile art is also drawing expatriates and undergraduates. She said: “We admit undergraduates from many universities in Nigeria for their industrial training (IT) in textile design. “Over the years, this centre also now ad-

mits students from all over Europe, Canada and the United States (US). International scholars and other researchers in traditional African art and culture also visit the centre from time to time for their research into Yoruba adire fabric processing and African traditional dyeing methods.” Oyenike recalled that the booming business of adire was caused by the ban on imported fabrics in the 70s. This ban, she recalled challenged the ingenuity of Nigerians, necessitating improvement in adire quality and designs. “After the ban on imported goods in the ’70s, Adire Eleko has become a big seller in Nigeria, which a few bought before. People are returning to tradi•Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

JOBS

Adire, a seasonless vocation for all •Continued from page 37

tion and enjoying it. They are always looking for our batiks, which in turn encourages the work of our women, because it’s mostly women that produce cloth here,” she said. The Iyajola of Kemta, the largest adire market in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Alhaja Amosha Akamo, said every segment of the production provides potential job opportunities for jobless people that are not lazy. “Adire have different segment and all the people involved in each of this segment make money from it, all my children know about adire; it is from its proceeds that I sent them to school,” she added. She said one good thing about the business is that it is not dirty, adding that one could dress as if one were working in the office while doing the business. Bukola Odunuga plies her trade at the market. According to her, she had to venture into adire business after waiting endlessly for a white collar job, adding that she had no regrets for taking the action. She said: “I have a degree in Engineering from the University of Lagos but could not find any job after graduating six years ago. A friend introduced me to the business about two years ago. I began with apprenticeship. I have discovered new busines opportunities. In fact, I send some of my products to my friends in the US. I also take the advantage of the internet to engage in e-commerce. All I did was to create a website for myself where I advertise my products. The result has been transformationally amazing.” She said while the apprenticeship depends on how fast an apprentice could learn, adire business is a lifeline for anyone who is ready to get out of the white-collar job mentality. The CEO of E-Tony Xklusive Nigeria, Mr. Tony Eke, who deals in adire told The Nation that the business is worth well over N500 mil-

lion per year despite that the local fabric dealers are not investing in publicity and promotion to create demand against imported fabrics. He said despite that, the job opportunities are immeasurable. He said: “The job opportunities adire textile can provide are immeasurable. A small scale entrepreneur, who produces the textile apart from providing job for himself, also provides for a minimum of six persons. With the modification of adire over the years, the Managing Director of Rule Venture Limited, said more jobs are being created for Nigerians. “There has been much modification in Adire (tie and dye) making over the years, and this has given rise to different styles, designs, patterns and mode of production which have created diverse job opportunities through the division of labour involved. For instance, we have the tie and dye segment, cutting, pattering, and sewing segment, each of this segment provides job for different set of people,” he said. A business man in Abeokuta said adire is huge business in the state. “Adire (tie and dye) business is a big business in Abeokuta, it is a notable business all over Nigeria. “The demand for adire at trade fairs and various exhibitions within and outside the shores of Nigeria attests to the fact that adire is well appreciated all over the world.

• Akamo

“This is because I have represented Nigeria through the export and promotion council by showcasing African fabrics, particularly adire and the reception or acceptance of our products have been amazing, so I think it has contributed so much to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria,” he said. To further promote the job creation and values inherent in Adire textile, the founder of Egba Economy

• Oyenike

Company, Limited, Mr. Segun Adeleye said the company is making efforts to raise awareness so that the state could gain global reputation as Adire Textile hub where more people can create jobs for others. “We want to further make Egbaland known worldwide not just for adire or kampala alone; it is about the economy. So, we want to do a lot of things using Adire to bring investors to Egbaland. One of the ways to

‘Tie/dye is a vocational work that is creating lot of employment opportunities. The venture provides opportunities for marketers, the tiers (the professionals who specialises in tieing the fabrics), to the dyers (those who are majorly dyeing the fabrics), the local ironer or called the presser, and the seller (the market)’

do this is the Adire Festival. We want to make the historical fabric more popular all over the world and a global brand. Like Ankara fabric, it was restricted to West Africa or Africa, but it is now known globally. And you know that every nation has its unique business; Silicon Valley is known for Information Communication technology (ICT) and it has created a lot of employment in America. Ditto in Egbaland, we are known for adire. “Hence we are working on modalities where our icons, especially from Egba will be wearing adire to enhance its acceptability and popularity which continues to create jobs. I look forward, with hope, to a situation where President Barak Obama will wear adire,’’ he added. Meanwhile, the imediate past Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Industry (BoI), Evelyn Oputu, has emphasised the need for credit to the textile industry because it is a key sector which generates many jobs in the country.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Fishing out your dream job: You need a game plan (V)

E are presenting the last in the series designed to provide job seekers the road map to the nitty-gritty of the tough aspects tackling the job market and making it available for you, no matter where it is. Job fairs Job fairs are being utilised by an increasing number of recruiters. They offer a cost-effective and convenient way to contact a large number of candidates in a relatively short them. Job fairs also offer similar benefits to candidates — as long as you know how to work them. Plan in advance and your job fair visit will be very worthwhile. Be sure to investigate all participating companies in advance. When possible, obtain a list of these companies from fair organisers, and begin to research about six to 10 companies that may be of particular interest to you. In making your decision, consider the type of candidates sought, company location, company reputation, etc. Once you’ve drawn up your list, do some research on these companies at your local library, on the worldwide web, or through di-

By Olu Oyeniran

rectly contacting the company. Be sure to uncover basic information such as company product and services, company size, etc. You may even want to explore what the company’s philosophy or approach is. In particular, what they emphasise in their literature. Write this information obtained on index cards, a notebook, or in a PC file. Your next step is to check out your own communication tool for the fair, your resume. Be sure to give it a make-over to make sure that it highlights and showcases your skills in a professional and concise way for the job you are seeking. If it doesn’t, revise it in advance of your visit to the job fair. Now it’s time to put both items together. For each company that you have researched information on, write down the basic details obtained. Next to this information, list some skills, qualifications, achievements, or specialised training from your resume that would match the company’s “ideal” candidate. A typical entry in your notebook may look like this: XXYYZZ Nigeria Plc • Manufacture and sell office

products and equipment; • Lagos-based; • 550 Employees; • Family Owned and Operated with Strong Commitment to Customer Service; • Looking for Sales Professionals; • Five year Outside Sales Experience and an Associate’s Degree in Marketing; • Worked in retail during school, completed an internship, have strong letters of recommendation for friendliness and courtesy to customers. As the date for the job fair approaches, check out your logistics. Make sure that you know where the event is being held, where to park, job fair hours, etc. Depending on the number of companies scheduled to attend, it’s a good idea to allow yourself at least one and a half hours to talk with prospective employers. Be sure to dress appropriately for the fair, and bring along 10 to 12

copies of your resume. Plan on arriving about 45 minutes to one hour after the official start time. Look for your targeted companies, did they all show up? How busy are they at the moment? If a recruiter is busy talking to other candidates, look for another targeted company whose table is free. The trick is to minimise waiting in line, and maximise talking with prospective employers. Be sure to shake hands with the recruiter and introduce yourself Provide them with a copy of your resume to look over, along with your references, or any letters of recommendation you may have. As they review your resume, describe your background and qualifications. Make this a brief, to the point presentation recapping your skills and abilities. At this point, the recruiter may have some additional questions about your qualifications and also provide you with information about current job vacancies. Keep your talk concise — your total time spent with a recruiter should not be more than eight to ten minutes. To wrap up, thank the recruiters for their time, express an interest

in a more formal interview in the future, and ask for a business card in order to send a follow-up thankyou letter. After you’ve talked with the recruiters of your “targeted” companies, talk with other employer representatives if time allows. By doing so, you can often uncover information about certain companies and jobs that you were unaware of prior to the job fair. Finally, make one last tour of the area before you leave, and stop by the tables of any recruiters who had been especially helpful or interested if your background. Reintroduce yourself remind them of your earlier meeting, and reiterate your interest in scheduling to meet with them at a later date. Visit a local job fair and interview with at least five companies and collect at least 10 business cards. However, I will say that you do not put too much stock into this strategy. •Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

BUSINESS EXTRA

Development finance, economic growth, and job creation

HE Export-Import Bank of the United States (US Ex-Im) recently marked its 80th Anniversary of promoting U.S. exports abroad and supporting domestic jobs. The Bank has, in its eight decades of operation, authorised an estimated $506 billion to finance the export of U.S. goods and services around the globe and supported millions of American jobs with an unapologetic bias for small businesses which got nearly 90 per cent of the bank’s transactions in last year alone. This underscores its commitment to the sector that is widely acknowledged as the U.S. “engine of growth”. US Ex-Im Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg enthused at the anniversary that for 80 years, the bank “has supported millions of American jobs and financed over $500 billion in goods stamped ‘Made in the USA,’ and we’ve done it all while generating billions of dollars in revenue for U.S. taxpayers”.

Institutional evolution

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Export-Import Bank of Washington by an Executive Order on February 2, 1934. The bank was mandated to aid in the financing and facilitation of exports and imports, and the exchange of goods between the U.S. and the world. This was the period of the “Great Depression.” Therefore, the over-arching mission of the Bank was to stimulate economic growth through job creation. Within four years, the bank expanded its scope and approved loan packages in more than 30 countries, half of which were in Latin America and the Caribbean. Most of the facilities at the time were targeted at infrastructure development such as $22 million loan to China for construction of the Burma Road and the construction of the Pan-American Highway. With the end of the 2nd World War, the Bank became one of the veritable platforms for the administration of funds for economic cooperation under the Marshall Plan. In whatever project or trade it was investing or providing credit facility, the aim and interest was to support U.S. small businesses, manufacturers and exporters, to create jobs in times of economic crisis when limitations on commercial credit arise. Till date, the business of the bank is ensuring that American entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed in international markets. These include export-credit insurance to first-time exporters and working-capital guarantees.

Contemporary development fi-

By Chinedu Moghalu

nance

The US Exim, such as other Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), are mostly government institutions set up to intervene and stimulate economic growth, create jobs and foster citizens’ social welfare through the instrumentality of grants, low-interest lending and export credit guarantees and insurance. This policy serves to strengthen Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), and support broad-based private sector ingenuity and entrepreneurship. Today, the philosophy of the State intervention that was expressed in the founding of the US Exim has gained global embrace. During the last economic and financial crisis, the Governments of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Group of 20 (G20) countries undertook new efforts to support alternative sources of finance to fill the gap created by the near-exit of the banking sector from commodity trade finance. The key channels of disbursement were the ECAs, DFIs, Official Development Assistance (ODA), Aid for Trade initiatives supported by the multilateral DFIs, and Southsouth financing schemes. In its 2010 report on access to commodity finance by commodity-dependent countries, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) increased ceiling of its Global Trade Finance Programme (created in 2005) from $1.5 billion to $3 billion. It also introduced a new programme - the Global Trade Liquidity Programme - which aimed at raising $5 billion from G-20 members and international finance institutions to be directly lent to emerging market importers and exporters. The programme pools government and private sector bank funds and then onlends money via global banks to local banks, who in turn lend to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In sub-Saharan Africa, the need for ECA/DFI intervention in certain sec-

tors of the economy such as mining, power, infrastructure etc. has been clearly seen in some of the foremost export credit and insurance companies in the continent. For example, the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) of South Africa has virtually become the financial platform for the booming mining sector in the SADC region. By the end of 2012, it had funnelled as much ZAR 17 billion, with commitments close to ZAR 21 billion in the next three years. The ECIC has extended its funding coverage to West Africa.

NEXIM Bank

Back home, the Nigerian ExportImport Bank (NEXIM) was established by Act 38 of 1991 as Nigeria’s Export Credit Agency (ECA) and Trade Policy Bank. It was charged with promoting the diversification of the economy and developing the non-oil export sector through the provision of the following services: Credit facilities in both local and foreign currencies, risk-bearing facilities - Export credit guarantee and export credit insurance, business development and financial advisory services, and trade and market information. As an ECA/DFI, the primary motivation for NEXIM Bank’s business is not profit maximisation. Rather, it is to promote economic growth and job creation. The bank’s business model is to be “additional” and “catalytic” by seeking to invest in sectors and segments that would not otherwise have had access to finance from commercial banks. The bank seeks to bring in expertise and provide the support needed to ensure real commercial development of its investments rather than taking a buy-and-sell orientation. In its catalytic role, NEXIM partners with co-investors to ‘de-risk’ sectors and establish potential for profitability, and then attract further funding and investments from private sector funders. In line with the call by President Goodluck Jonathan under the Transformation Agenda, Vision 20:2020, and within the limits of its mandate and mission, NEXIM focuses on SMEs in the MASS sectors, namely manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals and services. Since its inception, the bank has supported over

1,000 SMEs, many of which rank among the top 100 exporters in Nigeria. Although its capital compares lower to other ECAs/DFIs, some of which have attained the status of global institutions, NEXIM Bank has made its developmental impact felt through the number of jobs it has created and helped sustain as well as the amount of foreign exchange earnings it has helped Nigeria generate. The bank’s total credit in local and foreign currencies to Nigerian businesses exceeded N87 billion and USD300 million at YE 2013. The interventions have generated and sustained over 57,255 jobs. The Bank was in November, last year ranked “Best Performing Development Finance Institution” by the Association of African Development Institutions (AADFI). This was in recognition of its adherence to best practices in corporate governance, risk management and strategic focus. In addition to the above impact, the bank is committed to deepening trade between Nigeria and other countries of the African region through the facilitation of a Sealink Project. This is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative by ECOWAS and Central African countries to help realise a leap in intra-Africa trade. The issues of myriad bottlenecks, such as inadequate or nonexistent infrastructure, lengthy complex procedures, and inefficient border administrations, regulatory discrepancies have hampered trade and economies of scale within the ECOWAS region and beyond for Nigerian exporters and entrepreneurs. The expected benefits from the Sealink initiative is that it will lift the ‘freight burden’ on Nigerian and other exporters from West and Central African. For instance, it presently costs •2,100 per container and about 50 days to have goods delivered from Apapa ports in Nigeria to Douala ports in Cameroun or Tema Ports in Ghana; while it costs about $1,900 and 21 days to freight same from China to Nigeria.

International collaboration

NEXIM Bank tries to complement its funding capacity by attracting foreign investment capital towards the development and growth of the MASS sectors of the economy. The

‘Since its inception, the NEXIM Bank has supported over 1,000 SMEs, many of which rank among the top 100 exporters in Nigeria ... it has made its developmental impact felt through the number of jobs it has created and helped sustain as well as the amount of foreign exchange earnings it has helped Nigeria generate. The bank’s total credit in local and foreign currencies to Nigerian businesses exceeded N87 billion and USD300 million at YE 2013. The interventions have generated and sustained over 57,255 jobs’

By Lucas Ajanaku

without access to insurance, they probably would be having occasional challenges paying for medical treatment, because such expenses would usually be without or at short notice. It is to take away this burden of impromptu medical expenses that we are partnering to introduce this product.” He said there was need for education and sensitisation of the populace about healthcare. The MTN Yello Health Insurance will enable customers visit the hospital twice monthly or up to seven times annually to a maximum treatment cover of N80,000 annually. It also gives access to over 6000 hospitals across the country currently registered on the NHIS scheme. “This service will provide Nigerians affordable health insurance cover on a prepaid basis. Through the

Y’ello Health, mobile subscribers are able to opt into a micro healthcare insurance scheme through Health Management Organisations (HMOs) using their mobile phones for a range of pre-defined medical treatments for which affordable premium can also be remitted through the subscribers’ mobile phone, he said. Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, NHIS, Dr. Femi Thomas, said the agency intends to leverage on the huge subscriber base of the telco to get to many Nigerians. He added: “MTN is a large player in the economy, having a good number of registered Nigerians on its database. To reach out to Nigerians, we at NHIS decided to partner with Salt & Einstein MTS and MTN on this new initiative to achieve “Universal Health Coverage” for Nigerians

banks has embraced such instruments as concessional lines of credit, co-financing arrangements and facilitation of buyers’ and suppliers’ credit. At present, the Bank has a USD50 million line of credit with the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim) which was executed in 2010. There is also an existing USD20 million line of credit with Exim India, executed in 2011. In 2013, NEXIM sign a USD200 million Master Line of Credit agreement with African Development Bank. The facility is a Sovereign guaranteed loan to be disbursed in three tranches and designed as an export-oriented SME funding scheme to be availed to Nigerian exporters. NEXIM Bank and US Ex-Im Bank currently have no existing signed memorandum of understanding such as exists between NEXIM and India EXIM but a relationship largely hinged on a transaction basis. Under this arrangement, US Ex-Im will support exports of goods and services of American origin to Nigeria through a variety of products, including loans, guarantees and insurance services. However, as the intensity of export financing transactions between the US and Nigerian businesses grow, it may become expedient and more beneficial for the two ECAs to push for stronger and more sustained economic collaborative partnerships in relevant areas of operation. Not only would such a relationship provide stronger and more rewarding synergies, it would also broaden the focus of interventions and enhance the processes of US Ex-Im as it leverages on the deep sector-specific knowledge and expertise of NEXIM Bank, which has been promoting Nigerian SMEs for the past 23 years. • Moghalu is Head, Corporate Communication Department, Nigerian Export-Import Bank

‘US loses $11.2b in GM bailout’

‘Why MTN is into mobile health insurance’

ELECOMS giant MTN Nigeria is veering into mobile insurance to bridge the gap created by poverty and the need to provide cover for those who require health insurance, its Chief Marketing Office, Larry Annetts, has said. He spoke after the telco, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and mobile insurance services aggregator, Salt & Einstein MTS signed an agreement on universal health insurance service known as Y’ello Health. He said subscribers who take advantage of the initiative would be saved the burden of picking impromptu medical bills. He said:”The focus market for the Y’ello Health Cover are Nigerians who have no health insurance cover principally because they cannot afford the regular health insurance services in the market. These individuals like everyone else, need medical care. However,

• Moghalu

• Minister, Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson

nationwide. “The time has come for us to extend health insurance to Nigerians from all walks of life. With Nigeria’s population in mind, NHIS in partnership with Salt & Einstein MTS and MTN is bent on providing more efficient health care service to those who indeed cannot afford good healthcare services. This will help pull risk and share healthcare costs equitably across the population.”

HE United States Treasury’s bailout fund lost $11.2 billion on the rescue of General Motors Co. (GM) with the government’s exit of the largest U.S. automaker, a report said. The total includes $826 million that the Treasury wrote off in March for its remaining claim in old GM, the special inspector general for the Troubled Asset Relief Program said in a report to Congress yesterday. In December, the government had put the loss at about $10.5 billion on its $49.5 billion investment. The Treasury sold its remaining shares in GM in December, signaling the end of Government Motors, as the Detroit-based automaker was derisively labeled by some critics after the U.S. government stepped in with emergency funding in 2008. Bailouts from the George W. Bush

and Barack Obama administrations helped GM avoid liquidation and reorganise in a 2009 bankruptcy that has given new life to the company. “The goal of Treasury’s investment in GM was never to make a profit, but to help save the American auto industry, and by any measure that effort was successful,” Adam Hodge, a Treasury spokesman, said in an email yesterday. Buoyed by lower debt, reduced labor costs and a focus on only its strongest brands, GM is emblematic of a revitalised U.S. auto industry. While the government lost money, its exit paved the way for an influx of fresh investor capital Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and State Street Corp. were among investors to buy into GM. J. Kyle Bass’s Hayman Capital Management LP also took a stake in GM.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

Taxation

The CGT: An untapped goldmine

AXATION is arguably as old as mankind. In his book, Income Tax Law and Practice in Nigeria, Ola, C. S. said apart from revenue to the government, taxation is important to everyone and taxes collected come back to the taxpayers in the form of social amenities. Almost everything we own and use for personal or investment purposes is a capital asset. Examples include a home, personal-use items like household furnishings, and stocks or bonds held as investments. Capital gains are the profits realized from the sale of assets at a price that is higher than the purchase price. When a capital asset is sold, the difference between the cost sale and the sales price is a capital gain or a capital loss. You have a capital gain if sales price is higher than cost of sale. The reverse is the case for a capital loss. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a type of tax levied on capital gains accruing to individuals and corporations. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and State Boards of Internal Revenue are responsible for the administration of the CGT in Nigeria. It is a tax applicable to capital gains accruing to any person (company or individual) on the disposal of a chargeable asset. Capital gains taxes are triggered when an asset is realized, not while it is held by an investor. An investor can own shares that appreciate every year, but the investor does not incur capital gains tax on the shares until they are sold. Not all disposals are subject to CGT; only chargeable assets are. Chargeable assets are all forms of property, including options, debts and any form of property created or acquired by the person disposing it, or otherwise coming to be owned without being acquired. Landed properties and buildings are the main income yielding assets in Nigeria. Most countries’ tax laws provide for some form of capital gains taxes on investors’ and individuals’ capital gains, although CGT laws vary from country to country. In Nigeria, CGT was originally introduced by the Capital Gains Tax Act of 1967 with a rate of 20 per cent but effective from 1998, the CGT rate was revised down wards to 10 per cent. The legislation currently governing taxation of capital gains is the Capital Gains Tax Act CAP C1 LFN 2004. Capital gains are excluded from taxation under the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) to avoid double taxation since such gains are subject to tax under the CGT Act. Assets situated outside Nigeria are chargeable to CGT on the amount received in or brought into Nigeria. In the case of a non-resident, CGT is charged on any part of the gains received or brought into Nigeria.

Disposal to a connected person When a taxpayer transfers his capital asset to say, his wife, this is seen as a transaction between ‘connected persons’. In this case, the chargeable gains will be calculated on the basis of the market value of the asset at the date of transfer. Section 24 of the CGT Act, 2004 provides that a person is ‘connected’ if: a.That person is the individual’s spouse. b.A trustee of a settlement with any individual who in relation of the settlement is a settler. c.A person is connected with any person with whom he is in partnership and with any person the spouse or relative of any person with whom he is in partnership. A company is connected with another company if: a.The same person has control of both or he and persons connected with him has control of the other. b.Where a group of two or more person has control of each company and the group either consists of the same persons or could be regarded as consisting of the same persons by treating a member of either group as replaced by a person with whom he is connected. c.A company is connected with another person if that person has control of it or if it and that person connected with it together have control of it. d. Any two or more persons acting together to secure or exercise control of a company shall be treated in relation to that company as connected with another and so will any person on the directions of any of them to secure or exercise control of the company. Capital gains is the net consideration accruing to a person on the disposal of capital assets after the sum of the total consideration and expenses for acquiring the asset has been deducted. It is arrived at by deducting from the proceeds accruing to any person on disposal the following: a) The amount or value of the consideration (in money or money’s worth) given wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in providing the asset. b) Expenses wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred on the asset for the purposes of enhancing its value being expenditure reflected in the state or nature of the asset at the time of disposal. c) Expenses wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred on the asset in establishing, preserving or defending the title or right over the asset. d) The incidental cost of making the disposal, incidental costs of the acquisition of the asset or of its disposal includes fees, commissions or remuneration paid for professional services of any surveyor or valuer or auctioneer or accountant or agent or legal adviser and cost of transfer or conveyance, including cost of advertising.

Expenses allowable and computation of CGT Expenses allowable as a deduction in computing the gains or losses of a trade, business, profession or voca-

tion for income tax purposes are not to be deducted in the course of determining the applicable CGT. So also are premiums or other payments made under a policy of insurance against the risk of any kind of damage or injury to lose or depreciation of any asset. This does not prevent the deduction of expenses allowable in the computation of capital gains under the CGT if the assets have qualified for capital allowances. According to Ayua, I. A. in his book, The Nigerian Tax Law, the above position on deductions is to the effect that capital gains are liberally calculated for the purpose of the CGT law. In practice, capital gains are calculated by deducting the total cost of acquisition from net sales proceeds. Example: Ola sold his property for N150,000 on June 2, 2005. He incurred the following expenses in the course of the sale: Adverts (online and print): N 8,000 Legal service charge: N15,000 He bought the property on 13th December, 1981 at N60,000 and incurred the following expenses: Agency: N10, 000 Renovation : N 10, 000 . Here is a computation of the amount of CGT due from Ola: Proceeds from sale: Less expense: Adverts: Legal service charge: Agency: Renovation:

N 8,000 15,000 10,000 10,000

N 150,000

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Mashi Contribution to Federation Account

(43,000)

Net sales proceeds: Less cost of acquisition:

107,000 (60,000)

Gains

47,000

Capital Gains Tax = 10% of N 47,000 = N 4,700

Exemptions The CGT Act exempts gains accruing to the following: a) Ecclesiastical, charitable or educational institutions of public character. b) Any statutory or registered friendly society. c) Any co-operative society registered under the Trade Union Act, in so far as the gain is not derived from any disposal of any asset acquired in connection with any trade or business carried on by the institution or society and the gain is applied purely for the purpose of the institution or society as the case may be. d) Gains accruing from any local government council. e) Companies being purchasing authorities established under any law in Nigeria empowered to acquire any commodity in Nigeria for export. f) Superannuation funds (pension provident or other retirement benefits fund, society or scheme approved by the Joint Tax Board under Section 20 (1) (f) of the Personal Income Tax). g) Decorations, stocks and shares (the Act provides that where a person disposes a decoration awarded for valour or gallant conduct which he acquires otherwise than for consideration in money or money’s worth, such is not a chargeable gain. The Act also recognizes disposal of Nigerian government securities, stocks and shares as non-chargeable gains).

Reliefs To prevent double tax relief on disposed assets, the Act provides that relief would be given in respect of replacement of business assets, compensation for assets lost and destroyed and in respect of delayed remittances from abroad. The relief would be in the form of tax deferred.

Offences and penalties With regards to the FIRS’ jurisdiction, offences and penalties under CGT is as provided for by Part VI of the FIRS Establishment Act 2007. On failure to deduct or remit taxes, Section 40 of the FIRSEA 2007 provides that “any person who being obliged to deduct any tax under this Act or the laws listed in the First Schedule of this Act but fails to deduct or having deducted fails to pay to the Service within 30 days from the date the amount was deducted or the time the duty to pay arose, commits an offence and shall upon conviction be liable to pay the tax withheld or not remitted in addition to a penalty of 10 per cent of the tax deducted or not remitted per annum and interest at the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria minimum re-discount rate and imprisonment for a period not more than three years”. On penalty, Section 49 (1) stipulates that “any person who contravenes any provisions of this Act for which no specific penalty was provided, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N 50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both fine and imprisonment”.

The table above shows a six year contribution of CGT, Stamp Duties and CIT to the Federation Account (in terms of actual monetary value and percentage). CGT recorded its highest contribution in 2013 with a total of N19. 66 billion and its lowest contribution was in 2011 with N775 million. Whereas the contribution of CIT has been increasing steadily except in 2011 where it fell from N605.8 billion to N524billion, the contributions from CGT and Stamp Duties have been fluctuating between highs and lows as can be seen from the table. However, the contribution from CGT surpassed that of Stamp Duties in 2009 and 2013. This is interesting given that for all other years, contribution from Stamp Duties surpassed that from CGT. Hence, an indication that the CGT, if properly harnessed would no doubt contribute immensely to the revenue purse vis-à-vis national development. In other climes, the true economic gain rather than the accounting profit (sale price – cost price) is taxed by having an element of indexation that takes into account the inflation that affects the price of land and the price of appreciation of capital assets. Challenges facing the CGT in Nigeria range from poor collection of primary data such as original cost of land, improper valuation of land, and lack of comprehensive taxation of equities. In view of the need to focus on non-oil revenue sources, it is necessary to put administrative strategies in place so as to improve the performance of CGT. This could include piggybacking the collection of CGT on stamp duties or making the payment of stamp duties precedent on pre-payment of CGT such that a purchaser of chargeable asset would be identified at the point of getting stamp duties. Taxing authorities should collect and properly harmonise all primary data regards land from Stamp duties commissioners, there should be a robust engagement of professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, estate managers and other various stakeholders. The yield from CGT tends not to be as high as people would expect it to be. It will be needful to consider the interaction of the various tax laws, particularly with the Land Use Decree of 1979 as well as other aspects of the law. This would help to clearly define the beneficiary of gains as well as the person that is taxable on the gain.The CGT Act is currently being governed by the Capital Gains Tax Act CAP C1 LFN 2004. The Act as it stands is comprehensive enough to deal with a lot of the issues that exists especially in company land transfers of discreet properties owned in urban areas for which there is a clear market. However, the Act is not clear on how it will apply in the case of family land. For the most part, there should be a detailed review and amendment of the Act to align with global best practices.

POLITICS

MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

BAYELSA POLITICS EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the succession battle in Bayelsa State and the issues that would shape the next governorship poll in the oil-rich state.

APC, PDP battle for Bayelsa

OR 15 years, the Peoples Demo cratic Party (PDP) has ruled Bayelsa State. The party has produced four governors in succession. They are Dr. Diepreye Alamieyeiseigha, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who is now the President, Timpre Sylva, and Seriake Dickson, who will complete his first term in 2016. However, the politics of the state changed dramatically, following the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a formidable opposition party. A chieftain of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, warned that the days of the PDP are numbered in the Southsouth state. He said the people has seen the light, adding that they will not vote based on sentiment in next year’s general elections and the 2016 governorship poll. Dickson, a former member of the House of Representatives, is interested in a second term. But, in spite of the pressure being mounted by political associates on him to declare his ambition, he has refused to do so. The governor has been flaunting his achievements. He has also said that his future is in the hand of God and the people of the state. However, he warned the people to be wary of the wolves parading themselves as sheep. He has also reminded the people that Bayelsa was just recovering from infrastructural decay and insecurity. His associates said that his silence on his next move has thrown the opposition off-balance. In Bayelsa, there have been a gale of defections. As politicians from the PDP have defected to the APC, while some opposition starwalts have also moved to the ruling party. Unlike two years ago, the PDP family has also been assailed by friction. The governor has reshuffled his cabi-

net and dumped some commissioners, who are now firing back at the administration from outside. Some of the former commissioners, according to a source, were dumped because they were perceived to be disloyal. Across the eight local governments, there is a palpable feeling that since the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, may not support the governor for a second term, a vacancy exists in the State House. The President’s wife is said to be backing the Presidential Assistant on Domestic Matters, Dr. Wariponmowei Dudala, for governorship. Also, a caucus in the Bayelsa PDP, the New Dawn Development Initiative (NDDI), has been agitating for power shift. The group is believed to have links with the Grassroots Development Initiative, which is the campaign organisation for the governorship ambition of the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State, the First Lady’s home state. Though Dickson has been on the firing line, his admirers say he is a dogged fighter. He has concentrated his attention on governance, rather than politics. But he is also fortifying his political structure in the party, ahead of the 2016 governorship election. His associates have also gone to town with the message that it is wrong for any right thinking person to play politics with development. He has also wooed traditional rulers to his side through the developmental projects sited in their domains by the administration. Little did the governor guess that the cordial relations between him and his Permanent Secretary, Dame Patrience, would not last. Until re-

• Dickson

• Mrs Jonathan

• Frank

cently, Dickson had enjoyed the support of the First Lady on many of his programmes. When he declared a state of emergency in the education sector to boost human and capacity development, the First Lady, a teacher, hailed the move. Apart from awarding scholarship to undergraduates and post-graduate students in notable institutions at home and abroad, he also introduced free and compulsory education at primary and post-primary levels. About N5 billion was spent on scholarship for students studying within and outside the country, while N1.3 billion was spent for the procurement of free textbooks for the scheme. Also, the sum of N610 million has been spent on the payment of WAEC and NECO fees, as well as the procurement of science equipment for secondary schools in the state. Besides, the government has also spent N500 million for the provision of free school uniforms, N24 million for exercise books and N22 million for dual sitting desks. Dickson has given himself a passmark in the sector. He said: ”I cannot think of any state government that has spent this amount of money on education. “In the past two years, we’ve been addressing the infrastructural deficit in the state. But, from this year onward, we are going to also look at empowerment of our people.” The governor said he has also made marks in health, agriculture, power and tourism. The governor said:

“This state wants to be number one in terms of provision of power. I want you as experts to drive the power agenda. This is the state of gas. This state has more gas resources than any other state, so it is your duty to convert these potentials to create wealth and job opportunities for the people.” But on his 2016 ambition, he said: “When we get to the river of 2016, we would cross its bridge.” But he quickly added: “With our past experience, it will be a disaster for us to allow the people without genuine interest of the state to rule us again. We must work as a formidable team to protect the overall interest of the state as the only homogenous home of the Ijaws. Never again will the state be on offer to the highest bidder and will not be surrendered to those who do not mean well for the state.” He has promised to ensure security, by sending kidnappers and cultists packing. This, in his view, would make the state a safe haven for investors. However, there are certain hurdles on his way. A source said that Dame Patience’s alleged hostility to the governor cannot be ignored, although Dickson is a campaigner for the President’s ’s second term ambition. The President hails from the state and he will not be a factor during the electioneering. The likely challenger, Wariponmowei, is waxing stronger. Those who have scores to settle with the governor

are now gravitating towards the presidential assistant. “The feeling in Bayelsa is that, if the wife of the President is not backing the governor, it may be that the President is not backing him because the wife has a tremendous influence on his husband,” said a source. A PDP chieftain, who confirmed the friction, however, said the looming conflict could still be averted, if the governor acts fast. “The loyalty of the governor to the President is not in dispute and that is a factor,” he added. But, on the other hand, the APC is also not resting on its oars. Unlike in the past, the opposition is taking a firm root in Bayelsa. Therefore, the governor has foes to contend with in his party and outside. Frank, the APC chieftain, said even if Dickson is retained as the PDP flag bearer, he willl be beaten by the APC candidate. He said that many Bayelsans are not happy that the President has not attracted enough dividends of democracy to the state. He predicted that both the governor and President will not get votes in the state next year and 2016. Frank added: “In Bayelsa today, there is no federal presence. Even, in my own Odi community, Kolopokuma Local Government, the court judgment that the Federal Government should pay N37 billion to the community has not been obeyed. How do you want an Odi man to be happy with the President?”

Senator Akin Odunsi (Ogun West) spoke with LEKE SALAUDEEN on the Ogun State All Progresives Congress (APC) crisis and how it can be resolved.

‘Ogun APC should harmonise contending interests’

•Odunsi

HAT is your assessment of the APC congresses in Ogun State? One basic fact we have to know is that there were parallel congresses across the state. The irregularities that marred the ward congresses were responsible for this. Some people didn’t take part; they didn’t produce bank teller as the evidence of payment as stipulated in the guidelines. Yet, they were declared elected by congress officials that never showed up at the congress venues. Why did you go for a separate congress? If you want to build a house, you

must lay the foundation. The ward congress is the foundation of the local and state congress. The delegates to Local Government Congress are expected to emerge from the ward. It is not possible for those that did not emerge from ward congress to now take part at the Local Government Congress. We cannot have a successful congress when those who didn’t meet the party’s guideline and failed to produce bank tellers were declared winners. The irony of it all was that the names of those with tellers at the ward congress were not on the list prepared by the planning committee. In order to avoid violence, we decided to move away and held our own congress. Where did you hold your congress? I voted in Ota Ward 3, Sango-Ota. I arrived there at 8.00 a.m. for accreditation. We didn’t see any official at the congress venue. I called the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government to ask about of the officials. He said they were still be-

ing expected from Abeokuta. By 10 a.m, I called the chairman again to inquire. He said we should exercise patience. By 11 a.m, the venue was filled up and people became restive. I had to address them and calm the frayed nerves. By 1.00 p.m, I called the council chairman to know if the congress officials have arrived. The chairman didn’t pick his call. The officials never showed up at the venue. I consulted with INEC officials present who suggested that we pick five people among the delegates to conduct the congress. Under the watchful eyes of the INEC officials, the congress was conducted in line with Option A-4. People queued and candidates were called out. The congress elected officials for the wards. We would submit our report to the planning committee and send copies to INEC and security agencies. In many wards across the state, it is either the officials went underground to prepare report of the congress they did not conduct or

present reports of elected officials that did not follow due process. What happened during the Local Government Congress? The experience is similar to what happened at the ward level. There were reports of parallel congress held across the state. It was the fallout of the irregularities at the ward level. In my senatorial zone, parallel congresses took place in Community High School, Afon, Imeko Afon; Owode New Market Garage, Owode, Yewa South; Keasan Town Hall, Aiyetoro, Yewa North; Aseko Hall, Ibatafin, Ipokia; and St. Peters Roman Catholic School, Ota. INEC officials were present at the venues to monitor the proceedings. What all this tell you is that all is not well with us . There is a crack. What is the cause of the crisis? It has to do with the foundation of the relationship. There has been distrust ab ini tio and it has manifested itself in many ways after the 2011 elections. Those who laboured for the party and ensured its victory in 2011 polls are complaining of being

sidelined. Those in government want absolute control of the party machinery. The grassroots members and those holding elective offices have little or no say in party matters. We held parliamentary meeting once. After that first attempt, no parliamentary meeting has ever held. What would you suggest as the way forward? In politics, nothing is impossible. We can still work together as a family. But, there is need for mutual respect for one another. Those who are currently holding power should understand that power comes from God. If you are bestowed with power, use it in such a way that would bring joy to the people. Those who attach much importance to power should come down from their high horses. What I am saying in essence is that: There should be peace and rapprochement. With the parallel congress held across the state, the leadership should realise that there is problem. It’s high time the national leadership steps in to investigate contending issues in the state chapter.

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

POLITICS OSUN POLITICS The Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Elder Lowo Adebiyi, spoke with Correspondent ADESOJI ADENIYI on preparations for the August 9 governorship election.

‘Opposition is scheming to destabilise Osun’ W

HAT is your reaction to the verification of the voters’ card? The National Electoral Commission (INEC) invited the political parties to collect the soft copy of the voter’s register. As a political party, we have an organised system. We have printed the list given to us and distributed it to all the wards and units so that our party agents could check to confirm if they are authentic. Our party agents, the INEC officials and the security agencies have roles to play. All political parties have held several meetings with the INEC, but on our part, we have sensitised our members and appointed coordinators in each local government and ward and unit, in addition to party agents. We have mobilisers in the party too for this exercise. So, we have organised training, a three-day workshop for local government supervisors, for ward supervisors and unit supervisors, to coordinate and effectively monitor the collection of permanent voter’s register. This is to enable all the voters to collect their cards, so as not to allow any suspicious act. So, we want to ensure effective mobilisation and monitoring. Also, from our end, we have directed all the political office holders, all the lawmakers in the House of Assembly, all the local government executive secretaries and ward councillors to assist the party in the mobilisation, coordination and effective monitoring of the exercise. There are fears about electoral in security. How can thuggery and violence be prevented during the election? For the three years in the state, we have maintained peace and orderliness. We have ensured effective security with the various organs of government, with various structures set up by the government, which are known to everybody. But recently, because of the election, the opposition parties are mobilising people from all angles. We have sent letters to the Inspector General of Police and his assistant in Zone 11 and the Commissioner of Police about the information we received from a reliable source, which is now becoming a reality now, that some people are threatening to bomb, harrass, kidnap and kill because of the election. We have even sent a letter to the governor to call a security meeting, with all the security agencies in attendance,

to deliberate on this issue. So, what happened recently, where an explosive device was found in one of the banks, might not be strange to us because of the information we had long received. We are in government. How can we encourage thuggery and violence when we know it can destabilise us? So, it is the opposition that is engaging in violence to cause trouble and destabilise the state, ahead of the election. The two parties-APC and PDP- are accusing one another of causing problems, ahead of the poll. What is really happening? How can we be in government and plan to destroy ourselves? It is not possible. We are in government and the party is in charge. So, it is illogical to want to cause trouble for ourselves. In the last three years, there has been peace in the state. But, since the declaration by Iyiola Omisore, he has been importing a lot of people into the state. We have been seeing and witnessing a lot of things. And we have sent several letters out to the IG, AIG and CP informing them of the evolution of violence in the state. We have reported to them that some people are planning to destabilise the state. The PDP has said that the programmes the APC government are controversial. What is your reaction? We have told the public the reasons for some of these policies. On education, what we met was nothing to write home about. All the schools were in dilapidated condition. Teachers were poorly treated.The environment was not conducive for learning. But, the new schools we are constructing is a beautiful way of making a change. What we are seeing today in public schools will solve some fundamental problems. You can testify to the state of the art facilities in some of these schools that we have commissioned. Look at the one we commissioned in Alekuwodo, Osogbo and Ilare in Ife. The story is now different from the sorry state of education, which we inherited. Teachers are now being paid regularly and trained. The environment is now conducive for learning. So, all stakeholders; the pupils, teach-

• Adelowo

ers and parents; are now happy. Even, records have shown that there is an increase in pupil enrolment in schools. Public schools now enjoy better patronage unlike before. Also, the development of Osogbo, the state capital, and other urban cities by this government is something to celebrate by our party. Things have tremendously changed in Osun. Though people are averse to change, but the resultant effect is what the people cherish and the opposition is uncomfortable with. The encouragement we got is that the people appreciate what we are doing. If the people are not happy with us, you will never see them supporting government policies and programmes. But, violence and gangstarism have been reported in some public schools... Some people are behind the violence in public schools. They are sponsoring some youths to destabilise the system. The opposition is doing a lot of things to frustrate government’s policies and programmes, but with God on our side and with the visionary and courageous leadership we have, we will achieve the best for our people. For God sake, why should someone

carry a masquerade to school or wearing choir robes to school? For what reasons are these being done? We have resolved that the status quo shoul remain in schools, that no student should wear Hijab to Christian schools, untill the court will rule on the case. The governor has made a pronouncement that the staus quo should remain, pending the ruling of the court. The PDP has claimed that the APC is not popular in the state and that some APC secretaries at the local government level are planning to dump the party. Could you clarify this? The opposition is only making unnecessary comment about our popularity to create tension. We are still very popular. We need not say or repeat this. With what we have achieved in so short a time, we can not but be popular. Look around the length and breadth of the state, there is development everywhere. We have improved the economy substancially. There is peace. There are many more jobs, good and quality education. Our government has taken farreaching decisions that have changed the face of the state. As we celebrate these, the opposition bury their head in shame and disgrace. They were there for seven and a half years with nothing to show for it. Go and see the schools, the roads, hospitals and our policies and programmes in agriculture, youths and sport, we are unbeatable. Since the creation of the state, we have not seen development like this. Let the opposition make comment out of malice and envy. The people have clearly seen the difference. Seeing is believing. There is no harrassement or coersion to make people support us. We don’t gag people or intimidate anybody. Look at the collection of the permanent voters’ card. People trooped out en masse and participated actively. The governor only said go and collect your cards and people went on their own volition. With the achievements of government, the O’REAP, O’School, O’Reharb, O’beef and many more, we are very popu-

‘Our government has taken far-reaching decisions that have changed the face of the state. As we celebrate these, the opposition bury their head in shame and disgrace. They were there for seven and a half years with nothing to show for it’

lar and close to the people. We have no cause to fear anything because the people of Osun are becoming politically conscious more than before. They know what to demand from the government. They can identify government and the party that mean well for them. They are very conscious of the changes they can see around them now. Go to Osogbo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Ila and other communities. Government has extended hands of fellowship and development to all of them. People can see the difference between a government of seven and a half years and another one of three and a half years. So, people know that, if they give us more time in government, it is to their benefit. So, if the opposition is saying we are not popular, let’s wait till election time. They are not the one to judge our popularity. It is the people. In the 2011 election, what happened to all of them? They were defeated. Even, Omisore was beaten in his ward. He did not have the courage to challenge our candidate’s victory. And that the local government secretaries are dumping a winning party for a sinking or dead party, it is all rumour that cannot be taken seriously. Critics are saying that the endorsement of Governor Rauf Aregbesola for second term is in conflict with the principle of internal democracy in the APC... When you are talking about democracy, it involves human beings, not animals. There is someone now from Ijesha area, Oladimeji Fowowe, who is pasting posters for governorship ambition on the platform of the APC and we see this as a welcome development. But, the man is not known to the party. I have invited his coordinator to ask about the man. I learnt he was the Special Adviser to Zamfara State governor. But, to me, that is a welcome development. If you know you are equal to the task, you are free to come out, if you think you want to flag the flag of the party. But, as a party, we have a programme, a process of selection of our candidate, which you are going to follow. So, if many people and groups have endorsed Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for second term, he is still going to pass through the process of party selection. We are going to have a congress and we will invite the press to cover it. And, if anybody feels he is capable of challenging him, let him come out.

In this interview, Osun State Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Chairman Alhaji Ganiyu Ola-Oluwa speaks with ADESOJI ADENIYI on the party’s post-primary crisis and how it is being resolved.

‘PDP ready for Osun poll’

• Ola-Oluwa

OW is the PDP preparing for the next governorship poll in Osun State? It is important for us to prepare, ahead of the poll. The PDP will work hard to form the next government in Osun State. The Peoples Democratic Party was in power before in the state. That is why the state executive committee is work-

ing round the clock to achieve a good result. We won’t relent in carrying along our members. We also want them to know the importance of the re-validation and collection of their permanent voters’ cards to the election. The APC has alleged that your party is behind the thuggery and violence in the state. What is your reaction? If the APC is alleging that, it is a blatant lie. Since I became the chairman of PDP in Osun State, no crisis has been attributed to us.The PDP is a disciplined party that does not joke with peace. What is your assessment of the preparation for the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)? The INEC chairman, Attaihiru Jega, has done well. But, his men in Osun State, starting from the Resident Elec-

toral Commissioner, Rufus Akeju, are not doing well at all. For example, in Osogbo Local Government, the electoral officer is working for Akeju. And we know that he was deliberately posted there. Our protest letter to the INEC is ready because reports coming from there is bad. Enough forms are expected to be supplied each unit for those who might have lost their temporary cards. I went round to monitor. In Alekuwodo, only 10 forms were made available. Before the exercise, the INEC released a soft copy of the voters’ register to all political parties. Jega is doing well. But, he must ensure that some elements do not destroy the system. Could you shed light on the zoning in the Osun PDP? The party has the power to zone the governorship to a particular district. It was zoned to two senatorial districts-the West and the East-because

it was the Central that produced the last PDP governor. But, nobody was edged out from other districts. We called the aspirants to a meeting to pick a consensus candidate. But, they insisted on primaries. The APC has alleged that the PDP is behind the outcry over some of the laudable programmes of the Aregbesola Administration... We held a press conference to advise Aregbesola on the merger of schools. Each school has its own idea of operation. Mission schools are what we have most in Osun. The Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Ansar-ud-Deen, Nawarudeen have schools. The governor went ahead to merge a C.A.C school with an Ansar-ud-Deen, school. How can they cope? How can merging Ahmadiya with Anglican school work? He also went ahead to introduce three religions in school, Christianity, Islam and traditional

religion. That was why the masquarade was also seen in school. So, actually, the PDP is behind the crisis? Let them go and ask if we sponsor or talk to anybody to cause crisis. What is our business with that? If you advised somebody and he refused to listen, what again is our business with his problem? It has also ben alleged that you are promoting insecurity in the state, ahead of the election The governor made the alegation without basis. On the day of the bomb scare, we were in Abuja for the swearing in of the ministers. We only read it in the newspapers. without any basis. On that day we were in Abuja for the swearing in of new ministers. I read about the incident in the newspapers. In the PDP, we don’t carry bombs.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

147TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

oday Wednesday 30th April (30th Jumada Akhir, 1435 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and forty seventh (147th) sitting under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Fifty-three (53) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from fourteen (14)

MDAs of which twenty-eight (28) were approved for execution with an expenditure of Five Hundred and Twenty Five Million, One Hundred and Ninety One Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy Four Naira, Eighty Two Kobo (N525, 191,274.82) covering twenty-one (21) projects while the remaining seven (7) were on policy or informative, viz: 1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted twenty-four (24) memoranda on behalf of the Chairman and some other MDAs for deliberation by Council. Thirteen (13) of them were approved for execution as follows: a) Request for Funds to Effect Payment of the Kano State Government's Contribution (Portion) of the Fees for Twenty One (21) Kano State Indigenous Candidates Studying Four (4) Different Maritime Courses under the NIMASA Special Programme:The contents of the memorandum prayed on behalf of twenty-one (21) Kano State Indigenous Candidates studying four (4) different Maritime Courses under the NIMASA Special Programme at Tyneside College, New Castle, United Kingdom (UK). The entire programme started with twenty-five (25) Kano State Indigenous Students in India for the first phase. However, four (4) of them did not qualify for the second (2nd) phase while the majority twenty-one (21) did well and proceeded to UK for the second (2nd) and final phase of the four (4) year programme. Details were presented to Council for consideration with specific highlight on the implications for the third (3rd) payment against the 2014/2015 Session in respect of the twenty one (21) students currently in UK for the final phase of the programme. Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of $204,000.00 to enable the Kano State Scholarship Board pay the State Government's Contribution since sponsorship for the entire programme was already approved to the tune of $2,000,000.00 in respect of the students. Council appraised the details presented and approved the release of $204,000.00. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Submission of Documents for Visa in Respect of One Hundred and Fifty Five (155) Kano State Indigenous Candidates for Post Graduate Studies in Malaysia:The contents of this memorandum substantiated to Council that one hundred and fifty-five (155) Kano State Indigenous Candidates gained admission for various Post Graduate Courses in Malaysia and their documents for Visa processing at the Malaysian Embassy in Abuja needed to be submitted. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the aggregate sum of N816, 500.00 for the stated purpose. Council approved the request. The money is to be expended on Visa fee for 155 students (N201,500.00), Flight schedule cost for 155 students (N455,000.00), Cost of fuel and DTA for one (1) Officer and one (1) Driver for four (4) nights (N120,000.00) and Logistics (N40,000.00). c) Request for Funds to Bridge the Financial Gap/Requirements of Seven (7) Kano State Owned Tertiary Institutions Created by the Implementation of the Free Education Policy at all Levels in Kano State:The current policy on running free education programme at all levels in Kano State was substantiated by the Kano State Executive Council Resolution contained in Council Extract No. SSCA/CA/EX/19/1/ 174 dated 24th February, 2014. Implementation of the policy affected the local revenue generation of all Institutions owned by the State Government including six (6) of the seven (7) Tertiary Institutions (excluding CARS). Essentially, the total sum of N234, 619,585.75 representing 25% of the annual cost required for the 2013/2014 academic session by the seven (7) Institutions was requested for release by Council for smooth operations at the Institutions. Details were summarized and presented as follows: SN i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. Total

Institution KUST NW Uni. ABCOAD. AKSIL CARS SRCOEK KSP 06

No. of Students 7,479 2,063 1,068 18,807 3,075 14,078 14,110 57,605

Total Cost (N) 122,051,800.00 141,136,125.00 18,089,800.00 177,666,110.00 _ 195,749,600.00 283,786,000.00 938,479,435.00

25% (N) 30,512,950.00 35,284,031.75 4,522,450.00 44,416,527.50 _ 48,937,400.00 70,946,500.00 234,619858.75

To ensure the implementation of the free education policy as applicable at six (6) of the seven (7) Kano State owned Tertiary Institutions, Council approved the release of the sum of N234,619,858.75 (as 25% requirement). Council directed the six (6) Institutions to retire the expenditure. d) Presentation of the 2014 Local Government Councils Budget:The Secretary to the State Government endorsed the adopted resolutions of the Honourable Kano State House of Assembly at its sitting of Wednesday 26th March, 2014 on the cited issue and presented summary for noting by Council. In summary, the 2014 Budget for the 44 Local Government Councils in Kano State was presented as follows: i. Total Expected Revenue N211,974,926.984 ii. Total Personnel Cost N14,767,326.217 iii. Total Overhead N66,386,512.132 iv. Total Capital Expenditure N130,821,088.635 v. Total Expenditure N211,974,926.984 Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively. e) Request for Funds to Enable the Conduct of Official Tour to 44 Local Government Council Areas Shura Councils by the State Zakkah and Hubsi Commission:The Zakkah and Hubsi Commission planned to inspect the forty four (44) recently inaugurated Shura Councils across the State and requested Council to approve the release of N7,160,000.00 to cover for five (5) items required for the exercise, which was trimmed down to the sum of N1,295,000.00. The approved amount is to cover for the fueling of vehicles, allowances to Committee Members and Media. f) Request for Funds to Enable the Take-Off of Academic Activities at the Kano Development Journalism Institute, Kano State:The cited request was submitted by the Management at the Kano Development Journalism Institute, which is amongst the 21 Institutions established by the present administration. Specifically, the

memorandum requested the release of N200,000.00 monthly overhead and the sum of N2,220,000.00 to cover for the procurement of three (3) Fire Proof Cabinets, one (1) Fire Proof Safe, forty (40) Reams of Photocopy Paper, ten (10) Packets File - Size Envelope, twenty (20) Packets Small Size Envelope, twenty (20) Packets Blue and Red Biro, Production of File Jackets and Letter Headed Papers and Memoranda Sheets and construction/installation of 11,000 Liters Capacity Water Surface Tank. Council approved the request for the release of the N2, 220,000.00 for the procurement of essential items/ stationery and N200, 000.00 monthly overhead when the Institute fully takes-off.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

g) Presentation of Request for Approval for the Construction of Three (3) Type "A" Warehouses at the Kano Free Trade Zone Site:The Executive Secretary Kano State Pension Fund Trustees politely reminded Council of its approval for the cited project to be executed at the cost of N298, 181,518.74 by the Trustees as a means of generating revenue. Reportedly, due process was followed in identifying a Contractor willing to execute the project at the cost of N298, 081,400.00. As such, Council was requested to approve awarding the stated Contract to a competent contractor, Malamijo and Sons Ltd. that agreed to execute the project at the Contract sum of N298, 081,400.00. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested. h. Presentation of Report from the Committee on the Issues of Ukraine Inherited Students and Request for Funds to Address the Related Complaints:The Ministry of Higher Education presented the cited report along with request for funds to the tune of $42,000.00 for disbursement to seven (7) Kano State Indigenous Students already in Ukraine at the rate of $6,000.00 each to cover for tuition fee ($2,500.00), positioning certificate ($2,000.00) and accommodation fee ($1,500.00). Further details presented to Council for consideration include the following: SN Name of Student LGCA School/No. Course i. Farouk Wada K. Kurac Odessa (08/09) Navigation ii. Ibrahim S. K. Kibiya Ivano (47/09) Oil and Gas iii. Dauda S. S. KMC Kheraton (41/09) Maritime iv. Nazifi S. B. NSR Kheraton (45/09) Maritime v. Daha S. A. Kibiya Kheraton (56/09) Maritime vi. Abdullahi Isa Tofa Odessa (49/09) Telecom Eng. vii. Muhammad Isyaku NSR Kheraton (40/09) Navigation Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the release of $42,000.00 for disbursement to the seven (7) students such that the tuition fee and position certificate cost is paid directly to the respective accounts of the Schools while the accommodation fee is paid into the students' respective personal accounts. i) Presentation of Request for the Provision of the Manpower Requirements by the Fifteen (15) Zones under the State Hospitals Management Board:The Secretary to the State Government endorsed the details submitted by the State Hospitals Management Board on the cited issue and presented the summary of the Manpower requirements by the fifteen (15) Zones under the Board as follows: i. Drivers = 66 ii. Health Attendants = 665 iii. Watchmen = 190 Total = 921. Council acknowledged the request and approved as follows; i. 50% (460) of the Manpower requirement was approved for engagement by the Board for distribution to the fifteen (15) Zones according to their respective requirements. ii. The Health Attendants to be engaged must be from the Local Government(s) where the Health facility is situated and should undergo a two weeks training at the School of Hygiene. iii. The Watchmen to be engaged should be those trained at the Corporate Security Institute Zakirai, Gabasawa LGCA. iv. The Drivers to be engaged should be those trained at the State Driving School. h) Request for Funds to Enable the Payment for Registration Fees in Respect of 107 Kano State Indigenous Candidates Admitted into the School of Basic Midwifery Dambatta:The free education at all levels policy embarked upon by the Kano State Governmentinstigated the cited request. The Secretary to the State Government endorsed the request from the Ministry of Health for the release of the sum of N2,150,000.00 to cover the expected revenue (from School and indexing fees) to be generated from the admitted students. Council considered and approved the request. i) Presentation of Progress Report from the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the State Community Reorientation Council (CRC) Covering its Activities for two (2) Months (November and December, 2013):Highlights of the cited progress report were endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration. The three (3) Senatorial Zones of Kano State were monitored by the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the State CRC and highlights of findings were presented for consideration by Council. The report updated Council the progress so far made on the renovation of mosques, school feeding, Lafiya Jari Empowerment Programme, Butchers Empowerment Scheme and School Uniform Intervention Programme. j) Request for Funds for the Provision of Twenty Eight (28) Items Essential for the Conduct of Course Four (4th Batch) in Respect of 500 Male New Intakes at the State Corporate Security Training Institute, Zakirai, Gabasawa LGCA:The Corporate Security Training Institute is among the skills acquisition Institutes established in Kano State, courtesy of the empowerment policy of the present administration. The Institute had already graduated three (3) batches of trainees and alerted Council of its readiness to commence enrolment of the approved 500 Male Trainees for the fourth (4th) Batch. Details of the twenty eight (28) items required costing the aggregate sum of N19,162,900.00 which was requested for release were presented to Council for consideration. Congruence of the request to the empowerment policy of the present administration prompted Council to approve the release of the requested aggregated sum of N19, 162,900.00 to the Secretary to the State Government to enable the

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014 authorities at the Corporate Security Training Institute Zakirai, Gabasawa LGCA provide the required twenty eight (28) items essential for the conduct of the fourth (4th) batch of 500 beneficiaries at the Institute. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE The Kano State Head of Civil Service submitted three (3) memoranda for deliberation by Council. Two (2) of them were approved for execution. Thus: a) Presentation of Request for the Engagement of Part-Time Lecturers by the Kano State Development Journalism Institute:The Secretary to the State Government endorsed the cited request and presented it to Council for consideration on behalf of the Management at the Kano State Development Journalism Institute. Details on the three (3) categories of Part - Time Lecturers required were presented to Council for consideration as follows: i) Two (2) Associate Professors for Communication Course Unit on an allowance of N250, 000.00 per month each; ii) One (1) Assistant Lecturer for Communication Course Unit on an allowance of N130, 000.00 per month iii) One (1) Lecturer for Computer Course on an allowance of N180, 000.00 per month. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the engagement of only one (1) Associate Professor while the remaining two (2) categories of Lecturers were directed to be sourced from the State Service. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Payment of the Second (2nd) Batch 2014 Bereaved Family Allowances to Sixty Three (63) Families of Deceased Civil Servants:The Kano State Head of Civil Service reported to Council, through the contents of this memorandum, the successful payment of the released sum of N3, 570,000.00 as First (1st) Batch 2014 Bereaved Family Allowances. The Second (2nd) Batch for the year 2014 involving sixty three (63) bereaved families of deceased Civil Servants was computed to the tune of N2,850,000.00 and requested for release by Council. Council approved as requested and solemnly commiserates with the bereaved families for the irreplaceable loses of their respective benefactors. 2. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES Request for Funds to Enable the Conduct of Second (2nd) Batch Training of Fishermen on Modern Fishing and Craft Technology at the Magaga Fisheries Skills Acquisition Center:Council acknowledged the commendable conduct of the highly required First (1st) Batch Training on Modern Fishing and Craft Technology for 120 Fishermen at the Magaga Fisheries Skill Acquisition Center (8th- 29th January, 2014). The conduct of the second (2nd) Batch Training for another set of 120 Fishermen was recommended to Council for consideration by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Fisheries. Details on the five (5) items required for the training exercise were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the aggregate sum of N3, 625,000.00. Council approved the request to enable the conduct of the second (2nd) Batch for 120 Fishermen at the Magaga Fisheries Skills Acquisition Center as the project was in line with the empowerment policy of the present administration. 3. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Three (3) of the Seven (7) memoranda submitted for consideration by Council from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning were approved for execution as follows: a) Request for Funds to Enable the Payment of Compensation for Properties Affected by the Provision of Garden Interlock Tiles Along Pedestrian Walkways Behind Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (Yan' Tsaki - Darmanawa - Yan' Katako, Na'ibawa) Road Project:The laudable policy of the present administration on the provision of required infrastructure for use by the citizenry in Kano State was highly commended by the Hon. Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning. In the same vein, garden interlock tiles were provided at the cited location in the course of which six (6) buildings (Plots 5 - 10 on LPKN 962) were demolished with structures affected valued at the sum of N13, 609,004.00 which was requested for release by Council to enable payment of compensation to the owners. Council approved the request. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Construction of Perimeter Wall Fence at Rijiyar Zaki Motor Park:The contents of this memorandum substantiated to Council that the cited request was instigated by the following facts that 544 Shops were located at the site with 105 of them completed to 100% level while the majority 439 is at various stages of construction. In the same vein, 135 of the Shops located at the site were marked "X" and served with vacation notices. Importantly, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning deemed it imperative to secure the site by the construction of perimeter wall fence at the sum of N3, 856,735.73. The details presented to Council for consideration were carefully appraised and the sum of money requested for the project was trimmed down to the tune of N3,498,173.00 by subtracting the sum of N358,562.16 that covered preliminaries and VAT. Council approved the release of the trimmed down sum of N3, 498,173.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable the construction of perimeter wall fence at the Rijiyar Zaki Motor Park on direct labor basis. c) Request for Funds for the Construction of "Ring Pipe" Drainage and Provision of Asphalt Laying on the Parking Space Opposite the Ado Bayero Shopping Mall:Kano Urban Planning Development Authority (KNUPDA) identified the site in question as requiring solution to the problem of drainage generally experienced along Zoo Road and assessed the scope of works required to the tune of N9, 398,461.07. The amount will be expended on the removal of unwanted material, provision of qualitative Laterite filling, provision of ring pipe drainage type, provision of block wall (Chamber and cover grill), provision of mixer concrete works and provision of asphalt on the parking space. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. 4. MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT This Ministry submitted three (3) memoranda for deliberation by Council. Only one (1) of them was approved for execution. Thus: Request for Funds for the Purchase and Installation of 500KVA, 11/0.415 KV Electricity Relief Transformer and L.T. Extension at Farawa Layin Mai Unguwa, Kumbotso LGCA:Cognizant of the resolve by the present administration in Kano State, the State Rural Electrification Board identified and promptly responded to the yearnings and aspirations of the community residing at the cited location for the State Government to intervene in ensuring the provision of electricity supply to the area. Accordingly, a detailed BEME to the tune of N10, 655,358.00 was forwarded for the cited project if awarded on Contract basis. Congruence of the project with the resolve by the present administration to provide qualitatively for the infrastructural requirements of the citizenry in Kano State prompted Council to approve the release of the requested sum of N10,655,358.00 to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to enable the execution of the stated project on Contract basis. 5. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT The only memorandum submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport was approved for execution. Thus: Request for Additional Funds for the Provision of Asphalt Overlay on the Entire Width of the Expanded Zungeru Road, Sabon Gari, Kano:The Hon. Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport reminded Council of its approval granted on the 22nd November, 2013 for the release of the sum of N245, 527,145.25 to Kano Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA) for the reconstruction of Zungeru Road. Reportedly, the construction works are at 70% level of completion. Council was informed of the Government desire to upgrade the reconstruction of this road by increasing the width and thus gave instructionto KARMA for the provision of Asphalt Overlay on the entire width of the expanded Zungeru Road. This led to this request from the Agency for the release of N73, 683,920.20. Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N50,000,000.00 to the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable KARMA execute the stated project. 6. MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, COOPERATIVES AND TOURISM Only one (1) of the three (3) memoranda submitted from this Ministry for deliberation by Council was approved for execution as follows: Presentation of an Invitation and Request for Funds to Enable the Participation of Kano State at the 7th

47 Edition of Arts and Crafts (AFAC) Expo (1st - 15th June, 2014) at Eagle Square, Abuja, Nigeria:AFAC EXPO was presented to Council as a wholesome annual event in which Kano State participated from inception to date. The 7thEdition was considered as not different from other editions. As such, the Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism alerted Council of the receipt of an invitation letter from the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to Kano State for participating at the 7th Edition of the wholesome National Event Organized under the theme "African Arts and Crafts; Tools for Economic Empowerment". Again, Council was notified that the event for the year 2014 coincided with Nigeria's Centenary celebration and is aimed at showcasing the history of our rich Arts and Crafts so as to promote indigenous skills and products. The sum of N9, 613,000.00 was requested to enable State participation, which was approved by Council. 7. MINISTRY OF HEALTH The only memorandum submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Health was approved for execution. Thus: Presentation of Brief on the Need and Request for Funds for the Execution of Additional Renovation Works at Sir Muhammad Sunusi General Hospital, Kano State:The Hon. Commissioner for Health submitted the cited request cognizant of the resolve by the present administration in Kano State to provide qualitatively for the transformation of the entire Health Sector. Sir Muhammad Sunusi General Hospital benefitted tremendously from the efforts of the present administration to renovate, provide required equipment and relevantly trained Health Personnel. Still additional works were identified, assessed at the sum of N10,148,020.00, which was requested for release. Council considered the request as appropriate and approved the release of the sum of N10,148,020.00 to the Ministry of Health to enable the execution of additional renovation works at Sir Muhammad Sunusi General Hospital. MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION Three (3) of the four (4) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Higher Education were approved for execution as follows: a) Request for Funds to Enable the Payment of Registration fees for 139 Kano State Indigenous Candidates Admitted as First (1st) Batch into the Nigerian Law Schools for the 2014/2015 Academic Session:The cited request was from the Kano State Scholarship Board, which was endorsed and presented to Council for consideration by the Hon. Commissioner for Higher Education. The contents of this memorandum tacitly alerted Council that the Nigerian Law School released the list of the first (1st) Batch of admission for the 2014/2015 academic session to the successful graduating students of Law at Nigerian Universities and abroad. Friday 2nd May, 2014 is slated as the final day of registration. Thus, Council was notified that 126 Kano State Indigenous Candidates gained admission into six (6) Campuses of the Nigerian Law School and have completed the documentation exercise conducted by the Kano State Scholarship Board for the payment of the special grant to enable them effect the registration on schedule. However, thirteen (13) students outstanding as late cases of the 2013/2014 academic session were included to make the number 139. Essentially, the sum of N320,000.00 was paid per student in the 2013/2014 academic session, which is currently increased with N15,000.00 to the tune of N335,000.00 for the 2014/2015 academic session. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for release of the aggregate sum of N42,015,000.00 to enable the 139 candidates pay for their registration fees. The council approved the release of the requested aggregate sum of N42,015,000.00 to the Ministry of Higher Education to enable the Scholarship Board effect the stated payment. b) Presentation of Request for the Redemption of N1,000,000.00 Pledged by the Kano State Government at the Launching Ceremony of First (1st) Hausa Islamic Computer Software:The Hon. Commissioner for Higher Education notified Council, through the contents of this memorandum that, he represented the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner for Local Governments at the Launching Ceremony of the first (1st) Islamic Computer Software organized by Sheikh Ishaq Rabi'u at Mumbaiya House, Kano. The Kano State Government purchased fifty (50) copies of the software at the cost of N1,000,000.00. As such, Council was requested to approve the release of the N1,000,000.00 to the Author of the Software. Council approved the request. 8. MINISTRY OF FINANCE Presentation of Notification of Un-accessed Funds for States in Nigeria Deposited at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as at the Year 2011:The Hon. Commissioner for Finance notified Council, with concern, of the following: i. Efforts of the State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) to audit tax deducted from Federal MDAs resident in Kano State. ii. The contents of a letter received from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation with reference number OAGE/IPPIS/028/1/142 dated 20th September, 2011. Items (i. and ii.) confirmed that over N60,000,000,000.00 un-accessed funds belonging to the 36 States of the Federation exist as a result of unremitted deductions of pay as you earn (PAYE) taxes from Federal employees' Salaries working in Federal Government MDAs stationed in various States of the Federation. The State BIR constituted a 4 - Member Committee to work earnestly in ensuring what is due to Kano State is received. However, a stalemate was experienced due to the Federal Government claim that its own funds by way of Federal Taxes are trapped by States. Ultimately, the matter was reported to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Council appraised the contents and mandated the Kano State Accountant General and the Chairman BIR to liaise with the authorities of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission for the verification and recovery of the outstanding funds due to Kano State. UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 147TH EXCO SITTING 1. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS FROM DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS TO GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI'U MUSA KWANKWASO, FNSE i. Distinguished Service Award' from the Rotary International Club to the Governor forhis effort to eradicate the Polio Virus, Malaria and other Child killer diseases in Kano State. ii. 'Most Progressive, People Oriented Leader Award' for his urban development policy from Colombia International Associates. iii. 'Award of Excellence on Community Development Programs' from the Kano State Central Working Committee on Community Development Associations [Self Help Groups]. 2. MONTHLY ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION EXERCISE Council acknowledged the successful conduct of the end of the month Environmental Sanitation Exercise in the State. During the exercise 190 violators were arraigned before the Court and the sum of N310,880.00 was realized as fines. 3. KANO STATE APC STATE CONGRESS Council acknowledged and appreciated the peaceful conduct of the APC State Congress. Council congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Umar Haruna and the other members of the executive. 4. FULFILMENT OF PLEDGES BY THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT TO THE BE REAVED FAMILY OF LATE SANI USMAN Council witnessed the redemption of pledges made by the State Government to the Bereaved Family of Late Sani Usman. Government donated the sum of N1 million as financial assistanceand bequeathed a GP House occupied by the deceased to the bereaved family. 5. SIGNING OF FOUR (4) LAWS PASSED BY THE KANO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY Council witnessed the signing of four [4] Laws passed by the Kano State House of Assembly by the Governor. The Laws are: o Child Labor Prohibition Law o Street Begging Prohibition Law o Kano State Entrepreneurship Institute Law o Micro Finance Board Law. Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Mercy Johnson to govt: Save Chibok girls

•Bala

OP Nollywood star, Mercy Johnson, has called on the Nigerian government to assuage the pains in the hearts of the mothers of kidnapped Chibok girls by Boko Haram insurgents. The actress, in a letter, which has been applauded by many, said: “Sometimes, our realities remind us of the pain of others. My reality as a mother is that I get to see my daughter every day, while the reality of the mothers of the kidnapped 234 Chibok girls is that they don’t even know where their daughters are. “All well-meaning Nigerians must come together and help these mothers who have been in pains for more than two weeks and make the memory a reality- the reality of seeing their children again. Let us not for once think that the evil-doers who turn the realities of these mothers to memories cannot do the same to us, if they have the opportunities. This is not a war against a select group of people; it is a war against all wellmeaning mothers in Nigeria, as injustice to one is injustice to all. Let the mothers rise, the men who love them should stand by their right hand and the children who adore them on their left and do all we can in our spheres of influence to ensure that the children come back home safe,

•The late Mrs. Igwe

Censors Board mourns Amaka Igwe

OR obvious reason, more tributes have continued to pour in for the late Nollywood filmmaker and director, Mrs. Amaka Igwe, who died of asthma last week. Like other stakeholders in the filmmaking industry in Nigeria, the National Film and Video Censors Board( NFVCB) has said the late Amaka Igwe will be remembered for her pioneering role in Nollywood. In a release, the Board said: “Checkmate, the television soap which she created, had the roads emptied on the evening belt when it was

By Ovwe Modeme

broadcast. It was later to become the acting nursery, which supplied Nollywood many of its early stars. Without resting on her oars, the late motion picture matriarch went ahead with other epochal interventions by setting up production studio, creating award-winning television series, founding BOBTv and growing it to become an industry benchmark with her husband. “As we mourn the passing on of this creative Amazon, we pray God to console her family and comfort all for whom this loss is heartfelt.”

By Mercy Michael

so that the mothers can smile again.” She also urged Nigerians to intensify their prayers, adding that those who could fast should add more days to their fasting period. “We need the girls back! They are innocent; they have their future ahead of them; so, please do not cut it short. I dare say some of them will end up being the solution we desire to restore the lost and battered glory of this nation. Please, don’t kill or damage the future all in the name of militancy. “I appeal to the soldiers and other security operatives not to be demoralized. Do not let this evil people for once think that they can get away with this. If they ever get away with this, let me assure you that we won’t all be able to sleep with our eyes closed. “I appeal to the political class and those in power not to think that any right-thinking Nigerian will allow this matter to be swept under the carpet. This isn’t one of the matters we will keep mum about. If your child were one of the abducted children, we would probably have heard of the end of the matter. Let’s not fold our arms and let evil reign.”

Timaya, Sean Tizzle now MTN brand ambassadors

•Terry G

Naija Street Champ: Organisers unveil plans for auditions

HE organisers of the Naija Street Champ, a new talent contest, have announced the commencement of the registration of contestants, as the first audition holds on Saturday. The General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said: “All is now set to kick-off with the official launch of the website: www. naijastreetchamp.com and upload of the first beat to be downloaded by contestants. “We have also sealed the partnership with First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB) to sell the pin in all of its branches in Lagos.” He also disclosed that the first audition for the talent

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

hunt would hold at Gowon football playground, Ipaja, on Saturday, for the Ipaja / Ayobo zone, while the audition for Ketu/Ojota/Ikorodu zone would hold on Sunday, at Emmanuel playground, Ojota, Lagos. Idowu, who also explained that registration would be opened until the last date of audition, added that participants could register as many times as possible to partake in more than one zone audition. According to the organisers, the winner of the first edition of the Naija Street Champ challenge will win a cash prize of N1, 000,000.00( One million Naira) and a three-year recording deal.

T was, indeed, a moment of glory for popular Dancehall and Afro Hip hop artiste, Enetimi Alfred Odom, aka Timaya, and fast-rising Hip hop artiste, Seun Morihafen, aka Sean Tizzle, when they were officially unveiled as brand ambassadors, among others, for the telecommunications and ICT company, MTN, last week in Lagos. During the occasion, the Chief Marketing Officer, Larry Annetts, said: “The unveiling marks the beginning of a better life and connectivity between the company, the artistes and consumers through digital possibilities, especially downloads of callertunez and assess to exclusive digital music distribution services that it provides.” Against this backdrop, the addition of Timaya and Sean Tizzle has now swelled the number of MTN brand ambassadors to 21. Not long ago, Banky W., Harrysong, Dr. Sid and Sound Sultan were announced as the company’s brand ambassadors, just as the contracts of Iyanya Mbuk, Wizkid and a host of others, including Yaw, Nedu, Mama Gee,

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

Saka and Nkem Owoh, a.k.a Osoufia, were renewed. At the event, Praiz’s Mercy and Timaya’s Bow Down, which are both new singles, were premiered, in addition to musical videos by Chidinma and Tiwa Savage. Meanwhile, sensational singer, Kcee, used the occasion to

•Sean Tizzle

present a prize to the winner of his Fine-face competition. Also premiered was the collaboration between South Africa’s duo of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza, a.k.a Mafikizolo, and Nigeria’s Davido. The trio premiered the song titled Tchelete, which means ‘Goodlife’. Kgosinkwe was obviously elated, as he enthused that the

song was the best collaborative work he had ever done with any foreign artiste. Some of the top celebrities in attendance during the glamorous event include Oritse Femi, Ghanaian diva, Rebecca Acheampong, aka ‘Becca’, Vector, Ice Prince, Solid Star, Dayo Adeneye, Kenny Ogungbe, Ayo Animashaun, TY Mix, Olisa Adibua, Yaw and Tee-A.

•Timaya

Islamic musicians mourn Waheed Ariyo

EMBERS of the Islamic Musicians Association of Nigeria (ISMAN) are still in pensive mood, following the death of their former president, Alhaji Abdul-Waheed Ariyo, who died of a heartrelated disease last Friday. In attendance at his burial at his Otta, Ogun State residence on Friday were the current ISMAN President, Alhaji Abdul-Wasi’i Kayode AsSideeq, Alhaja Basirat Ogunremi Iyan-Ghana, her hus-

•Plan artistes’ night By Tajudeen Adebanjo

band, Idowu Ogunremi Olomitutu, Damilola Esinogbamilaye, Quomarudeen Ayeloyun Baba Iyawo and Alawiye Ahmad. They described their departed former leader as “gentle, God-fearing, accommodating and a leader with exemplary qualities.” Also, a leading Islamic singer in Niger State, Shereefdeen

Abiola Jamiu, described Ariyo, who died at 53, as “a reliable mentor and role model, whose departure will leave a big vacuum in the association.” The current president of the association, As-Sideeq, said a date for the artistes’ night being planned for the late singer would be announced today. He also disclosed that the final fidau would come up on Thursday at his residence.

•Ariyo

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

Why I want to be Lagos governor, by Pitan

F •Managing Director, Rasco Blocks Industry, Alhaji Rasheed Adebowale (left) Managing Director, Sabkuna Blocks Industry, Ayobo, Senior Apostle Aina; Relationship and Block Manager, Lagarge, Mr Adesoji Okeshina and Regional Manager, Lagos Mainland, Lagarge, Mr Moses Atewogboye at a forum organised by Lafarge in Lagos PHOTO:SOLOMON ADEOLA

World Economic Forum: IGP orders security cordon around Abuja

NSPECTOR General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar has ordered massive security cordon around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs ahead of the World Economic Forum billed to take place in Abuja from Wednesday to Friday. In a detailed Operational Order released by the Force Headquarters, Abuja yesterday, the IGP ordered the immediate deployment of

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

men and relevant security equipment in the capital city and the satellite towns. A statement by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba said the order followed a presidential directive for a safe, secure and conducive atmosphere before, during and after the event. “The IGP has directed police field commanders to step

up tight security measures in all strategic locations and vulnerable points and further strengthen security at entry and exit points in the FCT, Airports and highways as well as city roads, hotels and the conference venue”, the statement said. According to the statement, the IGP assured participants at the Forum, the international community and the entire citizenry of adequate security during the

event. The police stressed that the Force and other security agencies have already put in place effective security measures for the safety and comfort of participants and the entire citizenry. The IGP urged the citizenry to show understanding and continue to cooperate with the police and security agencies for the duration of the operations.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

ORMER Lagos State Commissioner for Health Dr. Leke Pitan has said he wants to be governor so that he can build on achievements of Governor Babatunde Fashola and the foundation laid by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Pitan, whose tenure laid the foundation for the widely acknowledged health programmes of the Tinubu administration, said with his experience in the health and the education sectors, he was equipped to take over from Fashola.a Speaking at the weekend in Lagos, he expressed optimism that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would sweep the polls in the state next year. Pitan said: “We have delivered as a party in charge since 1999. We can continue to deliver. That is why the right candidate should be fielded by our party. “As progressives, we have promised the people social service. If you promise to clothe the people, you would not send a carpenter to them. You will send a tailor to them. This will make them happy and give them confidence in you. As such, my coming into the race is not about personal ambition, but to keep the tempo of providing social services for the people.” Pitan, who hails from Agbowa Ikosi in Epe Local Government Area said: “Having worked with Tinubu to lay the foundation in 1999 and which Fashola has creditably built upon, I’m the best for the job.” According to him, the leadership of his party is conscious of the fact that it must present an acceptable candidate; somebody who implemented people-oriented programmes. He cited some of the programmes he initiated in the education and health sectors as the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS); creation of the first Health Service Commission in Nigeria; creation of the first HIV/AIDS Control Agency in Nigeria; creation of Blood Transfusion Screening Centres with the first enabling blood transfusion law in Nigeria; mass free health schemes, such as the Blindness Prevention Programme; Free Corneal (Eye) Transplant Programme; Open Heart Surgery Programme; Free Milk Programme for pupils; sreation of 25 technical and vocational training centres across the state as annexes to the technical college and the creation of 29 inclusive education schools for handicapped children, among others. He said the core programme in his party’s manifesto is the provision of social services to the people and assured Lagosians that they would get more if they vote for the APC. •Dr. Pitan

Police, APGA leaders to meet May 13

HE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has invited the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) led by Chief Maxi Okwu and the erstwhile lead-

ers-Chief Victor Umeh and Alhaji Sani Shinkafi to a parley on May 13. The invitation is to resolve the crisis over which of the faction occupies the party’s National Secretariat at Wuse, Abuja.

CBN acting gov to speak at seminar

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Acting Governor Sarah Alade will be among the speakers at a one-day seminar on the cash-less policy. The event, organised by a leading media and public policy company Wilson and Weizmann Associates, with CBN’s support, will hold in Lagos on May 13. A statement by the seminar coordinator, Festus Masajuwa said CBN Deputy Governor in charge of Operations Kingsley Moghalu as well as selected chief executives of major banks in Nigeria will also speak. Others are Director-General, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Femi Ajayi; his Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counterpart Ibrahim Larmode and Bismarck Rewane of Financial Derivatives Ltd. From the United Kingdom, the Director in charge of Africa and the Middle East at Travelex UK Ltd., Mark Smith, is also billed to address the one-day event alongside Executives of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators (ABCON).

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

Firm urges investment in auto sector

ANAGING Director of BKG Exhibitions Ltd Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, has called on governments at both Federal and state levels to leverage on the achievements of the annual Motor fair. BKG, the organisers of the ongoing ninth Lagos Motor Fair and third Autoparts Expo at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, said the opportunities and potentials of the Lagos Motor Show are what the Lagos State and neighbouring states could leverage on to promote ‘economic tourism. Nigeria, Agwu said, is very important to the global automotive business as all brands in the industry struggle to enter and capture the market. He said: “The nation obviously needs to have internationally recognised auto shows to help in showcasing and opening this impor-

•Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Oluseyi Coker (third left) assisted by Agwu (third right); PAN Nigeria Ltd Head of Corporate Communication, Musa Bashir Usman (right); CC Autos General Manager, Always Yang and other guests to declare the fair open. Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

tant market and its potentials to attract the much desired investments to develop the sector. To be able to make this event attain that height, we need the active support of other stakeholders. “We ask for the urgent help of the

Lagos and neighbouring states governments in shouldering this important responsibility; bearing in mind that no investment in this key sector is a waste. “With the giant strides of these states in the area of Industrialisation and development of the road transport sector, they need to actively support this event to consolidate and even

surpass set targets.” With the current development in the automotive industry in the country, Agwu said, any serious player in the industry cannot but tag into a key event like the fair to showcase capabilities and entrepreneurship. “Our intention in bringing them to Lagos, which is the hub of automotive business in West Africa, is to

CFAO Motors offers discount at fair

Hyundai donates to orphanages

FAO Motors is offering 10 per cent on all its products at the ongoing Lagos Motor Fair and Autoparts Expo. Disclosing this at a media parley in Lagos, General Manager, Mitsubishi, CFAO Motors Nigeria Ltd, Navin Chander said the auto firm is showcasing Mitsubishi Space Star, Attrage and Outlander at the fair. The CFAO Motors, Chander said, is projecting between 10 and 15 units sale of Outlander model per month. He assured customers of value for their money on all auto products in the stable of CFAO. The Space Star model looks compact in terms of quality and economy. Styled to have friendly outlook, expressive sides and tapering tail, it blends smooth aerodynamic curves with sculpted, edgy styling to create a refreshing balance and reassuring sense of stability The model comes with 1.2-litre engine with power outputs between 68 and 78 HP. As a budget car, the only gearbox available is a 5-speed CVT unit and it comes in both manual and automatic transmission. Its compact hatch-backs and superminis have a cross-generational appeal owing to its price and what it was intended for. Mitsubishi, the car’s manufacturer, has provided enough for everyone and successfully avoided pigeon-holing the Space Star in either gender’s

HE recent appearance of insurgency with the accompanying bombings in Nigeria has led to several actions by the Government which have been affecting free flow of traffic in many parts of the Country. Despite the Military and JTF road blocks, the insurgents still perpetrate their acts in various parts of Nigeria including Abuja, the seat of the Federal Government. The fact is that Nigeria has been very porous for too long. I have touched all the 36 States in Nigeria and Abuja and I can say categorically that Nigeria too much open to various internal and external attacks. The road block checkings are not professionally done with the right equipments for detecting weapons of destruction.

enable Nigerians and neighbouring West Africans engaged in auto spare business work out rewarding and lasting business relationships with them. It would save them the troubles of going abroad to seal such business deals and most importantly it will bring these foreign companies into the country, resulting in increased activities in the sector, which will in both the short and long runs rub off positively on the sector,” he said.

•Chander (second left) with CFAO Motors Deputy Managing Director, Mr Kunle Jaiyesinmi (left); Marketing Communication Consultant, Dr Oscar Odiboh and Sales Manager (Mitsubishi) Mr Kehinde Amao at the fair

camps. The car’s interior looks austere, but it is saved from harsh criticism by the piano black dash and supple leather steering wheel. The Space Star comes in two trim levels; Invite and Intense. Sticking with the model on test, the 1.2 Intense’s creature comforts are plentiful and range from aircon, bluetooth, keyless push button ignition, stop start (or Automatic Stop and Go in Mitsubishi vernacular), an auxiliary and USB port for MP3 connectivity, leather steering wheel and gear knob (which is a touch bulbous and arguably out of place), front fog lights and daytime running lights. The Attrage is a 1.2-litre 4-door GLS sedan with optional equipment for customers to choose. For the outlet, the modest car has an outstanding fuel economy and easy manoeuvrability. Its surprisingly roomy interior and

wide-ranging amenities reach far beyond its class to enhance driving pleasure. The lightweight body and smooth aerodynamics contribute to classleading fuel efficiency, as well as smooth and stable acceleration. Traveling is more affordable, eco-friendly and enjoyable in the new Attrage. When you demand acceleration, the new Attrage responds with spirited torque and horsepower while maintaining impressive fuel economy. Intake valve timing is continuously optimized in response to driving conditions to ensure smooth powerful response at all times. The new Attrage is streamlined based on advanced computer simulation to slip through the wind with a class-leading that lowers noise and enhances handling stability.

SAFE DRIVING

The weight-optimized body is one of the lightest in its class, thanks to the ample use of hightensile steel that also offers impressive strength and rigidity that contribute to safety and excellent handling. An extremely tight turning radius, one of the smallest in its class, makes the new Attrage easy to manoeuver through narrow city streets and crowded parking lots. Drivers of every experience level will find the new Attrage simple to handle. The Outlander, which comes with 2.4 litre engine, is dubbed “Refined and Adventurous.” Chander said it is completely new in terms of design, specification and engine. It has five-seater and seven-seater but the seven-seater is available for the Nigerian market.

YUNDAI Motors Nigeria has donated hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes’ repellent supplies and relief items to 10 orphanages and less privilege homes in the country to commemorate World Malaria Day. This gesture, according to the company, was to improve the socio-economic welfare of the less privilege and reduce the scourge of the deadly malaria parasite which is predominantly responsible for most deaths in Africa. Presenting the items, which include treated mosquitoes’ nets and insecticides at the Little Saints Orphanage, Head, Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited, Mr Jatin Nadkarni said the initiative was part of Hyundai’s contribution to the welfare of the less privileged. He added that the relief materials were in fulfillment of the automaker’s global campaign values of ‘touching lives.’ Nadkarni lamented the spate of lives lost to malaria scourge annually. “We should begin to think proactively and plan how best to half the populations of children vulnerable to malaria scourge, especially those aged between six months and five years, which currently account for 52 percent of the country’s population.” In her acknowledgement, Reverend Christiana Bamidele George, founder, Strong Tower Mission owners of Little Saints Orphanage hailed Hyundai gestures, describing the company as relentless and cheerful in her humanitarian gestures to the home. She said: “Hyundai remains one of our habitual donors that take their corporate social responsibility very seriously.”

Bombings and traffic management It is a very shameful thing that a Country like Nigeria, with the highest GDP in Africa does not have functional surveillance equipment on strategic highways and near other strategic facilities. There is no standardized information gathering system in the country. People perpetrate a lot of atrocities unidentified. How about satellite surveillance? The Government should stop administering after – death prescriptions and become more proactive. More road blocks were mounted after the Nyanya bombing thereby causing heavy traffic logjam. Is this the solution? What gave the Government the impression that the Insur-

gents will use the same method in their next attempt? With the long queue of vehicles before getting to the road block, what will happen if a suicide Bomber goes into action in the midst of the heavy traffic?. I beg, let us go back to the drawing table and re-design our safety and security strategies, borrowing a leaf from Countries such as the United States of America, Israel, Saudi Arabia and our Neighbour, South Africa. The Nigerian Government has been asleep for too long concerning safety and security. Nyanya bombing has come and gone. What is the Government doing to protect the strategic facilities like the Third mainland bridge in

Lagos, the Niger bridge at Onitsha, Murtala Mohammed bridge at Lokoja, and other strategic facilities whose bombing can be highly catastrophic? The Nyanya after – bombing road block is an exercise in futility. Boko Haram said they are already in Abuja. What else? Blocking a whole lane in front of the Police Headquarters, and some other Government establishments is not the right approach. It is a gross infringement on free traffic flow. All the diversions on Abuja roads because of the fear of Boko Haram should be dismantled to enhance free flow of traffic. Continued next week

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

•Orangun of Ila Oba, Adedokun Abolarin (second right); Asiwaju Gbenga Oludemi (left); Lady Evangelist Kehinde Okunowo and President, Youngman Friendly Society (YFS), Chief Laolu Akoni at the 70th years anniversary of YFS at the African Church Cathedral Salem, Ebute Metta, Lagos...at the weekend.

•Children all: Babajide Alade (eldest son); Olufunbi Oyebi (left); Mrs Omolola Makinde and Mrs Omotunde Ajiboye at the funeral of Madam Esther Aina Alade at 10 Degrees Event Centre Oregun-Lagos...at the weekend PHOTO:RAHMAN SANUSU

•From left: Prof Babatunde Oderinde; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Secretary to the Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule; Provost, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Mr Olalekan Bashorun at the combined convocation of the college’s students in Ijankin, Lagos.

•Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (left)supervising the cutting of the cake between the couple–Oreoluwa Abiodun Somolu and Akinola Olugboyega Lessi during their wedding at Rugby Garden, Lekki-Lagos...at the weekend PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Obembe elected NMA president

•Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru speaking at a ministerial news conference 2014 to mark the second year of second term in office of Governor Babatunde Fashola at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos... at the weekend. With him are Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to the Governor, Mr Lateef Raji (middle) and Director, Press and Public Relation Mrs Ronke Ojo PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

R Kayode Obembe, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, has been elected the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). Obembe, from Oyo State, was elected yesterday at the 54th annual delegates’ conference of the association in Benin, the Edo State capital. Following his election, he said the new executives would deliver their duties with vigour, enthusiasm and singleness of purpose. The new NMA president expressed appreciation to members of the association for electing him. Obembe said his administration would operate

tinue to make progress. Enabulele commended the NMA for its enthusiasm, love and support during his tenure, saying that the past executives would always be there to provide advice and support to the new administration. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the new executive include: Dr Titus Ibekwe (First Vice-President) and Dr Okoro Chukwu Bartty (Seconnd Vice-President). Others are: Dr Adewunmi Alayaki (Secretary-General), Dr Chuoka Ossai-Abaninwa (Deputy Secretary) and Dr Abubakar Abdulrahman (National Treasurer).

Chinese Premier for Nigeria, others

HINESE Premier Li Keqiang will tomorrow begin visits to Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola and Kenya. Li’s planned visits were contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos. The statement said the visits would be Li’s first to Africa since his assumption of office. The Chinese premier said he would spend two days in Nigeria before going to Ethiopia, Angola and Kenya. “In a few days, I will pay •Mr Babatunde Osilaja (left); President, Akesan (Iperu) Club 1954 and industrialist Sir an official visit to Ethiopia Kessington Adebutu and Vicar, Trinity Church, Anglican Communion, Iperu-Remo, Ven. and the Headquarters of the Olayinka Ogunmekan at the club’s 60th anniversary at Iperu, Ogun State.

within two guiding philosophies of LOVE, the acronym for Let Offences Vanish Entirely. He said the second philosophy was to ensure that every Nigerian got covered by the National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS) through its Universal Health Coverage Scheme for all. The outgoing President of NMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele, in his handover speech congratulated the association’s new leadership and urged it to keep its dreams alive. He called on members of the association to support the new administration, saying that it was the only way the association would con-

African Union (AU), Nigeria, Angola and Kenya. “This is the first time I will be setting foot on Africa as Premier of China’s State Council, and it is my first foreign visit this year. “I believe this visits will be one of cooperation and solidarity on the basis of our past traditions. “I will tread the path of friendship previously paved by the older generation of Chinese and African leaders,” he said. The Chinese premier expressed optimism that the visits would strengthen the existing China and Africa relations. Li said the visits would give him the opportunity to

hold fruitful discussions with the countries’ Presidents on China’s new planned areas of strengthening bilateral ties with them. The Premier added that he would also be addressing the AU on his country’s approach to and position on advancing China-Africa relations. “I hope that through my visits, the 1 billion Africans will better understand that the 1.3 billion Chinese people are always their sincere friends and reliable partners,” he said. Li said the visits would also give him the opportunity to meet with Chinese nationals and companies in the countries to be visited

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

Jonathan, IBB, Shonekan, others for centenary book launch

NTDC to compile cultural festival calendar By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor

HE Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, has urged states, local governments and relevant tourism agencies to forward details of their cultural festivals to the corporation. This, she said, would enable the corporation to promote domestic tourism. In a statement, Mrs Mbanefo said details of the cultural festivals would form NTDC’s National Domestic Tourism Cultural calendar, which would serve as a veritable portal for domestic and foreign tourists on the rich tourist sites and cultural festivals in the country. The compilation of the Calendar of Cultural Festivals, the NTDC chief said, would stimulate domestic tourism and attract international tourists. These would improve the lots of Nigerians, she added. Mrs Mbanefo said the submission should include the names of the festivals, sites of celebrations, periods of celebrations, brief descriptions of festivals and their historical significance, such as masquerades, water regatta, fishing or yam festivals, among others. “These details should be forwarded, with supporting videos or CD coverage of previous editions of events, to the corporation, not later than Monday, 30 June, 2014,” she added.

Nigeria seating on time bomb, says cleric

By Sina Fadare

HE founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned that the nation is seating on a time bomb. The cleric said unless Nigerians pray to God to avert it, there is a danger ahead, Ayodele, who spoke at the weekend with The Nation, regretted that despite his previous warning that terrorists would invade the country, the government did not take action. He said the nation’s future was shaky, adding that unless there are fervent prayers to God, a big crisis may erupt. Ayodele said: “Prophesy is to warn an individual, corporate body and government of the impending danger and what to do in order to avert it. When you warn, it does not matter whether you like that person or not. That was how it was in the past. “Prophets would go to governments, leaders and people in authority to deliver God’s messages to them in form of prophesy. But today, people do not take it in good faith.” According to him the ongoing confab will not disintegrate Nigerians , but rather there will be another confab in the future that will really determined where the country will go, adding that he did not see Nigeria together in the nearest future.” There will be pocket of crises here and there, a lot of disagreement, but it will not lead to war, before Nigerians go their different ways.”

•From left: Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, representative of the Governor of Kwara State and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold and the Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada during the fidau for the late Governor of old Kwara State, Alhaji Adamu Attah in Okene, Kogi State....yesterday.

Govt voids firm’s patents on ballot boxes, others

HE Federal Government has invoked the public interest rule and voided the registered patents of Beddings Holdings Limited (BHL), including those covering the company’s transparent ballot boxes and Direct Data Capture (DDC) process being used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The government apparently took the action to prevent the company from benefitting from its inventions. A Federal High Court in Abuja recently gave a N17.3 billion judgment against the INEC and two others for infringing on BHL’s valid and exclusive patent over the DDC process. The patents’ cancellation is contained in an unsigned gazette issued on March 19 by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Olusegun Aganga. The gazette, published as: No. 18, Government Notice No: 24 at Vol. 10, voids seven patents issued to Bedding Holdings Limited (BHL) for its inventions. INEC had maintained, in several court cases involving it and BHL, that such patents, as claimed by the firm, do not exist. The gazette by Aganga now appears to contradict the government’s earlier claims. The gazette, titled: Use of patents for service of government agency (Independent National Electoral Commission) Order 2014, allows INEC and “any person authorised” by it “to purchase, make or vend” any article covered by the patents and designs. The patents and designs affected by the government’s fiat include: “RP No. 10511

(for collapsible steel frame structures); RP No. 12994 (for transparent ballot boxes); RP No. 16642 (for electronic collapsible ballot boxes); NG/ P/2010/202 (for Proof of Address System Schemes PASS); RD No. 13841 (for electronic collapsible ballot boxes); RD No. 5946 (for transparent ballot boxes) and RD No. 3962 (for collapsible steel structures”. The minister said he was exercising his powers under Paragraph 15 of Part II of the First Schedule to the Patents and Designs Act, Cap P2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, in issuing the gazette. The INEC attached the gazette as exhibit in a suit filed by BHL to stop the commission’s alleged continued use of its patented product for voter registration in Ekiti and Osun states. It was, however, not clear

•INEC Chair Prof. Attahiru Jega

whether or not the Industry Minister actually authorised the gazette. This probably explains why his signature is not on it. When The Nation visited the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, a senior official, who spoke in confidence, denied knowledge of the gazette. He also expressed doubt i f t he m i ni st er w a s i nvolved in the gazette controversy.

‘Igbo won’t tolerate grazing reserve’

GROUP, Izu-Umunna Cultural Association of Nigeria, has said the Igbo will not allow Fulani herdsmen to have grazing areas in the Southeast because of the herdsmen’s violent disposition. It said: “Igbo cannot tolerate the Fulani in Southeast.” Izu-Umunna Cultural Association of Nigeria, a pan- Igbo think tank and an affiliate of

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, warned against the creation of grazing reserves/routes for Fulani herdsmen in Igboland. The group said it opposed the use of any part of Igbo land for a graze reserve or grazing routes or by any other appellation or guise whatsoever. It said the Hausa/Fulani

herdsmen’s quest for grazing areas outside their geo-political zones was a neo-imperial territorial expansionist agenda. In a memorandum to the Southeast delegates at the National Conference by its President, Prof. Zebulon Okoye and Secretary, Chief Elvis Chukwu, the group drew “attention to the various schemes currently being adopted by

protagonists to actualise the grazing reserve project either by default (through acquiescence to forceful occupation of farmlands by armed Fulani herdsmen) or by legislation and advise against caving in to such designs”. The group rejected the location of any grazing reserve for Fulani herdsmen in Igboland on several grounds.

NBA election: Lawyers to present call to Bar certificates

AWYERS who file out today to elect new officers for the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will have to present their certificates of the call to Bar, it was learnt yesterday. The chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Paul Ananaba (SAN), spoke on the prerequisite. At least 1,867 lawyers, who have fulfilled their obligations to the association as at April 22, will participate in the exercise.

By Adebisi Onanuga

Ananaba said the decision to use the “certificate of the call to Bar” for the election was to prevent fake lawyers from infiltrating the branch. The electoral chairman said the bye-laws of the branch had been amended to accommodate the new prerequisite. He said the decision was taken to also allay the fears of some members who expressed concern over the infiltration of fake lawyers.

A statement by the Secretary of the Electoral Committee said: “This committee noted with keen interest the reactions that trailed its earlier notice dated 14th April, 2014. “In order to allay the fears expressed by the concerned members in the overall interest of the Bar and to also ensure that only qualified members of the Bar, Ikeja branch vote during the election, this committee, by virtue of Section 18(4)(b)(e) of the Ikeja Branch Bye-law,

hereby states that every voting member shall, during the accreditation, be required, in addition to the evidence of payment of branch dues, to identify himself/herself as a legal practitioner with (a) Certificate of Call to Bar; (b) photo-based Identity Card (Driving License, International Passport, Branch ID, Office ID”. Eighteen lawyers are vying for 10 official positions of the association.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will launch a book, titled: Centennial Epoch: Memories and Legacies, on May 7 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos. The Initiator/Coordinator of the book, Prof Abiodun Akinpelu, announced this in a statement by a member of the Organising Committee, Prof Olusola Aina. Prof. Akinpelu said former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, will be the special guest of honour while another former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, will be the chairman. He also said a former Chairman of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, is the book reviewer while Gen. T. Y. Danjuma will be among the chief presenters. Prof. Akinpelu, who said 30 lecturers from six specialised institutions across the country were involved in the project, added that the book chronicles the socioeconomic and political developments in the country in the last 100 years. According to him, the book, apart from commemorating the centenary celebration of the country, was borne out of the fact that Nigerians need to write their own history rather than relying on foreigners. Prof. Akinpelu said the event would bring together members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the diplomatic corps, the National Assembly, governors and captains of industry.

Funeral for Ogun ex-agric chief A FORMER Zonal Manager of the Ogun State Agricultural Development Project, Mr Olusola Olutogun, is dead. He passed on at his Unity Estate, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State home on April 25. He was 57. The late Olutogun is survived by a wife, Racheal (Nee Othihiwa), and children, Topefolu, Olumayokun, Ibukun and Eniola. Born on July 8, 1957, the late Olutogun attended Mayflower School Ikenne, Ogun State; University of Ibadan (UI), where he bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and a Masters degree in Crop Science. A statement by the family said the funeral will hold on May 10 in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

Mum saves baby from abductor

Four drown in Cross River From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

•Why I did it, by suspect

HAT would make a man steal another human being? Money? Fame? Fun? For Victor Edem Bassey from Akpabuyo in Cross River State, it is the harsh economic reality. The state, especially, the capital, Calabar, has been under the seige of child abductors. Most of the children kidnapped are never found. Bassey (30) was arrested at the weekend after a failed attempt to snatch babies from Mrs. Priscillia Christopher and another unnamed woman. The suspect said he was introduced to the business by his friend. The kidnap attempt, which occured at 8 Miles in Calabar, was foiled by security operatives. It was gathered that Bassey and an accomplice pretended to be passengers waiting for a cab on the Murtala Mohammed highway. Another accomplice, posing as a commercial driver, was carrying Mrs. Christopher, who was with her eight-month-old baby girl, Emmanuela. Another unsuspecting woman was also in the car with her baby boy. Mrs. Christopher, 23, who was travelling to her village, Idoma in Biase Local Government Area, said: “I was travelling to my village and I boarded a taxi at Pyramid. When we got to Army junction, two men stopped the driver

•Bassey

•Emmanuela’s bruised arm

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

and entered. We thought they were passengers. “When they got inside, they tried to take our babies, saying the driver should stop the car. I started struggling with them. I was sitting in front. There was another woman in the back with a baby too. “The other man tried to take her baby too. Her baby was a boy; mine, a girl. “The suspect was trying to pull out my baby from her carrier. As he was struggling, he bruised her hand. The baby was crying, and I

was shouting for help. “He then pushed me and I fell out of the vehicle with my daughter. Some security agents came and arrested the suspect. I don’t know where the others went.” Mrs. Christopher said Emmanuela was also injured. Bassey said he was to take the stolen children to Albertino, who was introduced to him by his friend, Essien. The suspect, a father of a 13-year - old son, said: “I was a taxi driver. I took ill and the owner of the car collected it from me. Things be-

•Mrs. Christopher after treatment

came tough and my wife left me. “Then Essien came to me and told me about this business. He said he would take me to his boss, who would help me. “He introduced me to this man called Albertino, who said he would solve all my problems, if I bring babies to him. He did not say he would pay me anything but he promised to solve all my problems. “I met him at a bar at 8 Miles. But I don’t know where he lives. He was driving a Pathfinder Sports Utility Van. I met him at the Old Market Road.”

Drunk driver kills expectant mum, six others

DRIVER, suspected to have been drunk, crashed his car into a tricycle and scores of commuters at the weekend, killing an expectant mother and six others. The incident occurred at Opolo, a suburb of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. Sources identified one of the victims as Miss Akpotu Olorogun, a native of Ammassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The driver reportedly fled the scene. Residents said some of the victims had been buried according to Islamic rites. Police spokesman Alex Akhigbe

•Police search for murder suspects From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

confirmed the incident. He said efforts were on to arrest the driver. The police are searching also for members of a gang, who reportedly beheaded a 40-year-old woman, Lydia David. The deceased was reportedly attacked in a bush behind the stateowned Palm Estate at Azikoro in Yenagoa. The incident occurred three weeks after the eyes of a 34-yearold mentally challenged woman

were removed by suspected ritualists at the popular Swali Market in Yenagoa. Mrs. David’s headless body, according to the Divisional Police Officer of Azikoro, Fidelis Ofuna, was found by her family. Ofuna said family members launched the search when the deceased did not return home at night. The victim, a mother of five, was an indigene of Ughelli in Delta State. It was learnt that she left home at 3pm to inspect her fishing traps at a

APC lambasts Sylva’s former aides

HE All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State derided yesterday exaides of former Governor Timipre Sylva for using his name to curry favour in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). APC Chairman Tiwe Orunimigha warned them against using the ex-governor’s name to negotiate for positions within PDP. Describing them as mischief makers, Oruminigha said the former aides lacked political capital, adding that they were merely seeking relevance and contracts in PDP. He observed that since they left political offices, the former aides had found it difficult to survive. The former aides, led by former Deputy Governor Werinipre Seibarugu, last week, reaffirmed their support for PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan. But Oruminighe said the reaffirmation had not affected Sylva’s political structure and APC’s support base in the state. He said: “They should not use the APC and Sylva as a bargaining tool.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

“If they claim to be supporting Jonathan, why haven’t they shown their support and work for him? “It is a shame that these same persons can not win their wards. Their show of shame has not affected the massive support base of the former governor. “The use of our party's name at a PDP's event is cheap and nauseating.” A chieftain of the party, Sunday Frank-Oputu, said the APC ship is

on course. Frank-Oputu, former Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), said it was political suicide for the former aides to engage in a show of shame. "They have never been members of the APC because the APC is searching for credible and politically reliable persons. "The support base of Timipre Sylva is intact and they should stop using APC and Sylva to score cheap political points."

Rivers council boss kidnapped •Orderly arrested

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

HAIRMAN of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State Awori Miller has been kidnapped at Acinia Hotel on Rufus Ada-George Road, Port Harcourt, the state capital. It was gathered that Miller left home at the weekend without his orderly, who has been arrested for dereliction of duties. A police source told The Nation yesterday that the council chairman instructed his orderly to wait for him, describing his visit as private. Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) are searching the creeks for the victim. Police spokesperson Ms Grace Iringe-Koko said: “The police are working to ensure his release.”

swamp. Her son, Junior, said the family became worried when his mother did not return home at 8pm. He said: “It was strange. My father raised the alarm and a search party was organised. “We mobilised and searched the bushes and later discover her headless body.” It was gathered that the head was discovered few days later at an uncompleted building on Goodnews Street in Azikoro. Akhigbe confirmed the development and said the police had begun investigation.

‘Tame insurgents’ By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

HE Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has challenged northern leaders to take the lead in the fight against Boko Haram. Rising from its national congress at Agudama, in Bayelsa State, the group said no government can succeed in the fight against terrorism without the people’s support. The group endorsed the call on President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015. They passed a vote of confidence on his leadership, which they claimed had achieved laudable feat, despite the machinations of his political adversaries. A statement by IYC President Udegs Eradiri and spokesman Eric Omare, decried the constant attack on Jonathan and the Federal Government by northern leaders, including governors. It said the growing insecurity in the Northeast has affected not only northerners, but also Ijaws and Niger Deltans living or studying in northern Nigeria. "The security of lives and properties is the responsibility of all levels of government and not the Federal Government alone," the group said

OUR men drowned in a well in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, it was learnt yesterday. An eyewitness said: “The first victim, John, went to fetch water from a well in the compound. The rope, which was tied to the bucket used to fetch water, cut and fell in the well. “He decided to retrieve it by jumping into the well but drowned. “His brother, Boniface, who was in his shop at Ikom Market, was alerted and he hurried to rescue his brother. He also jumped into the well. “When he did not come out, another neighbour also jumped in to rescue the two brothers. “When the landlord, Ebam, saw what had happened. He too jumped in the well. “It was at this point that officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, who mounted a road block close to the house, called the Fire Service. “When the firemen arrived, they went into the well and retrieved the bodies. “The bodies were taken to the County Hospital, Ikom Four Corners, and were confirmed dead on arrival.

PDP disowns aspirant From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has said a governorship aspirant, Godwin Jedy-Agba, was not its member. Jedy-Agba is the General Manager, Crude, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The party chairman, John Okon, who spoke at the weekend, said: “Goddy Agba is not a member of our party and our party rules are there on the number of years you can stay before contesting. He is a civil servant. “Let us wait for him to resign and come but I know he is not a member of our party.” The Director-General of the JedyAgba Campaign Organisation, Sandy Onor, however, said Agba was a member of the PDP. Onor said: “My principal is a member of PDP and nobody has the right to deny him, especially when we have value to add. “We are Nigerians and Cross Riverians. Why should you deny us membership, especially when we have value to add? He is a card carrying member of the PDP.”

Two governors for Synod

KWA Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio and hisDelta State counterpart, Emmanuel Uduaghan, are expected at next week’s third session of the fifth Synod of the Diocese of Oleh (Anglican Communion), which holds at St. Andrews Anglican Church Igbide, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. The theme is “God whom you seek”. Bishop John Anakpkor will present the charge on Saturday. The guest preacher is Ven Israel Omosioni from the Niger Delta North Diocese; bible study leader is Ven Ben Idume from the Diocese of Abuja. Uduaghan and Akpabio are expected to read the first and second lessons on Synod Sunday Thanksgiving Service at 10am at the Synod Venue, St. Andrew’s Church, Igbide, in Owodokpokpo Archdeaconry.

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

APC: we’ll win in Sambo’s ward From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State has said it will win Vice President Namadi Sambo ‘s ward and local government next year. Chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum in the local government Kabiru Umar said the party was determined to overcome problems within its fold and defeat Sambo in his polling unit. Umar said the stakeholders’ meeting was called to review the ward congresses in the local government and the state. He noted that the party was working to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that the defection of PDP members to the APC has increased the party’s chances. “We are not bothered about individuals, we are only waiting for time to vindicate us, our people want change and that is why we called this meeting to mend our ways and do some corrections and Allah is with us, we are the darling of our community and people,” Umar said.

Kano spends N394m on scholarship From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ANO State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has said the government spends N394million yearly to sponsor 400 students at the Bells University of Technology and Crescent University, Ogun State. Kwankwaso spoke when he visited the universities to assess the students’ performance. He said the government spends an average of N1.22 million on each student. The governor said the money spent on the students is an investment for the future. Kwankwaso said his administration allocates huge funds for education so as to bridge the gap between the North and the South. The governor urged the students to remain good ambassadors by being worthy in character and learning. He urged parents and guardians to complement government’s efforts in promoting educational development in the state. “We are working to provide a better future for the next generation. We want our youths to explore and mix with other people from everywhere.”

•Kwankwaso

Suicide attack foiled in Yobe T HE police in Yobe State foiled yesterday an attack on a Police station in Damaturu, police commissioner Sanusi Rufai has said. Rufai said the suspect, Abubakar Umar (19), drove a blue Chevrolet van into the sandbags in front of the station with the intention of blowing up the station. The police chief said: “In the early hours of yesterday, a suspected suicide bomber, Abubakar Umar, attempted to bomb the A Division Police Station, Damaturu. “He was driving a blue rickety Chevrolet pick-up van in a suspicious manner. “Vigilant policemen noticed his suspicious movement and fired some warning shots when the suicide bomber ran on the sandbags in front of the police station and he was arrested. “After serious interrogation, Umar confessed that he was a Boko Haram member and his mission to Damaturu was to bomb the police station. “The vehicle was carrying animal dung, apparently as a decoy to conceal the explosives. “We discovered five constructed gas cylinders with explosive improvised devices (EIDs), 20 litres of diesel, 10 litres of petrol, a fire extinguisher, 5 9.5 battery chargers and a wall clock in the car.” The Bomb Disposal Unit condoned off the area and diffused all the bombs. The suspect is in the custody of the Joint Task Force (JTF). The incident was confirmed by the Defence Headquarters. A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Gen.

Senator mourns Wash Pam From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

THE Senator representing Plateau North, Gyang Pwajok, has condoled with the family of former Deputy Senate President, Senator John Wash Pam. Wash Pam, who hailed from Foron in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, died on Thursday. He was 73. He said: ”The late senator was a spectacular charismatic politician whose example of political courage, kindness and humility influenced his own life and the lives of many Nigerians. “The impact of Senator Wash Pam cannot be under estimated in the politics of Plateau and the country and apparently, his role and contributions in the development of the country.”

Akume gives scholarship From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

•Items recovered from the suspect Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Duku Joel, Damaturu

Chris Olukolade, said: “An attack by a suicide bomber operating in a van laden with IEDs was yesterday foiled in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. “The target of the attack was ‘A’ Division of Police Command situated by the main roundabout in the heart of the town. “The culprit was arrested by the police. “Six constructed turbine containers loaded with explosives as well as 20 litres of petrol and 11 bags of beans chaff

were recovered from the scene. “The recovered materials are in the custody of the Joint Task Force Headquarters in Damaturu. The Bomb Disposal Unit has safely detonated the explosive.” Security agencies have been placed on red alert, ahead of the World Economic Forum in Abuja. A source said: “Apart from strengthening security apparatchik in Abuja for the WEF meeting, all police and security formations are to be on red alert. “These agencies are to deploy men in strategic and vul-

nerable points. We know the insurgents might want to divert attention of delegates by striking in any part of the country, especially in the Northeast. “The botched suicide mission in Yobe yesterday might have been part of their plot. This is why we are not limiting security beef up to Abuja, it is a nationwide exercise.” “The venue of the summit and adjoining places have been placed on 24-hour surveillance since Friday. “The entire area is also being frisked as I am talking to you. We will not take things for granted.”

Kwara needs N300b for projects, says Ahmed

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed at the weekend said the state needs a N300 billion for the execution of capital projects. He said this informed his administration’s decision to approach the capital market to raise N23 billion. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the move, saying it was a way to impoverish the people. Ahmed spoke in Ilorin in his monthly radio and television programme dubbed “Governor Explain”, adding that the monthly allocation from the Federation Account could only cater for the state’s recurrent expenditure. He said any government desirous of making life meaningful for its people would have to borrow to carry out capital projects. His words: “As I have always said, infrastructure is something that we have not been doing in the past and this has resulted in the decay which we have recorded.

‘You demonstrate ignorance if you say that taking up a bond to execute well-articulated capital projects is impoverishing the state’ From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

“What I mean by the past is 20 to 30 years ago; we have been building roads, constructing bridges, culverts but we have not been maintaining them. “In the process, we find out that they get spoilt and you have to start all over again. “When I look at infrastructural requirements that the state needs, I found out that there is a huge gap and to put those things in place, it would cost us about N300billion. “And given the way things are, we know that we cannot raise N300billion but as a government that has a life span, we must see how much of the

fund we can raise. “And where are the sources of funding? Of course, we know that we get the monthly Federal Allocation from where we pay salaries and carry out other recurrent expenditure. “Is it enough for us to carry out capital project? Obviously it is not. It means that we have to look at other sources of fund that will enable us do our own portion and then we expect that successive governments will continue from where we stopped. “For us the capital market is the cheapest source of fund for government. Those who don’t know will exhibit ignorance by saying that government is going to borrow

SENATE Minority Leader George Akume has lampooned the Federal Government for its lackadaisical attitude towards education. Akume spoke at the weekend when he disbursed scholarship funds to over 200 Benue State students. He said the sector gets the highest budgetary allocation; yet education is not accorded the necessary attention it deserves. The senator condemned the strike by primary school teachers in the state, averring that government should focus attention on teachers’welfare as well as improvement in educational facilities. He praised the Southwest for the attention given to education and urged Benue government to emulate the region. “Imagine our primary school teachers have been on strike for months now. At the national level, the polytechnics have continued with their strike .” Akume said the scholarship scheme was to assist the students. The senate leader urged the recipients to shun exam malpractice, cultism and drug abuse.

Uduaghan hails Olu of Warri •Ahmed

money to execute projects. “How do you want to execute projects without borrowing? I don’t know how, even the Federal Government as it is today use its Treasury Bill. “It is a cheaper source of funding because the interest rates are lower than when you borrow from commercial banks. “I have heard a few people saying Kwara is taking a bond to impoverish the people. You demonstrate ignorance if you say that taking up a bond to execute well-articulated capital projects is impoverishing the state. “You have simply shown that you have no business in the business of governance.”

DELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has congratulated the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, on his 27th coronation anniversary. Uguaghan spoke yesterday at a thanksgiving service at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Olu’s Palace, Warri. At the event were former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, Daniel Reyenieju of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Peter Onwusanya, his predecessor, Victor Ochei, members of the state executive council, among others. The event featured cultural displays by various cultural groups.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Al-Jazeera journalists denied bail by court in Egypt

RODUCER Mohamed Fahmy said it was ironic that he and his colleagues were back in court on World Press Freedom Day Three al-Jazeera journalists detained in Egypt have again been denied bail, on World Press Freedom Day. The judge adjourned their trial to 15 May, despite allowing one of them to stand before him and plead for bail. Mohamed Fahmy, the sta-

Panamanians vote in tight presidential election

ANAMANIANS were choosing President Ricardo Martinelli’s successor yesterday in a three-way dogfight marked more by ugly personality clashes than any deep disagreements over the way forward for Latin America’s standout economy. Most pre-election polls showed the front-runners in or near a technical tie, with a razor-thin lead for Martinelli’s hand-picked candidate, former Housing Minister Jose Domingo Arias. The other main contenders, former Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro and Vice President Juan Carlos Varela, are duking it out for second place.

tion’s bureau chief, also explained to the judge it was his job to have contacts across the political spectrum, from the Muslim Brotherhood to the police and army. The men are accused of spreading false news and aiding the Muslim Brotherhood. ‘Massive injustice’ Mr Fahmy, a Canadian-Egyptian who ran the al-Jazeera English bureau in Cairo has been in detention along with correspondent Peter Greste and producer Baher Mohamed since December. During a break in Saturday’s proceedings, Mr Greste told his colleagues from behind bars that there could be no free press in

Egypt when journalists are behind detained. He called the case a “massive injustice” and said access to their lawyers was almost non-existent. All three reportedly shouted “Happy Press Freedom Day” as their seventh court appearance came to an end. Outside the court, Mr Greste’s brother Andrew said the trial which began in February - had been going on for too long. “It’s ironic that we are still here on press freedom day. They are award-winning, highly-credentialed journalists, and to see them here, and the trial continue, is a shame. They don’t deserve to be there,” he said.

Thailand opposition urges election delay

T •Fahmy

The men are on trial with 15 others who are accused of having ties to the banned Muslim Brotherhood and of defaming the country. A fourth al-Jazeera reporter, Abdullah al-Shami, who works for the network’s Arabic channel, has been detained since August but not charged. He has been on hunger strike for more than 100 days in protest at his detention.

Somalia unrest: Deadly blast in Mogadishu

T least six people have been killed in a bomb explosion in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Islamist militant group al-Shabab said it carried out the attack, targeting the vehicle of a prominent former government official, who was killed. The number of attacks in Mogadishu has increased in recent months. Many have been blamed on al-Shabab, which has lost ground to government forces in recent years but still controls many southern rural areas. The blast took place near the city centre’s “Kilometre 4” district, close to the Turkish embassy. It was unclear whether the explosives had been attached to the vehicle or placed on the roadside and detonated by remote control.

The official who died was named as Abdikafi Hilowle, a former secretary for the city’s administration. Al-Shabab’s military spokesman, Abdiaziz Abu Musab, told news agencies that the al-Qaedalinked group had carried out the attack. Policemen and civilians were among the dead, officials said. Somalia has been ravaged by constant warfare since 1991, when Siad Barre was ousted. In recent years, al-Shabab has been driven from most of the major city centres by government forces backed by an African Union mission. But the militants continue to launch regular attacks and bombings.

HE leader of Thailand’s opposition has called for elections scheduled for July to be pushed back by up to six months. In a 10-point package of proposals, Abhisit Vejjajiva said the prime minister and her government should resign, allowing an interim cabinet to oversee a referendum on reforms. A government minister has rejected the proposals as unconstitutional. Thailand has been in political deadlock since anti-government protests began in Bangkok in November 2013. Ms Yingluck’s government announced the 20 July polls after a previous snap election in February was declared unconstitutional. The ruling Pheu Thai party had been expected to win the February vote. However, the opposition boycotted the polls and protesters disrupted voting. At the height of the anti-government demonstrations, protesters shut down key road junctions and blockaded government ministries. Their number has since declined. On Saturday, Mr Abhisit said his opposition Democrat party would not contest July’s polls. Abhisit Vejjajiva says he wants to help Thailand avoid a slide into violence with his 10-point plan. But there will

be strong objections. First he is offering this as an all-or-nothing package. No discussion. If the government does not like it, he will abandon it. Second he wants the prime minister and her cabinet to resign immediately, before next week’s expected verdict by the Constitutional Court on one of the cases against her. It is very unlikely her side would take such a step so quickly, if at all. Third, there will be legal objections to Ms Yingluck’s replacement by an appointed prime minister, even for just a few months, as unconstitutional and undemocratic. Mr Abhisit also wants his proposed reform council to include the hard-line People’s Democratic Reform Committee anti-government movement, but not the government’s own supporters. However, Education Minister Chaturon Chaiseng told the BBC Mr Abhisit’s proposals were unconstitutional, and impossible for the government to accept. The idea of appointing an unelected government would have the same effect as launching a military coup, he added. Jarupong Ruangsuwan, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party, also told Reuters the plan would “only increase divisions in Thai society”.

FOREIGN MUSINGS

Is U.S. Foreign Policy in doldrums?

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge—and more.’’ President J.F.Kennedy Inaugural 20th January 1961

N most democracies, foreign policy initiatives are derivatives of domestic concerns and national interests. In other words permanency and consistency are easily subsumed by expediency in this calculus of what constitutes necessary ingredients of a sound relationship among nations. Perhaps that instructs the notion of no permanent friends but permanent interests when nations deal among each other. In this game of international relations, what is good for the goose might neither necessarily nor always good for the gander depending on the issues and nation-states involved. That is where diplomacy creeps in. Today we are taking a cursory look at few events at which the world’s most powerful nation seems to have treaded unusually gingerly and warily along the line of intense shuttle diplomacy and back door strategic and technical support in places like Syria, Egypt and lately Ukraine. Even the hawkish elements in the opposition Republican Party have started questioning the Obama administration’s strategies and end goals on global interventionism. The seventies marked the decline of bipolar system with the cold war, at least on the surface, seeing a remarkable thinning down in the eighties with the fall of Berlin Wall and the unification of West and East Germany. Remember, Ronald Reagan telling Mikhail Gorbachev ‘’Mr president, tear down this wall’’ at Brandenburg Gate june 12, 1987. This rapidly led to the balkanisation of the Soviet Union into different republics. America, from this rubble of the fall of communism, emerged the King of the hill and undoubtedly with leadership comes immense responsibilities. While it might be foolish to always expect America to continue to act as a lone ranger policing the whole world, it is given that her weight, commitment in troubled spots all over the world is instructive, and a times demands extraordinary steps which might anger other nations. We recollect the run-up to the Iraq War. After about 16 resolutions by the United Nations Security Council, it took the leadership of U.S. and backing by U.K. to capitalise on the final Resolution 1441 to let the bombs start falling on 19th March 2003 over Baghdad; Saddam Hussein hav-

ing been accused of stockpiling Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), construction of prohibited types of missiles and aiding and sponsoring terrorists all over the world. Well, not much globally-threatening weapons were found after the invasion but the point was made that from Japan to Vietnam(where the Q word as in Quagmire came into American political lexicon) , Kuwait and Iraq, America has never been known to be war-shy nor weary when it comes to defending FREEDOM and LIBERTY. Entered the Arab Springs of February 2011 which sent many dictators out of the comfort of their palatial mansions starting from Algeria, Tunisia, Yemen, Libya, Mali and Egypt among others. Strikingly enough, the outcome in Syria was different and unfortunately resulted in a civil war which has now claimed over 120,000- deaths in its wake. President Bashar al-Assad has held on tenaciously through bloodbaths and accusations of using chemical weapons against its citizens. As we write, the killing machine of dictator Assad remains unassailable against a divided rebel opposition unable to get their acts together under a formidable and unified command. In all these, America has refused to be drawn to any direct effort at putting an international coalition to militarily confront and abort the dictator’s killing machine that he has been using to kill innocent civilians including women and children . Instead, it joined this multinational jaw-jaw in Geneva while Assad continues in the decimation and incineration of its hapless civilian population majority of which now live in refugee camps in neighbouring countries while others are internally displaced, scavenging for a mere existence in their own fatherland. America has withdrawn all its combat troops from Iraq ; leaving only some in advisory capacity, so the issue of being bogged down in fighting two wars does not arise. Also its engagement in Afghanistan is on a winding down motion. So as said earlier, this is not a giant that is shy of neither taking up Syria nor one that lacks the resource, but the domestic environment dictates otherwise. Let’s move on to Egypt, an ally of the United States and a country that had a peace treaty with Israel. It is supposed to be a secular nation with a

Global Focus DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor sms 08134230367

large Muslim population ruled daborgu@gmail.com by Hosni Mubarak until he was deposed by Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood. Morsi overreached bahi. himself with draconian and irrational disregard The third along this shift in America’s support for the popular will . He was mostly rejected by in uprooting democratically elected government the people and this led to mass protests leading to is the unfolding case in Ukraine, which has now a the military-backed coup which now has an inbloody dimension. terim government with the army chief General It started late last year when the government of Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi running an alarming crack deposed President Yanukovich held a referendum down and imprisonment of both real and imagion which direction the country should go in seeknary opposition in the name of fighting terroring economic rejuvenation. The referendum apism. The judicial system under Sisi has become parently ended with majority of Ukranians presuch a charade that draws the scorn and condemferring to align with the European Union rather nation of the international community. Hundreds than Russia’s economic aid being dangled in the were killed as part of a sweeping campaign against eyes of the pro-Russian Yanukovich. In the ensusupporters of former President Mohammed Morsi, ing protests, Yanukovich was deposed by proousted by the military last July. The removal of Western establishment in Kiev leading to the anMorsi, a year after he was elected, came after milnexation of the Crimea peninsular by a Russian lions demonstrated against his rule, demanding sponsored referendum at which the mostly Rushe steps down for abuse of power. For all that it is sian-speaking Crimeans by a vote of 96 per cent worth it is note-worthy that Morsi’s government decided to join Russia to the chagrin of Kiev. the first democratic election in decades was topAgain, the bottom line is that deposing a dempled in a military coup. So long for America’s ocratically elected government is not an Amerisupport for democratic institutions, LIBERTY can thing, yet Washington for reasons more to do AND FREEDOM. with the vestiges or hangover of the cold war did In March, a certain Judge Said Youssef sentenced not see anything wrong in committing an illegal529 Brotherhood members and sympathisers to ity as it was done in Kiev. death for staging protests and sundry meaningWhile war might not be the only means of conless charges. Last month the same judge sentenced flict resolution, the perception in all of the cases another 683 perceived enemies of state to death noted is definitely not borne out of objective realfor the killing of a policeman during protests and ity. As noted by John T. Rouke in his treatise on other thumbed-up charges. Among those senInternational Politics on The World Stage ‘’Internatenced include the Muslim Brotherhood’s spiritutional politics is thus more than a matter of objecal guide in a trial that lasted only eight minutes tive facts. It is a study of subjective judgements without any chance of adequate legal representabased on images of oneself and other internationtion. This is a man generally well known in Egypt al actors. It is something of an Alice in Wonderfor preaching non-violence as a mechanism for land in which what is important often is not what change in all the years of protest in the country. is but rather what we imagine it to be’’ Again what was Uncle Sam’s reaction? An unOn other fronts there are many emerging playimpressive statement from the Secretary of State’s ers in the international arena which should make office describing the sham trials and hundreds of America to be more wary of its responsibility to arrests and killings from Sisi’s killing machine the global community. America should remem‘with grave concerns’. At the end, America went ber her own JFK on that frosty morning on the ahead to reward such a regime with 1.5billion steps of the Capitol 54 years ago. dollars in aids and F-16 fighter jets. Well, that will do it for us this week. Remember our General Sisi is now a leading contender in a globe is the only one we have. Let’s keep it liveable by two-man contests this month’s presidential eleckeeping it green. Plant a tree today and do an act of random tion. The other candidate is leftist Hamdeen Sabkindness. See you next week.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

South Korea ferry was routinely overloaded

HE doomed ferry Sewol exceeded its cargo limit on 246 trips - nearly every voyage it made in which it reported cargo - in the 13 months before it sank, according to documents that reveal the regulatory failures that allowed passengers by the hundreds to set off on an unsafe vessel. And it may have been more overloaded than ever on its final journey. One private, industry-connected entity recorded the weights. Another set the weight limit. Neither appears to have had any idea what the other was doing. And they are but two parts of a maritime system that failed passengers April 16 when the ferry sank, leaving more than 300 people missing or dead. The disaster has exposed enormous safety gaps in South Korea’s monitoring of domestic passenger ships, which is in some ways less rigorous than its rules for ships that handle only cargo. Collectively, the country’s regulators held more than enough information to conclude that the Sewol was routinely overloaded, but because they did not share that data and were not required to do so, it was practically useless. The Korean Register of Shipping examined the Sewol early last year as it was being redesigned to handle more passen-

gers. The register slashed the ship’s cargo capacity by more than half, to 987 tons, and said the vessel needed to carry more than 2,000 tons of water to stay balanced. But the register gave its report only to the ship owner, Chonghaejin Marine Co. Ltd. Neither the coast guard nor the Korean Shipping Association, which regulates and oversees departures and arrivals of domestic passenger ships, appear to have had any knowledge of the new limit before the disaster. Chonghaejin reported much greater cargo capacity to the shipping association: 3,963 tons, according to a coast guard official in Incheon who had access to the documentation but declined to release it. Since the redesigned ferry began operating in March 2013, it made nearly 200 round trips 394 individual voyages - from Incheon port near Seoul to the southern island of Jeju. On 246 of those voyages, the Sewol exceeded the 987-ton limit, according to documents from Incheon port.More than 2,000 tons of cargo was reported on 136 of the Sewol’s trips, and it topped 3,000 tons 12 times. But the records indicate it never carried as much as it did on its final disastrous voyage: Moon Ki-han, a vice president at Union Transport Co, the company that loaded the

ship, has said it was carrying an estimated 3,608 tons of cargo. In paperwork filed before the Sewol’s last voyage, Capt. Lee Joon-seok reported a much smaller final load than the one Moon described, according to a Coast Guard official who had access to the report but refused to provide a copy to the Associated Press. The paperwork said the Sewol was loaded with 150 cars and 657 tons of cargo. That would fall within the 987ton limit, but it’s clearly inaccurate: The coast guard has found 180 cars in the water. An official with the Korea Shipping Association’s safety team said it is beyond the association’s capacity to determine whether a ship is carrying too much cargo. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t allowed to discuss the Sewol case as it is being investigated. ”The only person on any vessel who knows the exact cargo safety limit, excluding ballast water, fuel, passengers and others, is the first mate,” the official said. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation, but experts have said that if the ship were severely overloaded, even a small turn could cause it to lose its balance. Tracking data show the ship

made a 45-degree turn around the time it began sinking; crew members have reportedly said that something went wrong with the steering as they attempted a much less severe turn. Some experts say the Sewol never should have been cleared to operate after last year’s redesign because the owner would not be able to make money under the register’s new cargo limits. South Korea, unlike many other countries, relies on a private industry-affiliated body to determine whether a ship is safe to sail. The shipping association, whose members are shipping companies and ship operators, took on that responsibility in 1973, following a 1970 sinking in which about 320 people died. Captains submit paperwork to the association indicating how much cargo is on board as well as crew and passengers. Many of the association’s high-level officials come from the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries, which some say makes it tough for the ministry to scrutinize the group. Ministry officials may be reluctant to question association officials who are former senior public servants, or even their former bosses.The register, which made the cargo limit evaluation, also is a private entity.

Afghanistan landslide: Day of mourning declared

HE Afghan government has declared a day of national mourning for hundreds of people killed when a mudslide engulfed their village on Friday. Badakhshan provincial governor Shah Waliullah Adib told the BBC there was now no hope for more than 2,000 people believed buried in their homes. Officials formally ended the search for survivors on Saturday. Mechanical diggers had left Ab Barik village without being used because the site was inaccessible. The BBC’s David Loyn says it is unlikely that there will be any serious effort made to recover the bodies. At least 2,000 people were in their homes when a mountain collapsed and covered the area in mud and rocks. A further 600 people are also

missing after rushing to help with the rescue effort and being caught in a second landslide. Rudimentary efforts by locals to dig into the soft mud with shovels were quickly abandoned. A few hundred survivors have spent a second night out in the open, although blankets, tents and basic food aid have now arrived. The affected area is in one of Afghanistan’s poorest regions Correspondents say they have demanded that government officials resettle them elsewhere because they do not want to return to the village where so many lie buried. “We cannot continue the search and rescue operation any more, as the houses are under metres of mud,” Mr Adib said. Funds have been set up for victims by many Afghans in and outside the country.

China ‘illegal’ bridge collapse kills 11

BRIDGE has collapsed in southern China, killing 11 people, state media and officials say. The stone arch bridge was being constructed illegally at a village in Gaozhou City, Guangdong province, the officials said. It collapsed on Saturday, killing five people instantly, while six died later in hospital. Authorities are investigating the incident. The contractor has been arrested, state media report. The bridge was being built in Liangkengkou village in Gaozhou. Twenty-six people were trapped under the bridge when it collapsed, officials said. Survivors were taken to hospital after being pulled from the rubble. “I feel much better now. I could not even open my eyes when I was taken to hospital in Shenzhen township,” Qin Zechu, one of the survivors, said. Government officials said the village had been ordered to stop building the bridge several times. However, the village secretly restarted construction over the May Day holiday, which ran from Thursday to Saturday, they added.

Tunisian assembly approves electoral law

T •Protesters breaking windows and doors of a police building in Odessa...yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Ukraine : Odessa detainees freed as police headquarters attacked

RO-RUSSIAN activists have attacked the police headquarters in Ukraine’s southern city of Odessa, forcing the release of several people held over deadly violence two days ago. Friday’s clashes led to more than 40 deaths. Most victims were pro-Russian separatists killed when the building they were in caught fire. Ukraine’s interim PM has accused police of failing to prevent the violence. He was speaking as Ukrainian troops encircled Sloviansk in the east. The army operation is trying to wrest control from separatists who have taken over a government buildings in a number of towns. Hundreds of people descended on the police headquarters yesterday afternoon in an initially peaceful protest calling for the released of those detained. The gathering turned violent as protesters - some wearing masks and carrying improvised weapons - broke windows and forced the gates.

•PM appeals for unity There were chants of “Russia, Russia” and “Russians won’t abandon their own”. A number of detainees were then released by the police, apparently in an attempt to pacify the crowds. Reuters, quoting police sources, put the number freed at 30. The interior ministry, in a statement quoted by the Associated Press, said 67 people were released.The clashes broke out after hundreds of protesters called for the release of people detained on Friday Odessa had been observing a day of mourning for those killed on Friday, when running street battles involving petrol bombs led to a fire breaking out on the third floor of a trade union building. Dozens of pro-Russian activists had barricaded themselves inside. While some were rescued, 38 people either burned, suffocated or jumped to their

deaths. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk: “These security forces [in Odessa] are inefficient and violated the law” Moscow and Kiev have blamed each other’s supporters for the fire.

Yesterday, many visited the burned out trade union building, which now has a large Russian flag draped on one wall, to pay tribute. Interim PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who has travelled to Odessa, has ordered a full investigation into what happened, saying the authorities did “nothing to stop this crackdown”, and were “inefficient and they violated the law”.

UNISIA’s interim parliament has taken one of the last steps towards the country becoming a full democracy by approving a new electoral law. The move allows officials to set dates for legislative and presidential polls. It comes three years after the popular uprising that forced Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to step down as president. Debate in the National Constituent Assembly was clouded by disagreement over whether officials who served under Ben Ali should be banned from office. The rejection of political expulsion sends a strong message that our revolution continues, without revenge” The exclusion measure was eventually rejected by a single vote, however, with the Islamist Ennahda party which won the elections for the NCA in 2011 - opposing it. Its main rival, Nidaa

Tounes, is led by a former parliamentary speaker under Ben Ali. “The rejection of political expulsion sends a strong message that our revolution continues, without revenge,” Khemais Kessila of Nidaa Tounes was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency. “It shows that we are avoiding any divisions.” Ennahda formed the first post-Ben Ali government but handed over power to caretaker Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa at the start of the year after the new constitution was approved, under an agreement to end a political crisis triggered by the assassination of two opposition leaders. Mr Jomaa has ruled himself out as a candidate in the forthcoming elections, for which officials have said they will need between six and eight months to prepare. One clause of the electoral law imposes male-female parity in party lists.

Australia PM drops Indonesia trip

USTRALIAN Prime Minister Tony Abbott has abruptly cancelled a planned visit to Indonesia, sparking criticism from opposition politicians. He was due to meet Indonesia’s president next week, in an apparent bid to improve ties between the countries. Relations had been strained by Australia’s reported policy of turning back boats carrying asylum seekers from Indonesia, as well as a spying row. Reports say Australia has in-

tercepted another boat, angering Jakarta. Indonesia insists that sending back boatloads of asylum seekers, known as tow-backs, violates its sovereignty. Mr Abbott had been expected to attend the Open Government Partnership conference in Bali, at the invitation of Indonesian leader Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, early next week. However, his spokesman told the Australian Associated Press (APP) on Friday that “the attempt to make a trip to Indone-

sia has been postponed, but we are hopeful of finding another date soon”. No reason was given for the cancellation but Australian media said the decision was due to the current operation to turn back an asylum boat. Indonesia is a transit point for many asylum seekers attempting to reach Australia by boat The West Australian reported that customs officials were rushing to block an asylum boat spotted in Australian waters. Indonesia’s presidential

•Abbott

spokesman Teuku Faizasyah told AAP he viewed Mr Abbott’s decision as a “notification he could not attend” rather than a “cancellation”.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

NEWS

Justice Oputa dies at 90

Continued from page 4

•Ogun State Governor’s wife Mrs OlufunsoAmosun(middle) cutting her 48th birthday cake with pupils of St. Mathews Nursery and Primary School, Lademo, ObafemiOwode Local Government.

Elders list 180 girls abducted from Chibok hostel Continued from page 4

Jonathan said the girls’ disappearance cannot be another unresolved mystery. He dismissed allegations that the girls were been ferried abroad and married off, saying ‘‘they must still be within this area”. Said Jonathan: ‘‘Nigerians are justified to express anger and frustration, but we will continue to do our best. Since 11:45pm of April 15 that the girls were kidnapped, security personnel have been combing everywhere. Aircraft have been deployed to scan, soldiers have combed several places but yet we have not seen them. ‘‘Nigerians have not felt the efforts being made by security agencies because the misfortune happened in Borno, which has highest concentration of Boko Haram terrorists. Wherever the girls are, we will get them. ‘‘The incident is painful and traumatising. I extend sympathies to the parents and guardians of the girls but I want to also request their cooperation with security agencies. They have not been very cooperative; that is why the agencies have not been able to get clear identities (of the girls). ‘‘The police have record of 44 returned girls while the principal during my meeting with them, said 53 girls have returned,’’ he said. Asked if security agencies were unfit to tackle challenges facing the nation, Jonathan said they were capable, just as he acknowledged there was room for improvement. He said the government had

attended to the need for the recruitment and training of more soldiers into the military to curb insurgency, adding that the security agencies needed to be adequately equipped. Jonathan urged Nigerians to desist from criticising the security agencies, who he said they should support because terrorism is not a conventional war. He acknowledged the support received from the international community, but urged them to avail Nigeria with equipment for intelligence gathering. On allegations that helicopters were used to supply materials to Boko Haram, Jonathan said: ‘‘We are playing politics with serious national security issues. Nobody has shown us a clip of the helicopter nor have they said the exact location where the supplies were being made.’’ The president said Nigeria was hit by terrorism because it is the centre of the black race and its economy. He described the state of emergency declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa as “effective”, saying the government was con-

sulting and would extend the rule should the need arise. Asked how the government was checking illegal immigrants to curb terrorism, Jonathan said actions were being taken but with caution because Nigeria is among the world’s worst migration offenders. On the government’s closure of public offices in Abuja for the World Economic Summit, Jonathan said it was to ease mobility and save the residents from long hours of traffic since many world leaders would attend the session. He said the summit would attract investors to the country and by extension, create jobs. However, the President said essential services and public utilities would be made available, urging Abuja residents to bear with the government. Jonathan evaded questions on his second term ambition. He said Nigerians should concern themselves more with how security and the economy could be improved between now and May 29, 2015 and not with his ambition.

through the texts of 358 judgments and rulings, most of which were published for the first time. It was said that these volumes cover Oputa’s years on the High Court Bench before his elevation to the Supreme

Court in 1984. Akaraiwe said Justice Oputa became known as “Socrates of the Supreme Court” during his time as a Supreme Court Judge and “deservedly too, because his judgments at the apex court

were a compendium of well-researched and deep philosophical thinking”. The judgments reported in these volumes, he said showed the makings of a hard-working judge well on his way to greatness well-ahead of

his time. In appreciation of his meritous service to his fatherland, he was conferred with the National honour, commander of Federal Republic (CFR) by the federal government.

Continued from page 4

While the school principal, who claimed that her granddaughter is among the missing girls, said 395 students sat for English subject, the WAEC official, Charles Eguridu told the meeting that 387 girls sat for English subject before the abduction and 80 girls sat for Maths after the attack.

The principal said she was not around during the abduction as she was in Maiduguri for diabetic treatment. Acoording to her, she goes to Maiduguri every two weeks for the treatment. The Commissioner for Health told the gathering that she had not seen any of the abducted

girls that escaped from the terrorists. The First Lady broke down and wept the second time towards the end of the meeting saying: “You want to kill my husband; you want to make me a widow before you go and rest. My God will never make me a widow.”

The man, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa

Continued from page 4

Before becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Oputa served as a Judge in the defunct East Central State between 1971 and 1976; High Court Judge, Imo State and was Chief judge Imo State Judiciary between 1976 and 1984. At Oputa’s valediction, then Chief Justice, Mohammed Bello, himself an outstanding judicial figure, described him as “the Socrates of the Supreme Court”. Author, Ikeazor Akaraiwe’s seven-volume collection tagged Oputa Law Reports reveal a unique judicial experience told

“The people who are criticising state of emergency are doing so probably out of frustration or because they think it is taking too long.” On the N10 billion allegedly spent by the Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, on private jet for her personal use, the president said given the nature of the job of the minister, the ministry is entitled to hire a jet for effective performance. He said the House of Representatives had politicised the matter, noting that the House is turning into “parliamentary dictatorship”. The President frowned at the frequent invitation of ministers by the National Assembly such that the minister spend a lot of time appearing before legislative committees to the detriment of their official duties. Commenting on the scarcity and increase in fuel price, the president said there is no plan to change pump price. “I cannot increase pump price through the backdoor, if I have to do it, I will make it public even if it will cost me my job. If someone manipulates pump price to punish Nigerians, he is a criminal.” The President expressed optimism that privatization of power sector in the country would lead to better and stable power supply. He said the critical problem facing the sector is lack of adequate gas supply for the generation of power. He said government is looking for money to meet the need of the sector to boost power generation .

The President also denied there was any plan to increase petrol pump price, saying any marketer or filling station selling above the N97 was committing a criminal offence and should be arrested. Jonathan denied saying Boko Haram had infiltrated his cabinet. He said he never mentioned his “cabinet” but said the “government”, adding that ‘‘government is wide and people were investigated and are still being investigated’’. On poor electricity supply, he said the country’s major challenge was gas supply, but expressed hope that privatisation would boost supply. On employment, Jonathan said government’s target was to provide an enabling environment as it cannot create jobs for all Nigerians. In order to tackle the security challenges the President said he had been talking to foreign powers like the United States, United Kingdom and China requesting them to assist Nigeria in stemming the menace of terrorism. “I feel pain when I hear that Nigerians die because of Boko Haram madness, this thing cannot go on. The foreign countries have been helping in one way or the other.” He said most of the communities suspected to be the hideouts of the captors cannot be located by the military. On the effectiveness of the State of Emergency in the three states, Jonathan said the declaration of state of emergency does not mean that people in the states should be wiped out.

HOW MANY GIRLS ARE MISSING? •157, according to the governor’s aide •187, says the school principal •230, a parent, Haruna says •There were 129 science students in the hostel, waiting to complete their exams •There were also over 105 Arts students who had completed their exams. They remained in the hostel, according to the dormitory master •180, the figure released yesterday by a CAN group

First Lady weeps as stakeholders shun meeting

army officers at the meeting, the First Lady said the Police and Army cannot be blamed as they were not informed that the students sitting for the exams sleep in the school. “The lapses here are on you the Commissioner of Education and the state government.”

him. May God receive his soul with favour and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Idigbe said. Mr Mike Igbokwe (SAN) said Oputa contributed immensely to the development of the law. “Our nation and not just our judiciary have lost an iconic jurist who contributed immensely to the development of our law as a lawyer, author, judge, Chief Judge of Imo State and Justice of the Supreme Court. “Remember the Oputa Panel he presided over and what he achieved through that too. May his soul rest in peace and God give his family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Igbokwe said. A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) said: “God gave us this legal icon. God has taken him away. May God be praised.” Mr Dele Belgore (SAN) said: “His Lordship will be remembered for the depth of his research and the thoroughness of his judgments. He wasn’t a jurist who glossed over issues and his numerous judgments which will live long after him attest to this. Justice Oputa’s place in our jurisprudence is certainly assured.” Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) said: “Justice Oputa was a great jurist of our time. From his decisions in the apex court, judges and counsel have drawn inspiration and strength for future decisions and judgments in like or similar cases. “Though he has long retired and now dead, his judicial pronouncements remain with us as a guide. May his gentle soul rest in peace.” Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN) said the Bar has lost its Lord Denning. “The Bar has lost another of its icons, our own Lord Denning. He was one of the greatest philosopher-judges Nigeria has produced and his judgments always displayed interplay between law and morality. “He has gone to rest, but remains with us through his judgments and legal writings.” Former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman Taiwo O. Taiwo said: “It’s so sad to hear of his death. He was one of the titans for civil rights at the Supreme Court and his pronouncements at the apex court no doubt endeared him to many lawyers. “His views on human rights especially on fair hearing will remain evergreen. His views were no only restricted to law but beyond. He was not known as Socrates for fun. He was indeed a deep mind. May his soul rest in peace!” The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has described as “sad and unquantifiable loss” the death of late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. He said: “Nigeria has lost one of her brightest legal luminaries. He was an upright, courageous, intelligent, patriotic jurist and elder statesman. “Although, he lived to a ripe age, but how I wish he lived longer because his kind comes once in a blue moon. The nation will miss him sorely.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

SPORT EXTRA AFN President bags award

Okoku hails Elegbeleye on contribution to the less privileged

By Stella Bamawo

RESIDENT of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Evangelist Solomon Ogba has been given a 'Special Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions towards the growth of sports in Nigeria' at the 17th edition of City People Awards for Excellence 2014, held in Lagos. In his citation, the judges acknowledged that Ogba is a shining symbol of the irrepressible spirit of the quintessential Nigeria sports developer, passionate, committed, resilient and extremely hardworking. “Being the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Ogba has played a great role in the development of sports in the country. It is on record today that Nigeria is the only country in the World that have won three championships in three different categories in athletics within one year. Even the best footballing nations in the World have not won three categories of international competition in a year," The citation stated. Meanwhile, reacting to the award, the AFN President, thanked City People for recognizing him and promise to continue doing his best. However, the City award which started since March, have 1997 has presented awards for Excellence to outstanding individuals and corporate organisations that have excelled in various fields of endeavors in Business, politics and governance, entrepreneurship, showbiz, fashion and style, sports and entertainment.

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

•Obasi

GERMANY LEAGUE TITLE CHASE

Obasi secures top- four spot with Schalke04

I G E R I A international Chinedu Obasi helped his German Bundesliga side Schalke04 secure the top-four spot yesterday, defeating Freiburg 2-0. With this win Schalke has consolidated its place in third place moving them on to 61 points, three ahead of Bayer Leverkusen in fourth and four points more than fifth-placed Wolfsburg. Since his return from injury, the Beijing 2008 silver medallist has played

a major role in this year’s campaign for Schalke. The media has been awash in with his intention to represent Nigeria at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, a wish pundits believe the former Lyn Oslo of Norway forward deserves to have. Kaan Ayhan put Schalke ahead in the 13th minute before Klaas-Jan Huntelaar doubled their lead 20 minutes into the second

period as they cruised to victory. Felipe Santana’s red card 17 minutes from time for two bookable offences put Schalke’s position in doubt, but there was to be no late fight back from the hosts. Hamburg’s survival hopes suffered a blow with a 4-1 loss to Bayern Munich. Bayern went into the match following a humiliating 5-0 aggregate UEFA Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid, but Hamburg could not make the most of

the visitors’ dejected mood. Mirko Slomka’s side needed a victory to have any chance of avoiding a bottom-three finish, but the Bundesliga champions’ quality eventually shone through despite Hamburg threatening early on. Mario Gotze, who is reportedly unhappy at the Allianz Arena, gave Bayern the lead just after the halfhour mark to round off a delightful one-two with Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller got their second 10 minutes after the break.

AFRICA CUP 1C 15S TOURNAMENT

150 rugby players storm Lagos trials OVER two hundred and fifty players participated in the

Southern trails into the Nigeria National team ahead of the AFRICA CUP

Delta state FA honours Ojeikere, others, as Warri Wolves wins FA cup

HE Group Sports editor of The Nation newspaper and Sportinglife, Ade Ojeikere was yesterday honoured with the Football Media Excellence Award by the Delta state Federation Association . Presenting the award to Ojeikere on behalf of Delta state FA, the state Deputy Governor , Professor Amos Utuama (SAN) said the award was well deserved by the editor having distinguised himself as a professional . Ojeikere was honoured along other personalities including chief Solomon Ogba , Larry Izamoje , Jibril

By Innocent Amomoh

From , OSemwengie Ben Ogbemudia , Warri Aku , Dr. John Oganwu, Pius Origho and the state Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama . Meanwhile , Warri Wolves football club managed to beat Bobbies Football Club also of Warri 1-0 lift the state FA Cup yesterday in Warri . Commenting on the successful hosting of this year’s FA Cup Final, chairman of Delta state sports commission Hon. Amaju Pinnick attributed the success to prepare planning .

•Cowrie RFC dominates Police Machine in South West League By Akeem Lawal 1C 15s tournament billed to hold in Gaborone, Botswana from 13th – 22nd of June. The trails which was coordinated by the national technical crew led by the technical adviser, Dele Coker, was held at the main bowl of the National Stadium Surulere in Lagos on Saturday. The technical crew will be in Abuja this weekend to conduct the Northern trails. Meanwhile, the highlight match of the Southwest League week 3 games between Cowrie RFC and Police Machine ended in favour of Cowrie RFC by 31 point to 6. The arsenal of the Police Machine was neutralized by Cowriere RFC as they fought viciously to retain their six-year 15s unbeaten

•The group sports editor of The Nation and SportingLife, Ade Ojeikere(r) being presented with the football media Excellence Award . PHOTO: OSemwengie Ben Ogbemudia.

race in West Africa. In other games, Racing RFC retained a clean sheet by demolishing Eco II RFC by 70 points to 0, Lagos RFC lost to Gosar RFC by 5 point to 12, while Hawkster Athletes won Royal Stallions RFC by 24 points to 13. Cowrie RFC sits on top of the league table with 15 points, Racing RFC with 13 points is in second place while Eco II is at the bottom of the table with no point. The South West League continues with its week 4 games on the 17th of May at the Main bowl of the National Stadium. Also, experts to undertake the Get into Rugby programme of the will arrive into the country

today. The Get into Rugby programme was initiated by the International Rugby Board in a view to spread the sport to schools and also for grass root development of the sport. The Vice President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Tunji Fashimoye informed NationSport that the training progamme will be held at the Media center of the national stadium on the 6th, 7th and 8th of May 2014. According to Fashimoye, 50 coaches and 35 teachers from eight states (Lagos, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Plateau, Kaduna, Abia and Imo state) have already registered to participate in the first phase of the programme.

ORMER Green Eagles and Junior International Paul Okoku has showered encomiums of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye for helping to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged children in the country. Okoku told NationSport in Abuja while presenting a Certificate of appreciation to the DG of the NSC the reason for visiting the NSC boss. “The project is tagged ‘Greater Tomorrow Children’s Foundation and it’s all about helping less privileged children in Nigeria and to help give them better life. It is about making them great tomorrow (in future). I have been doing this in the United States for the last 15 years and asked myself why not do it in my own country? “So I came to Abuja to show my appreciation to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye) for his support for the less privilege children. He was obviously absent during the day of the event due to other urgent and important duty he had then but he did everything humanly possible to support the initiative. This is the reason why I presented the same Certificate I presented to our supporters during the event to him also”, he explained. Okoku, who played alongside Nigeria’s greats like Henry Nwosu, the late Muda Lawal, the late Haruna Ilerika, Godwin Odiye, Stephen Keshi, Edema Benson, Raymond King and others while expressing appreciation to Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for being a source of inspiration to achieving the successful launching of his foundation, promised that Greater ‘Tomorrow Children’s Foundation’ will duplicate its humanitarian projects’ awareness in Lagos, Delta and other parts of Nigeria as it did in Abuja. The Director General National Sports Commission, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye also promises to support the project with a cash donation.

AS Racine beat First Bank to claim Lagos Fed Cup

O A L K E E P E R Akinwale Akinyemi became a hero as Metro Pro League campaigners, as Racine defeated First Bank 4-3 on penalties to claim this year’s edition of the Federation Cup. The game decided at the Onikan Stadium on Sunday ended goalless at the end of normal regulation period as both sides failed to convert several chances that came their way. During the penalty shootout, it was Akinyemi’s heroics that ensured his team’s victory as he saved two of the penalties. In his reaction, First Bank FC of Lagos coach, Lukman Oshun claimed his team was denied the victory.

By Akeem Lawal “We scored a good goal but I don’t know whether they’ve seen the referee. We are a disciplined side, we would have stopped at that point, but we just decided to finish the game. Both of us are representing the state, we will see who is better between two of us”, Oshun told NationSport. “I believe penalty shootout is a lucky game, it can go either way, it doesn’t go to the better side. AS Racine did not deserve this victory at all, we all watched the game and we saw what happened but I leave everything to God, let both of us go out and we will see who will come back with good result. However, AS Racine Head Coach, Abidemi Oluwaseyi,

however, believes it was a deserved victory, promising to represent the state well at the Federations Cup. “I feel very elated because this is my first time of winning the Federations Cup. It’s not for only me, but the boys and the team in general and above all, for the chairman of the club who has been the brain behind us, he has been the one motivating us, we thank him for what he has done for us. “With the help of everybody including all the stake holders in Lagos State, coupled with the motivation from our chairman, we believe we can go far in this year’s edition of the Federations Cup,” Oluwaseyi assured NationSport.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014

SPORT EXTRA

Amuneke warns fledging Eaglets G

OLDEN Eaglets coach Emmanuel Amuneke has issued an ultimatum to players not pulling their weight in the national Under-17 team, asking them to either shape up or ship out. Speaking to the ‘old boys’ who won bronze medals at the recently concluded WAFU B Tournament in Togo along with other prospective players, Amuneke said the separation of the wheat from the chaff is an on-going process until a final list is compiled. The second phase of the screening which started on May 1 has thrown up some new prospects and the fight to be part of the team continues with much intensity even as Amuneke warned for the umpteenth time that nobody is guaranteed a shirt yet. “I have to be frank with you and the truth is that I’m not happy with some of you because you have forgotten so soon all what we learned

•As screening gathers momentum in Togo,” fumed Amuneke.”But one thing is clear, those of you who are not ready to play for the team would soon go home.” Meanwhile, the second-phase of screening is gathering momentum with hundreds of players drooping to the NFF/ FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja since the exercise began on Thursday and the drilling

would continue throughout this week. Amuneke said there is a level playing field for allcomers, adding that the number one consideration for selection is nothing other than merit. “What we are doing here is very practical and if a player cannot show what he can do in 25 minutes, I don’t think he

would give anything in 90 minutes,” Amuneke further said.”But I’m very hopeful we would certainly get a group of players that would give us the desired results.” In the meantime, officials disclosed that players coming for the open screening should be ready to cater for their up keep during their stay in Abuja.

BS FC on Sunday defeated Kwara United 6-5 on penalties to lift the 2014 Kwara State Football Association Cup. The regulation time had ended 1-1, and ABS FC scored five out of six kicks to edge their city rivals. Agoh Christian put ABS FC ahead in the first half, after an interchange of passes with Ossy Eugene, and he met the return pass inside the box to slot in beside goalkeeper Suraju Aiyeleso who was displayed. Kwara United struggled to come back from the deficit, with Coach Samson Unuanel employing all the arsenals in his armoury, including the introduction of goal machine, Segun Alebiosu. His introduction in the early

part of the second half apid off when Kwara United slotted home from an edge of the 18yard box free-kick, to make it 1-1 for Kwara United. The highly interesting encounter, which brought out the best out of the two teams ended goaless. The penalties session was won by ABS FC, even though they lost the first kick through Kunle Lawal, but Segun Alebiosu also lost what would have been the winning kick for Kwara United. Ossy Eugene scored for ABS FC is the first to lose session, with goalkeeper Suraj Aiyeleso losing the last kick to hand ABS FC the victory. Highlight of the match was the introduction of goalkeeper Boje Abdullahi as a field player for ABS FC.

Kogi Utd defends Federation Cup

OGI United has successfully defended the State Federation Cup with 3-2 penalties over their city rivals FC Lokoja at the Confluence Stadium on Sunday. It was a tension-soaked match witnessed by a large crowd of supporters including Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada who was on stand throughout the duration. FC Lokoja produced a tensed atmosphere for the Wada Boys, who failed to convert their few scoring chances especially in the first half. Despite dominating the whole of second half, Kogi United could not break the determined defence of FC Lokoja who were playing as if waiting for the shoot-out The eventual shoot-out was nerve wrecking as both sides missed several chances.

NPA chief becomes patron of Lagos State football referees By Oluwakemi Dauda HIEF M.K. Ajayi has been appointed as the patron of Lagos state refrerees. The newly appointed Chief Patron of Lagos State Football Referees Council (LFRC) who also doubles as the General Manager Administration of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Chief M.K. Ajayi has canvassed for the establishment of the first Referees Institute in Africa. He said that such institute should be located in Lagos as Nigeria plays a robust kind of football and has over 300 referees across the nation. The Chief Patron added that when fully established, the institute would invite renowned and retired referees from Europe, Africa and the rest of the world to impact knowledge on upcoming referees. This, he said, would ensure that budding referees from across Africa will visit the institute for short term training courses. Chief Ajayi promised to lead other Patrons of the LFRC to meet sports loving governors and eminent individuals to contribute to the fund with which the Referees Institute would be built, while expressing the optimism that Lagos State Government will donate the land for the project. He expressed disappointment over the fact that Nigerian Referees do not often get appointed to officiate in CAF and FIFA tournaments as a result of politics in global referees circles. The Chief Patron advocated a combination of strength by Nigerians generally and Nigerian referees in particular as this would bring out the best in Nigerian referees whom he described as some of the best in the world. In his speech, the Chairman of Lagos State (Football) Referees Council Prince Bashir Kosoko said the choice of Chief Ajayi as the Chief Patron of LFRC was as a results of laudable input and impact in the affairs of Referees across Nigeria and Lagos in particular.

ABS wins Kwara FA Cup

•Amuneke

Kogi United’s keeper, Dada Bello, who came in as stoppage time substitute, became the hero of the day with three saves. Executive Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada who presented the winners trophy to Kogi united captain, Afolabi Abiodun, commended both sides for a good display of soccer artistry just as he promised his administration’s resolve to develop sports in the state. Kogi United chairman, Mallam Abdul Adama noted that the club would aim to prioritize going very far in the Federation Cup without losing focus on their position in the National League. The Wada Boys will however shift their focus to the National League action as they have an important home game against Spotlight FC of Katsina on Wednesday.

N3m up for grabs at Aregbesola Youth

A T

NFF slams Amiesimaka

HE Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) has described as “the rantings of a perennial cynic,” a statement at the weekend by former international player Adokiye Amiesimaka, that the Super Eagles cannot go beyond the group stage at this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire dismissed Amiesimaka as a selfimportant character who never sees anything good in any other human being, or any process initiated by others.

“Mr. Amiesimaka has behaved true to type. At a time that good-hearted exinternationals are egging the Super Eagles on, expressing faith in them to do Nigeria and Africa proud and generally giving the players immense psychological boost, Amiesimaka has again erected his tent in the Sadists’ Corner, wishing the team failure. “He is never going to be happy about other people going to play in the FIFA World Cup finals, because he never got to play at that esteemed level. He is spewing

evil and ill-will for the whole nation and continent all on the pretext of a myopic campaign for an ex-teammate to be included in the technical crew.” Olajire reiterated that the NFF is sincerely appreciative of the support of the Federal Government and all stakeholders for the African champions to go to Brazil and fly the nation’s flag high, and expressed belief that the former player would be put to shame, once more, by the end of the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

BOUT N3 million would be at stake at the first edition of the Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola Youth Soccer Classic holding in Osogbo from 12th-27th June, 2014. According to the organisers of the tournament, Sam D’ Entertainment, the tournament which has received the blessings of his Excellency Governor of Osun State, will feature 32 teams. Continuing, the Chairman of the organising committee Sunny Oyeyemi said “this is our modest way of showcasing the wonderful works the Governor of Osun State Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola has been doing in the state in the past three years. We all know that the Governor is an individual with great passion for sports and youth development and has been involved in various sports development activities over the years. A passion

Soccer Classic From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja which culminated into the conception and organising of this youth tournament in his honour, which sincerely hopes to nurture for the discovery and development of great talents in Nigeria”. Continuing, Oyeyemi said “ the tournament would begin on 12th to 27th June. We are expecting 32 team around the state to take part in the tournament, and they would be divided into eight groups. The winner of the tournament would go home with 1 million naira, while the runners’ up would pocket N750,000, with the third place winner getting N500,000. The fourth place team will get N250,000". He said that various other prizes would be at stake for the best player, highest goal scorer and best goal keeper of the tournament.

DAWN Games: competition’ll unite youths in Southwest, says Ibirogba

HAIRMAN of Media and Publicity Subcommittee of the DAWN Games, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, has said that the tournament would help foster good relationship among the youth of the southwest states of the country. The maiden edition of the DAWN Games, a competition among secondary schools in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States, will be held in Lagos from May 16 to 24, 2014. The chairman of the Media Subcommittee, who is also the

Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State said the competition would bring youth in the region together to compete in a healthy environment, adding that the DAWN Games is symbolic because the southwest states want to show the rest of the country the cordial relationship that exists within the people and governments of the region and the need to use youth and sports to preach unity among the people. Meanwhile, as the kick off date of the Games draw nearer, Team

Ogun say they can’t wait for the school sports championship to start. Director of Sports, Ogun State Sports Council, Mr. Adesola Faleti, said the state’s athletes are ready and are in good sporting form to excel at the competition. “The athletes have been training for a couple of months. We are going to participate in 12 sports events and in Ogun State, we specialise in more than 33 sports, thus taking 12 out of 33 won’t be a problem for us,” said Faleti during the inspection of facilities and

venues for the championship which took place recently in Lagos. Faleti noted that the Games would enable Ogun State Sports Council to assess its grassroots developmental programmes which has been well supported by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, and more importantly it would assist the sports council the opportunity to replace its ageing athletes. ‘’Since inception of Governor Amosun’s administration, we had been mandated to

develop sports at the grassroots. I think the DAWN Games will definitely assist us to discover budding talent to replace the older athletes,” he said. The former national pugilist said the state’s effective grassroots sports programme had earned Ogun a positive result as the National Sports Commission, NSC, invited over 22 athletes from the state to the national team, while six junior football players were also invited to the camp of the national U-13 team.

WHO SAID WHAT

MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 9 NO 2839

‘It is germane that we address the root cause of the problem rather its symptoms. The demonstrations are targeted at the symptoms and therefore are of very limited value in addressing the insurgency debacle’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

EFORE President Goodluck Jonathan visited Kano at the hour hoodlums whisked away 276 girls, I had not heard of Azonto, a popular dance rooted in African rhythm and domesticated by local maestros. It gives grace to the body, exercises the limbs and inspires ecstasy on stage and at parties. The old and young can execute its bold turns. Legs and torsos tighten on its physical toll. What bothered me, however, was the gory dance in town, the dance by the socalled randy goons of God who zipped away our girls. Nigerian beauties lost in the bosoms of defilers. But the president did not understand what he did. He felt for the damsels in his own way. However, he does not know how to feel for them as a Nigerian leader. Psychologists call it emotional intelligence, the ability to translate feeling into words and deeds. With that armoury, he can inspire a people to action to save the 276 girls. If he did not know how to feel, how could he have known that he erred in storming Kano before the campaign season kicked off? The president should understand he is a leader in times of crisis. Rather, he is a leader in crisis himself. He nestles in Aso Rock and routinely summons his service chiefs. The girls can be any of our sisters, cousins, nieces, daughters, friends, neighbours and potential in-laws. He has not shown leadership by symbolism, acts or speech. When Boko Haram boys shoot, bomb and kidnap kids, a leader does not leave the stage to protests on the streets. He walks onto the stage and inspires. He gives them speeches; he rouses with his eyes, words and other gestures. He galvanises the troops and flashes the light at the end of the tunnel. But the president has responded with lethargy and languor, as if those on top are asleep. Even if he is asleep, he can still wake up the way Jesus did in a storm-tossed ship and reassured his disciples. His many pastors ought to tell him. We have seen leaders rise in times of crisis and their actions jolted their generations. Winston Churchill is a potent example. England lay prostrate when Hitler’s army blitzed its way all over Europe and cowed the proud French. Churchill defied fellow leaders who wanted England to sup with the tyrant. Bombs fell daily, defacing England and killing droves. The great British Empire reduced to living on rations and in shelters. But Churchill inspired the nation with speeches and his personal appearances in public. He gave speeches that made the great journalist Ed Morrow to say that he inspired the English language to battle. He said England

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) Twitter: @samomatseye

Azonto and presidential dance

‘

If history remembers his Azonto dance rather than the girls’ rescue, his would be a tragic presidency. He can redeem it with a victory dance when the girls come home. • Dr Jonathan would fight in the land, on the seas, in the air, on the beeches and ended by saying “we shall never surrender”. Even if despair came, he had words for his people. “But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, This was their finest hour.” Whenever he visited rubbles of war in the city, the suffering compatriots eulogised the courage of their hero.

RIPPLES GOVT VOWS TO RESCUE ABDUCTED GIRLS–News

i beg, 20 DAYS AGO, you told us this SAME STORY

OW, isn’t this Fayose a joke? Peter Ayodele Fayose is the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship candidate for Ekiti State in the June 21 gubernatorial election. But that is not why he is a joke. To contest is his democratic right. But the joke comes from Fayose’s choice, in his own gubernatorial ticket. No crime, is it? Still, the oddity stands out. But you won’t know, until you examine all the particulars, vis-a-vis the contending tickets. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) just released the list of Ekiti guber tickets and the list is quite instructive. Governor Kayode Fayemi, 49 and PhD, runs with Prof. Modupe Adelabu, 63 and PhD. Accord Party has Kole Ajayi, 46 and LLB, BL as its candidate. He runs with Akinyemi Adeola, 41 and BSc. Opeyemi Bamidele, 51 and LLB, BL is the Labour Party’s candidate. He runs with Mrs Bolanle Bruce, 47, who boasts of a PostGraduate Diploma (PGD) in Journalism. And Fayose, the PDP candidate? He is 53 and boasts of an HND. But wait for his run-

’

His counterpart on the other side of the continent, Franklin Roosevelt, who sat on a wheelchair because he had polio, roused his nation in times of the Great Depression. Millionaires committed suicide because their wealth evaporated. The poor could not hope for food and bleakness pervaded America. “We have nothing to fear,” he crooned, “but fear itself”. Learning from Mark Twain, he spoke of the four freedoms, including freedom from want. With a sunny face in spite of his personal handicap, he gingered a nation to rebuild an economy and win the Second World War against the greatest tyranny in history. In the same era, we had Charles de Gaulle, the cocky Frenchman who levitated a defeated country back to its pride. He formed the Free French and gave speeches from outside the country as a

EMEKA OMEIHE

tonic of revival to a disconsolate nation. He is mythicised today as the greatest Frenchman, perhaps since the little general. Mahatma Gandhi, derided as the little brown man in a loincloth, is in the class of all the others. He was not only a nationalist; he was a humanist of the first rank. By self-sacrifice, moral courage and austere dignity, he coalesced a diverse people against the British. He disarmed them by his disdain for violence and as the first practitioner of Henry David Thoreau’s doctrine of non-violence. Without inspiring a shot, he subdued the biggest empire the world had ever known. Once the Hindus and Muslims did not see eye-to-eye and engaged in zero-sum bloodbath. He did not fight with guns or with words, but with a gesture of self-sacrifice. He would fast until the killings ended. Both Muslims and Hindus stopped the butchery so that Ghandi might live. When Mandela left jail, he met a people on the verge of a civil war. He inspired them not by aloofness, but by engaging each group with empathy. Perhaps hence he said, “Lead from the front – but don’t leave your base behind”. President Jonathan can also learn from President Bill Clinton. When he confronted a bad economy, he uttered perhaps his best line, “I feel your pain”. With now 276 girls missing, we need leadership. We need the girls back with their parents and society, to dream and be human again. Images flood the imagination of what might be happening to the girls. Are they wives in bed with hoodlums, washing their dirty clothes, cooking for them? Are some of them being beaten up for resisting or subjected to all forms of bestialities? Are some of them trying to escape, and did some try and were stopped? Have some escaped but are clueless where they are? Are all of them alive? The zealots no longer want their virgins in heaven but here on earth. In Homer’s The Iliad, the Greeks rescued Helen, a beauty captured by the Trojans. Hector was a great fighter but he fought to keep Helen in the hands of the kidnappers. The Greeks suffered in battle, and they suffered many dead until Achilles came to the rescue and killed Hector. “By trying”, wrote the poet Theocritus about one of the hardest fought battles of all time, “the Greeks got into Troy”. Those girls are our Helens, and we need Jonathan to play Achilles and save them by providing leadership. If history remembers his Azonto dance rather than the girls’ rescue, his would be a tragic presidency. He can redeem it with a victory dance when the girls come home.

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Fayose o, joke oooooooo!

On stark cynicism, Fayose appears on the same page with his party. The controversy of his emergence is too recent to bear any retelling. Ditto for the funny haste with which his party jumped to endorse his candidature, as if he was the paragon of a candidate everyone should fear and envy. But lo! Fayose is damaged good, given the heavy baggage on his neck, easily comparable to the albatross on the neck of the sailor, in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. Still, Fayose gallops on the hustings, hardly saying what he would do but only tarring and discrediting what his electorate can see! Is that a joke taken too far? Maybe. Maybe not. But it is clear that if his party can present Fayose with his baggage, and it has high hopes that its liability would triumph, it is either the electorate are deemed idiots (which they are not) or that party has absolute contempt for voters. Who knows, the concert of cynics, party and candidate, may well have a joker up their sleeves. And what might that be? Well, with the famed federal might, you just might guess! For now, it’s only fair to hail the peculiar candidate: Fayose oo, joke oooooooooooooo!

ning mate: Joshua Olusola-Ojo, 80 and Grade 2 Teacher’s certificate! And all that in Ekiti’s fountain of knowledge where professors are half-a-penny and virtually no family is “made” until it produces its own PhD holder? Fayose o, odd oooooooooooooo! But don’t be deceived. The same INEC statement that gave the low-down added the caveat that parties had up till May 18 to substitute names of candidates. So, aside from the high drama of hoisting an 80-year old, who by his age and rather modest academic qualification appears both physically and intellectually suited for such an articulate state and a demanding job, it is obvious that Fayose just put the name, pending the agreement, among stakeholders, on the actual candidate. That appears fair and smart enough. But what is outrageous is the level of in-yourface cynicism that Fayose has employed to hold down the space.

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