THE NATION MONDAY 6, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Eight Niger Delta youths shot dead

Dangote, UACN, banks boost stock market

NEWS Page 60

NEW S NEWS

Pages 4&5

•Ex-militant’s brother among victims

•Stocks hit highest mark since 2008

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VOL. 8, NO. 2477 MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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Fed Govt bans importation of rice through land borders

I

MPORTATION of rice through land borders has been banned by the Federal Government.

“All imported rice must come through the sea ports with duty paid on them, according to the law”, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Wale Adeniji.

The decision to stop the •Customs CG Abdullahi Dikko

By Our Reporter

importation of rice through the land borders is expected to end the massive smuggling of rice, which the NCS said has cost the country N27 billion since January.

Importation of rice through the borders has been threatening to throw the government’s plan for local rice production into jeopardy, the NCS said, adding that local

growers of rice and lawful importers have hailed the decision.

Acknowledging this decision as proper and timely in a statement yesterday, the Patriotic Rice Association of Nigeria (PRAN) said nothing short of the closure of the borders against smugglers would save Nigeria’s budding rice industry.

The PRAN leaders, Alhaji

Habibu Maishinkafa and Martins Okereke, said the higher tariff and consequent high market prices encouraged smugglers to push large volumes of rice into Nigeria with zero duty, thereby unsettling the government’s efforts to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production by 2015.

They decried the situation in which “large-scale invest-

ments made into the farming and milling industries by private businesses are also in jeopardy, following Customs’ inability to protect the industry from the vagaries of smugglers.”

In his statement at the weekend, the Customs spokesman announced that the NCS has impounded 35,194 bags of rice estiContinued on page 2

Jonathan under fire over Amaechi, Baga massacre If the President is not prevailed upon to change course, Nigeria may be in for another season of anomie, reminiscent of the days of the maximum ruler who took the country to the brink —ACN

I’m not a despot, says President

T

HE Presidency and the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) came to blows again yesterday on the state of the nation.

The ACN said Nigeria is “descending into despo-

From Yusuf Alli and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

tism” with the manner the President is running its affairs.

Besides, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) lashed out at Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for not visiting Baga, the Borno

Nigeria’s democracy has been consolidated; the scope for human freedoms has been further expanded and there is respect for due process and the rule of law —Jonathan

State border town where many were killed when troops clashed with Boko Haram fighters.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ACN said Dr. Jonathan was turning “from a

democratically-elected President to an empror - a despot.”

The party alleged that national institutions had been “bastardised and compromised just to get at a political enemy in an open quarrel with Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi”.

The authority has so far shown more interest in controlling the information on the casualty figures... than in ensuring rehabilitation of the victims of the Baga disaster —CPC

But presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement last night, denied it all.

He said President Jonathan “is a democratically-elected leader who is running a peopleoriented, inclusive and progressive government”.

He added that rather than despotism, under the President’s watch, “Nigeria’s democracy has been consolidated; the scope for human freedoms has been further expanded and there is respect Continued on page 2

Governor begs Boko Haram to free Monguno From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

B

ORNO State Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday begged those who abducted a former Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, to release the elder statesman.

He is concerned about Monguno’s health, which, according to him, may deteriorate if his abductors, who are suspected to be Boko Haram members, do not free him.

The governor also warned the abductors of the spiritual gravity of contributing to the death of a 92-year-old man, who is known for helping orphans, widows and the needy.

Shettima recalled that even during the jihad of Prophet Mohammed, old persons, children and women, were free of harassment and torture.

He made the plea in Maiduguri, after returning to the state capital from an emergency meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on the abduction of the nonageContinued on page 2

•T ALKING B USINESS: Dr Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) speaking at the Canada •TALKING BUSINESS: Nigeria Investment Conference in Toronto, Canada...at the weekend. Listening are (from left) Governors Peter Obi (Anambra), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi)

•SPORTS P23 •CEO P32 •JOBS P37 •POLITICS P43 •MOTORING P45

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

NEWS Governor begs Boko Haram to release Monguno Continued from page 1

•A soldier at the scene of a suicide attack on a government convoy in Mogadishu, Somalia…yesterday. Around 11 people were killed when a suicide attacker rammed a car laden with explosives into a government convoy at a busy junction in the Somali capital, police said.

PHOTO: AFP

CPC blasts Jonathan over Baga massacre

T

HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to properly manage the security challenges in Baga, the Borno State town where people were killed recently.

The CPC said being a Commander-In-Chief of a country is not about wearing ceremonial uniform.

The party said Jonathan’s approach to the Baga killings amounted to aloofness.

It described the alleged aloofness of the President to the plight of the Baga people as an infraction of the Constitution.

The CPC urged Dr. Jonathan to be courageous to visit Baga, like ex-Presidents Shehu Shagari and Olusegun Obasanjo did at crisis moments in the nation’s history.

But presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati accused the CPC of trying to score a cheap political point with Baga incident.

The CPC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin, said: “On 16th April, 2013, there was armed confrontation between insurgents and the military in Baga, a small fishing

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

community in Nigeria’s border with Chad, which resulted in horrific destruction of lives and property.

“The humongous carnage, quite understandably, attracted the outrage of Nigerians from across the land and the international community.

“The Nigerian Federal authority has so far shown more interest in controlling the information on the casualty figures, as different statistics continue to be bandied around, than in ensuring rehabilitation of the victims of the Baga disaster.

“What is more galling is the refusal of President Goodluck Jonathan in visiting the area to get first-hand information after more than two weeks of this unfortunate incident.

“It will be recalled that on 1st March, 2013, the Progressive governors of the yet-to-be-registered All Progressives Congress (APC) walked on the streets of Maiduguri in a manner that befuddled the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). “ In a clear obfuscation of the issues, the motley of spin-doctors in the nation’s presidency responded that the long-overdue visit of the President was

pre-empted by these governors. “ It is our belief that the refusal of the President in visiting Baga does not only show insensitivity but is a conduct that is not statesman-like for those that bear presidential authority over a jurisdiction!”

The statement added: “On 7th September, 1980, President Shehu Shagari visited Ibadan, Oyo State, within days of the Ogunpa flood disaster. On touring the areas affected by the devastation which left 240 people dead and thousands rendered homeless, he quipped: “I have seen real disaster!”

“On 28th January, 2002, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited Ikeja Military Barracks barely 24 hours after bomb explosions had destroyed lives and property. “ In a rare show of empathy for the distraught victims - including women and childrenwho had lost loved ones and rendered homeless, the President preferred to tread barefooted!

“Shortly after the Boston marathon bombing, President Barack Obama was on hand to offer words of comfort to the bereaved and assuage the

pains of the wounded. Thereafter, he made pronouncements that sent clear message of his strength of character as the nation’s commander-inchief.

“The wider implication of President Jonathan’s demeanour is seen in his refusal to embark on duty tours to the servicemen that are daily hazarding their lives for the nation’s security.

“As a party we believe that the gravitas of the authority of the Commander-in- chief is not just in adornment of ceremonial military wears on special occasions, but in providing the right leadership that galvanizes a followership geared for greater service and commitment to the national cause.

“We hereby remind the President that part of his oath of office is to preserve the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy in chapter two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Firmly entrenched in this section is the declaration that the purpose of government shall be the security and welfare of the people.

“The aloofness evinced by Continued on page 60

narian.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communications, Isa Umar Gusau, the governor also urged the people of the state to pray for Monguno’s release.

The statement reads: “Allah places high premium on orphans. In many portions of the Quran, taking care of orphans is one of the best deeds before him because His noble Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) grew up as a poor orphan.

“Allah has clearly described those who help orphans and feed the poor as the righteous ones He is pleased with.

“Those who help orphans and the poor have special place before Allah and this makes our elder statesman, Shettima Ali Monguno, a special person before Allah because over the years, he has dedicated his lifetime to catering for orphans, widows and the needy.

“He feeds them; clothes them; takes care of their health and other social needs; sponsors them for Islamic education; builds Islamic schools for orphans, widows and women.

“He is a righteous old man as all humans can testify, leaving Allah to be the judge; he is associated with honesty and integrity.

“This means Allah cannot be happy with anyone that hurts this good servant of His if for nothing because of his help to

orphans.”

On Monguno’s health, the governor said: “Monguno is an old man of over 90 years. He hardly eats well because of his age. He takes routine drugs, about seven times a day to make up for lack of eating. So, keeping him in custody, away from his drugs can make his health deteriorate very fast.

“I strongly appeal to his abductors to consider his old age; they should regard him as their own father and grandfather, they should realise that by keeping Monguno away, they are breaking the hearts of many orphans and whom Allah has special interest in; they should realise even during the times of the Prophet when Jihads were fought to liberate Islam, Allah abhorred harming old persons, children and women, unless if they arm themselves at battle fields.”

Shettima queried the rationale behind the abduction of a man who is one of the leading voices against bad leadership and corruption.

He said: “The abductors should realise that they are keeping an old man that is one of the leading voices against bad leadership; against corruption; against oppression; against public freedom; they are keeping in custody an old man who has over the years raised his voice in defence of the masses and against their oppressors.

Continued on page 59

Fed Govt bans importation of rice through land borders Continued from page 1

mated to cost about N217 million in the last two months.

PRAN last week alleged the that many vessels with cargoes totaling more than 220,000 metric tonnes of Indian and Thai origins have flooded the ports of Benin and Cameroun in order to eventually find their way to Nigeria through the borders.

Vessels from India involving 90,000 metric tonnes to Benin include MV Lord Curzon, MV Santa Barbara, MV Zeynupkiran, MV Emenates and MV Captain.

“Vessels from Thailand with cargoes of more than 130,000 metric tonnes are

shipped to Benin on vessels MV White Fin, MV Makra, MV Blanco Zealand and others. Many container loads totaling over 150,000 tonnes since the start of 2013 have also started penetrating through the borders through Benin, Niger Republic, borders. More than eight million bags of rice have flooded all markets including Alaba, Daleko, Ideo, Singer and others nationwide”.

PRAN said the recent decision banning smuggled rice by the NCS should be supported by the Customs rankand-file and by the entire citizens because it is “a patriotic measure”.

Jonathan under attack over Amaechi, Baga massacre President not a despot, says spokesman

Continued from page 1

for due process and the rule of law”.

Besides the “personal battle”; the President is fighting against the Rivers State government, the ACN recalled that the government attacked former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwezili and the spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Yushau Shuaib, for raising issues on the state of the polity.

In the statement, Mohammed said: ‘’The Jonathan Administration is anchored on a Transformation Agenda. But the only transformation that we can see is the one from a democratically-elected President to an Emperor, a despot. ‘’If the President is not prevailed upon to change course, Nigeria may be in for another season of anomie, reminiscent of the days of the maximum ruler who took the country to the brink before his sudden demise,’’ it said, adding: “The way President Jonathan is handling his politi-

P

RESIDENTIAL spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement last night, denied that President Goodluck Jonathan is “descending into despotism” as alleged by the Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N).

Abati said: “The latest press statement

by Lai Mohammed of the Action Congress of Nigeria, in which he claims, wrongly as always, that the Jonathan administration is “descending into despotism,” represents yet another attempt by the ACN and its spokesperson to stand the truth on its head and indulge in the politics of abuse. They should not be allowed to get away with their perfidy.

“President Jonathan is a democraticalcal disagreement with a member of his party, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, has portrayed him as a leader who is willing to jettison democratic ideals and principles on the altar of personal ambition.”

The party wondered why national institutions have to be

ly elected leader who is running a people-oriented, inclusive and progressive government. Under his watch, Nigeria’s democracy has been consolidated; the scope for human freedoms has been further expanded and there is respect for due process and the rule of law. Ordinary Nigerians appreciate the fact that they have a President who is humane, disciplined and focused.”

Abati said: “The ACN should start by removing the log in its eyes”, adding that: “President Jonathan is not a despot.”

Abati went on: “The Transformation Agenda which Lai Mohammed tries to pooh-pooh is a well thought-out blueprint on the basis of which this admin-

“bastardized” and “compromised” just to get at a political enemy, specifically citing the role being played by the Ministry of Aviation, its parastatals, such as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Air-

istration continues to serve the interests of the people and move the country forward. The evidence of the Jonathan administration’s achievements is visible in many aspects of Nigerian life and society: from agriculture, to aviation, the economy, job creation, power, industry, trade and investment, transportation and others. No amount of name-calling or partisan criticism will distract the government’s attention, just in case the ACN assumes that its persistent distortion of the facts will achieve that objective.

“The ACN’s allegation that there is a disagreement between President Goodluck Jonathan and the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, is also wrong-

ports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the police, among others, in the Presidency’s clash with Amaechi. ‘’Like we said before, we are not perturbed by what is happening in the PDP. Our main

Continued on page 59

concern is the fact that the party’s internal crisis is overheating the polity and threatening the country’s hard-won democracy. After the theatrics of the aviation agencies and their parent ministry, the EFCC has suddenly realised that the cost of the Rivers State’s plane Continued on page 59

•Dr. Jonathan

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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NEWS • Vice-President Namadi Sambo (second right), and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Alhaji Bamaga Turkur, at a breakfast meeting organised by the Canada-Nigeria Investment Conference inToronto... at the weekend.

•Leader, Yoruba Conflicts Resolution Commiitte, Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan (right) greeting the Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Akirun of Ikirun , Oba Olayiwola Olawale (left), at the annual award of Event Diary Television in Osogbo...yesterday. With them is the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Abioye Oyebode.

•From left: Principal Registrar, Counselling, Mrs. Aderonke Asiwaju, Consultant, Mr. Kehinde Oyeleke, Initiator, Mrs. Fola Ogunsola, Deputy Vice- Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Duro Oni and Resource Person, Mr. Wale Ogunsola at a seminar supported by Globacom on " Path to becoming an employable graduate" organised for final year students at the Multipurpose Hall, UNILAG .

How Dangote, UA On Friday, the stock market hit a level not seen since its crash in 2008. It rose by almost two per cent. Dangote Cement, UACN,banks, and offshore investors are playing key roles in the market’s rebirth, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

F

RIDAY was a good day for the stock market, which crumbled in 2008. The market peaked at a capitalisation of N12.62 trillion in March 2008. But by October 2008, it fell drastically from its peak of 65,213 points.

No thanks to the global financial and local banking crises, the market’s value was reduced to N6.27 trillion in November 2011.

This led to a crisis, which almost wrecked nine banks, until the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervened, with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which bought up the non-performing loans from the banks.

Between 2005 and March 2008, total issues by corporate organisations rose from N412.7 billion in 2005 to N1.34 trillion in 2007. Market capitalisation of all quoted companies rose from N2.5 trillion in 2005 to N12.1 trillion in March 2008.

It was a boom later discovered to have been fuelled by malpractices.

Issuers and operators were found to have manipulated share prices to sell overvalued stocks to investors.

A lot of banks were discovered to

•Dangote

have used depositors’ funds to pump up shares.

It was not surprising when market capitalisation plummeted to N4.99 trillion in 2009.

In 2011, investors lost N1.4 trillion.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted companies dwindled from N7.914 trillion to N6.533 trillion. Almost all indices at the (Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) were in the red. Total trading value dropped by 20 per cent to N634.92 billion. Average daily transactions also declined by 19 per cent to N2.68 billion.

Many individuals have lost almost their entire investments. They are yet to recover, but if the almost two percent rise of the market on Friday is anything to go by, observers believe the pre-November 28, 2008 boom may soon return.

The rise was attributed to the conglomerate UACN Plc, the banking sector and Dangote Cement Plc. The index closed 1.76 percent higher at 35,109 points.

UACN’s shares hit N64.68 per share, representing the maximum 10 per cent up for the taking; Union Bank gained 10 percent to have a value of N9.78 per share and Dangote Cement recorded

Chinese firm to build 20,000mw plant •Sambo: $3.7b ready to boost power

A •Chairperson, House Committee on Aviation, Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha (left), former Speaker, The Gambian, Mrs. Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay (middle)and wife ofOgun State governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, at the women advancement forum awards in Johannesburg, South Africa...at the weekend.

CHINESE firm plans to build a 20,000 megawatts electricity generating plant in Nigeria, Minister of Power Prof.

Chinedu Nebo said at the weekend.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo, also at the weekend, said the government has approved $3.7b to boost power transmission to 20,000mw.

It was not, however, clear whether the cash is in support of

John Ofikenua and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

the proposal by the Chinese firm.

Sambo spoke in Canada during a meeting with the Nigeria-Canada Association Greater Toronto Area.

Nigeria generates less than 4,000mw of electricity which Nebo, who spoke during a meeting with a British business delegation led by the Lord Mayor of London, Roger Crifford, described as abysmally low.

The minister said Nigeria needed

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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NEWS

e, UACN, others are reviving stock market ‘ The market is being driven largely by investors’ reactions to the positive financials posted by the banking and consumer sectors, and the sustained growth in the economy •Ndanusa

3.82 percent to a record high of N185 per share.

These are indeed good times for UACN, which last Thursday released a data showing that its 2012 pre-tax profit rose by 53.6 percent to N10.74 billion, from N6.99 billion the previous year.

The company said its turnover rose by 16.8 percent to N69.63 billion, compared with N59.64 billion in 2011.

The company, which has interest in food business with South Africa’s Tiger Brand, offered its shareholders a dividend of N1.60, compared with N1.5 paid the previous year and a bonus issue of one share for every five held.

It is not surprising that Dangote Cement is helping the stock market. The first quarter of the year was good for the leading cement producer, with three plants in the country and plans to expand in 13 other African countries.

Last week, it announced its impressive unaudited results for the first quarter of 2013.

The highlights of the unaudited report include a consolidated group revenue of N95.4 billion (up 39.5 per cent), and gross profits of N66.0 billion ( up 64.7 per cent).

to generate 200,000mw to achieve the same energy per capital as South Africa – Africa’s largest economy.

Nebo said flared gas will power the plant, which one of the biggest power generating companies in China is proposing to build.

He said the power sector, with its huge potential, has sufficient space for many investors, including in renewable energy, coal to power, among others.

Nebo said: “One of the largest power generating companies in China is talking to us. The market is open.

We are looking at Europe and Asia and beyond.”

He added that a South Korean firm is also working with the Federal Government to build 1, 000mw of solar energy annually for the next 10 years as part of the energy mix component of the power sector reforms.

The minister said: “We need a robust

•UACN MD Larry Ettah

Within the first quarter, sales volumes rose to 3.33 million tonnes, representing about 40 per cent growth.

Chief Executive of Dangote Cement, Devakumar Edwin, said the company’s business in the first quarter started on a good note.

He said: “The year has begun well for Dangote Cement and our 38 per cent increase in volumes far outpaced the Nigerian market’s strong growth of 16 per cent. Our gas supply has been better this year and that has driven margins upwards from the first quarter of 2012, when our new capacity at Ibese and Obajana was just coming on-stream.

“We are increasing our focus on delivering directly to our customers and have made it easier for them to order and pay for our cement. This has allowed us to improve our position in the market and we remain confident of a good year.”

The company’s audited report for 2012 shows that the group’s operations in Nigeria recorded N285.6 billion as gains.

The CEO said: “In the first half of the year (2012), we launched 11 million tonnes of new capacity that

•Prof. Nebo

energy mix. For security purpose, as a nation, it is not expedient to have a source or two. We need a

‘

•Edwin

brought Nigeria to self-sufficiency in cement production. Because of our investments there is no more need for Nigerians to buy foreign cement.

“By the end of 2012, we were preparing to make Nigeria an exporter of cement to neighbouring countries and in the first quarter of 2013 we realised that goal, to the benefit of the Nigerian economy. Soon, we hope to be manufacturing cement in Senegal as we expand into other African countries to supply a basic but profitable commodity that is vital to Africa’s growth.

“Current trading is strong. We estimate that demand for cement in Nigeria increased by almost 16 per cent in the first quarter of 2013,” he said; adding that the firm’s volumes rose by substantially more than the market’s growth rate in the same period, boosting the firm’s optimism for a very positive business year.”

Dangote controls about 70 per cent of the cement market, with the three other main producers of cement - Lafarge WAPCO, UNICEM, and Ashaka Cement, scrambling for the rest.

Speaking on Friday, the President of Dangote Group, who also doubles as NSE president, Aliko Dangote, said Nigeria was on the way to becoming the gateway to African capital markets.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man, spoke at the 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NSE in Lagos.

He said the NSE had invested N40 million in the Nigerian Association of Securities Dealers Ltd (NASD) to boost the market. He said the investment was made last year.

NASD is a platform for the trading of unlisted equities, bonds and money market instruments.

As a way of further boosting the stock market, he said N50 million was invested in FMDQ OTC Plc, a firm registered to carry out the business of securities dealings.

Dangote said: “We made a strategic decision to invest in FMDQ to broaden our market reach, diversify revenue stream and to remain at the forefront of an evolving globally competitive financial market.”

Apart from the contributions of the NSE’s management, Dangote Cement, UACN and the banks, off-

shore investors have also shown more interest in the market. So, the price surge has been attributed to them.

So, is the market on the way to full recovery? Many dealers believe so.

They said operators were capitalising on the growth in the economy, expanding consumer base and the opportunities created by the privatisation of the power sector.

“The market is being driven largely by investors’ reactions to the positive financials posted by the banking and consumer sectors, and the sustained growth in the economy.

“If you look at the American stock index, it has surpassed its pre-2008 level and Nigerian stock is still below half of its peak in 2008, so we have room to grow further,” Rasheed Yussuf, a stock broker, told Reuters.

The chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Suleiman Ndanusa, said the stock market now had global competitive edge. He said the dividends of the reforms in the market in the last three years are now being felt.

good mix of power. We now have wind turbines; solar power too is being commissioned, but we are still far (behind), considering our potentials.”

“Apart from GE (General Electric), the Asians are more in a hurry. That’s why we are urging investors from the UK to buy into the power sector. Those who take the first initiatives now stand to benefit more as had happened in the telecoms sector.”

Lord Mayor Grifford told reporters he was disappointed that UK investors were not particularly involved in the Nigerian power sector. He promised to look into that on his return to his country.

Sambo, according to a statement yesterday by his Senior Special Assisant, Umar Sani, spoke to a group of Nigerians on happenings in the country in infrastructural and social

development.

Sambo said the Jonathan administration was committed to the provision of the necessary infrastructure and that efforts were being made in power supply, transportation, aviation , ICT , agriculture, healthcare services, educational advancement and good governance.

He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to come home and be part of the new horizon. He appreciated the contributions of those in the diaspora to national development and said that it was in recognition of their contributions that a diaspora bond of N1 billion was set up and requested them to key into it.

The President of the Nigeria Canadian Association, Fabian Nwoha, expressed the association’s desire to contribute positively to the nation’s

development.

But he pointed out that they were reluctant due to the reported negative incidents and other vices.

He reminded government of its promise to provide a consular office in Toronto to ease emerging diplomatic issues.

Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada Dr. Ojo Madueke hailed the Canada Nigeria Association, saying it represents the future of Nigeria and hoped that its members would export their talent and know-how into Nigeria.

Present were Governors Godswill Akpabio(Akwa Ibom), Mukhtar Yaro (Kaduna), ministers of Education , Internal Affairs and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Bamanga Tukur.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

NEWS ‘More than 900 Christians killed’ MORE than 900 Christians were allegedly killed in Nigeria last year, the Christian Broadcasting News (CBN) has said.

The CBN report quoted yesterday by The Washington Times has distinguished Nigeria as a nation with the highest Christian death toll.

All, according to the report, were victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“They are so radical they don’t even spare Muslims. If Muslims are sympathetic to any cause at all … if they are sympathetic to the Christians cause, or the minorities cause, they are also termed as infidels,” Mark Lipdo, programme coordinator for the Stefanos Foundation, told CBN News.

Emmanuel Ogebe, a lawyer, warned that the country may be teetering on the brink of a fullfledged religious war.

“Because of the massive Christian and Muslim population in Nigeria, there is no country on earth that is as rich and as ready for a religious war. All the elements, all of the ingredients are there,” he said.

The insurgents have killed more than 120 Nigerians, mostly Christians, this year, the CBN report said.

‘GTBank is participating in suit F without being joined’

OUR Directors of Nosak Distilleries Limited have urged Justice Okeke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, to disqualify himself from adjudicating a suit against them.

Among other reasons, they accused the judge of allowing Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) to participate in the proceedings when it has not been joined in the suit.

Nosak, its receiver-manager and Fidelity Bank Plc. had sued Anthony Ogunbor, Samuel Ogunbor, Robriguez Anthonio and Ediwin Ibude, over an alleged unpaid loan.

But the defendants, in a motion on notice, prayed the judge to withdraw from the case on the alleged ground of bias and consistent failure to give equal treatment to parties.

They said: “Guarantee Trust Bank brought an application for joinder.

Although the court had not ruled on the application for joinder…he (the judge) simply allowed counsel to GTBank to participate in the proceedings just as if it had joined them in the proceedings.”

The defendants alleged that the judge “always ignored the objections and protests of the defendants that counsel to GTBank should not be allowed to participate in the proceedings as his client had not been joined.

“Many times the learned trial judge always gave preference to counsel to GTBank, who was not a party to the action at the expense of

‘The court deliberately allowed a counsel for a party (GTBank) seeking to be joined but which party had not been joined to participate in the proceedings and even get more recognition than counsel whose clients were established parties in the case’

By Joseph Jibueze

the defendants’ counsel.”

In a supporting affidavit, the defendants, representing Nosak’s board of directors , said the firm obtained N1 billion loan from Fidelity in 2011 for a term of 10 years.

They said they enjoyed a good relationship with Fidelity until Nosak “fell on bad times largely as a result of the harsh economic condition in the country.”

The defendants said they were surprised when late last year, Fidelity “purported to appoint” a receiver/ manager, who brought the matter to the court.

“The orders of interim injunction obtained by the receiver/manager were not only very broad, but also

very oppressive and onerous,” the defendants said, adding that Nosak’s multi-billion naira factory had been shut down following the orders.

The motion on notice praying the judge to disqualify himself is based on eight grounds.

The defendants said: “The judge granted interim orders of injunction that should normally last for about seven to 14 days, but in spite of several affidavits of urgency, the judge kept the ex-parte orders in place for about three months now with devastating effect on the company and its workers.

“The court deliberately allowed a counsel for a party (GTBank) seeking to be joined but which party had not been joined to participate in the

proceedings and even get more recognition than counsel whose clients were established parties in the case.”

GTbank was said to have granted Nosak credit facility to the tune of N4 billion which was secured by an all assets debenture. GTBank then allowed Fidelity into the debenture to the tune N30 million.

GTBank is claiming that its interest in Nosak, now in receivership, ranks higher than that of Fidelity and therefore sought to be joined in the suit.

During proceedings last Thursday, counsel for GTBank Kemi Pinhero, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urged the court to invoke Order 26, Rule 22 of the Federal High Court Rules and compel the defendants to put the bank on notice.

Pinhero said every person that would be affected ought to be served and if not served, the court may order the party entitled to service to be served or strike out the motion.

The Nation learnt the plaintiffs last Friday filed their counter-affidavit to the motion, urging the judge to disqualify itself.

Justice Okeke said Pinhero should be served since his client is affected.

The judge adjourned till May 9 for hearing.

Sustainable power coming by 2015, says NERC •Power generation hits 4,500MW From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

WITH inputs from the Independent Power Producers (IPP), the Commissioner for Engineering, Standards and Safety of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mrs. Mary Awolokun has assured Nigerians that they will experience stable power supply by 2015.

According to Mrs. Awolokun, the commission has a plan to achieve the feat through efforts of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), which she noted has added over 1000 megawatts to the existing power.

The commissioner spoke in Abuja at the weekend in a chat at a reception organised by Aramoko indigenes for selected members on their national appointments.

Mrs. Awolokun said: “I can say that come 2015, the power sector will be okay, because we have given licenses to private sectors such as the IPP to produce power.

The Federal Government is also not folding its arms as it is planning to build more power stations.

“By the time the efforts materialise, the power sector will change. There will be a sustainable power supply by 2015.”

She further disclosed plans to add 2000 megawatts to the national grid before or by May 12, adding that the addition will boost the present power generation supply.

Speaking at the event, Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Segun Agbaje stressed the need for politicians to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in achieving transparency in election processes.

Agbaje, noted that the race for transparency should begin from politicians assuring of INEC’s readiness to conduct transparent and hitch-free elections 2015 and in the future.

•Managing Director, the La Casera Company, Mr Jotna Sanjeev Ramchandani (right), a Director of the Company, Mr Bankole Animashaun presenting a N7 million cheque to Chief Collins Ezenwa (middle), co-winner at the La-Casera 2013 QPS Partner Conference in Lagos...at the weekend. With them are the La Casera company’s Chief Operating Officer, Dileeban Ponniah (left) and Group Technical Director, Jotna Sanjeev Chhetri.

PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

Multi-campus system overstretches Law School budget, says ex-CJN Uwais F

ORMER Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais has urged lawyers to bail out the Nigerian Law School (NLS) from its financial challenges.

The retired justice made the call in Abuja at a special dinner organised for three ministers - Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocates of Nigeria (Special Duties and InterGovernmental Affairs); Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN (Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice); and Mrs. Olusola Obada (Minister of State for Defence).

They are members of the Class of 1986 of the Nigerian Law School.

Uwais said: “With the creation of more campuses of the Nigerian Law School, sufficient funding by the Federal Government became a problem.

“Consequently, it is not buoyant to implement its capital and recurrent projects. This is one area that old students of the school can render assistance.”

Uwais recalled the expansion of the

•Pleads with lawyers to bail out school

Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern operation

Law School since the 60s.

He added: “The Nigerian Law School came into existence in January 1963 with an intake of eight students.

They did a three-month course. Mine was the third set of students who did the three-month course from October 1963 to January 1964. There were 127 students in my set.

“The Nigerian Law School has come a long way with intakes now running into thousands. So many campuses have been established since its relocation from Lagos to Abuja in 1997.”

The ex-CJN lauded the set for contributing positively to national development and assisting the Law School.

He said: “It is gratifying to know that your set - the 1986 Set - has been in the forefront of helping the Nigerian

Law School. There is no doubt that the 1986 Set has every reason to celebrate its achievements.

“I have been made to understand that the set has produced the highest number of SANs and it has three of its members serving as ministers in the present Federal Executive Council (FEC). This is by no means a modest achievement.

In his remark, Alhaji Turaki thanked Uwais for his contributions to the growth of Law practice in Nigeria.

He promised, to, in collaboration with his colleagues, do everything possible to uplift the Class of 86 in their service to the country as ministers.

Turaki, who is also the chairman of the Class, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for honouring the group with three ministerial slots.

He said: “The first ministry in the FEC is the Minister of Justice and the AGF, he has given it to a member of our class.

“The second ministry in terms of ranking is the Ministry of Defence. It is also being manned by a member of this class.

“Let me assure you on behalf of the other members of the Class in the FEC that we will do whatever we can to lift the name of this Class.

In his goodwill message, a SAN, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, though not a member of the class, urged lawyers to uphold the integrity of the profession.

“What we see in the legal profession today does not give us joy. Let us observe the ethics of Law practice. Let us hold the Bar. Don’t allow politicians destroy the only profession we have,” he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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NEWS Press Freedon Day: Groups berate Fed Govt on ‘internet spying contract’

Activists urge ICC to visit Baga over T unlawful killings A

GROUP of activists, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has sent an urgent request to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, Fatou Bensouda, to visit Baga, Borno State, and probe alleged unlawful killings in the area.

The group urged Bensouda to use her “good offices and position to facilitate the visit of the court to Baga, in Borno State of Nigeria, and other parts of the country in order for the court to assess the situation, interview important witnesses and collect vital evidence that can be used to bring suspected perpetrators to justice for international

•Falana writes global court on extrajudicial executions

By Olamilekan Andu

crimes”.

In a letter to the ICC chief, dated May 3 and signed by the Solicitor to SERAP, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), the organisation expressed “serious concerns about the killings and destruction in Baga and cases of extrajudicial executions in other parts of the country”.

It noted that “unless the ICC urgently visits Baga and other parts of the country to assess the

situation, interview witnesses and obtain vital evidence, suspected perpetrators may escape justice”.

SERAP added: “The ICC, following SERAP’s intervention, has already opened investigation on the allegations of unlawful killings in Jos, Plateau State of Nigeria. We urge you to expand the investigation on Jos to cover Baga and other cases of extrajudicial executions across the country. SERAP believes that substantial grounds

exist to warrant the intervention of the Prosecutor in this case, especially given the scale of the killings and destruction and the lack of transparency and accountability.

“Given the weak criminal justice system and the fact that successive governments have shown themselves to be either unwilling or unable to implement recommendations by national agencies, let alone prosecute suspected perpetrators of international crimes in places like Jos, the intervention by the ICC will ensure that the truth is told about what happened, and provide the much-needed international accountability and ensure effective remedies for victims and their families.”

National Assembly workers petition Mark, Tambuwal over unpaid benefits From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

ORKERS of the National Assembly, under the auspices of G-1200, have petitioned the leadership of the National Assembly over their unpaid benefits.

In a letter to Senate President David Mark and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the workers threatened to go on strike, if their demands are not met urgently.

The petition letter, dated April 25, was signed by the G- 1200 Chairman, Comrade Ochigbo Ejigah, as well as Comrade Halima Ahmed (Secretary) and Adeniyi Yusuf (Publicity Secretary).

Copies of the letter were sent to principal officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, some committee chairmen and President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The petition reads: “Recall that the Senate, at its sitting on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, approved over N11billion for the payment of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) in concurrence with the 100 per cent increase in salaries and allowances passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 for National Assembly workers, inluding the legislative aides and the staff of the National Assembly Service Commission.

“Recall also that according to the report of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, the Legislative aides, numbering 2,942, were to get N6,026,811,522 as against the then N3,444,576,893.

“The National Assembly workers, whose number stood at 3,167, were allocated N4,576,867,627 as against the then N2,660,005,145, while the National Assembly Service Commission, with a staff strength of 317, was allocated N437,019,166 as against N27,985,917 annually. Further recall that the two chambers of the National Assembly on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, adopted the conference committee’s report on CONLESS, as harmonised.

“Note that the approved CONLESS was intended to earn Grade Level 04, step 1 Officer about N41,451 while Grade Level 08 Step 1 would earn N122,884.50 monthly. This calculation was based on the 25 per cent annual Outfit and Legislative Duty Allowances, in addition to the CONLESS divided by 12 calendar months.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

P

Why it’s difficult to curb politicians’ excesses, by INEC chief

A •Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar cutting his 55th birthday cake at his PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN residence in Maitama, Abuja...yesterday.

Jonathan leads economic, investment mission to South Africa, Namibia P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will lead key members of the nation’s economic management team to this week’s World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr Jonathan will be accompanied by the Governors of Zamfara, Anambra and Bayelsa states; Senator Smart Adeyemi, Abubakar Momoh, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Jim Ovia, Chief Oba Otudeko and Mr Tony Elumelu.

Several ministers, including those of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru; Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke; In-

The groups said there is “a groundswell of concerns that such unconstitutional and illegal communication contract breaches the basic privacy laws covered by Chapter Four of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and will inevitably curtail press freedom fundamentally”.

The groups qouted an online news medium that the Jonathan administration has breached extant procurement and contracting laws enshrined in the Bureau of Public Procurement Act of 2007.

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President urges Nigerians to emulate Yar’Adua RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday recalled the great personal loss and the fulfilling partnership he enjoyed with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

The occasion was the third anniversary of the death of former President Yar’Adua and the audience comprised top echelon of the Federal Government and dignitaries from diverse areas of the nation’s life.

It was in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, recalled how humble, insightful, patriotic and dedicated the late President was. He urged other Nigerians to imbibe the same attributes that made the late President a man to remember.

The President noted that the late Yar’Adua was a leader who truly served his countrymen and women with all his strength and God-given abilities.

The statement reads: “On this anniversary of the late President’s transition, President Jonathan urges Nigerians, especially public officials at all levels of government, to rededicate themselves to emulating President Yar’Adua’s exemplary commitment to upholding due process, the rule of law and other globally-accepted principles of democracy and good governance.

WO democracy-friendly non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and Abuja Writers’ Forum (AWF), have urged the National Assembly’s committees on Justice and Human Rights to probe the widely circulated report that the Federal Government, under President Goodluck Jonathan, has awarded a $40 million Internet and computer spying contract to an Israeli company, Elbit Systems, with headquarters in Haifa, Israel.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

dustry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Musa Mohammed Sada, will also be on the presidential delegation.

The President is expected back in Abuja on May 10.

It is part of Federal Government’s efforts to ensure rapid national economic growth and development of the country.

At the forum, regional and global leaders will brainstorm on new strategies for accelerating economic diversification and availability of essential

infrastructure on the continent.

Dr Jonathan, according to a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, will leave Abuja for Cape Town today and, at the invitation of South African President Jacob Zuma, visit South Africa ahead of the opening of the forum on Wednesday.

The forum, with the theme: Delivering on Africa’s Promise, is expected to provide a platform for African leaders in government, business and civil society as well as their counterparts from other regions of the world to deepen the continent’s integration agenda and

renew their commitment to a sustainable path of growth and development that will further unlock Africa’s potentials and talents.

The President his delegation will also participate in the Grow Africa Investment Forum, being jointly hosted in Cape Town by the African Union (AU), the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and the World Economic Forum, to accelerate investments and transformative change in African agriculture, based on national agricultural priorities and in support of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme.

Federal Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Lai Olurode, has explained why it would be difficult for Nigerians to curb the excesses of the nation’s politicans.

He said Nigerians would not have any moral right to demand good governance as long as they ask for favours from those in political offices.

Speaking at a workshop organised by a German organisation, the Friedrich Ebert Shifting Foundation, in collaboration with an Islamic group, Jama’t Ta’awuni Muslimeen in Iwo, Osun State, Olurode noted

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

that what the political class needs to succeed is “our prayer and support”. He said the nation has suffered retarded growth for too long.

Olurode said: “The bane of our development is our attitude to those holding power in trust for us. People in power will be prudent when the process through which they get to power is less expensive. When you ask favours for your children and wife, you will not have the moral rectitude to question inappropriate spending by government officials.”

NAMA to begin area radar control May 30

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) will begin area radar control by the end of this month.

It was learnt that the agency has put in place logistics to run a hitch-free air traffic operation.

NAMA Managing Director Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, who spoke at the weekend in Lagos, explained that 22 air traffic controllers from Lagos and Kano area control centres have been trained on en-route radar control for a seamless air traffic service within the nation’s airspace.

The selected controllers, with some communication engineers, completed a simulator training at the Lagos radar site last Friday to conclude their schedule of trainings before the beginning of the area radar control.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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NEWS NDLEA impounds N20m Indian Hemp in Ondo From Damisi Ojoi, Akure

O

FFICIALS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ondo State have impounded 2,000 bags of Marijuana valued at over N20 million.

The bags of marijuana were impounded by NDLEA officials after a three-day raid of a forest at Ago Dada, Akure North Local Government Area.

It was learnt that the drugs were buried to conceal them.

NDLEA State Commander Walter Nicholas said the activities of Indian hemp planters have assumed a dangerous dimension.

He said the barons have continued to devise new methods of concealing their drugs.

Nicholas said: “It is sad that these barons have continued to devise means of concealing Indian hemp from us. This time around, they hid the substance in grave-like hole to deceive our men.

“Whenever we stumble on any strategy adopted by these drug barons, we expose it to the public, so that collectively, we can provide surveillance that may lead to their arrest and the interception of the drugs.”

He said most of the drug barons have moved to the forest, where most of their activities now take place.

Nicholas said the command is ready to put up 24-hour surveillance around the state.

He said much is still being expected from the court as regards the punishment of drug offenders.

Ogun PDP chieftain alleges plot to herd members to another party From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

A

CHIEFTAIN and financier of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Ogun State , Prince Buruji Kashamu, has advised members to be wary of those planning to “herd them into another political party to achieve their selfish interests”.

Kashamu said some PDP leaders were scheming to lure members into “defecting” to another party.

He said such a move would threaten the party’s unity and affect its chances of taking over governance in Ogun in 2015.

The PDP chieftain spoke at the weekend in Ilaro during a civic reception organised by the state PDP chapter in honour of the party’s National Auditor, Chief Adewole Adeyanju, who hails from Ogun West Senatorial District.

Adeyanju replaced Chief Bode Mustapha from Ogun Central, who was sacked by an Abuja High Court ‘s judgment, which nullified the congress that produced Mustapha and other national officers.

Kashamu said the party would field worthy candidates for all elective offices.

Also at the occasion were former PDP Chairman Mr. Dayo Soremi and former member of the House of Representatives Mr. Jelili Amusan, among others.

‘Murdered’ Ekiti student’s family accuses T police of foul play

HE parents of the 400level student of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Mr. Seyi Fasere, who was allegedly shot dead by a policeman in OyeEkiti on February 28, have accused the Commissioner of Police, Sotonye Wakama, of “colluding with the killer to cover-up the act”.

They said the alleged killer, popularly called Akobi Esu (devil’s first born), had been transferred from OyeEkiti to Ado-Ekiti.

Mr. and Mrs. Fasere spoke with reporters in Ado-Ekiti,

•CP: he wasn’t killed by my men From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado Ekiti

the state capital, at the weekend.

They said: “He (Akobi Esu) could not have been transferred without the CP’s knowledge. Can you believe that since that time, the police have not contacted the family to update us

on their investigation?”

They rejected the ballistic and autopsy reports of the police, describing the command’s call on the family to come and pick up Seyi’s body for burial as an attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet.”

A rights activist, Mr. Musibau Ali, said: “The police invited us to a meeting,

where the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oye said we can now come and claim Seyi’s body for burial.

“The police did not allow the family to witness the autopsy or the ballistic probe. Our expert was not part of the probes. They conducted them unilaterally. We know they killed Seyi and no matter what they say, we will get jus-

tice through the law. We will not be herded into collecting the body in a hurry.

The whole world must know how Seyi died and who actually killed him.

“We cannot bury the boy now when the general belief, which they falsely spread, is that he was an armed robber? We urge the state government to set up an independent judicial panel of enquiry to conduct an independent investigation and recommend appropriately. Seyi was not an armed robber. He was not killed on the crime scene but the day after. He was killed for the N100,000 he had on him.

“Seyi’s parents and his younger brother, who were brutalised for insisting that the deceased was not a robber, need justice. They were arrested, detained and dehumanised on the excuse of being the relations of a robber. They deserve compensation.”

Wakama said there was no attempt to cover up the incident. He said the accounts of the incident given by Mr. and Mrs. Fasere were contradictory.

He said: “The bullets extracted from Seyi’s body did not match those used by the police. Akobi Esu was with the chairman of Oye Local Government Council at the time of the incident.”

Ojudu hails Adelabu’s nomination

S •Fayemi (middle) presenting the key of the vehicle to Rev. Adebiyi...yesterday. With them are Akin-Fasae (left) and others.

Fayemi hails Adebiyi on retirement, 70th birthday

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has described the retired Anglican Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Rev. Peter Adebiyi, as “a man of distinction, whose service to God and humanity is marked by integrity, hard work and genuine love for the people”.

Fayemi spoke yesterday at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Osi-Ekiti, during a thanksgiving service marking the cleric’s retirement and 70th

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

birthday.

He said the virtues of the retired bishop earned him the Ekiti State’s brand ambassador.

Fayemi presented a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the cleric. He said Rev. Adebiyi has consistently exemplified the integrity, honesty and courage Ekiti people are known.

Fayemi said the cleric’s

contribution to the development of the state and Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised.

He urged youths to emulate the retired bishop, who he said stands out as a true representative of the state.

Rev. Adebiyi thanked the governor, saying: “I am more than surprised by this demonstration of love. It is an honour to be recognised by one’s state government. I believe this will encourage other indigenes to put in

their best in whatever they do.”

Also in attendance were former Minister of National Planning Chief Ayo Ogunlade; former Sports Minister Maj.-Gen. O. Olutoye (rtd) and his wife; Commissioner for Education Kehinde Ojo; Special Advisers to the Governor, Bashorun Ayo Odetola and Chief Abiodun AkinFasae; and the Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, Chief Bayo Adeniran, among others.

ENATOR Babafemi Ojudu (Ekiti Central District) has hailed Governor Kayode Fayemi for nominating Prof.

Modupe Adelabu as Ekiti State Deputy Governor.

In a statement in AdoEkiti, the state capital, Ojudu said Prof. Adelabu had the right credentials and humility for the position.

Describing her as an accomplished academic and an expert on a wide range of issues, Ojudu said he had no doubt that she would be a remarkable plus to the Fayemi administration.

He said she was a humble and loyal woman.

The lawmaker said the government has made Ekiti indigenes, both home and abroad, proud with the choice.

Lanlehin donates N10m relief materials to Ibadan fire victims

S

ENATOR Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South District) at the weekend distributed relief materials worth over N10 million to fire victims in Omitowoju, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The materials include 20 bundles of corrugated iron roofing sheets, 100 bags of cement, planks of different sizes, 20 sewing machines, four computer sets, two photocopy machines, eight hair dryers, eight clippers and cash.

Lanlehin said the items would help the victims rebuild their homes.

About 20 houses and shops were completely burnt by a fire that erupted when a fuel-laden

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

tanker fell in the area.

The only mosque destroyed by the fire, Arowodana Mosque, now has all the materials needed to rebuild it.

Lanlehin, who was accompanied by leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the district, said: “The damage was extensive and painful. It destroyed a lot of property, but we thank God no life was lost.

I came down from Abuja the morning after the incident and what I saw was shocking.

“It saddened me. This is part of my constituency. It is an area I am very familiar with. I have a duty to do whatever I can to

ameliorate the victims’ pain.

There is nothing I can do that will erase the pain, but I am trying to contribute to the rebuilding of the burnt houses.

“I intend to give victims, whose shops and means of livelihood were affected, some capital. I will also give them tools for their trade. I will give the tenants of the burnt buildings some money to cushion the effect of the terrible loss.

We pray the incident does not repeat itself.

“I urge the authorities to upgrade the equipment of the fire service. The National Assembly does not have provision for emergencies like this.

I have contacted the National

Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and I am confident they will do something.

“What I am doing is from my personal resources. All the people in the nine local governments in this district are my brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers and I have a duty to assist them.”

Also at the weekend, an Accord chieftain, Mr. Adegboyega Adegoke, accused the Ibadan North-West Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairman, Wasiu Olatunbosun, of frustrating his efforts to assist the victims.

Adegoke alleged that Olatunbosun prevented him from distributing relief materials

worth over N500,000 to the victims.

He alleged that on the day slated for the distribution, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area told him to postpone it.

Olatunbosun debunked the allegation, saying he had never heard of Adegoke.

He said he was out of town on the day in question, adding that he would be happy to see people assist the victims.

Olatunbosun said: “I challenge you (journalists) to verify his claim and be sure that he truly provided the so-called relief materials, so as not to be misled. I do not know anything about it and what you are saying is strange to me.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Man tortured by police loses memory

H

E was in a coma for days; now he has memory loss. Today, Ganiyu Lawal, 59, who was allegedly hit on the head with gun butt by the police, neither knows where he is, nor recognises members of his family.

Lawal was said to have been assaulted by policemen who invaded his 15, Odekeye Street, Puposhola, New Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos home on April 25.

He was arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) over an alleged N4 million fraud.

It was learnt at the weekend that Lawal regained consciousness after the surgery to remove the clot in his brain. But following the surgery, he was found to have suffered memory loss.

Saheed, Lawal's eldest son, told The Nation that doctors were working round the clock to restore his father's memory.

He said: "We are praying that he gets well.

He does not recognise anybody, even his wife and his sister whom he is fond of. He is not saying anything sensible and he does not even know what happened to him or where he is, now. We just hope that his memory would be restored as the doctors have assured us. We cannot wait for that to happen".

Lawal was allegedly tortured over an alleged N4 million property fraud which the police said, was reported by a woman. But Lawal said the money was N2.5million.

He was said to have passed out during a torture and was in a coma from April 25 to May 3 when he regained consciousness.

Saheed said his father was rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) around 4am on April 25.

The police, he said, thought his father could be revived to be taken back to SARS for further questioning, but when by 3:30pm that did not happen, they called his wife to inform her about her husband's condition.

Saheed said: "My mother got a call from a

‘

He does not recognise anybody, even his wife and his sister whom he is fond of. He is not saying anything sensible and he does not even know what happened to him or where he is, now. We just hope that his memory would be restored as the doctors have assured us

‘

By Jude Isiguzo, Police Affairs Correspondent

policeman that her husband was in LUTH. She called and informed me and I rushed there. When I got there, I saw my father lying lifeless. I also saw four policemen from SARS. He was brought in around 4:30am on Friday morning.

"One of them who said he is the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) said that a woman reported that she was duped of N4million over a property. He said while they were questioning my father, he told them that the money was N2.5million and not N4million.

• Lawal on hospital bed. Inset: Lawal before the attack

"The IPO said after he had reported back to his superior officers on how far he had gone with the interrogation, he was asked to

Police arrest fake ASP, launch manhunt for two others

A

SUSPECTED fake Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) has been arrested by the police in Lagos for alleged theft.

The suspect, Marshal Oshigbemi, was arrested by policemen attached to Ilemba Police Division, Ojo for allegedly using fake identity, along with two others - now at large - to rob commercial sex workers and their customers of their money in brothels.

The suspect, a 65-year-old father of 10 chil-

By Jude Isiguzo

dren, who hails from the Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State, with his two accomplices, allegedly went into a brothel along Ilemba Road, posing as ASPs from the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) and arrested sex workers and the brothel’s manager for human trafficking.

The fake policemen were said to have threatened to send them to jail if they refused to coop-

Lagos inaugurates children's parliament

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HE Lagos State Government has inaugurated the fourth Lagos Children's Parliament, an initiative designed to ensure the participation of children and the younger generation on issues that affect them.

Inaugurating the parliament in her office, the state Deputy Governor, Hon. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire said the parliament was recommended by the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and adopted by the Nigerian government in 2005 to provide a veritable platform for children to exercise their democratic rights.

She also said the parliament gives an opportunity for children to communicate their opinion on issues affecting them to government authorities for consideration.

By Mirian Ekene-Okoro

She said that the state had since 2005 put the Parliament in place, adding that its members had performed creditably as representatives of other children.

She added that the objective of instilling leadership skills in the children was being achieved through the parliament, adding that with the caliber of deliberations and suggestions put forward by the children, they have developed good capacity and responsible citizenship, which she hopes, will produce a better future for the state and country.

She charged in-coming parliamentarians to be prepared for the task ahead and consult widely to ensure that they represent their peers well.

erate with them.

It was gathered that the suspects allegedly collected N4,500 from the brothel’s bar man, and other sums from the sex workers and lodgers.

An eye-witness said: "The suspect, with two others, came into the brothel, claiming that they were policemen from the State Criminal Investigations Department,Lagos. They said their victims should cooperate if they didn't want to end up in their custody".

Another source said: "During their raid, I was curious because I did not see them come in any patrol vehicle. When I asked, they claimed that their driver went to buy fuel. I quickly called the Ilemba Police Division for policemen to come to our rescue".

Oshigbemi was said to be waving at a police patrol to further convince his victims that they were genuine when he was arrested.

His accomplices who sensed danger immediately they saw the police patrol vehicles, however, escaped.

Oshigbemi said he resorted to crimes to avenge his dismissal from the Nigeria Police in 2011, adding that he had no regret.

Lagos Command spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the suspect was not a policeman, but said a police identity card was recovered from him.

Commissioner decries poor project execution

L

AGOS State Government has threatened to take over the drainage and channelisation of Ikota River project at Lekki Scheme 2 Estate from the Federal Government because of the poor job done by the contractor.

The Commissioner of Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, who visited the project, said he would write the Federal Government on the matter.

According to Bello, the state government has a duty to protect the lives of her citizenry, especially as the rains are here with their attendant heavy flooding.

During the inspection, the commissioner found that contractor used 300 mm pipes instead of the standard 1.5 metres. "In future, this could lead to flood with lives and properties threatened," he said.

If properly done, on completion, the channel is expected to deflood Mobil road, Lekki Phase

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, Assistant Editor

11, part of Ogombo village, Lekki County home, Gedegede-Tapa, Etinrin resettlement communities and others.

Bello also visited Agungi channel, Osapa-Lagoon channel at Beach Resort Estate and the Spars/NICON Junction in the Lekki area.

He reiterated government's warning to those who live on wetlands along the flood plain areas and near the lagoon to relocate to safer areas.

Bello, however, pledged government's preparedness to build channels and storm water drains to de-flood the state. He promised to tour Victoria Island channels and others before the rains.

•Bello

go and bring my father from the cell, stating that when he got there, he discovered that my father had passed out. That was when his journey to the hospital began according to him."

Saheed explained that his father is a property agent, who has been in business for over three years without a stain.

"Since he started, he has not had any business problem with anybody to my knowledge. He is a gentleman; he runs away from trouble," he said.

The Nation learnt that the police are doing everything to ensure that Lawal survives.

It was gathered that before Lawal was admitted, police were made to sign an undertaking to take responsibility for his medical expenses.

As at April 28, the police had spent over N300,000 on him and also made arrangement to spend more if the need arose, to ensure his survival.

Robbery suspects arrested in Lagos restaurant

By Jude Isiguzo

O

PERATIVES of the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested eight suspected robbers in a restaurant in FESTAC Town.

They also recovered some arms and ammunition from the suspects.

It was gathered that the suspects, who apparently came to the restaurant to celebrate a successful robbery operation, had ordered for some bottles of expensive brandy and 'Nkwobi' (goat meat).

Sources said the suspects were already drinking and awaiting the Nkwobi when a plain-clothe policeman walked into the restaurant, took a seat and ordered for a bottle of Kunu and milk.

About 10 minutes later, another policeman joined him unnoticed. The two officers discussed for some minutes and went out.

Almost immediately, some operatives dressed in T-shirts marked 'SARS' stormed the restaurant, shot into the air and ordered everyone in there to remain where they were.

The policemen went straight to the table where the suspected armed robbers were seated, handcuffed them and took them away.

A resident who witnessed the operation said: "The policemen conducted themselves well as they did not harass any other person apart from the people they came for. They made their arrest and left immediately".

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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C ITYBEATS Man, 31, strangled to

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Shock as Ekiti monarch dies

“W

HO killed our dear monarch?"

This is the question that indigenes of Ijurin, an ancient community in Ekiti State have been asking in the past six days.

The traditional ruler of the town, which is in Ijero Local Government Area of the state, Oba Adeyinka Isaac Ayeoba, the Adejutepa 11, Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, died last Wednesday in circumstances his subjects believe, are strange. He was said to have spent six years on the throne before his mysterious death.

Since his death, the town and the people have been mourning his loss. He was described as a treasure to the community.

The late monarch was said to been driving himself to Ado, the state capital, late last Tuesday, for "an important assignment," when he had an ‘attack’.

According to a source close to the monarch, "something strange suddenly hit him (the monarch), prompting him to scream in pains." Unable to continue with the driving, Oba Ayeoba was said to have tacitly told his co-occupant of the car to fetch a driver to take him home. Therefore, the man wasted no time in looking for a driver. Since his condition had got complicated, the man was said to have taken him to a hospital in Ido, a nearby community.

Efforts by medical personnel at the infirmary

death in Delta

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

normalise his condition failed; hence, he was moved to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, where he eventually died the next day (Wednesday) after blood oozed out of his nostrils and mouth.

He was said to have since been buried.

The source, who preferred anonymity, told The Nation yesterday: "If one looks critically into the manner of our Oba's death, one would realise that it was not natural. He was hale and hearty and never complained of any symptom of illness. But the fact remains that since he mounted the throne, his enemies had never rested. It was God that had been keeping him."

On why the community would miss him, the source said: "He was a rare monarch who used his personal resources and clout to seek the development of his domain. He was always for the unity of the town and the progress of his subjects. He used his influence to get jobs for many unemployed youths in Ijurin. He was generally loved because he was always there to put smiles on the faces of all."

"He established a very big block-making industry at Ado-Ekiti where many are gainful-

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

•The late Oba Ayeoba

ly employed. In 2010, when Ijurin Day was celebrated, some delegates came to visit him from Spain, all in a bid to fast-track the town's development. They were led on the visit by the Mayor of Noblejas, Agustin Crespo. He (the late monarch) appealed to them to extend their exchange programmes to his subject for the town's economic prosperity. For him, it was his people before self. We will forever miss him," it added.

'Days of tears gone in Osun'

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HE days of endless tears over deprivations by the people are gone forever in Osun State, Senator Babajide Omoworare from Osun East (Ife/Ijesa) Senatorial District, has said.

The lawyer-turned-politician who praised the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, over the spate of development in the state under his leadership, stated that Osun people had seen the difference between light and darkness.

Speaking during the annual week celebration of the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) in Osogbo, in a paper entitled: "Sustainable Infrastructural Development and the Future of the State of Osun," Omoworare said if the previous administrations had embraced infrastructural development, the state would have been on the fast-track of advancement.

"Every aspect of the state is experiencing revolutionary transformations that had long been described as impossible. These radical transformations are not products of magic; they are works of a willing and prepared mind that is there to raise the bar, by giving standard of living its real meaning. I make bold to say that Osun

By Seun Akioye

is now a construction site for different laudable and sustainable infrastructural projects that had been long overdue," said Omoworare.

Maintaining that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) had redefined governance and democracy with its people-oriented manifestoes, the Senator said no government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest had done tremendously well like the present governors on the platform of ACN. "May we never witness a return to the dark days of lazy governance and share-the-money syndrome. A simple 'amen' will not do it, our votes and continuous support for the ACN is the guarantee," he said.

He said, while Nigeria is trying to grapple with development due to deficiency of past leaders, the governor was busy working to make the state self-sustaining with the exploration of its agricultural capacity, human resources and other natural elements, to drive

•Omoworare

its economy. "Replication of the Osun model without ego as done with the adoption of O'Yes template by the FG to drive its youth employment concern will go a long way in giving Nigeria the needed push to a desirable development level," the senator said.

Holiness 'll lift Nigeria, says church

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"HATEVER one becomes in life starts and ends with God, the Creator of heaven and earth. We must adore Him at all times and consider His interest in all our thoughts, utterances and deeds. This is why our church is committed to preaching the virtue of holiness as a recipe for the nation's woes."

Those are the words of Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya, (rtd), Grand Patron of the United African Methodist (Evangelical) Church, Cathedral, at Abule-Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos Mainland. It was at the weekend, during an encounter with The Nation, days after the dedication of the church's "New Cathedral Building," amid pomp.

The dedication of the tastefully reconstructed church, which was chaired by Prince Arthur Eze, had the Ogun State-born business mogul, Chief Adebutu Kessington (Baba Ijebu) as Special Guest of Honour.

Besides over 40 eminent clerics, including His Eminence, Dr S. Ola Makinde, Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria; Most Revd P. Udofia, Primate, African Church, Bishop Magnus Atilade; and Minister-in-Charge, Revd. Oladipo Timothy, it was a select gathering of distinguished achievers across all fields. They beseeched all to be close to God through their inter-personal dealings with one another.

On the roll-call included: Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; former Minister of Industries, Chief Nike Akande; her Minister of State for Education counterpart, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo; Senator Anthony Adefuye, a Patron of the church; Col. Daniel Akintonde (rtd); Rear Admiral Peter Ebhaleme; Senator Bode Olajumoke; Admiral Toye Shode (rtd); Idowu Sofola (SAN); Osile Oke-Ona of Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso (represented); Alaye of Odogbolu, Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa, and the Ebu-

ONE of the two members of a Maritime Union Workers in Bomadi, Headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, who engaged each other in physical combat at the weekend, died.

It was learnt that the incident happened at the bank of a river where the deceased, identified as Mr. Kuku Endurance, and his colleague, Mr. ThankGod, fought over whose turn it was to load their boats with passengers.

A close source said ThankGod was on the run following Endurance's death, adding that some of the kinsmen of the deceased, in a reprisal attack, destroyed the building belonging to the Maritime Union Workers when they could not get ThankGod. The source explained that ThankGod seized the deceased by the throat with his shirt and strangled him to death. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Bomadi General Hospital The Delta State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr.Lucky Uyabeme, said he was yet to be briefed.

NGO launches youth initiative

By Mirian Ekene-Okoro

A non-governmental organisation, Masterpiece Resource Development Centre (MRDC), on Saturday, launched a youth empowerment programme at two local government councils in Lagos State.

Tagged Community-Driven Entreprise Initiative (CDEI), the organisers said it is targeted at helping youths discover their talents to live a purposeful life.

Chief Executive Officer of MRDC, Mrs. Modupe Oyekunle, who spoke to reporters, said Igando, Eti-Osa and Amuwo Odofin Local Government councils had been enlisted as the first pilot councils.

She said CDEI's objective was to empower a maximum of 25 youths between the ages of 18 and 35 in the 774 local governments in the country starting with the 20 local governments in Lagos.

She said the CDEI was inspired by the alarming rate of youth unemployment in the country which, she said, had led to an increase in social vices, kidnapping, militancy, cyber fraud and recently, terrorism.

Oyekunle said: "A recent report indicated that if Nigeria is not able to create at least 24 million jobs by 2020, crime rate would triple.

We need to proffer solutions; we need to do more than talk about the problems".

She said the CDEI was partnering with the local governments as the grassroots government to "reach out to youths in the streets, help them discover their potentials which can also drive community development to help empower other youths".

A renowned entrepreneur, Mr. Dapo Adelegan, urged government at all levels to put youth empowerment on the front burner to address youth restiveness.

Akoko group gets new exco

•L-R: Diya, Atilade and other clerics ... at the church’s dedication

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

mawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba Adesina Adenugba.

Leaders of the church - the hosts - including Diya, Adefuye, Chief Toyin Oyewoga, Elders Josephine and Folasade Diya, Olori Mojisola Abass, Chief Mabel Komolafe, Chief Kehinde Diya; Chief Cecilia Odunoye, Otunba Segun Dada, Chief Bayo Okunola, Chief Iyabode Anifowoshe, Dr Olufunke Adebajo (Matron), Chief Mrs Lanre Adeleke and Lady Evangelist Yetunde Thomas, among others, were on their toes, trying to make the outing memorable for guests while the celebration lasted.

Apart from speeches by Diya and other leaders in the event's planning committee, which centred on the need for continued dedication to the cause of spreading the crusade of Godliness among mankind, it was a special occasion for hearty songs of joy from every member of the church for enabling the completion of the multi-million-naira project.

Elder Oyewoga, who chaired the building committee, advised all: "As we all celebrate this milestone, let us re-dedicate ourselves to the Lord, bearing in mind that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us resolve to glorify God in all we say and do."

It was the same message of Godliness to the congregation of the church in the last two Sundays in the sanctuary.

Yesterday - as it was on Sunday last week Revd Timothy minced no word in coming hard on people's lackadaisical attitude to sane living and improved relationship with God as he admonished: "We all need to be closer to God in all ways because that is the only key to moving our nation out of the woods now."

He said the church was founded on the pillar of advancing the Word of God, adding: "Day by day, our binding duty here as a church is to cement our relationship with God in the interest of every member of the congregation and the larger society. We encourage everyone to run away from sins and pray for the country."

A foremost socio-economic group in Akoko, Ondo State, Akoko Development Group (ADG), has inaugurated a new executive committee that will run its affairs for the next two years.

At the inauguration held in Lagos, the group resolved to kick-start the construction of 40-bed out of the 100-bed hostel project it had planned to build at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

Chief Tunde Adefarati was returned as the group's president "for his immeasurable commitment and contributions towards the growth, continuity and stability of the group." Other elected members include: Dr. K.B. Shaba, Vice President; Mr. Akin Daramola, Secretary; Mr. Remi Omosowon, assistant secretary; Mrs. O.B. Oludare, financial secretary; Alhaji A.A. Bakare, treasurer; Fola Amure, publicity secretary and Mr S. S. Adebayo, social secretary. Chief Felix Aiyegbusi and Chief Jaiyeola Ajata are ex-officio members.

Members of the new exco expressed the hope that the university authorities would clear the coast for early commencement of the project, adding that after 25 years of use, the property will be transferred to the university's authorities, while the land provided by the institution will serve as equity."

A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Joseph Sanusi, lamented members' poor attitude towards payment of dues, suggesting that enough money should be raised before any further consultations with the school's Vice-Chancellor, while the executives should pay a courtesy visit to the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, to brief him on the development.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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NEWS

Osun PDP member held for offering residents SURE-P jobs for voter’s card

Lagos Assembly condemns single term proposal

A

Only a four-year renewable tenure system can motivate elected public office holders to perform effectively, based on the mindset that the electorate could compensate them with another chance through the ballot.

MEMBER of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Toyin Adesina, has been arrested for allegedly offering the electorate money and jobs in exchange for their voter’s cards.

She allegedly pledged to get them jobs through the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) in exchange for their voter’s card.

The woman was apprehended at the weekend at Ward 2 in Ikirun, Ifelodun Lo-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

cal Government Area, and handed over to the police.

She is being interrogated at the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Osogbo, the state capital.

It was learnt that Adesina approached a neighbour with the offer and the neighbour reported the matter to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftains in the area, who alerted the police.

The ACN chieftains include

Alhaji Kehinde Olamolu and the Secretary of the council, Mr. Sanusi Lawal.

The suspect told reporters that the PDP was planning an empowerment programme for its members through the SURE-P, adding that she was moving from house to house to find out who was interested.

She said she told them to bring out their voter’s card for identification to ascertain that they were PDP members.

Adesina said she was

wrongly accused.

Police spokeswoman Mrs. Folashade Odoro confirmed the arrest. She said the command was investigating the matter.

Olamolu and Lawal alleged that the PDP had started implementing strategies to rig the 2014 governorship election.

They said the “voter’s card fraud” may not be limited to the council, adding that the ACN will resist any form of electoral manipulation.

5,000 plots for allocation in Osun

A

BOUT 5,000 plots of land at the Government Reserved Area (GRA) on Gbongan road in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, will soon be allocated to residents.

The Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Muyiwa Ige, broke the news during the first quarter ministerial press briefing in Osogbo.

He said a firm had been

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

employed to prepare a comprehensive land sub-division plan.

Ige said preliminary and perimeter survey had been completed on the sites for mechanic villages in Osogbo, Iwo, Ikire, Ilesa and Ile-Ife; the JAMB office in Osogbo; the Ode-Omu Cooperative College; the Model Elementary School in Osogbo and the Ayegbaju International

Modern Market, Osogbo, among others.

He said the state government has partnered the UNHABITAT to develop nine cities across the state.

The project’s consultants have visited the chosen local governments and the proposed cities have been surveyed.

The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr. Ajibola Basiru, said the government established ‘O Mediation Centre’

about two months ago to settle disputes among residents.

The centre has received 73 cases and 23 have been settled amicably.

Basiru said the ministry processed some bills, including the Fire Service Bill, the National Primary Health Centre Development Agency Bill and the Osun Water Corporation Bill for the governor’s approval.

He said the bills, when passed into law, would make life easier for the people.

‘Why we partnered Osun State’

E

VANS Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited, the content provider for the Opon Imo (tablet of knowledge) initiative of the Osun State Government, has explained its involvement in the project.

It said it partnered Osun to improve the quality of education.

The company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wale Olaniawo, said the tablets contain the eversion of all subjects offered in secondary schools.

They also contain textbooks, lesson notes, past questions and answers on the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE), National Examination Council (NECO) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Ex-

amination (UTME).

Olaniawo said the initiative would improve the performance of pupils in internal and external examinations.

He urged the company’s Chairman, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, directors and employ-

ees to remain focused on “the cherished core values and historical antecedents that made Evans a household name in the country, the United Kingdom (UK) and many parts of Europe and Africa”.

•Olaniawo

‘

•Olulade

T

HE Lagos State House of Assembly has criticised the six-year single term proposed for the President, his vice, governors and their deputies.

It described it as diversionary and unwelcome in a nascent democracy.

Speaking in his office at the Assembly Complex at the weekend, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Segun Olulade, said Nigeria’s democracy is not ripe for such a proposal.

He said if the proposal was allowed, it would encourage non-performance.

Olulade said: “The beauty of democracy is that it gives room for periodic assessment of the quality of service given by elected public office holders through the electoral system.

“At the end of a four-year tenure, the people reserve the political power to either return a public office holder or replace him with someone

Faction sacks Ondo CNPP chairman

A

FACTION of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in Ondo State has sacked the group’s chairman, Chief Ayo Isijola.

In a statement at the weekend after a meeting in Akure, the state capital, Mr. Femi Ajibola and 11 members said they took the decision in the interest of the group.

They accused Isijola of

•’They lack the power to do so’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

“planting seeds of discord” in the group.

CNPP said: “To cover up for his ineptitude, Isijola abandoned his duties and went on overseas trips without consulting the General Assembly, causing a vacuum in leadership.”

A five-man caretaker com-

mittee has been set up to oversee the group’s affairs for six months.

The members are Chief Yemisi Aladesaye (Chairman), Mr. Esther Ajibade (Deputy Chairman), Mr. Olusola Adeniyi (Secretary), Mr. Olanipekun Adebeye and Pastor Lanre Betiku.

However, the Chairman of

the CNPP’s Publicity Committee, Mr. Pius Omojola, said Ajibola; the Treasurer, Mr. Samuel Akinbobola, and the Financial Secretary, Victor Ogunbodede, had been suspended by the group and had no power to sack the chairman.

Omojola said those suspended had joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and could not claim to be CNPP members.

’

By Oziegbe Okoeki

they feel can perform better.

“Only a four-year renewable tenure system can motivate elected public office holders to perform effectively, based on the mind-set that the electorate could compensate them with another chance through the ballot. “But in a situation that allows for a six-year single term, some public office holders may end up looting the public treasury with impunity.

“Even in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US), which are the models of our democratic experiment, their constitutions allow for the renewal of tenure of office.

“Nigeria is a democracy in transition and a developing economy. It should give public office holders an opportunity to imbibe the democratic culture and garner experience over a considerable period of time.

“Visionary presidents and governors should have the benefit of time to implement far-reaching policies that can improve the living conditions of the people.

“It is laughable and ridiculous that the presidency is trying to celebrate the proposal, having seen the hand writing on the wall that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would become the ruling party in 2015.”

He urged Nigerians to air their views on the proposed six-year single term and dissuade the Federal Government from adopting it.

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Pre-paid meter palaver •NERC ‘s somersault on ‘optional’ payment is questionable

T

HE more things are advertised to change in the nation’s beleaguered power sector, the more it seems apparent that things aren’t about to. We refer to the latest policy somersault by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), over the procurement of pre-paid meters.

On June 1, 2012, NERC came out with a position that electricity distribution companies will henceforth supply pre-paid meters free to their customers across the country. It was for most Nigerians a welcome development.

Eleven months after, NERC is pushing an arrangement under which “willing” customers have the option of procuring their own meters. Described as Credit Advance Payment for Meter Installation – CAPMI, the arrangement will allow Nigerians desirous of speedy installation of pre-paid meters to advance money to the distribution companies, in return for energy credit and reduction in their fixed charges over time.

To NERC chairman Sam Amadi, nothing has changed – at least not in any significant sense. First, he explained that the rationale is to fast track the procurement and hence distribution of the meters. Second, he said that the scheme is “optional” – since “only those who are willing to advance money for meters may partake in the scheme”.

For those who opt for the scheme, they are expected to make an upfront payment of N25,000 for single, and N50,000 for three-phase meters, respectively. The fund will then be treated as deposit–re-

fundable through a rebate on a fixed charge element from customers’ bills.

We consider it important that NERC recognises and accepts that the cost of the meters should be borne by the service providers. The problem is that it has done very little, 11 months after it issued the directive on free pre-paid meters, to get the logistics for its smooth take-off, hence the current situation in which it has found itself. Indeed, the last we heard was that the evaluation of the bids submitted by various vendors was on-going, after which shortlisted ones would be ratified for subsequent approval of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

When will this be concluded for the prequalified companies to swing into action?

But more curious is how NERC arrived at the N25,000 and N50,000 price tag on the pre-paid meters, in the absence of a competitive bidding process.

Now, the idea of requiring citizens to make capital contributions to procure meters under a deregulated environment seems to us the kind of novelty that a firm steeped in ancient monopolistic traditions can afford to indulge in. It is the kind of abdication that Nigerians are familiar with. For sure, the claim that it is “optional” changes nothing; it is optional only to the extent that those who cannot pay for the meters would have to wait – in most cases indeterminately – while being hooked in the interim, on the old inequitable, outlandish practice of estimated bills that merely serves the corrupt cabal in the electricity value chain.

Moreover, only NERC deludes itself that the CAPMI arrangement is a “winner” for the electricity consumer who, under the pre-paid meter tariff rule pays his bills upfront, and now is further required to help fund the procurement of the device on behalf of the distribution companies.

It is neither the path to equity nor would it enthrone the regime of best practices which the citizens craved.

We understand the argument about fast-tracking the deployment of the meters. It is something that the distribution companies should be able to do without recourse to the electricity consumer.

Theirs is to work at making the companies attractive to the financial markets for credit – which are what the markets exist for in the first place –not to impose further burdens on the ill-served electricity consumer.

Moreover, only NERC deludes itself that the CAPMI arrangement is a “winner” for the elec‘’‘‘‘ tricity consumer who, under the pre-paid meter tariff rule pays his bills upfront, and now is further required to help fund the procurement of the device on behalf of the distribution companies. It is neither the path to equity nor would it enthrone the regime of best practices which the citizens crave’

Damning verdict •Govt will do well to accept that corruption is a major challenge rather than live in denial

P

REPOSTEROUS impunity! That was the pathetically vivid and detailed picture of the current massive corruption and official malfeasance in Nigeria recently painted by the United States Department of State. The United States could hardly be faulted when it accused government officials and agencies in the country of habitually engaging in corrupt practices with reckless abandon, and little fear of being sanctioned.

Noting that corruption had become massive in the country under President Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership, the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, pointedly noted that “The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption; however, the government did not implement the law effectively and officials often engaged in corrupt practices with impunity. Massive, widespread and pervasive corruption affected all lev-

‘In the usual kneejerk reaction of government officials to such reports, the President’s spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, has been quick to debunk the allegations, contending that the Jonathan administration has been the most transparent since the return to democratic governance in 1999. This assertion is untrue and such attitude unhelpful. Rather than living in denial, it is better to face the reality so as to be able to change things for the better’

els of government and the security forces.

The constitution provides immunity from civil and criminal prosecution for the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors while in office. There was a widespread perception that judges were easily bribed and litigants could not rely on the courts to render impartial judgments”.

Of course, the problem of corruption in Nigeria predated the Goodluck Jonathan administration. The vice has always been identified as a major obstacle to the realisation of the country’s vast potential and rose to astronomical heights during the locust years of military dictatorship. Massive looting of the public till resulted in the illegal and immoral enrichment of an unscrupulous minority and the condemnation of the vast majority to ruinous penury. With the restoration of democratic rule in 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo raised high hopes of a new determination to fight the monster with his frequent anti-corruption rhetoric. The establishment of such institutions as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reinforced such hopes, which only turned out to be mere illusions. Despite some high profile convictions under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s leadership of the EFCC, Obasanjo’s eightyear tenure ended with corruption still alive and very well in Nigeria.

During his campaign for the 2011 elections, President Jonathan promised to fight corruption vigorously as a key part of his transformation agenda. It is thus a huge disappointment that the problem has worsened considerably under his leadership, as rightly noted by the US report. It is largely because President Jonathan has not shown

a personal commitment, example and determination to confront the menace of corruption frontally that it flourishes at all levels and arms of government. In the usual kneejerk reaction of government officials to such reports, the President’s spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, has been quick to debunk the allegations, contending that the Jonathan administration has been the most transparent since the return to democratic governance in 1999.

This assertion is untrue and such attitude unhelpful. Rather than living in denial, it is better to face the reality so as to be able to change things for the better.

The examples of corrupt enrichment in this dispensation are legion. They include the massive fuel subsidy fraud, the pension fund looting and the gross moral decay in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), among others. In the performance of their oversight functions in the electricity, petroleum and capital market sectors, legislators have been known to compromise their integrity for pecuniary gains. The situation is even more worrisome in the judiciary where judges have been alleged to become millionaires by selling judgments to the highest bidder.

Indeed, corruption in Nigeria is spreading like a cancer that is undermining the ethical foundations of the society. Of course, President Jonathan cannot be expected to violate the tenets of federalism or the principle of separation of powers in fighting corruption. But he can at least show a personal example by publicly declaring his assets, purging his administration of corrupt elements and giving the anti-corruption agencies the moral and logistic support to deliver efficiently and effectively on their mandate.

I

One Step Forward

N any discussion of a negotiated peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, a crucial question involves what the Arab states would do. On Tuesday, the Arab League reaffirmed its 2002 peace initiative and suggested that the proposal could be modified to bring it more in line with American and Israeli ideas.

The welcome announcement could be very significant. Arab leaders deserve credit for reviving the initiative, as does Secretary of State John Kerry for trying to reinvigorate some kind of Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. Mr. Kerry, calling the move a “very big step forward,” said it meant Arab leaders were offering a security arrangement for the region. The Arab League initiative, approved by all Arab states but rejected by Israel 11 years ago, endorses a two-state solution while promising peace and normalization in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from the West Bank and East Jerusalem and a “just solution” to the Palestinian refugees issue.

After a meeting on Monday with Mr. Kerry and Vice President Joseph Biden Jr., Qatar’s foreign minister said the league had eased its demand that Israel return to its pre-1967 borders. Instead, the minister accepted the possibility of adjusting those borders with a comparable and mutually agreed “minor swap of land.” Israelis and Palestinians were close to a deal along these lines in 2008.

If there is ever to be a peace deal, Israelis will have to be persuaded that the Arab states, not just the Palestinians, accept their right to exist. And Palestinians will need to feel that the Arab states are behind them.

This is the first hopeful sign in a long time.

But it soon ran into trouble from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel who reacted coolly on Wednesday and questioned the fundamental idea of exchanging land for peace. “The root of the conflict isn’t territorial,” he told Israeli diplomats. “The Palestinians’ failure to accept the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people is the root of the conflict.”

On Thursday, he said any peace deal would be put to a referendum, which some experts say could be an obstacle. However, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Mr. Netanyahu’s peace negotiator, welcomed the Arab proposal, as did Ehud Olmert, the former prime minister, and other opposition politicians.

“Mideast peace” has become a throwaway line. But that goal is unquestionably the right course for the Israelis, Palestinians and an increasingly unstable region. Arab leaders, after standing on the sidelines for too long, have made a contribution by giving the two sides something to talk about. Now it’s up to the Israelis and Palestinians, working with the United States, to take it forward.

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: President Goodluck Jonathan was reported to have told the Labour leaders to caution the workers about stealing, when the latter told him to fight corruption seriously. Jonathan was partially right, because at times, those in government cannot steal without the cooperation of some civil servants, such as permanent secretaries and accountants. Some or many workers also steal and frustrate the positive efforts of some leaders.

Nevertheless, if a leader, director, or head of department is honest and diligent, those under him or her can hardly getaway with stealing. Thus, it is crucial to have good leaders in government offices to minimize stealing and misappropriation of public funds. Good leadership was what the labour leaders were asking Jonathan to provide in himself and his ministers. That could put the legislature and the judiciary as well on their toes.

Corruption shrunk drastically during the regime of General Murtala Mohammed, because he truly had zero tolerance for it. Ditto Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Babatunde Idiagbon declared War Against Indiscipline (WAI). Hardly any public official felt safe to indulge in corrupt practices during those two regimes. Hence I appeal to Nigerians to insist on having Buhari in 2015.

The record of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also there for anybody to see. I would recommend him for the position of Vice-President, or Finance Minister, consid-

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Jonathan partially right ering how he successfully managed the economy of Lagos State, despite his being denied allocation from the federation account by President Olusegun Obasanjo. What is more, he has been cleared by all the PDPcontrolled anti-graft agencies.

Any Igbo person who would like to contest for presidency in 2019 may not push to be Vice-President

in 2015, because Nigerians may not tolerate anybody who will spend more than eight years in the presidency, either as President or VicePresident. Although Bill Clinton did well, his two-term Vice-President lost the bid to succeed him as America’s President. It is mother of selfishness and abuse of good luck to intend to stay more than eight years

in Aso Rock, even as Secretary to the President.

President Jonathan is incapable of fighting corruption or engendering peace and order, because his presidency is a product of destabilization and corruption. Reasonable Nigerians should not expect peace and progress in the absence of order and justice. Where corruption thrives

S

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, University of Ilorin.

Osun cleaner under Aregbesola

S

IR: As a resident of Osun, there is a noticeable difference in the condition of environment under the current government of Governor Rauf Aregbesola compared to what obtained under the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led administration.

In the last two and half years that Aregbesola has been in the saddle, much material and human resources have been invested in improving the state of the environment and sanitation. One recalls with relish that immediately after the governor was sworn in, he declared a state-wide 90-day emergency on environmental sanitation and waste management. This was

to clear the Augean stable of a filthy and unhealthy environment that he met on the ground.

Today, all markets across the state are cleaned every Thursday while general sanitation is held twice monthly. Street sweepers and highway managers have now become regular phenomena on our roads.

This is complemented by the selfless efforts of the O’YES sanitation czars who are youth volunteers who joyfully render community development service while they are engaged as part of the O’YES scheme.

In order to ensure a purposeful implementation of this environmental renewal programme, the government has encouraged the private

sector participation (PSP). The PSP operators, working in tandem with the government, manage the many highway managers and the numerous refuse trucks that were purchased by the government. This, expectedly, has provided employment opportunity to many otherwise unemployed citizens of the state.

The effort of the government to fight filth and dirt and thereby build a clean and healthy environment has, no doubt, yielded a positive return. The environmental sanitation drive as well as the distribution of treated mosquito nets to pregnant women, the young and the aged have helped in reducing the

Of physics and economic growth IR: If we have an economist, Dr.Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinator of the Economy, then perhaps we should experiment with a physicist as minister of a related ministry with the job of chief creator of economic growth.

I recall that in his Inaugural Lecture in 1973, 40 years ago, Professor Muyiwa Awe, first President of Nigerian Institute of Physics affirmed that physics is the proverbial goose that lays the golden eggs.

Interestingly, Professor Awe was “Best Man” to the economist, now late, Professor Ojetunji Aboyade ,

from head to toe, any boast about positive transformation is empty and a sheer propaganda. We are told that everything will be okay in 2015. That means some deceptive measures have been designed to pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians for another round of four wasteful years.

All the negative campaigns against General Buhari must be dismissed for what they are: resistance to positive change. The opposition leaders that are decamping into the PDP should be regarded for what they are: opportunists who are not concerned about the good of Nigeria, but chop-I-chop.

who had served all Nigerian heads of government from Balewa to Babangida.

Professor Aboyade referred to economics as the life blood of the nation. But which comes first? Physics or economics?

On the technological chess board, mathematics is king, physics the queen and the diverse branches of engineering, the knights in shiny armour.

Physics has given rise to a whole new range of technologies that have contributed trillions of dollars into the global economy. One of these is nanotechnology. World sales of

Nanotechnology-enabled products by 2008 were estimated at $234 billion. This figure is expected by the US National Science Foundation to climb to $3000 billion by 2020, increasing the number of jobs in nanotechnology-derived industries from, 400,000 in 2008 to six million in 2020. Last year I read in the papers, Professor Segun Adewoye, secretary Nigerian Academy of Science, lamenting the fact that Nigeria is yet to have a policy on nanotechnology.

If there are no golden eggs, there might be little of an economy to co-ordinate.

Physicists have given rise to hydro-electricity, nuclear power, radio, television, mobile phone, microwave oven, laser CD and satellite and in the area of health-care as it concerns the imaging, screening, diagnosis and treatment etc. which many of our politicians and the elite go to “enjoy” outside the country.

We must reinforce the notion in Nigerians particularly our elected representatives that physics is not only” the queen” but also the foundation of modern society.

• Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth London, England

people’s exposure to the common tropical killer disease - malaria.

Two programmes of the government, however, deserve special commendation - flood control and the beautification and upgrading of roads. Every citizen of Osun will recall the massive devastation that flood wrecked on many parts of the state during the raining season in 2010. However, the Aregbesola administration, in the last two years, has made sustained efforts to turn the situation around. In different parts of the state, extensive work has been on-going towards the dredging and de-silting of major rivers, canals and streams in the state. This timely intervention has brought great relief to the people of the state. It was something akin to a miracle when last year, despite the unprecedented national outlook of the cases of flooding, the State of Osun was spared. Thus, in addition to the prevention of damage to social and physical infrastructure, our people were spared the health hazards that usually come with floods.

It is, therefore, a thing of joy that the Aregbesola administration recently scaled up the O’Clean Programme to O’Clean Plus. If the achievements of the O’Clean programmes are anything to go by, one can only foretell that O’Clean Plus will signal a better deal for our people.

• Idowu Ajani, Osogbo, Osun State

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

COMMENTS

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HAVE been involved in the administration of mass examinations since 2007 when the Committee of Deans of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU) saddled me with the responsibility of organising the first Post-UME examinations in that university for almost 40,000 students. The experience I gathered from this exercise as well as those I had gathered on admission process a few years earlier as the Dean of my faculty were eye openers which had broadened my views on mass examinations and admission process to universities in a country where each year, more than a million young people experience undeserved frustration as they are thrown into the streets as a result of inability to secure admission into tertiary institutions of their choice.

Unlike the results of WASCE, GCE, NECO and other similar examination bodies, JAMB results are not valid beyond the session they are meant for. Young people who have the so called O/Level pre-requisites are compelled to do UME/ UTME as well as POST UME/UTME in the universities of their choice every year until they gain admission. If the statement recently credited to the minister of education that this year alone, 1.2million young people will not gain admission into tertiary institutions is anything to go by, then one could imagine the quantum of young people that have been roaming the streets for many years back due to the fact that they belong to a country that cannot provide tertiary education to all qualified citizens. The truth is that Nigeria has been throwing potential undergraduates into the streets every year since God knows when.

Every qualified candidate thrown into the streets either due to low JAMB score or inability to score above cut-off mark for the chosen course has the chance to write JAMB the following year. As Dean of my faculty in OAU, I saw people who had written JAMB up to four times and had passed but scored below the cut-off mark for their chosen course, frantically looking for admission. As vice-chancellor in a private university, I have seen these group of candidates expressing interest in my university (and other private universities) but unable to honour the admission because their parents could not pay tuition fees.

Until recently, students in tertiary institutions owned by government (federal or state) hardly pay tuition fees because of the lip service claim by our hypocritical governments to “Free Education”. Many vice-chancellors, provosts and rectors had to look for ingenious ways of introducing ‘fees’ to enable them run academic programmes. I know a university where it is called “Departmental Charges” but this was not after the vice-chancellor had been brutally and physically assaulted by unruly students.

On September 22, 2010 a newspaper publication revealed the amount NUC disburses to federal government-owned universities every month. It is easy for one who knows the population of students in each of these universities to know what the federal government was spending on every student every session. My calculation reveals that it spends not less than N500,000.00 on every student in these universities for payment of staff salaries alone. If other recurrent expenditure and capital expenses are added, the figure may jump up to N1m. Therefore, it does not take special reasoning to realise that any privately owned university that is not charg-

D

RIVEN by the likelihood that the next 20 to 30 years may usher dry oil wells all across the Niger Delta, which portends very dire consequences for the nation, particularly the oil bearing states, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State only recently took the bull by the horns to begin the process of planning for a future without oil by setting up the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC).

In the wisdom of Governor Dickson, with the advances in science and technology in the major oil consumer economies, it is imperative that we take the issue of diversification of our economy seriously. So BDIC was set up to drive investments, create skills and develop a robust economic base that can withstand the shock that will come the day after oil.

The BDIC initiative is an integral component of the new Bayelsa that Governor Dickson often talks about. Speaking at the Inaugural Board Retreat of BDIC in Yenagoa recently, Governor Dickson pointed out that the new Bayelsa can only be founded on prosperity and security. “Government is building roads and bridges, schools and so on, but in vain do we do all of this, if these activities do not translate to economic prosperity and opportunities for our people”, he declared.

As the visioner and brain behind the BDIC, Governor Dickson was very clear about his expectations of the role of the body: “We will like the BDIC to turn Bayelsa to the new Dubai of Africa and we can do it because we are a resilient and resourceful people,” he said Even more profound, Governor Dickson did not mince words when he said that the restoration government under his watch is a believer in free enterprise –that the private sector is best suited to promoting enterprise, creating wealth, sustaining development hence government should have very little business in running businesses. He believes from the work of BDIC that the people of the state will experience sustainable growth and development.

Giving insights to his conviction in setting up the BDIC, Governor Dickson stated: “the actual job of creating wealth, developing skills, that has to be driven by a body of people put together in a way that can enable it to compete and do business is a private sector driven initiative. That is why we have come up with this body in this state. We have instances of the Odua Group, Ibile Holdings by the Lagos State Government, the NNDC of old and other similar bodies in this country. Outside the country, you have sovereign entities like the IDC of South Africa, the one in Rwanda and so many others; those models exist and that is where we want to take our state to.”

In what may appear as setting a clear agenda for the BDIC, Governor Dickson said, going forward, all capital investments that have a business element will be undertaken by the BDIC. For example, it will be the duty of the BDIC to see how we

Scarcity amidst plenty in Nigerian tertiary education sector By ‘Tola Badejo ing up to N1m in this country is getting subsidy on tuition and infrastructural development from the proprietors.

The next logical question to ask is: Why is the federal government not subsidizing tertiary education in privately owned institutions? Are students of private tertiary institutions not Nigerians? As I write this piece, no private tertiary institution has benefited from this fund in any form whatsoever since it was established in 1993.

The target of this write-up is to suggest ways by which every qualified Nigerian gets placement on one of our 128 Universities. There are constraints which are based on our socio-cultural situations that may not make a candidate prefer not more than a few of these universities. Take for example, the new federal universities in Otu-Oke in Bayelsa and Wukari in Taraba. How many Nigerians in the Southwest will like to send their children to these geographical locations given the prevailing circumstances in the country? How many candidates from the South-east will like to send their teenage children to Bayero University in Kano after the bomb attack of Monday March 18? Even indigenes of Maiduguri who can afford private university education will rather send their children to the American University in Yola than the federal government-owned University of Maiduguri for security reasons. The truth is that the choice of most young Nigerians out of the 128 universities may not be up to 10. Reasoning further, those 10 will be from their catchment area where they can easily escape to their parents when hell is let loose by political hoodlums, insurgents and area boys as the case may be.

For the Nigerian state to survive, it is not only the problems posed by militants, insurgents and area boys that were created by the ineptitude of successive governments that should be addressed; many other problems which include providing adequate education for young Nigerians should

Private universities have on various occasions made a case for the need to extend the operations of ETF to private universities on the basis of lack of categorization on the distribution of the fund at federal, state and Local Government levels along the lines of public and private operators. The 2011 Act is obviously an attempt to exclude private universities from benefiting from tax imposed on the private sector.

also be addressed. A situation where every qualified applicant gains admission is the least we desire. If facilities in existing government-owned universities cannot be expanded due to reasons I have already stated, let government empower her citizens to attend the private universities approved by government. Only a handful of the private Universities in this country have up to the number of students that their facilities can cater for. My university has enough facilities for thrice the number of students on enrolment, and so is the situation in majority of private universities.

Those who pass UTME out of the 1.2million young Nigerians who the minister has given up on due to lack of facilities in Nigerian universities should be empowered by government through a well organised “Revolving Students Loan Scheme”. There is enough money in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to fund a Revolving Loan Scheme that every Nigerian student should have access to.

For the avoidance of doubt, every Nigerian deserves to know that TETFund which was established as an intervention agency under the TETFUND ACT in 2011 and charged with the responsibility of managing, disbursing and monitoring the Education Tax to public tertiary education institutions in Nigeria automatically supersedes the Education Trust Fund (ETF) which was established as Education Tax Fund under Act No. 7 of 1993 and was eventually amended by the Act No. 40 of 1999 with the sole aim of improving the quality of Education in Nigeria (not in Public Institutions only).

The vision of ETF was “To be a World-class Public Sector Interventionist Agency in the Education Sector in Nigeria”. All the Acts (1993, 1999 and 2011) imposed a two percent Education Tax on the assessable profit of all registered companies in Nigeria. The Federal Inland Revenue Service is empowered by all the Acts to assess and collect this Education Tax. The Decree which authorized the establishment of private universities by individuals or organisations (Decree No 9 of 1993) came a few months after the establishment of ETF in 1993.

Private universities have on various occasions made a case for the need to extend the operations of ETF to private universities on the basis of lack of categorization on the distribution of the fund at federal, state and Local Government levels along the lines of public and private operators. The 2011 Act is obviously an attempt to exclude private universities from benefiting from tax imposed on the private sector. This discrimination in the level and magnitude of attention that the Federal Government is paying to innocent and young Nigerians in tertiary institutions in this country defies all logic.

This issue deserves to be addressed by aspiring political office holders in 2015.

•Prof Badejo is Vice-Chancellor, Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo (WUSTO).

BDIC: Economic roadmap for new Bayelsa

By Daniel Iworiso-Markson can attract funding to projects that can add value to us, which is also an investment in nature.

Elucidating on the economic and financial requirements of needed infrastructure and benefits in the new thinking, the governor said, for example, if we want to complete the Tower Hotel in the state capital, the BDIC is in a better position to go to the market and talk to people and see how we can also attract expertise and blend the two to ensure that the project is completed on terms that are acceptable and fair.

Citing another example, the governor noted the importance of constructing such strategic roads like the one linking Brass which, he said, is long overdue. Already three companies have been assigned to do the estimate and the least cost is N90 billion; that is from Nembe to Brass. He hinted that there is no way the state can be taken seriously unless the road link to the Brass LNG is developed. And getting the LNG started; expanding its opportunities for our people is another ball game. He explained that these are areas where the BDIC will be best suited to handle the inter-related issues. With respect to the road to Agge, where the state intends to have a deep sea port, there is already an application for a free trade zone in that area.

Governor Dickson took time to clarify the status of the BDIC with respect to its function vis-a-vis the role of government: “Let me state for the records that the BDIC is not intended to take the place of the ministries in this state.

The BDIC is not a body we have set up to be higher than the government of this state. The BDIC’s role is not policy formulation because that function will continue to reside in the state government and its formal organs. But it will be the duty of the BDIC to drive those activities that are investment related. So the BDIC, if you like, is an investment organ. The BDIC is an instrument for driving, attracting investments and also directly investing.”

It is instructive to note that BDIC is a creation of our laws, wholly and fully set up as a distinct corporate entity devoid of the control and undue influence of government. It has a duly constituted board and management made up of some of the finest professionals in the country, some of whom have worked at the topmost level of management in very reputable blue chips companies in Nigeria and abroad.

BDIC is coming into the market as a big player. It currently enjoys the capital injection of N10 billion from the Government of Bayelsa State to enable it take off in earnest.

According to Governor Dickson, the BDIC is not intended to be a paper tiger. Perhaps to underscore the sheer worth of this corporate entity, Governor Dickson has authorized the transfer of key assets owned by most of the other agencies and subsidiaries of government to the BDIC. Also, it is interesting to note that some of the recent acquisitions that government has made since coming into power, for example, the 53 percent stake in Linkage Assurance and other similar acquisitions have been put under the control of the BDIC and it is the responsibility of this corporate body to see how all these companies will be put to maximum advantage.

The BDIC is expected to leverage on existing assets that the state has in addition to the new acquisitions that will be made as part of its mandate to chart a new economic future for Bayelsa State to guarantee its economic prosperity and security going forward.

The BDIC has already opened offices in South Africa, one in Johannesburg and the international head office in London.

Yesterday May 5, Governor Dickson led a high powered delegation from Nigeria and having graciously gotten President Goodluck Jonathan to accept to perform the official commissioning of the BDIC office in South Africa along with President Jacob Zuma. The opening of this office is to encourage BDIC to look at opportunities in the major markets, major economies with a view to establishing a formidable base for the state.

Governor Dickson’s dream of the BDIC is to chart a robust economic future for the state as well as use it as vehicle to recreate a road map that will birth the new Bayelsa, not anchored on oil and gas but investment in agriculture and tourism, among other investments.

The BDIC’s vision is to be an enabler for transforming Bayelsa State into one of the top economies not just in our country but in Africa. Its mission is to protect, stimulate and grow the wealth of all Bayelsans through responsive, innovative and sustainable investments while acting as a catalyst for socio-economic development of the state.

• Iworiso-Markson, Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa Governor, sent this piece from Yenagoa.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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COMMENTS

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VEN with copious clarifications from Defence Headquarters on what transpired in Baga, Borno State, it is still very unlikely the controversy over that military engagement will abate so soon after.

The tone for the festering controversy was by default, set by President Goodluck Jonathan when he approved independent investigations into the alleged killings irrespective of the findings of the military high command. He had also promised that where there are any established misconduct, the federal government will not hesitate in ensuring that due sanctions are enforced and justice done.

With these, there is everything to suggest that the president has not foreclosed the possibility that the report of the military high command may not have told the whole story.

One thing that is certain from the presentation of the government is that earlier reports were largely blown out of proportion.

And the blame for this is being heaped at the feet of the media both local and foreign. The government is finding it hard to decipher the source of the figures that have been bandied in the media regarding the number of the dead; number of houses burnt and those responsible for the burning.

It is also piqued by reports that the military in Baga refused aid workers access to the area when in reality they had been on the ground rendering assistance to the displaced before the arrival of the defence team on fact finding mission. The incongruity between media reports and government’s account seem to suggest there must be more to the Baga debacle than ordinarily meets the eyes.

How did the media come about the killing of 185 people; the burning of over 3000 houses and mass graves when the military authorities only found 32 fresh graves while the total thatched roof houses in that community are not up to 1000? How and from where did Senator Maina Maiji who represents Borno north senatorial district get the figure of 228 fresh graves he claimed to have personally counted and in whose presence did he do the counting? These are some of the issues that should be troubling the federal authorities.

But more importantly, the uncanny coincidence between the setting up of the amnesty panel on Boko Haram and events in Baga is another major issue for concern. Not unexpectedly, there have been suggestions from some quarters that the incident

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Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Baga saga: a postscript questions the commitment of the government to the amnesty programme. There is also the feeling in government quarters that the high wire negative publicity that attended the Baga confrontation was not for nothing. The negative international concerns it generated even from countries that should ordinarily be in sympathy with the war against terrorism were some of the issues that must have rattled the Nigerian authorities. Could it be that the incident was simulated and hyped to ridicule the amnesty programme and the commitment of the government to a peaceful resolution of the crisis? Or was it an act of sabotage to draw international attention to the negative side of the war against the terrorist group?

Whichever the case, that singular incident did considerable damage to the rules of engagement by the government since the war against terrorism commenced some two years back. And when it is recalled that there have been persistent allegations of mistreatment of the civilian population anywhere there is an infraction, it becomes difficult to sweep this one under the carpet whether or not it was carried out by the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Before now, allegations have been rife that whenever there is an attack on the JTF, their usual response is to cordon off that area and level down anything that is found there.

Apparently, this strategy had been sustained by the inability of the military to precisely say who the real insurgents are. The military has recorded severe casualties as those they thought were innocent citizens turned round to inflict mortal harm on their members.

Faced with increasing risks to their lives in the face of inability to differentiate between

BOLD foreign policy has become major mishap in the face of grave internal problems confronting Nigeria today. As they say in Latin, FUIMUS TROVES – we were once Trojans but TROY is no more.

Though we recently hosted the South African President, the Polish Prime Minister, and even the Ghanaian President was in Uyo recently and we can still boast of an experienced foreign Minister who spent almost his entire public service life in the foreign affairs ministry, but the fire for which Nigeria was known in the foreign scene, has extinguished.

In the past when Nigeria spoke the world noted and when Nigeria led the rest of Africa followed not because of population or resources but because of bold global foreign policy initiatives.

But no more.

It is either we lack the initiatives now or we are now hostage to our internal problems.

In the global scene we have become very inert and supine.

No doubt, we still attend regular global summits, regional meetings, presidential inaugurations, foreign burials, ceremonies and events but not in an active capacity but as onlookers, bystanders and mere back benchers.

Passive is the word.

Even Nigerian students who in the past, used to be very operative and dynamic on foreign affairs particularly on African affairs to the extent that they marched along with the government, have now been submerged with internal contradictions.

Bad and negative stories have become part of our foreign exports.

From 1960 till date, this country Nigeria has contributed in 25 peace keeping operations.

In 1960 just before Nigeria’s independence, Nigeria signed a military pact with Great Britain so as to safeguard Nigeria’s security in the absence of full-fledged Nigeria army, Nigerian students demonstrated against the signing of the pact and the protests led to the cancellation of the pact by the Nigerian government.

On February 13, 1961 on the eve of the African Summit in Casablanca, Morocco, France tested an atomic bomb which contained Plutonium and had an explosive force equal to 10,000-14,000 tonnes of TNT half as powerful as the Hiroshima bomb, in the Sahara desert in the French Polynesia.

The radioactive fallout of the bomb affected people living in the remote part of the Sahara desert. The initiative on the protest against France was led by the Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912-1966). Nigeria expelled France ambassador to Nigeria, closed Nigeria’s ports and airports to French ships and planes. Sudan, Ghana, Egypt followed Nigeria’s step.

In April 1964, the third battalion of the Nigeria Army led by Lieutenant Colonel Pam was air lifted to Tanzania to help

Boko Haram members and ordinarily residents, there is every thing to expect that some innocent people are bound to suffer, albeit in error.

It is obvious from all accounts that this realty may have contributed to whatever excesses that were carried out by the MNJTF that have been credited with the Baga operation. The military spoke of the heavy presence of Boko Haram insurgents in Baga community. It is also an entry point into the country which makes it susceptible to all manner of influences from outside our shores. The military got information on the activities of the sect but each time they confronted the local leaders with it, what they got were denials. Yet a soldier was decapitated there.

‘The Baga saga has exposed the increasing risk in the tactics of the insurgents who use civilian population as cover.

The local population must resist this and cooperate with the soldiers by offering them useful information on insurgents even at the risk of reprisals’

The issue is not that insurgents were killed.

Because they are evil, they should be dealt with wherever they are found. But care must be taken to sift innocent people from the terrorists. The furore generated by the Baga incident stems from allegations that the civilian population was largely the victim of that onslaught. There were allegations that soldiers deliberately supervised and aided the killing of innocent people fleeing the confrontation. Some foreign media even gave chilling reports of the throwing of some children into the raging fire. How these reports were generated still remains a matter of conjecture.

But Human Rights Watch HWR added another dimension to the raging controversy.

It said that satellite images of the Baga conflict do not tally with the findings of the military high command. It went further to demonstrate that contrary to claims by the military, the arms credited to the insurgents do not possess the capacity to cause the large scale fire and destructions recorded in that fishing community.

There are clear gaps in the story by the military. It does not seem very convincing that the large scale burning of houses is the sole handiwork of the insurgents. It is also very unlikely that the 30 dead people the soldiers claimed were all members of Boko Haram is a correct representation of the matter. And since it was difficult for the soldiers to differentiate between the insurgents and civilians, how did they arrive at the conclusion that the dead were solely insurgents? It is unimaginable that such a high level destruction could take place in a residential area without a heavy toll on the civilian population. The attempt to pin down as civilians, those discovered dead near Lake Chad, a distance of about six kilometers away did not help the case of the military. There is therefore every indication that the military is either very economical with the truth or deliberately covering up its flanks.

But more fundamentally, the Baga saga has exposed the increasing risk in the tactics of the insurgents who use civilian population as cover. The local population must resist this and cooperate with the soldiers by offering them useful information on insurgents even at the risk of reprisals. It is very probable that out of frustration, the military did not bother to make a difference between the insurgents and the civilian population.

Lost in the global radar

By Eric Teniola President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania to train a new army following the dissolution of the Tanzania army after the mutiny.

The arrival of the Nigeria troops allowed the British troops to depart. Between 1963 and 1965 world leaders were romancing not only our national leaders but the regional leaders in Nigeria as well. For example, Arch-Bishop Makarios of Cyprus (19481977) was a personal friend of the Premier of the Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Michael Iheonucura Okpara (1920-1984) while the Premier of the North Sir Ahmadu Bello (1909-1966) was so popular in Saudi Arabia and other Arab states that a few days before he was assassinated, he was given access to Prophet Muhammad’s very tomb. When the President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Francis Kofi Nwia Nkrumah (1909-1972) visited Nigeria in 1962, he slept in the personal house of his friend, Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987) in his Okebola’s residence in Ibadan. Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe(1909-1996) was a personal friend of the former President of Haiti, Francois Duvalier (1907-1971) alias Papa Doc. We all aware of the relationship between Balewa and the British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. So loved was Balewa by world leaders that the day he was assassinated, there was a letter in his Babariga from Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia (1913-1978), the then leader of opposition in Ghana, alerting him that there was to be a coup in Nigeria. Even after the coup of 1966, General Gowon built personal friendship with other world leaders including Emperor Haile Selassie (1892-1975), Haman El-Hadji Diouri of Niger Republic, Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo (1935-2005).

However it was between 1975 and 1979 that we had dynamism in our foreign policy. In 1975 there was a pre independence struggle in Angola. On one side we had the Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola (MPLA) led by Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto(1922-1979), on the other side was the Frente Nacional de Libertação de Angola) (FNLA) led by Holden Alvaro Roberto (1923-2007) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola(UNITA) led Jonas Savimbi (1934-2002).

Both the FNLA and UNITA were sponsored by the apartheid South Africa along with the Western world. In November 1975, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (1938-1976) flew to Addis Ababa for the OAU conference and announced that “Africa has come of age it is no longer under the orbit of any continental power. It should no longer take orders from any country however powerful. The fortunes of Africa are in our hands to make or mar”. To the surprise of everyone he announced Nigeria’s recognition for the MPLA as the legitimate

government in Angola. On February 4, 1976, he dispatched his then deputy General Olusegun Obansanjo along with Chief Ebenezer Babatope to reassure the Angolans of the support of the government. Nine days later he was assassinated on his way to the office in Ikoyi, Lagos and General Obasanjo who succeeded him soldiered on with the execution of very bold and dynamic foreign policy.

In fact Nigeria’s foreign Minister at that time Major General Nanveh Garba(1943-2002) was so active during that period that my then boss Chief Abiodun Aloba alias Ebenezer Williams, Pioneer General Manager of Nigeria Herald dubbed him “the foreign Minister of Africa”. During those years Ikeja airport correspondents like Dapo Aderinola, Seinde Dagunduro, late Kola Adeshina, Toye Akiyode, Tayo Falade, Mike Edemeyo, late Richard Amayo, Femi Ogunleye, Francis Emelefoun, Andre Diojemao, James Bello, Bisi Oloyede, Babson Adeyemi, Kunle Egbeyemi, Jimi Aderiokun, Alhaji Adio Saka and others were in the super cadre among journalists for their daily coverage of world leaders visiting Nigeria.

In 1976, there was the Olympic in Montreal, Canada; Nigeria led 22 African countries to pull out of the games because of New Zealand’s links with apartheid South Africa. The IOC had earlier banned South Africa from participating in Olympics because of its racial policy. Nigeria also pulled out of the Edmonton commonwealth games in Canada in 1978.

In 1980 Olympic games held in Moscow, President Shehu Shagari refused to heed the America request to boycott the Olympic games in spite of the America delegation including the famous Muhammed Alli that visited Nigeria and begged Nigeria not to take part whereas Niger, Mauritius, Malawi, Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt and Gabon participated.

In 1986, General Ibrahim Babangida led 36 African and Caribbean leaders to pull out of the Commonwealth games over the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s dealings with apartheid South Africa.

The last time global focus was on Nigeria was when President Olusegun Obasanjo was elected President of the African Union, chairman of the Commonwealth and chairman Non-aligned nations in 2004. Since then our status has reduced.

If we have been active, President Barak Obama of the USA would not have flown over our air space to visit Ghana on July 10, 2009.

Dante (1265-1321) wrote in his book inferno” there is no greater sorrow than to recall in misery the time when we are happy”.

• Teniola, a former Director in The Presidency lives in Lagos

25

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

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

- Ms Stella Oduah, Minister of Aviation

ISSUES

JOBS

The many faces of banking reforms - P. 27

Empowering youths for job prospects - P. 37

News Briefing NSE’s trading platform to take off in Q3 THE Nigerian Stock Exchange’s (NGSEINDX’s) Nasdaq OMX Group Incorporated (NDAQ) trading platform will be operational by the third quarter of this year, the Chief Executive Officer, Oscar Onyema, has said.

- Page 26

Vehicle insurance policies hit 1.5m ABOUT 1.5 million vehicle insurance policies have been uploaded into the industry’s databose platform, the Director-General (DG), Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Sunday Thomas, has said.

- Page 29

Why banks fail,

by NDIC THE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has blamed bank failures in the country on insider abuses, weak internal control system, poor corporate governance in many lenders.

- Page 31 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

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

RATES Inflation 11.9% Treasury Bills 7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending - 15.87% Savings rate 2% 91-day NTB 15% Time Deposit 5.49% MPR 12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

Poor returns may mar $100m Diaspora bond, say experts T

HE proposed $100mil lion Diaspora bond by the Federal Government may be marred by poor returns, experts at FBN Capital have said.

Billed as part of an ambitious plan to get the Nigerian Diaspora to invest in the country’s infrastructure, the measure is aimed at tapping into the healthy remittance market. There are about two million Nigerians in the United Kingdom (UK) and remittances from the Diaspora worldwide are thought to make up about three per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Finance Minster and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, had told reporters at the recently concluded World Bank/ International Monetary Fund (IMF) Meetings in Washington D.C, United States, that the Diaspora bond will be concluded in December.

But FBN Capital – a research and investment firm it latest report entitled: Untapped potential of remittances, noted that the main challenge to the Diaspora bond would be poor returns on such investment.

“The FGN plans to follow its forthcoming US$1billion Eurobond with an issue for the Nigerian Diaspora. It has

By Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor

a modest US$100million in mind and argues that it does not have the track record in this field of, say, Israel or India.

“In our view the main challenge will be not the unfamiliarity of the product but the poor return: the first Eurobond yields just above four per cent and the shrewd investor will do better in other asset classes.

“The FGN and also the state governments could tap the Diaspora more often and more substantially for their financing needs,” the report said.

Latest official data by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that 91-day Nigerian Treasury Bills carry a yield of 10.35 per cent while three-month tenor deposit rate of banks stand at 7.99 per cent. Average interbank call rate stands at 10.68 per cent.

The Nation’s market intelligence shows that bonds have coupons of between four per cent and 16 per cent, indicating the yield spread within the fixed-income segment.With inflation rate at 8.6 per cent, the low cou-

MfBs seek assistance to recapitalise

M

ICROFINANCE Banks (MfBs) are seeking the support of Federal Government and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to meet Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) December deadline on recapitalisation.

Speaking with The Nation, the Managing Director, Support Microfinance Bank, Sunny Akahmiorkhor, said majority of the MfBs were not able to recapitalise because there was no support from the government.

According to the CBN, they are supposed to recapitalise into the following categories: state and national. Those which are unable are to remain as units.

To recapitalise, a unit MFB needs N20million, state N100 million and a national MfB N2 billion.

He regretted that though the 2005 MfB framework set by the CBN requires state governments and local governments to contribute one per cent and five per cent of their yearly budget to MfBs’ operations, this is not being implemented.

He said the government’s non-commitment to the opera-

By Collins Nweze

tions of MfBs have made it difficult for leading DFIs, such as the International Finance Corporation, International Development Bank, and Department for International Development (DFID), to commit funds to them. He said DFIs are expected to give grants to MfBs to fund their operations.

The CBN said many MfBs were deficient in their understanding of the microfinance concept. It said poor corporate governance and a high level of non-performing loans, among others, are also key challenges facing the subsector.

According to CBN’s operational guidelines for the establishment of microfinance banks, they are not expected to engage in excessive spending.

The CBN had shifted the recapitalisation deadline for the subsector by one year to December 31, 2013.

In a circular to banks before the new deadline, CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions, O.A. Fabamwo, said it was exigent to remind directors and shareholders of MfBs that the deadline is sacrosanct.

pons indicate marginal adjusted returns on fixed-income securities.

The average year-to-date return of 25.04 per cent for the equity market underlines the low return in the fixedincome market.

The thinking of the government is that the huge savings kept by Nigerians resident abroad could be invested in the country through bonds for infrastructural development. According to the FBN Capital report, remittances to Nigeria were the second largest foreign exchange inflow last year after crude petroleum.

A recent World Bank report had stated that Nigerians and other residents in the country received a total

of N33.6bilion or $21billion last year in remittances from their relatives, friends and business associates abroad.

The report noted that Nigeria accounted for 67 per cent of the $31billion total inflows to Sub-Saharan Africa last year, followed by Senegal and Kenya.

Noting that remittance flows to Sub-Saharan Africa have been recovering from the contraction associated with the global financial crisis, the report said growth has been modest.

The World Bank said: “In 2012, the region is estimated to have received about $31 billion in remittances, only about one per cent increase over 2011. Nigeria is by far the largest recipient of remittances in the region, ac-

counting for about 67 percent of the inflows to the region in 2012, followed by Senegal and Kenya. Zero growth in flows to Nigeria in 2012 is partly attributable to the feeble labour market recovery of its major remittance source countries in Europe, the UK in particular. Remittance flows to Nigeria and the rest of the region are expected to grow significantly in the coming years to reach about $39 billion in 2015.”

The report put stated that officially recorded remittance flows to developing countries grew by 5.3 per cent to reach an estimated $401 billion in 2012. It added that remittances to developing countries are expected to grow by an annual average of 8.8 per cent for the next three years and are forecast to reach $515 billion in 2015.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

26

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

‘Food prices to rise’

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

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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

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

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

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

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

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

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

08.50 09.45 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

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

By Daniel Essiet

N

• From right: President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Adedoyin Owolabi, presenting an award to Chairman, Vigeo Group, Victor Gbolade Osibodu, at the ICAN Award and Dinner in Lagos. With them is recipient’s wife, Funke.

NSE’s new trading platform to start by Q3

T

HE Nigerian Stock Ex change’s (NGSEINDX’s) Nasdaq OMX Group Incorporated (NDAQ) trading platform will be operational by the third quarter of this year, the Chief Executive Officer, Oscar Onyema, has said.

The system is being tested, the CEO said last week in an interview in Lagos.

The Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh, said last December that it would probably take all of 2013 to make the system functional.

The platform will allow the bourse to trade options in 2014 and futures in 2015 to help deepen the market, Oteh said last year. Nigeria is targeting a $1 trillion market value for the exchange by 2016 from the $67 billion estimated by Bloomberg.

The Nigerian All-Share Index has advanced 23 per cent this year, the best performance in Africa, after Ghana and Kenya.

“We’ve seen a vote of confidence from foreign and local investors with regards to reforms that have taken place,” Onyema said. “The locals tend to be more momentum traders and so I believe they’re coming back in a faster pace than the foreigners who were the thrust to actually start to get the market going.”

Domestic investors, who accounted for as little as 33 per cent of trading in 2011 after a market crash in 2008, have now flocked back to the exchange, overtaking

By Simeon Ebulu with agency report

foreign buyers with 58 per cent of volumes last year, said Onyema.

The bourse saw N14 million ($88,523) of bonds traded on its retail investor platform last month, the highest amount since its February start, the CEO said. Trading was previously restricted to institutional investors through the over-the- counter market, where banks and brokers set prices with typical minimum trades of 100 million naira.

“We’re not where we’d like to be,” Onyema said. “If you think there are five million investors in the market place and if each one was to have balanced portfolios we should be seeing significantly higher numbers.”

New trading floor licenses aren’t being considered after media reports that the exchange is considering the applications from some global investment banks, Onyema said.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest from foreign broker dealers that want to access the market directly and we are engaging them and talking to them, and trying to find a way to get them to participate in the market,” he said. “It doesn’t mean they cannot buy other licences.”

The bourse is waiting on guidelines to be approved by the SEC before it begins the process of demutualisation and selling its shares, Onyema said. The exchange ‘engaged’ the regulator on the issue last month and has asked them

• Onyema

to make it a priority he said.

“There has been a lot of work done, there was an industry technical committee that put together proposed guidelines,” he said.

“We’re waiting for the securities and exchange commission to act on that and give us guidelines so we can go out.”

There is concern that the fall in global oil prices could sour investor sentiment, said Onyema. Bonny Light crude, one of the main export grades of Africa’s biggest oil producer, fell 7.1 per cent last month, it’s worst performance since May last year.

“The economy is highly correlated with oil prices and the stock market is quite reflective of the economy so yes we’re worried,” said Onyema.

“We’re looking at it and we believe that one of the things we’re trying to do this year is to make sure the market is diversified enough” to withstand a drop in prices, he added.

Low adoption of cloud computing threatens growth

T

HE low adoption of cloud computing technology may stop Nigeria from achieving growth in the economy, the Group Executive, Business Development, Director BCX Group, John Jenkins, has said.

Speaking with The Nation, he said: “It would take a huge amount of speculation to put a number to this growth, but it can be argued that without cloud computing, the Nigerian economy would find it difficult to meet the predicted double digit growth percentages generally expected by economists.

“In most markets, cloud spend is merely traditional information technology (IT) infrastructure and support spend redirected towards a complete service, so our clients traditionally see the opposite; a reduction in their total cost of ownership as opposed to an increased spend. Of course there is a case

By Lucas Ajanaku

where there is an untapped market where clients that can benefit from IT infrastructure are not spending any money due to the lack of appropriate solutions.”

According to him, the cloud technology holds huge potential to cutting down IT spend of firms, adding that it will also remove the barriers of indigenous firms in the country face to compete on the global scene.

“Conservatively, this new market (cloud computing) can translate into a net growth in IT spend of (between) $3 and $5 million (I calculate 20 per cent of Gartner forecasted IT Services growth of $30 million) per annum over the next three years.

“But as cloud services remove the

barriers to entry for Nigerian companies to compete globally, the positive impact on the larger economy is immense,” he said.

Acording to him, like the Nigerian economy, the IT sector is vibrant and growing at a pace where, unfortunately, appropriate skills are difficult to come by.

“The economy is growing at a pace where appropriate skills are hard to come by, and often the available skills were developed so quickly that they have not yet matured in terms of experience and best practices. Likewise, resources such as spares and capital are often not available for planned and strategic initiatives as they are quickly absorbed into expansion projects. The IT fraternity in Nigeria has found innovative ways to overcome these challenges, but at the expense of best practices, long term strategy and scalability,” he lamented.

IGERIANS should brace for massive food price rises in the year, experts have warned.

Speaking with The Nation, the Country Manager, Cassava Adding Value for Africa (C:AVA), Dr Kola Adebayo, said farmers have not been able to cover up for the short fall of supply following the impact of the floods that hit farmland in many areas of the country.

For this reason,Adebayo said food prices will remain high, except there are good harvests in July and August for most basic foods to help prices to fall back.

He said the severe weather damaged supplies and devastated harvests of most staples in places such as Delta and Kogi states.

As a result, he said production is expected to be lower this year .

According to him, production is expected to lag behind the growing demand for food, is a key factor pushing up prices.

Crop damage from 2012 flooding, he said, was more severe than initially reported.

There were significant flood-related crop losses, infrastructure damage, and atypical trade flows were observed.

Cassava, yam, maize, and sorghum losses were, particularly, high.

There are fears of drought and water shortages blighting parts of the North.

A Consultant to the World Bank, Prof Abel Ogunwale, said farmers must prepare for higher temperatures later in the year.

According to him, climate change is going to have a domino effect on food security, going by predictions.

Right now, he said farmers are planting and there is little rain.

According to him, the climate condition is not convincing enough to prove there will be no adverse weather.

He, however, said there are indications that suggest climatic conditions could worsen later in the year.

According to him, the devastating floods that wrought havoc happened around August.

He noted that it was too early to pronounce that floods are not coming.

ECOWAS to establish aircraft maintenance facility

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

W

ORRIED by the huge of maintaining aircraft out side the continent by indigenous airline operators, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is carrying out feasibility studies on how to establish an aircraft maintenance facility in the sub region.

The Regional Director, Air Transport, Dr Paul Antoine Marie Ganemtore, stated this in Lagos.

He said soon a working group would set in motion the modalities for the setting up of the facility, which he said would provide a window for carriers in the region to pull their resources together for repairs.

He said funding for the project would be facilitated by the African Development Bank, which has commissioned some experts to review previous studies carried out on how to achieve the project.

The ECOWAS director said the regional body was working on how carriers in the sub-region could come together to set up a stronger carrier that could bridge the gap of intra - African connections, which has become obvious after the demise of Air Afrique and some national carriers , including Nigeria Airways Limited and other carriers,

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

27

ISSUES

•NLC members on protest for more job creation.

The 2009 banking reforms introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) seems to be passing the test of time. No bank has failed and no depositor has lost money. But, many jobs have been lost. COLLINS NWEZE and DUPE OLAOYE-OSINKOLU report.

The many faces of banking reforms

W

HEN the National President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Olusoji Salako, predicted job cuts as a fallout of the banking reforms introduced nearly four years ago by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he was seen as a prophet of doom. Events since then have proved him right.The government, however, has allayed the fear of bank workers, saying the reforms will create more jobs in the long run, after the initial cut.

Today, the reforms have claimed thousands of jobs and also removed the attraction of banking jobs. Reason: regular jobs have been converted to contract

and casual labour.

The reforms also led to a drastic reduction in workers’ salaries and emoluments. The good side is that the reforms forced banks to reduce cost, thereby pre-

venting them from declaring “paper profits.”

Labours’ grouse ASSBIFI data showed that over 7,000

‘

ASSBIFI data showed that over 7,000 jobs have so far been lost to the reforms. The number will get higher as the retrenchment which began in 2009 is still on.

It is something we thought would have abated by now but it has not. It also shows that something is still not right with our banking sector. All the reforms, efforts and intervention by government have not yielded the desired result in the sector –Labour

’

jobs have so far been lost to the reforms.

The number will get higher as the retrenchment which began in 2009 is still on. “It is something we thought would have abated by now but it has not. It also shows that something is still not right with our banking sector. All the reforms, efforts and intervention by government have not yielded the desired result in the sector,” Salako said.

He said the CBN’s monetary tightening measures, which have left interest rate at 12 per cent in the last one year brought hardship on the real sector.

Many firms are reducing production capacities and cutting jobs, he said.

•Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

28

ISSUES

Many faces of banking reforms •Continued from page 27

Besides, he added, loan growth is suffering, with banks concentrating on lending to multinationals and other blue chip companies where risk is minimal.

The financial statements of the banks, however, indicated that their loan portfolios have risen.

Concerned about the bank reforms-induced job losses, ASSBIFI said the government has not developed the right political will to implement its own policy. Salako said the government got the reforms process wrong. “You are doing reform and people are asking... where is the money collected from people that are indebted to these banks or people that were involved in the destruction of these banks? Where are they?

“Now if you deploy money into a system, you must ensure that the system works. The regulator has not helped matters. A lot of people who have been found wanting in the course of the problems we have in these banks are around and enjoying their loots. They have properties everywhere and it is like the government is handicapped. If you don’t collect all thiss money, how can the banks survive?”

Salako blamed the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) “for not being fair”.

He said AMCON has not helped the industry because it did not state its intervention in clear terms. “If AMCON wants to be fair, it should come out in clear terms stating its intervention, who will lose and gain. You see, when the government begins to do things and write several versions of its own policy, then there is a problem. The government must develop the right political will to tackle the issues involved,” he said.

On why inherited workers are usually laid off by new owners of acquired banks without severance benefits, he said the issue with banks, such as Mainstreet is that the government is the owner of that bank under law.

Under the law, any institution that is not up to a certain year of existence cannot pay gratuity.

CBN intervention The CBN and NDIC had in July 2009 carried out a special examination of all the 24 banks with the aim of assessing their health, with particular focus on liquidity, capital adequacy, risk management and corporate governance practices.

Ten banks were adjudged to be in grave states with deficiencies in capital adequacy. Of these, eight also had significant deficiencies in liquidity, risk management practices and corporate governance policies. The 10 banks got a lifeline of N620 billion in the form of Tier 2 Capital.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, AMCON, Mustafa Chike-Obi, said the acquisition and transfer of ownership has been effected through a subscription agreement with each of the three banks. By the subscription agreement, AMCON has become the owner of the three banks, and provided sufficient capital to restore them to the level of capital adequacy

stipulated by the CBN. Thereafter, the lenders assumed all the assets and some of the liabilities of the defunct legacy banks based on a Purchase and Assumption Agreement with NDIC as statutory transferor of the said assets and liabilities. The liquidation was gazetted in accordance with the law, thus bringing the process to a close.

The bridge banks recognised the enormous people issues they inherited. Most of them temporarily retained their legacy staff as directed by stakeholders by issuing them new employment offer letters with terms and conditions, which included a sixmonth probationary period.

Job cuts However, to tackle effectively the legacy people issues that they met on ground, the bridged banks management carried out a rationalisation in response to a performance review which identified, among others, staff with low and unacceptable levels of performance.

But the sacking spree did not just end in bridge banks. There were also large job cuts in Ecobank Nigeria, Access Bank, Union Bank, Diamond Bank, among others, as the lenders’drive for deposits deepened.

Ecobank had, at a go, sacked 1,000 of its workforce. Majority of the disengaged staff were those that joined the bank after it took over the former Oceanic International Bank.

A staff member of the bank, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that over 700 staff were affected by the rationalisation. The bank later said in a statement that it was giving opportunity to 600 of its non-core staff to become permanent employees. The lender said it has also recognised after careful review, the need to disengage staff and provide severance pay to those affected in agreement with the workers’ unions.

The Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Jibril Aku, explained: “Our focus in the new enlarged Ecobank is to ensure a smooth integration of the two banks as soon as possible while working to improve the quality of service to our customers and our operational efficiency.”

He said the bank understands that people are its key asset, and, therefore, have emphasised the need to reward its best performers, and open up new opportunities for talented, committed people to join it as permanent employees. He added that the bank

• CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido

is taking steps to ensure that all disengaged staff are treated fairly in line with industry practice.

Director, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere, however, regretted that the regulators did not keep to the deadline.

“Revoking licences of the banks about seven weeks to the expiration of the deadline is not only an abuse of powers, but clearly a vindictive action without precedence. Why did the CBN fix a deadline if it had no intention of respecting same?” he queried.

In defence, a top CBN official said the regulator had to move in to revoke their licences when it was obvious that the lenders could not find a partner to merge with, stressing that a particular bank was losing an average of N10 billion every month.

Benefits of CBN’s reform CBN Director of Communication, Ugochukwu Okoroafor, said rather than thinking of how much jobs have been lost because of the reforms, there is need for labour leaders to also look at the grave cost of not reforming the sector.

He said countries, such as Greece, Iceland and Spain, decided not to reform, and that has cost the economies a lot. “The alternative for the reforms would have been a disaster. And we have seen a drastic reduction in non-performing loans due to the role of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria in the reforms,” he said.

The apex bank’s spokesman said Nigeria has benefitted a lot from the reforms, adding that no depositor lost his money.

He said there have been no

• AMCON CEO Mustafa Chike-Obi

new jobs because no new banks have been established.

Corroborating Ugochukwu, a top CBN official, who craved anonymity, said the banking reforms were carried out without any bank failing, no depositor or creditor losing money and at minimal fiscal costs, as the banks themselves bore some of the costs.

He said: “Capital adequacy ratios averaged more than 20 per cent and non-performing loans, which had soared, are back below five per cent.

“Besides, banks have transformed from places merely buying government bonds and funding blue-chip companies to focusing on the middle part of the economy, where growth happens and jobs are created. The middle part of the economy involves industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, which have long been neglected by lenders.

“We also have low inflation rate. This is the first time in years since moderate inflation rate was achieved, as Nigeria recorded a 8.6 per cent (as at end February 2013) inflation rate in January.

“There is also stability in the financial system, which provided macroeconomic stability through maintaining zero-tolerance for infractions in regulatory requirements on data or information reporting.

The Bank’s Financial Stability Committee works closely with a reinvigorated Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FRSCC), which is an umbrella platform for the coordination of activities of the vari-

‘

Rather than thinking of how much jobs have been lost because of the reforms, there is need for labour leaders to also look at the grave cost of not reforming the sector.

Countries, such as Greece, Iceland and Spain, decided not to reform, and that has cost the economies a lot

’

–CBN

ous regulators in the financial system. The bank and its stakeholders are become conscious of the institutional relationships and market interactions among the various subsectors in the financial sector and the need to integrate regulations.

“In addition to these, external reserves have been inching up, hitting $49 billion in the first quarter of the year, 2013.

“The naira exchange rate has also been able to stablise the naira.

For two consecutive years, the naira averaged N157.42 to N159.20 (end of first quarter, 2013) against one US dollar.

“Non-interest banking, which provides additional window and opportunity in form of new products and there are attempts to bring in some of the unbanked members of the society through financial inclusion.”

He noted that the CBN has also intervened in the real sector (agriculture, aviation, manufacturing and power sectors); Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators rose by more than six per cent this year and the country has a account surplus equivalent to about eight per cent of GDP and its debt-to-GDP ratio is less than 20 per cent.

He also spoke about the improvement of the payment system, which culminated into the launch of the cash-less policy.

The CBN official said: “To strengthen governance practices, eliminate perceived ambiguities in and align the code with current realities and global best practices, the bank implemented the Corporate Governance Project. The banking system relies on the effective operation of a range of integrity systems for keeping the institutions and their management honest and accountable.

“It also introduced the Shared Services. This project is geared towards reducing costs by about 30 per cent over the next three years. It is meant to reduce costs in the industry through the sharing of data centres, infrastructure, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), banking applications and power, among others.”

29

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

INSURANCE

NIA: Vehicle insurance policies hit 1.5m A

BOUT 1.5 million vehicle insurance policies have been uploaded into the industry’s database platform, the DirectorGeneral (DG), Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Sunday Thomas, has said.

He disclosed this during a session with reporters in Lagos, adding that operators are still uploading data of new policies they registered.

He said the association has procured 1,000 motor insurance electronic readers, out of which 25 units have been given to Ogun State Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), adding that the units have helped the agency to spot genuine policies.

Thomas said the association was discussing with the Lagos State Government and that a date for the deployment of the devices in the state would be fixed soon. He said the association was planning to take the units to Abuja, the federal capital and the northern states.

He noted that with the success achieved from the deployment of motor insurance data, the associa-

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

tion would intensify efforts to ensure that before the end of the year, marine data would be deployed followed by property and other classes of insurance.

NIA said it decided to start the deployment of electronic devices to Abeokuta, because historically, insurance in the country is traceable to the city, adding that the state also was one of the states to indicate interest in the project.

The industry’s database project, which was conceived in 2010, to help develop robust information on insured vehicles, was launched in June, last year. It is an information technology-based system that will facilitate easy collation and dissemination of statistical and other information relating to insurance and help check activities of fake documents.

The NIA promised to deploy over 500,000 electronic card readers to security agencies to verify genuine vehicle insurance licences.

The project, according to NIA, would, among other things eradicate fake insurances and minimise

instances of fraudulent claims, provide real time information that would address issues raised by stakeholders: insuring public, market players, law enforcement agents and regulators as well as serve as source of historical data for analysis and benchmarking, thereby providing qualitative analysis of industry performance.

The initiative will enhance transparency and accountability and restore confidence in the insuring public, create the basis for scientific management of operations in the industry and it will enable the tracking of transactions in the industry.

Assessing the first quarter operations in the industry, the NIA DG said reports received so far are consistent with expectations. He said the No premium No Cover policy introduced by the industry regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has worked very well for its members as shown by the reports sent in by insurers.

Thomas said many of the insurers have been able to record very high level of payments which is good for the system.

“Ordinarily when premiums are calculated, it is with the intention that they will be collected as at when due and invested so that

when claims arise the insurer will be able to pay. He said with the current situation, the industry is actually moving from what used to be the order to what should be,” he said.

Thomas said in 2011, about 28 per cent of the total premium that arose from transactions remained as outstanding premium. He said the situation would not arise this year because of the No premium No cover policy. ”The first quarter has been good though not in terms of volume but in terms of real business, that is transacting the business and collecting the premium,” he said.

NIMASA plans retirement scheme

T

HE Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is planning a Voluntary Lump-Sum Retirement Scheme for staff of the agency on Grade levels 15 to 17 with less than five years in service.

This was made known to The Nation by Hajia Lami Tumaka, Deputy Director Public Relations.

In a memo signed by the Director of Administration and Personnel Services, Mr Chuks Mgbemena, addressed to staff of the agency, stated that the scheme is for staff who are in service prior to attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years in service and in the case of directors, eight years on their present position.

Tumaka said interested staff in this category willing to benefit from the scheme were encouraged to apply to the Administration and Personnel Services Department.

“The Voluntary Lump Sum Retirement Scheme is part of the conditions of service in NIMASA under Chapter 7 Section 7.10 of the agency’s conditions of service

handbook. This section stipulates that in order to encourage early voluntary retirement, staff who have five years or less to retirement by years of age or years of service may be offered lump sum payment.

“The payment shall be based on Annual Terminal Base Salary for the remaining active years of service and prorate. All other entitlements shall also apply. The lump sum payment inducement option shall, however, be subjected to management discretion to apply it as and when it deems necessary,” Tumaka stated.

This scheme was put in place to encourage staff who may be willing to retire early to go into some other ventures not to lose out entirely on their outstanding years of service. It is a voluntary scheme enshrined in the agency’s conditions of service and only members of staff who are willing to accept it can benefit from the scheme. It is not the right of staff as this scheme can only be invoked by the discretion of the executive management when it deems fit, she added.

Royal Exchange drives MDRI with e-device

D

ESPITE the belief in some quarters that the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI) is not being harnessed by operators, some underwriters have started reaping from the programme.

One of them is Royal Exchange Insurance Group. It said it is using the electronic platform to sell insurance listed in the initiative.

The Managing Director, Royal Exchange General Insurance, Olutayo Borokini, said: “What we have done in Royal Exchange, is to use electronic platform to sell some of the compulsory insurances. For example, we are about the first to start using scratch cards to sell third party insurance policies through the various licensing offices and other distributing channels.

“We recruited agents nationwide to sell these products through the use of scratch cards to members of the public. Apart from the third party insurance, we also created the variants of comprehensive policy. We find

out that there are some people that don’t have money to purchase the comprehensive policy.

“So, we have the variants of comprehensive policy whereby you can decide to purchase third party and damage only which we also sell through scratch card system.”

He noted that the company has also introduced the sale of public buildings policies through the use of scratch cards, adding that the firm is mapping out strategies to sell these policies using various channels that may be available to it.

He said the firm is embarking on strategies to reach out to the poor and owners of public buildings on the need to insure them.

Borokini maintained that though the government is making efforts to get the people to insure their properties, there is the need for more enlightenment.

He said the firm would send some staff to the market place, to enlighten the people and convince them on the need to have insurance policies.

• From left: Onipede; Acting MD, A&G Insurance Plc, Emmanuel Otitolaiye, and Chief Operation Officer, Oyedotun Adeoye at the event.

NCRIB seeks payment of 59% outstanding premium T

HE Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has called on the Federal Government to pay the outstanding 59 per cent of last year’s group life premium.

Its President Mrs Laide Osijo, who disclosed this at the April edition of the monthly Brokers’ Evening in Lagos, said the government has only paid 41 per cent of the total group life premium for last year, stressing that the nonpayment of the outstanding is unhealthy for the insurance industry.

She said: “I want to appeal to the Federal Government for the release of outstanding premium on group life for 2012. As it stands, only 41 per cent of the premium has been paid; remaining 59 per

cent to be paid.

“This situation has made many insurance companies to discountenance claims under the year in review of the now existent No Premium No Cover policy. This, as we are all aware, is to the displeasure of some beneficiaries especially to those who died in active service.

“The impression many of them have is that the insurance industry is insensitive to their plights, a situation that creates serious image smear for the industry.”

She called on the government to assist the industry to avoid further accumulation of unpaid premiums and claims, adding that such could

negate the new premium collection system.

Osijo said the initial apprehension on the workability of the no premium no cover policy is gradually being laid to rest as brokers and underwriters now testify to the gains from the initiative.

Managing Director LASACO Assurance Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi, lauded the NCRIB, pledging the company’s commitment to work with brokers to deepen insurance in the industry.

He said the company would continue to esteem professionalism and sustain its achievements, adding that the firm presently is the leader in special risk businesses and remains the only underwriting firm in the country with ISO certificate.

Stanbic IBTC Pension opens Uyo office

S

TANBIC IBTC Pension Managers Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has opened a new office in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.

The firm pledged to deepen awareness about pensions and retirement planning to benefit residents of the city and its environs.

The office is an avenue for the company to meet the needs of its customers, who have access to it through Stanbic IBTC branches in every state.

The ofice is expected to stimulate the participation in the growing contributory pension scheme, and help people in and around the state prepare adequately for their retirement.

Coming after Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited celebrated its attainment of one million retirement savings accounts, the firm said the move aligns with its goal of delivering outstanding cus-

tomer value by enabling Nigerians, be they active employees, retirees or employers, to become pension-conscious and to plan for their retirement.

Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Dr Demola Sogunle said: “Opening this additional location is in fulfillment of our promise to avail

as many Nigerians as possible the opportunity to have quality pension fund administration and financial management services, which will enable a life of comfort in retirement.

“We offer value added services in all our touch-points and this new office will enhance access to these services.”

A & G Insurance holds road show

A

& G Insurance Plc has embarked on a road show to boost insurance awareness in the country.

According to the company’s Director of Business Development and Strategy, Mr Dotun Onipede, the purpose of the show was to create awareness for insurance business.

“With the various developments taking place all over the world, including Nigeria, the relevance of

insurance cannot be ignored. Nigerians must know that insurance is important. They cannot do without it,” he said.

Onipede added: “At such a time like this that it has become imperative for insurance companies to create awareness for insurance, A & G Insurance Plc is leaving no stone unturned in the campaign.”

The show tagged: ‘Insurance and You’ covered major streets in the ever-busy Lagos Island.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

30

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 03-05-13

NSE acquires equity stakes in OTC platforms •N623b gained in 4 days

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has acquired substantial equity stakes in the two over-the-counter (OTC) platforms, which will give the Exchange access and control on the platforms that will trade unlisted securities.

Its President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)) of the Exchange at the weekend, said the NSE acquired 6.86 per cent equity stake in the Nigerian Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Limited and 7.79 per cent equity stake of FMDQ Plc. According to him, NSE invested N40 million in the NASD and N50 million in FMDQ as part of efforts to boost the securities market and diversify the income stream of the Exchange.

NASD and FMDQ are formal OTC platforms for the trading in unlisted equities, bonds and money market instruments. Securities and Exchange Com-

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

mission (SEC) had in December 2012 approved the NASD application to establish the OTC platform.

“We made a strategic decision to invest in FMDQ to broaden our market reach, diversify revenue stream and to remain at the forefront of an evolving globally competitive financial market,” Dangote said.

He reiterated the commitment of the Exchange to achieving $1 trillion market capitalisation by 2016 while introducing five products.

He said NSE will achieve the trillion-dollar target by continuous alignment of the NSE objectives and facilitating the development of the economy through driving capital market formation.

He outlined the growth objectives to include continuous progression of the transformation agenda, with emphasis on new quality listings, product

development and penetration and a transparent market structure.

Meanwhile, the stock market was extremely bullish last week as investors responded positively to earnings reports by several highly capitalised stocks. With three-day consecutive rally, aggregate market value of all equities increased by N623 billion, underlining 5.88 per cent increase in average return at the stock market.

Average year-to-date return opened today at 25.04 per cent, signposting equities as the best-return instrument among other securities.

The All Share Index (ASI), the main index at the NSE, rallied 5.88 per cent to close the week at 35,109.33 points as against its week’s opening index of 33,159.08 points. Total market capitalisation of all quoted equities similarly rose from N10.602 trillion to close at N11.225 trillion.

Total turnover during the four-day trading week stood at 1.511 billion shares worth of N15.867 billion in 20,965 deals. Financial services sector accounted for 1.261 billion shares valued at N10.855 billion in 12,786 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 03- 05-13

31

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

MONEY LINK

Why banks fail,

by NDIC T HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has blamed bank failures in the country on insider abuses, weak internal control system, poor corporate governance in many lenders.

Its Deputy Director, Research, Usman Wali, disclosed this when members of the National Association of Banking and Finance Students (NABAFS) of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa visited the corporation in Abuja.

In a statement, he said the role of the corporation in protecting depositors’ interest is key to the nation’s financial stability and economic development.

Wali emphasised that the visit was

‘Banks prefer lending to oil firms’

T

HE Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said banks are more favourably disposed to lending to oil producing firms if such firm’s oil reserves are confirmed.

Speaking during the United Kingdom-Nigeria Investment Partnership forum in Lagos, he said oil exploration is capital intensive and it only makes sense to ensure that funds being availed the oil companies are paid back so that the banks will not suffer monumental losses and put shareholders capital at risk.

Speaking on Sustainable oil and gas sector reforms, he said the consolidation in the industry has strengthened banks’ ability to fund the oil and gas sector. He added that his bank has contributed in strengthening players in the local exploration market.

He said since banks do not want to lose money, they would rather lend

Stories by Collins Nweze

crucial to the enhancement of the NDIC’s public awareness on its mandate and activities.

The Deputy Director said the corporation’s operation is focused on its core mandate of deposit guarantee, banking supervision, distress resolution and liquidation.

He said the NDIC insured deposit liabilities of deposit money banks (DMBs), microfinance banks (MfBs) and licenced primary mortgage banks (PMBs) licensed depositor of insured banks are entitled to up to N500,000 for DMBs and N200,000 for MfBs and PMBs in the event of failure.

Representatives of Bank

•NDIC MD Umaru Ibrahim

Examination Unit (BEU) Shehu Aladire said on-site and off-site activities of the corporation are aimed at operational efficiency and compliance with banking rules and regulations in the system. He identified the four types of on-site bank examination as maiden, routine, target and special examinations.

Angola plans simple taxation

Registrar assesses ANAN ‘s performance

T

HE Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Terkaa Gemade, has said the last two years were periods of actualisation for the body.

According to a statement made available to The Nation, Gemade spoke while presenting the achievements of the immediate past president of ANAN, Hajia Maryam Ladi, at the association’s pre-annual general meeting dinner in Abuja.

“Today, we are celebrating the actualiser of ANAN vision. The vision that started in 1979 with ANAN not being known, not being wanted and today, the

vision has been actualised,’’ he said.

The former registrar praised the strategies pursued by Ibrahim to put ANAN on a right footing. He recalled the tortuous road the association passed through to become the most articulate and most liquid asset-based professional association in the country.

Gemade also recalled the achievements of the founding fathers of the association and their numerous contributions toward the growth of the association.

He also said that in the last two years, the association got the membership of international

bodies such as the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC); Pan-African Federation of Accountants (PAFA); as well as Association of Accounting bodies of West Africa (ABWA).

He said ANAN is also a member of the International Association of Accounting Education and Research.

He said the Ibrahim led the council to more than 100 Vice Chancellors and placed before them what the professional body should be doing with the National Universities Commission (NUC). Gemade said the former administration should be praised for the development of the Nigerian College of

Accountancy, (NCA), Jos. The ex-registrar said the association had donated a postgraduate research centre at the University of Jos to take care of master and doctoral degree students.

He said the Ladi Centre at the Kogi State University deals on leadership and accounting development matters, adding that the association had contributed immensely to the development of accounting laboratories in several institutions of higher learning.

The former registrar said ANAN had donated books to research centres in some universities and polytechnics.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

UACN AFRIPRUD ETERNA UBN AGLEVENT ABCTRANS PRESTIGE LIVESTOCK FIDELITYBK NEM

O/PRICE 58.80 1.40 2.70 8.90 1.65 0.73 0.57 2.50 2.92 0.70

C/PRICE 64.68 1.54 2.97 9.79 1.81 0.80 0.62 2.68 3.09 0.74

CHANGE 5.88 0.14 0.27 0.89 0.16 0.07 0.05 0.18 0.17 0.04

NEIMETH RTBRISCOE IPWA UBCAP ROYALEX IKEJAHOTEL UTC BETAGLAS ASHAKACEM UNITYBNK

O/PRICE 0.80 1.80 0.70 1.20 0.61 0.99 0.65 10.67 23.75 0.63

Exchange Rate (N)

Date

350m

150m

150m

155.2

2-7-12

350m

138m

138m

155.8

27-6-12

350m

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) 149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

(S/N)

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

Name

Bureau de Change 152.0000 Parallel Market

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

LOSERS AS AT 03-05-13

SYMBOL

Amount Sold ($)

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 03-05-13

SYMBOL

A

NGOLA, Africa’s secondbiggest oil producer, plans to simplify taxation and more than double revenue from sources other than petroleum to curb the government’s reliance on crude.

Bloomberg said the target is to pass three tax codes this year that will cut fees and modernise laws, some which date from 1948, Gilberto Luther, director of the reform project, said.

The changes will increase receipts from industries, including manufacturing and retail to about 20 per cent of gross domestic product by 2017 from eight per cent in 2011, he said.

In Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude producer, non-oil tax was 6.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

to oil exploratory companies after reserves have been confirmed.

On the marginal oil fields which were given to indigenous companies and investors, he said the challenge banks face in lending to indigenous oil firms is that some of the companies have one dominant individual as the promoter which is not in tandem with good corporate governance.

According to him, where the money needed by the oil companies is huge, loan syndication or club arrangement is preferred as it shifts the burden of providing the capital from one financial institution.

He said out of the 29 marginal oil blocks granted sometime ago, only nine are operating, noting that sustainability of operations is hampered by communal unrest, environmental factors and corporate social responsibility.

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 138.34 143.59 0.80 1.15 1.07 100.00 1,000.00 1,805.48 15.86 1.39 1.87 10,855.53

9.08 1.00 137.92 144.38 0.78 1.15 1.05 100.00 1,000.00 1,799.18 15.09 1.33 1.80 10,528.92

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED

C/PRICE

CHANGE

0.72 1.62 0.63 1.08 0.55 0.90 0.60 10.00 23.30 0.62

0.08 0.18 0.07 0.12 0.06 0.09 0.05 0.67 0.45 0.01

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

•

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2012

07, Aug, 2012

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

32

THE CEO So far, over N3 trillion has accrued into the pension fund.

There have been suggestions about how this cash should be utilised. Mr Sonnie Ayere, the Chief Executive Officer, Dunn Long Merrifield, a financial service company, has joined the debate. In this interview with AKINOLA AJIBADE, he says if the money is invested in the capital market, it will increase to N15 trillion in five years.

• Ayere

‘Capital market can take N3tr pension fund’ Y

OUR company came into the market in the heat of the financial meltdown.

How did it affect you?

We came into existence after the financial crisis of 2008. It was a period many thought was not good to start a business because the stock market was in serious crisis. But unknown to many people, the best time to start a business is in recession period. Today, we have no regret. We have been able to achieve a lot since then.

As you know, we provide services, such as investment banking, securities trading, raising of bonds, among others. In the beginning, people saw us as a fixed-income house.

We have been raising bonds for the states and companies to hasten growth. Thereafter, we expanded our horizon by going into brokerage. We bought a brokerage that deals in securities, among others. This has enabled us to become a dealing member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). We are into assets management as well. We bought a company that does that aspect of business. We are now more open.

We are more diversified in the things we do. We look at your problems and provide

tailor-made solutions to them. We are offering different services to meet the needs of clients in the market, and further position ourselves for opportunities.

In concrete terms, what has the firm been able to achieve so far?

We have raised capital for companies and state governments, as well as trading on securities. Even though the regulatory bodies were not making things easier for us, we have remained focused and patient because we know where we are going. We are patient because we are in an emerging market where things must be done with caution. We do not want to be taken up easily, hence our resolve to be patient and focused. In a nutshell, it has been a good and rewarding venture.

What is the value of your investments in the capital market?

We are not investors. We act as intermediaries. By this, we operate in the middle offering services to clients in the market. We intermediate between the people that want to make, or raise money via the use of certain financial instruments and the market.

To what extent can the stock market sus-

tain its growth?

The market is back on track to record growth. The reason is because the investment trend has changed from individual to institutional one. Before, children, mothers and fathers invest directly in the market.

They buy securities without having knowledge of what they are doing. They neither know the market fundamentals, nor that of the companies they are investing in. At the end, they burnt their fingers.

But things have changed. Now, we have institutions investing on behalf of investors. One of the problems observed during the last financial crisis is that people bought stocks with little or no knowledge about the market. But there are people who do that every day. They are called assets managers. Their job is to analyse the companies and decide when to buy or sell on behalf of investors. They ensure that investors get good returns, encourage them and further move the market. When investors get better yields, they would invest more and the market would grow. Through this, the market will be able to sustain investors’ confidence.

Is the market strong enough to absorb the over N3 trillion pension fund and further add the desired values to it?

We have got to a point where the pension fund which is now over N3trillion can be invested in the market without problems.

If we invest N3trillion, it would be N15trillion in the next five years. Everyday, the pension fund administrators are amalgamating our money. My income and yours are going into the contributory pension fund every month. They are taking decisions on our behalf. That is their job. When the fund is invested in securities, we will see sustainable confidence level coming.

What could be done to increase domestic participation in the market?

Already, domestic interest in the market has increased. More local investors are now approaching the market. When the over N3trillion pension fund is invested in the market, it means that domestic investment would increase sharply. Now, the market is driven by domestic investors compared to a few years ago when foreign portfolio inves•Continued on page 33

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

33

THE CEO

‘Capital market can take N3tr pension fund’ •Continued from page 32

tors and direct foreign investors dominated the market. The last time I spoke with the Director-General, NSE, Mr Oscar Onyeama, the ratio of domestic and foreign investors was 60 to 24 per cent. There was a time it was 90 per cent foreign, but more domestic investors are now coming to the market.

What major influence has banks brought to bear on the growth of the market?

The banking sub-sector is the driver of the equities market, as evident by the reforms initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

They have some of the highest volumes of shares, improved returns on investments, among other indices. The recently released results of the banks attested to this fact.

The results have added more strength to the performance of banks in the country. The reason is because the results have been vetted in line with the best and internationally acceptable standards.

They are International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS)-compliant. This makes the results more reliable. When investors know that the billions of naira profits declared by banks are genuine, they would be more inclined to invest in the market. I can see that confidence is coming back to the market.

The real sector has suffered patronage. What could be done to arrest this situation?

Once the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan can solve the energy problems, the real sector will grow. Once there is power, the cost of production would reduce and the sector would become more competitive. By the time you calculate the cost of production, it is three times higher than that of goods produced in China. So, how do you compete? If you take that cost away, you start making the sector more competitive. When the companies start declaring good results, it will ultimately make investors to show more interest in the shares of manufacturing companies. What drives the growth of stocks are the fundamentals of the companies. Once investors see the companies indices moving up, they would jump at whatever the firms are offering.

The collective investment scheme is gaining ground in the country.

Is the idea not going to affect individual investors?

The concept cannot affect retail investors in the financial market. It is wrong to say that individual investors would be crowded out of the market. We are not saying that individuals should not invest directly. What we are saying is that they are more in danger zone than when they come under collective investment scheme. Equity is one of the riskiest investments. You can put N100 today and lose everything in the next 100 days. Why must you lose everything? Why should brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers lose everything in equities? That is one. The second reason why we do not want to encourage individuals to invest directly is because we want to safeguard their future. We do not want them to have straight jacket approach to investment. For instance, if the net worth of a 27-year-old man is N100, we can advise him to put N70 in equities and N30 in bonds. If he or she holds the government bonds to maturity, he would make gains.

That kind of a person is taking mere risk on equities.

The second point we should not encourage retail investors is that if you look at a 27-year-old man, he has a job and he is doing well. Let’s say his net worth is N100. I can say to him, put N70 in equities and N30 in bonds. If you hold the government bonds to maturity, you would always make gains. For that kind

• Ayere

‘We have got to a point where the pension fund, which is now over N3 trillion, can be invested in the market without problems.

If we invest N3 trillion, it would be N15 trillion in the next five years. Everyday, the pension fund administrators are amalgamating our money. My income and yours are going into the contributory pension fund every month. They are taking decisions on our behalf. That is their job. When the fund is invested in securities, we will see sustainable confidence level coming’ of person, he is taking more risk on equities. This means high risk, high rewards. If that man moves from 27 years to 54years, and his portfolio has moved to N1million, will I expect him to put 70 per cent of his networth in equities? No. If he does that, he is stupid because he can lose N700,000. By the time, he is 54 years, he would take 70 per cent and put in a bond. By this, he has secured that N700,000 in solid investment. Wrong investment decision makes people to lose their entire savings when the market crashed in 2008. This can only be achieved when assets managers invest on behalf of people since they are in the better position to advise and build solid portfolios for investors.

Are you saying that investors should diversify their portfolios for growth?

That is the trend all over the world. But you must know how to move your portfolios and how to change the dynamics of your portfolios. The shock I can with-

stand when I was 30 years old, I cannot withstand it when I’m 47 years because I do not have enough time to recover at that age. If the guy at 27 years loses his N100 when he is 29 years, he can still pick up.

But the man at 57, it is over for him.

That is why one must be careful about the issue of retail investment. If you have high-net worth people who believe they can play the market, they should go ahead.

What we are saying is that let us create a culture where people can put their money and have companies investing for them; a situation where advisers and counselors would advise you on how to change your portfolios to suit your needs. They would advise you on where to invest your income or for your children education. As a person, you cannot do that alone.

Those are the things that would come to the fore as market sentiments and investors’ behavior change.

Do you foresee a situation where stockbroking firms forge a merger

and acquisition for growth?

The issue of merger plans depend on what the major stakeholders agreed upon. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), NSE, and stockbroking firms must reach a consensus on what they intend to do before any meaningful achievement can be recorded. It is noteworthy that Nigerians are not merger friendly. They like doing their own things. I think merger initiative can only be possible in Nigeria when the operators are forced to do so. That is when they are compelled by the regulators. It must be regulatory-based.

Like what happened in the banking industry?

Absolutely. The banks were forced to merge during the consolidation, and the industry is better for it. If the SEC mandates operators to merge their operations, it would make a lot of difference.

The development would make much impact when there is a link between the capital market and the banking market. What makes the

banks better and stronger is because they have different means of accessing funds. This is unlike the capital market. There, companies can neither access fund from inter-bank market nor have an account with CBN. We cannot fund short term because of liquidity issues, just like a discount house or bank can do. This is part of the reason why the industry has been small and fragmented. But when the regulators mandate operators to merge, they would be able to consolidate their businesses and further play around with enough money.

What is the future of bonds’ market in Nigeria?

The future of bonds ‘market is good. Basically, many people do not understand what bonds’ investment is all about. People have the notion that once you buy 10 years bond, you can stalk to it. It is wrong. One of the most liquid assets in Nigeria is 10 years or 20 years bond. They are as liquid as bank’ accounts. You can buy bond and sell it the same day or the next day. If you put let say, N10,000 in a bank, how much interest can you get? But if you invest the N10,000 on Federal Government bond, you will get 10 per cent returns. No bank will give 10 per cent of N10,000. It is when people understand bonds’ market that they can make money from it. It is the safest investment because the Federal Government cannot default on its own bond. You can only lose 10 per cent when you exit the market before the maturity period.

What impact will the foreign listing of banks have on the industry?

Nigerian banks are listing their shares abroad to serve their own clients and not foreigners. Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa among others are doing that because they want to serve local clients resident abroad. The whole idea is to serve the Nigerian clients who have interest in those countries. It is a good development, capable of bringing growth to the banks. For instance, if a bank is listed in the London Stock Exchange, it would be easier for the bank to raise or burrow money easily at a very reasonable rate. When Nigerian banks make money abroad, they are at advantage because of the currency. Now that we have a Central Bank governor who wants to achieve a stable foreign exchange market, it would be of great benefits to local banks in Europe and United States.

What hope for mortgage bank, giving the extension of their recapitalisation deadline to December 2013?

The mortgage banking system is about to change. We are working with the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs Ngozi OkonjoIweala, on the issue of having a refinancing programme for mortgage bankers. I’m standing as a task manager, using my company to support the whole process. The idea will help in changing the mortgage landscape in the country. One area we are trying to sort out is foreclosure. We have good ideas of how such foreclosures would work. Based on this, the Nigerian public can look forward to getting mortgages at a reasonable interest rate of 10 per cent, 14 per cent less than 24 per cent being charged in the industry. It is a big task, given the liquidity problems in the industry. The sector cannot be involved in long-term financing of projects. Now, there are financial institutions that are looking at a situation whereby they can reapitalise the mortage banks. That shows that at the end, we are going to have few operators in the mortgage industry.

Those few would have a good market to start the new mortgage banking dispensation in Nigeria.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

34

MONEY MARKET REPORT

Liquidity rises on N436b inflows, T-Bills’ repayment T

WO factors – N135 billion inflows from capital expenditure (Capex) and N300 billion treasury bills repayment cash - kept the liquidity in the money market up beat last week Currencies Analyst, Ecobank Nigeria, Olakunle Ezun, said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) liquidity management remained active during the week, and supported by the circular issued last August reviewing its guidelines for how banks access its Standing Lending Facility window. Added to these are the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) forex auction and Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC’s) decision to hold the rate unchanged at 12 per cent on March.

The week saw the inter-bank rate fall 25 basis points largely due to increased market liquidity from matured treasury bills. Call/ overnight and seven-day money market rates fell to 10.66 per cent and 11 per cent respectively while the three month Nigeria Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) also fell to 11.9 per cent though less activities are done on the tenor. The interbank secured lending rate fell to 10.45 per cent for commercial banks and 10.5 per cent for discount houses.

Naira The naira depreciated 0.2 per cent against the dollar in the Inter-bank. The depreciation reflected increased dollar outflows to cover import bills and other forex obligations. It closed at N158.30 to a dollar. Although the naira has a weakening outlook, the steady rise in reserves to $48.8 billion, about seven months equivalent of imports and MPC’s decision to hold rate unchanged at 12 per cent would provide a large cushion to support the naira in the weeks ahead.

Forex sales The CBN offered and sold $300 million on April 29, and $272.25 million on 24 April at N155.75 to a dollar. Over the short term, the naira according to analysts, will likely continue to trade on the interbank market within the CBN’s three per cent band either side of N155 to a dollar. The CBN also sold N110.7 billion of 231-day OMO bills on 2 May, offered N100 billion and sold N110.7 billion. The stop rate was 12.5 per cent.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) raised N104.8 billion in April through three offerings at 16 per cent for debt of June 2019; 16.39 per cent for January 2022 and 10 per cent for July 2030. The market demand matched the supply without significant oversubscription, thereby reflecting investor’s “wait and see attitude” on the naira short term outlook. The stop rates were 11.5 per cent, 11.199 per cent and 12.599 per cent respectively.

London Exchange African companies that are quoted on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) raised 4.2 billion Pounds Sterling from the Exchange in the last five years, the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Roger Gifford has said.

Speaking during the United Kingdom-Nigeria Investment Partnership Forum organised

by Guaranty Trust Bank in Lagos, he said the listings are from 2008 till date. He said there are a total of 600 non-United Kingdom companies currently quoted in LSE. He added that the Exchange gives opportunity to interested firms to be listed with minimal requirements.

He said such listings must however, comply with ethical and regulatory requirements, adding that Nigerian firms are encouraged to list on the LSE. He said the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) remains a gateway to African market, adding that there is, however, need to build more confidence in the market. Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Oscar Onyema, said the Exchange is looking inward and boosting local participation.

The NSE CEO said the capital market appreciated by 35 per cent last year, and has so far achieved 19 per cent increase this year. He said the management of the Exchange is committed to developing framework for the market operation. He urged Gifford to continue in his efforts at promoting further collaboration between both Exchanges.

MfBs

Forex utilisation in percentage

By Collins Nweze

The National Microfinance Development Strategy will be released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) this quarter, The Nation has learnt.

The document is expected to outline modalities for developing the subsector and rules for operators to achieve improved performance as well as the sector’s stability.

Findings showed that the banking watchdog is also working on consolidating on the achievements recorded so far by the country in the development of MfBs by strengthening the regulatory frameworks and other guidelines. These include formation of National Microfinance development Strategy with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the recent signing of a major agreement with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

Besides, the CBN is considering the establishment of a Microfinance Development Fund (MDF) as a further step to deepen the financial market. The MDF when established would assist in addressing teething challenges of underfunding for microfinance institutions in the country.

ICAN The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has signed an agreement with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales on how to transform the institute’s exams, certification and audit control process.

Speaking at the Institute’s 2013 annual dinner and awards night held in Lagos, ICAN President, Adedoyin Idowu Owolabi, said the partnership had the backing of the World Bank.

He said there will be further collaboration between the institute and the Chartered Institute of Managements Accountants, UK, which will commence at the end of the first partnership.

Owolabi also said that the Institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Babcock University which entails the adoption of the ICAN syllabus by the school in addition to courses from other disciplines needed for a normal degree programme.

BPP Director-General of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Emeka Ezeh has called for improved transparency in award of contracts relating to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He spoke at the opening of a retreat for chief executive officers in Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), in Topo Badagry in Lagos. Eze said the bureau will continue to ensure that there is transparency in the bidding process for contracts in Nigeria, stressing that those competent contractors will be given a level playing field to demonstrate their capacity to deliver.

He explained that the BPP will continue to work hard to ensure the cost doing business in Nigeria is reduced through the elimination of multiple registration and pre- qualification as well as tendering process that should be increased to give chance for equal competence and capabilities.

Agbaje, Aig-Imoukhuede Two bank chief executive officers (CEOs), Segun Agbaje of Guaranty Trust Bank and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of Access Bank, are top contenders for this year’s African Banker of the Year award.

Agbaje won the award last year. Other candidates for this year’s award are Andrew Alli, President and CEO, Africa Finance Corpora-

•Source: FBN Capital Research

tion; Joao Figueiredo, CEO and Chairman, Unico Bank and Dr Charles Kimei, Managing Director, CRDB, Tanzania.

The winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on the May 29, during the annual African Development Bank (AfDB) meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

A statement from the Awards organisers said the biggest banks across the continent will continue to dominate the list of nominees on many criteria.

It said the hotly contested African Bank of the Year category matches some big players in African banking. Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets and equity will face stiff competition from Standard Chartered; Equity Bank, Kenya; Attijariwafa Bank, Morocco and Guaranty Trust Bank, Nigeria.

MasterCard MasterCard has introduced a new addition to its existing internet payment gateway solution names-SMEs Online. Targeted at Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the firm said the product demonstrates its commitment to building a cashless ecosystem in the country.

According to a statement made available to the The Nation, it said MasterCard Internet Gateway Service provides a comprehensive internet payments solution, which banks can offer to their merchant customers who seek to accept payments on their websites from cardholders of all major card schemes wherever they are.

It described SMEs Online as the newest edition of MiGS, saying it is value-added services that works seamlessly and extends the benefits of online card acceptance to a broader merchant segment. The product features include invoice payments, batch payments, reoccurring scheduled payments, virtual terminal and web shop.

Cashcraft The Board of Directors of Cashcraft Asset Management Limited announced the appointment of Mr Anthony Ikpea as the new Managing Director of the company. He replaces Mr Deolu Ireyomi.

Until his appointment, Ikpea was Executive Director for Business Development and Market Strategies, a position he has held since 1996.

In a statement, the firm described Ikpea as a broker and member of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers. He studied at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from where he graduated in 1986 and also has a Masters in Business Administration from the Lagos State University (LASU) specialising in financial management. He has also attended several courses locally and overseas including

‘The week saw the inter-bank rate fall 25 basis points largely due to increased market liquidity from matured treasury bills. Call/overnight and seven-day money market rates fell to 10.66 per cent and 11 per cent while the three month Nigeria Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) also fell to 11.9 per cent though less activities are done on the tenor’

•CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

courses at the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania. Ikpea has extensive capital markets and financial services related experience.

Bank to bank report Enterprise Bank Limited announced a profit-before-tax (PBT) of N11.3 billion during its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week. The bank was one of the bridged banks that emerged on August 5, 2011 following the takeover by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) of the defunct Spring Bank Plc. The new bank was recapitalised by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

In a statement, the bank said the profit, which is for the year ended December 2012, is a marked improvement from the loss of N5.2 billion for the five-month period it operated as Enterprise Bank in 2011 (August to December 2011). The PBT represents a growth of 316.6 per cent. Other figures from the result show that gross earnings grew by 283.9 per cent to N40.4 billion as at year ended December 2012 from N10.5 billion achieved in the five-month period in 2011.

Diamond Bank Plc declared its commitment to supporting small businesses. The bank said it has disbursed excess of over N71 billion to support capacity-building initiative to Micro Small and Medium-Scale Enterprise (MSME) in the country.

Also, the lender said it extended its credit expansion support, which is about N2 billion to over 2000 small and medium scale enterprises in the commercial city of Kano under the BusinessXpress Enterprise loan scheme.

According to Adaeze Ume, a Senior Executive of MSME, the lender is committed to the economic development of the state through capacity development initiatives.

Ume said over 12, 000 entrepreneurs benefited from the loan of over N71 billion. She noted that the management of the bank resolved to come up with the scheme to build the capacity of the beneficiaries so that they can make success of their enterprises.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6 , 2013

35

DUE DILIGENCE

Diamond Bank: Regaining form D

IAMOND Bank Plc recorded a well-rounded performance in 2012 as the bank rode on the back of improved assets quality and substantial growths in incomes and underlying businesses to replace its negative bottom-line with N27.5 billion profit. Audited report and accounts of Diamond Bank for the year ended December 31, 2012 underlined remarkable turnaround in the intrinsic profit-making capacity of the bank and its expanding market share. With 35 per cent increase in gross earnings, improved cost efficiency and better credit risk management further underpinned major recovery for the bottom-line, turning away from net loss of N13.7 billion in 2011 with net profit of N22.11 billion in 2012.

Hitherto negative profitability indices turned positive, underlining the improvements in the underlying fundamentals of the bank. While relatively higher cost of funds slightly impinged margins, improved employee productivity and midline operating cost management boosted the overall profit outlook.

The balance sheet of the bank improved in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Total balance sheet size grew by 48 per cent and crossed the N1 trillion mark to N1.2 trillion.

This was primarily driven by 51 per cent increase in customers’ deposits, which nudged N910 billion. The bank surpassed the industry’s 5.0 per cent asset quality target ratio as its proportion of non-performing loans dropped by 32 per cent in spite of 43 per cent increase in gross loans and advances. The liquidity position of the bank remained steady just as the retention of net earnings nudged shareholders’ funds by 27 per cent to about N109 billion.

However, the bank’s expansive growth outpaced capital base and slightly undermined the capital adequacy. The bank has recognized the imperative for additional capital to support its fast-paced business growth. Besides the retention of net earnings, the bank has secured shareholders’ approval to raise $750 million, about N117 billion, in new capital issues.

Capital adequacy Diamond Bank’s group balance sheet rose from N796.23 billion in 2011 to N1.178 trillion in 2012. Fixed assets increased by 13.4 per cent from

MD Diamond Bank, Alex Otti

By Taofik Salako

N39.663 billion to N44.980 billion while earnings assets rose by 50 per cent from N756.57 billion to N1.133 trillion. This further untied more funds for earnings growth. The proportion of fixed assets to equity funds improved from 46 per cent in 2011 to 41 per cent in 2012. Total customer deposit jumped from N603 billion to N910 billion, pushing the liabilities base up by 50 per cent from N710.3 billion to N1.07 trillion. Group paid up capital remained unchanged at N7.238 billion, but shareholders’ funds rose by 27 per cent from N85.98 billion to N108.9 billion.

With the aggressive business growth in 2012 outpacing capital outlay, the underlying capital adequacy dropped marginally during the year.

The proportion of equity funds to total assets slipped from about 11 per cent in 2011 to 9.2 per cent in 2012.

Equity funds/loans and advances ratio stood at 18.6 per cent in 2012 as against 22.2 per cent in 2011.

Assets quality Diamond Bank showed appreciable improvement in assets quality during the year with significant decline in non-performing loans as against appreciable increase in gross loans and advances. The bank’s non-performing loans/gross loans ratio of 4.4 per cent surpassed industry target of 5.0 per cent and represented remarkable improvement on 9.2 per cent recorded in 2011. Total loans and ad-

Fiscal Year Ended December 31 Profit and Loss Statement Gross earnings Interest income Interest expense Net interest income Total non-interest income Total non-interest expense Profit before tax (loss) Profit after tax (loss) Balance Sheet Assets: Cash and balances with other banks Short-term investments Loans and advances (net) Total earning assets Fixed assets Total assets Liabilities and Capital: Total deposit liabilities Total liabilities Paid-up share capital Shareholders’ funds Liabilities and equity

vances rose from N427.53 billion in 2011 to N611.88 billion in 2012. Conversely, non-performing loans dropped from N39.39 billion to N26.68 billion. Net loans and advances had stood at N585.2 billion as against N388.14 billion in previous year, representing an increase of 51 per cent. Possible threats from non-performing loans to the bank reduced considerably with classified loans/equity funds ratio of 24.5 per cent in 2012 compared with 45.8 per cent in 2012.

Profitability Diamond Bank staged major turnaround in 2012, with both outward and underlying profit and loss measures showing impressive growths.

As against average pre-tax loss of 17.5 per cent on every unit of business in 2011, the bank made average pre-tax profit of 19.8 per cent in 2012. This cumulated in replacement of pre-tax loss of N17.97 billion in 2011 with pre-tax profit of N27.5 billion in 2012.

Gross earnings increased by a third to N138.85 billion in 2012 as against N102.72 billion in 2011. The top-line was driven largely by substantial growth in core banking operations.

Interest income rose by 35 per cent from N83.36 billion to N112.35 billion. Fee and commission income rose by 37 per cent from N19.36 billion to N26.5 billion. With 84 per cent increase in interest expense from N12.50 billion to N23.03 billion, net interest income rose by 26 per cent

2012 2011 12 months Nm% change 12 months Nm 138,849 112352 23030 89,322 26,497 42,585 27,482 22,108

35.2 34.8 84.2 26.1 36.9 7.2 -253.0 -261.1

102,722 83360 12,503 70,858 19,362 39,741 -17965 -13724

271,999 76,365 585,200 1,133,124 44,980 1,178,104

85.8 -48.3 50.8 49.8 13.4 48.0

146,432 147,704 388,136 756,568 39,664 796,232

910,234 1,069,248 7,238 108,856 1,178,104

51.0 50.5 0.0 26.6 48.0

603,003 710,251 7,238 85,981 796,232

to N89.32 billion as against N70.86 billion. This also reflected in lower net interest margin, which dropped from 85 per cent to about 80 per cent.

Operating expenses moderated at N42.59 billion in 2012 as against N39.74 billion in 2011. Appreciable midline cost management further boosted the bottom-line and helped the bank to break away from recent losing streak with equally impressive profit in 2012. After taxes, net profit stood at N22.11 billion in 2012 in contrast with net loss of N13.72 billion in 2011.

Further analysis showed basic earnings per share of N1.53 2012 compared with loss per share of 95 kobo in 2011.

The bank however decided to retain net earnings to support its capital base. The underlying value creation for shareholders meanwhile was evident in returns on equity and assets.

Return on total assets turned around from -2.3 per cent to 2.3 per cent while return on equity improved from -16 per cent to 20.3 per cent.

Intrinsic profitability analysis showed a generally positive outlook.

The proportion of operating expenses to gross revenue improved from 39 per cent in 2011 to 31 per cent in 2012.

Non-interest income slightly improved contribution to the top-line at 19 per cent in 2012 as against 18.8 per cent in 2011. Average contribution of each employee to pre-tax profit improved from –N6.5 million to N8.3 million, just as average staff cost per employee trended upward from N6 million to N7.8 million. The propor-

Fiscal Year Ended December 31

tion of staff costs to gross earnings however increased from 16 per cent in 2011 to 19 per cent in 2012.

Liquidity The liquidity position of the bank emerged stronger with larger cash and bank balances coverage for total liabilities. The proportion of cash and bank balances to total liabilities improved from 20.6 per cent to 25.4 per cent. Loans and advances/total assets ratio was steadied 50 per cent in 2012 as against 49 per cent in 2011 while loans and advances/ total deposits ratio closed 2012 at 64.3 per cent compared with 64.4 per cent in 2011.

Governance & structures Diamond Bank was incorporated as a private limited liability company in 1991. It transformed into a public limited liability company and listed its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2005.

Analyst’s opinion Diamond Bank shows a commendable growth trajectory that reassures on the resilience of the bank’s growth strategy. With the decision to focus on core commercial banking, and as such divest from non-core banking businesses, the bank appears to be in better stead to consolidate profitability. While it needs to open up lending to strengthen profitability, its cautious risks assessment and aggressive business growth strategy would provide relative stability as it ventures out to explore greater risk-return potential. Additional capital would support the bank’s growth potential.

2012 %

2011 %

Asset Quality Gross Loans and Advances (Nm) Classified loans (Nm) % of classified loans Loan Loss Reserves/Classified Loans Classified Loans/Equity Stock

611,883 26,683 4.4 NA 24.5

427,527 39,391 9.2 NA 45.8

Capital Adequacy Equity/Total Assets Equity/Loans and Advances Permanent Assets/Equity

9.2 18.6 41.3

10.8 22.2 46.1

Liquidity Ratios Loans & Advances/Total Assets Cash & Bank Balances/Total Liabilities Loans & Advances/Total deposits

49.7 25.4 64.3

48.7 20.6 64.4

Profitability ratios Pre-tax Profit Margin Return on Total Assets Return on Equity Net Interest Margin Interest Income/Loans & Advances Interest Paid/Total Deposits Operating Expense/Total Revenue Non-Interest Income/Total Revenue Pre-tax Profit Per Employee (Nm) Staff Costs per Employee (Nm) Staff Costs/Gross Revenue Earnings per share (basic)(kobo) Dividend per share (kobo) Dividend cover (times)

19.8 2.3 20.3 79.5 15.5 2.5 30.7 19.1 8.3 7.8 18.7 153 -

-17.5 -2.3 -16.0 85.0 17.4 2.1 38.7 18.8 -6.5 6.0 16.3 -95 -

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

36

International Business

US job creation strong in April T HE latest United States nonfarm payrolls show that 165,000 jobs were created last month. Economists had been predicting a figure closer to 145,000.

The US Labour Department also revised its figures for March and February upwards. The February number was revised up to 332,000, the best monthly gain since May 2010.

The unemployment rate is now at a four-year low of 7.5 per cent.

The drop in the unemployment rate reflected an increase in employment, rather than people leaving the workforce.

March non-farm payrolls were revised upwards by 50,000 to 138,000.

Joe Manimbo, market analyst at Western Union Business Solutions, said the numbers were "surprisingly positive".

"This shows the job market and the economy in general appear to be more resilient than investors had feared," he added.

But some analysts felt the details behind the headline numbers still pointed to a economy that contin-

US Airways revenue down by 4%

U

S Airways Group (LCC.N) on Friday said an important revenue measure fell in April, as it grappled with disruptions caused by furloughs of U.S. air traffic control staff.

Unit revenue, or passenger revenue per available seat mile, fell about four per cent last month from a year earlier for US Airways and its regional airlines, the carrier said.

US Airways, which plans to merge with AMR Corp AAMRQ.PK unit American Airlines and form the world's largest carrier, cautioned last week that business demand was being pressured by federal spending cuts under the U.S. sequestration process.

Staff furloughs at U.S. air traffic control towers began April 21, causing flight delays at some airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration suspended the furloughs after passage last week of a bill allowing the agency to shift money within its budget to halt them.

"We are pleased that the situation is resolved and we have returned to a more normal operating environment," US Air President Scott Kirby said in the company's Friday statement.

On Thursday, Delta Airlines Inc (DAL.N) reported a two percent drop in April unit revenue due to soft U.S. demand and unfavorable effects from the weaker yen.

D

UKE Energy Corp (DUK.N), the largest power provider in the United States, reported a lowerthan-expected quarterly profit on Friday, citing weak electricity demand and higher costs at two key units.

According to Reuters, the company, which uses coal, natural gas and nuclear plants to generate electricity, has had weak power sales since the 2008 recession as the housing market struggles to recover and consumers remain reluctant to increase their spending.

Demand from commercial customers was especially weak in the first quarter, Duke said, but it still

ues to struggle. Construction employment fell and the payrolls in the manufacturing sector remained flat.

Tom Porcelli, US economist at RBC Capital Markets, saw a more mixed picture in the figures.

"A couple of things drive this home, namely average weekly earnings are down and aggregate hours. Those are more forward looking metrics and how it will unfold in the fourth quarter that is not encouraging," he said.

"This report confirms that the labour market backdrop remains very much uneven."

The US dollar gained more than one per cent against the Japanese yen, hitting 99.18 yen. The euro lost 0.1% against the greenback, falling to $1.3059. Before the payroll numbers were released, it had been trading higher against the dollar.

Spot gold fell 0.4per cent immediately after the release of the figures, to $1,460.11 an ounce.

• Back row: Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, Peter Carter (left), and Lord Mayor of the City of London, Rt. Hon. Alderman Roger Gifford. Front row (from left): Head, International Policy, Law Society of England and Wales, Nankunda Katangaza; Chairman, Section on Business Law, Nigeria Bar Association, Gbenga Oyebode, and representative of the President, Nigerian Bae Association, Toyin Bashorun, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the two law institutions in Lagos.

RBS 'ready to privatise in a year'

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HE Chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Sir Philip Hampton, has said the bank will be ready to return to the private sector next year.

In a video statement posted on the bank's website, Sir Philip said he expected the government to start selling shares from the middle of 2014.

His comments came as RBS reported a return to profit for the first three months of the year.

It made a pre-tax profit of £826m after racking up losses last year.

RBS lost £1.5billion in the first quarter of 2012 and lost £2.2billion in the final quarter.

But investors reacted negatively to the results. RBS shares fell more than 4.5 per cent in the first 10 minutes of trading on the London Stock Exchange.

Sir Philip described the results as "our best quarterly performance for some time now", opening the door for a return to the private sector.

"Our balance sheet is substantially fixed... our operating profitability has come through quite strongly," he said.

RBS believes that during the

A

DIDAS, the world's secondbiggest sportswear firm, has posted higher profits despite seeing sales fall in the first three months of the year.

The German company said more people were buying its higherpriced items, helping net profits rise 6.5 per cent to 308million euro (£260million).

Its gross profit margin on sales was 50.1 per cent, only the second time it has ever reported a figure above 50 per cent.

course of next year, it will have shed most of its toxic residual assets and will have completed its reconstruction” "What we want to do is have a business that is performing well... enabling the government to start selling shares from, let's say, the middle of 2014 on - it could be earlier, that's a matter for the government - but certainly we think the recovery process will be substantially complete in about a year or so's time."

That could mean a return for shareholders after the government invested tens of billions in the bank to rescue it from collapse in 2008.

Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, RBS chief executive Stephen Hester said RBS will be looking "much more like a normal bank" next year, when the "cleanup will be substantially complete".

"We can deliver an RBS than can do its job, and is cleaned up, in the not-too-distant future," he said, but added that the sale of the bank would be a decision for the government.

He also said he was "open" to the idea of dividing the bank into a

good and bad bank to rid itself of bad assets - a plan backed by the Bank of England governor, Sir Mervyn King.

But speaking later on a conference call with reporters, Mr Hester said he had not held any explicit talks with the government about a possible sale.

It is unclear at what price the government would be prepared to sell its stake in RBS back to private investors.

The government bought shares as part of its bailout at 502 pence a share, but they are valued at 407 pence a share on the government's accounts.

That suggests the Chancellor, George Osborne, could opt to sell at the lower price and still claim to be getting fair value for the 82 per cent taxpayer stake.

Mr Hester allowed for the possibility that the government might consider selling shares at a loss initially, but said the average sale price "can and should be" above the government's 502 pence purchase price.

The share price fell further when markets opened on Friday morn-

ing, with analysts unconvinced by the results, arguing that the headline figures disguised a weaker underlying performance.

RBS said its losses for the quarter relating to bad loans were down 26per cent to £1billion, and it had now seen a 79per cent reduction in non-core assets since it began restructuring in the wake of the financial crisis.

It also reported a modest rise in lending to businesses, totalling £13.2billion in loans in the quarter. It said £7.8billion was to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

But operating profit actually fell by 28per cent to £829million - significantly lower than some analysts had forecast.

There was a particularly steep decline in the profitability of the investment banking division, which is being wound down.

"Overall, we expect the market to be disappointed, but perhaps not too surprised, by the weak markets performance in the core business," said Gary Greenwood, an analyst at the investment firm Shore Capital.

"Overall, we remain cautious on RBS shares, which remains our least favoured stock in the sector."

Adidas' share price jumps In Frankfurt, Adidas shares jumped almost six per cent in early trading.

Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer said the results were particularly impressive, given that in the same quarter last year, sales rose in the run-up to the Olympics and European football championships.

A double-digit decline in rev-

enues at Reebok, plus exchange-rate effects, hit first-quarter group sales, which at 3.75billion euro fell just short of analysts' expectations.

Adidas has been struggling with problems at Reebok, and took a 265million-euro writedown on the brand last year.

Reebok lost a major US football contract with the NFL and a fraud was uncovered at its Indian opera-

tions.

Adidas plans a drive to boost Reebok sales in the year, with a focus on yoga, dance and fitness training.

DZ Bank analyst Herbert Sturm described the results as excellent.

"The most important news of today is that the Adidas group is able to deliver margin improvements in a difficult market environment," he wrote in a research note.

Duke Energy profit falls below expectations expects to earn $4.20 to $4.45 per share this year. The midpoint of that forecast roughly matches analysts' average estimate of $4.33.

Low rainfall in Brazil boosted generation costs at a key hydroelectric power station, the company said. Duke operates an international power supply business, primarily in South America, but the United States is its largest market.

"We expect the back half of 2013 to be stronger than the same period in 2012," Chief Financial Officer Lynn Good said in an interview.

She said pending rate increase requests and cost savings from the

integration of Progress Energy, acquired last summer for $18 billion, will help Duke reach its profit goal for the year.

The company is seeking a 9.7 percent rate increase in North Carolina and a 5.1 percent rate increase in Ohio. Both increases are controversial within the states, though Good said she expects to have increases approved later this year.

"The combination of all those things represents about $1 billion of revenue," she said.

For the quarter, the company posted a profit of $634 million, or 89 cents per share, up from $295 million, or 65 cents per share, a

year earlier.

Adjusting for the Progress Energy transaction, Duke said it earned $1.02 per share. By that measure, analysts expected $1.04.

Chief Executive Jim Rogers, who plans to step down at the end of the year, declined to comment on who might succeed him to run Duke, which provides electricity for more than 20 million customers.

"The most important decision a board ever makes is selection of a CEO," Rogers said in an interview. The board members are "taking their time and being deliberate."

Rogers was CEO when Duke

bought Progress Energy and had prepared to retire when the deal closed. The plan was for Progress CEO William Johnson to take the top job.

But once the deal was consummated, Rogers was named CEO by the new Duke board of directors.

This caused deep cultural rifts inside the combined company and angered North Carolina regulators.

Rogers said he has worked since then to unify the company. "Both companies share the same objectives, but the how of achieving it differs in some areas," he said.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

37

• Some of the participants at the Graduate Internship Scheme training in Lagos

Empowering youths for job prospects The labour market is getting more and more competitive. But the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) instituted by the Federal Ministry of Finance is expected to prepare Nigerian graduates between ages 18 and 40 for their dream jobs by matching them with fitting employers for mentoring, COLLINS NWEZE writes.

F

OUR million fresh graduates are expected to join the employment market yearly. This will translate to additional 40 million unemployed youths in a decade, worsening the alarming rate of joblessness in the country.

At 23.9 per cent, Nigeria’s unemployment rate seems to be alarming. Unemployment, particularly among youths is assuming a frightening dimension that constitutes an affront to the government’s development efforts.

However, it has been discovered that even when the jobs are available, getting the right person to fill a vacant position sometimes becomes a mirage for most employers. This is attributable to the declining level of education and of skills among graduates.

Nontheless, the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) is expected to train graduates on skills needed in work environment to bridge the knowledge gap between prospective employee and employer.

Confirming this development, Project Director GIS, Peter Papka, said during the training of over 150 graduates in Lagos on skills needed in work environments

that there is need for the graduates to enhance their skills to enable them secure their dream jobs.

He said young graduates need to be trained and mentored in established firms to make it easier for them to secure the right jobs. The GIS, he explained, was established by the Federal Ministry of Finance as part of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), and is expected to prepare young job seekers between 18 and 40 years, for the work environment before they are employed.

He said the youth need to learn about work ethics, team work, courage, communication skills, among others, to prepare them for the challenges ahead.

Papka said Nigeria needs skilled workforce to stimulate the economy into achieving the Federal Government’s vision on economic growth and transformation.

Papka, who is also a Director of SURE-P, Abuja, said aside creating jobs by the government and the private sector, the workforce has to be ready both physically and mentally to ensure that they seize the job opportunities when they come.

He said the Federal Government has discovered the level of unpreparedness among jobless youths and, therefore, has begun dis-

cussions with banks, International Oil Companies (IOCs), telecoms operators and other leading private sector businesses on the need to mentor young graduates under the GIS scheme on skills and also offer them jobs on completion of their internship programmes.

He added that the initiative will galvanise the economy through sustained growth and development. Also, subsequent meetings will be held with Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), which have capacity to cater for over 40 per cent of Nigeria’s job need.

Aremu Olaniran, also from the Federal Ministry of Finance explained that the GIS seeks to provide graduates with quality temporary work experience to make them stronger candidates for job openings in the labour market.

Such experience, he said, would also boost their chances of becoming self-employed. “The scheme will improve job placement opportunities for graduates by providing them with the opportunity to acquire professional skills, training, and work experience through a oneyear internship placement,” he said.

He explained that though the GIS is a shortterm measure, it has high prospects for job creation, improve the welfare of youths and achieves the inclusive growth objective of Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

He said during the period of internship, the Federal Government will be responsible for paying a monthly stipend to the graduate interns while the participating institutions/firms will be expected to provide adequate opportunities for training and mentoring them.

The GIS is targeting up to 50,000 graduate interns yearly while the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for its administration and management.

“The GIS, which started in 2012 to create opportunity for graduates to be attached to organisations, where they can work for a year and enjoy a monthly stipend of N18,000 enhances the interns’employability. The project has commenced registration of such firms and over 83,000 beneficiaries have been registered. This is beyond the threshold of 50,000 allotted for the scheme in any given year. Deployment of such beneficiaries has commenced,” he said.

He regretted that the level of buy-in from the firms is below expectation as against the advantages that will accrue to such firms.

•Continued on page 38

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

JOBS

Empowering youths for job prospects •Continued from page 37 “They get to enjoy free labour at government’s expense as government will pay the monthly stipends of the interns, they get to select the best interns to join their workforce and they get a cost-free opportunity to render their Corporate Social Responsibility. The project is also planning other incentives, such as tax rebates for companies registered with the project,” he said.

The Director, After School Graduate Development (ASGD), Funmi Adeyemi, one of the facilitators, said the interns are being trained to support and add value to the organisations where they work. She advised them to build self confidence and develop the needed skills that will enable them to secure the right jobs when the opportunities arise.

GIS Communication Adviser, Mrs Mary Ikoku, said companies searching for the right employees to fill vacant positions always ask for about five years’experience but many of the graduates do not have such experiences because they never worked before. He, however, said by training these interns, they are able to get the required experience to confidently secure their dream jobs in the market.

She said the GIS remains a sub-component of SURE-P, targeted at delivering employment opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming unemployed graduates. Participants, she said, must be Nigerian graduates that have finished their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or obtained their certificate of ex-

• Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

• Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu

emption. She regretted that some graduates are not employable, and that the training will sharpen their skills.

The GIS project is expected to improve job placement options by providing opportunity for interns to acquire professional skills and get work experience through a one-year internship placement. There is also high prospect of being retained after the completion of Internship as well as opportunity to prove their ability to add value to the organisation.

However, for a firm to get the opportunity to have GIS interns, it must be registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other relevant professional bodies as applicable. The firms in question must also provide evidence of Value Added Tax Registration and Tax Clearance Certificate. They must also be prepared to provide a mentoring plan for each intern for a period

of one year.

Such firms must also prove that they are economically viable and engage in legitimate businesses by providing other relevant documents.

Papka explained that all applications are done online, adding that prospective interns are posted to companies using automated matching process. She said such firms are categorised based on locality, field of expertise and number of vacancies.

“Interns are categorised based on locality, field of study. Interns are auto-matched to already verified firms/organisations primarily based on their locality and field of study.

Matching is done on a first come first served basis. Notification is sent by email to both interns and firms/organisations,” he said.

Aside the GIS initiative, there is also cheery news coming from the SMEs’ subsector. It is not only the engine room for economic

growth, but also contributes a minimum of 80 per cent of jobs created in the country.

Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan African University, Peter Bankole, said if a country wants to develop, it must churn out graduates from different institutions of higher learning, and that the government must take SMEs’ support seriously. He said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) survey conducted last year showed that the SMEs’ sector would continue to play dominant role in job creation in the economy.

Bankole, who spoke during just-concluded SMEs’ Toolkit Global Partner conference in Lagos organised by EDC, IBM and International Finance Corporation (IFC), said the challenge remains that majority of SMEs are micro, but the government is trying to move as many as possible from micro to small because that will create multiplier effects for the economy and create more jobs.

The IFC, Nigeria Country Manager, Solomon Quaynor, said SMEs remain the engine of growth for the economy, adding that they are the largest employer of labour. He said when the SMEs’ businesses are run well, then they will have the capacity to employ more people.

Despite these initiatives, some analysts feel that the government has not done much to create jobs. “The government has not really faced the challenge of unemployment headlong and I foresee a whole generation going through life without opportunities and hopes to succeed,” Moses Adike, human resource personnel based in Lagos, said.

He said although the government and private sector have embarked on empowerment programmes, not many graduates are covered and some others who, want to start their own businesses, may not secure the needed funds.

According to him, the rate of unemployment in the country has wide range implication for social stability and the dignity of humans. This, he said, has to be addressed by both private and public sectors of the economy.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

I

NTEL Capital has appointed Mr Tobi Oke as its Investment Director. The firm said in a statement that he will be in charge of its investments in sub-Saharan Africa.

Intel Capital is the global investment and, Merger and Acquisition (M&A) arm of Intel.

Before joining Intel Capital, Oke was thew Associate Director, Standard Chartered Private Equity, Lagos; Investment Asso-

Intel Capital gets new director ciate, HSBC Principal Investments, London; Senior Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton and software engineer and Product Development Manager at Motorola.

He holds an Masters in business Administration (MBA) from Lon-

don Business School.

The Managing Director Intel Capital Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia/CIS, said: “We are pleased to welcome Oke to Intel Capital. His local knowledge and expertise will help further strengthen our

investment team. Sub-Saharan Africa has become a source of an increasing number of innovative technology companies with which venture capital backing can help to develop. With his help, we hope to increase our investments in sub-Saharan Af-

rica.”

Oke said: “There is tremendous opportunity to provide entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa with greater access to capital as well as growth resources, including our global network and technological expertise. I look forward to building Intel Capital’s presence in the region and working closely with the local entrepreneurs.”

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Putting more energy behind your job hunting “M

Y job hunt is stuck in the mud. I know I need to fix it, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and I’ve got no energy left. I’ve tried everything, and nothing seems to work.” Does this sound like you or what you feel now?

The simple truth is: Hunting for a job can be tiring, demoralising, and frustrating. Often, people who have internalised their inability to find work as a sign of personal failure. Confidence and selfimage suffer. Not to mention the economic embarrassment As that happens, it becomes increasingly difficult to present the optimistic, energetic “can do” persona that employers seek.

We all hear the longer you are out of work, the harder it is to get work. One of the reasons for this is employers are looking for you, Mr/Ms. Jobhunter not to be jaded, tired, and “down.” And, they fear that the longer you are out of work, the more likely it is you won’t have the vim and vigor they seek.

How can you put more energy to your flagging job hunting campaign?

There are things you can do to energize your job hunt. Below are my suggestions. This list is hardly exhaustive, but it’s a good start:

Remember getting a job is a job Treat it with the same sense of professionalism that you would bring to any employment. Show up on time every day. And, at

By Olu Oyeniran

the end of the day don’t feel guilty about packing the work up, and transitioning to “personal” or “family” mode. As with any job, it’s i mportant to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Recognise and confront your self-imposed roadblocks Are you frozen in place by a fear of possible future failure? Many people have experienced so much rejection that they are afraid to have any more piled on. Such feelings are real, and they need to be acknowledged.

Sometimes inaction can be a psychological defense mechanism. It’s important, however, to understand that inaction is a certain road to the status quo. Try to move forward every day – even if you only do one or two small “baby step” things that can help to build up your self-confidence.

Break out of your isolation Figure out who are the members of your support system – your family, friends, other job hunters you meet at networking groups, members of your church or synagogue and so on.

Talk to them on a regular basis. Tell them what you’ve been up to, what seems to be working, and what seems to be frustrating you. Make them part of your team. Ask for their feedback and advice. Help them to help you by

creating a context of “us” instead of “me.” And of course: seek a good job hunting coach who can understand and relate to you, and provide both guidance and the occasional “kick in the pants” when it’s called for.

Balance your job hunting activities You can’t be everywhere, all the time.

Strive to create a balance over the course of a week or two in a cycle. If you think of your search for work as a job hunt, then imagine each tool or tactic as one arrow in your quiver. You need a variety of arrows including: informational interviewing; attending professional meetings and seminars; social networking utilising LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter; writing your blog, and so on.

However, important online activity has become, remember that social networks are but the means to the end of building personal relationships. Nurture your relationships both in the real and virtual worlds.

Stay focused and uses your time wisely People who work out of their homes often say that one of the biggest challenges they face is managing their time. It’s easy to be distracted by kids, pets, housework, TV, internet, computer games, and so much else! Organise your day and week in advance. Create an hourly

schedule and stick to it by setting alarms on your computer calendar or wherever they will best be seen and heard.

Practice, practice, and practice some more Rehearse your elevator speech out loud and prepare answers to interview questions that you can anticipate. For example, don’t allow yourself to be flummoxed by opening queries like, ”Tell me about yourself.” Did you know Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, shot 1,000 baskets EVERY DAY! He was great because he understood the need for constant repetition and skill building.

Maintain your mental and physical health Eat healthy. Exercise at least three times each week. If it’s been a while since you exercised with any regularity, start slow and gradually build yourself back up. Get those endorphins flowing and you will look better, have more energy, and feel better about yourself.

•Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

39

Africa Business

South Africa offers incentives to electric car manufacturers RADE and Industry Minister Rob Davies, has said South African vehicle manufacturers will receive incentives for increasing production of electric cars to 5,000 units.

Speaking at the announcement of what has been dubbed the Electronic Vehicle Industry Road Map, the Minister said: “Producers of electric cars would have to make 5 000 of such vehicles before they qualify for an incentive.”

“South Africa must not be left behind in greening initiatives and technology,” he told reporters in Johannesburg on Thursday.

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The government has pledged to reimburse manufacturers with 35% of production cost over three years.

Davies said the map is meant to encourage development of infrastructure for the local production of electric cars.

“What will make these vehicles sellable in South Africa will be entirely dependent on whether these cars are made in South Africa.”

Davies said the government was looking at consumer incentives, but that production is taking preference at the moment.

“These are the very early stages for the cars in manufacturing.

“There are zero of these cars being produced in the country and that is why we need to get the programmes going.”

Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa announced a public-private pilot test project for an emission-free electric car in February.

She disclosed on Thursday that three charging stations which are solar powered will be made available in the country by 2015 “We aim to have 50 charging stations for the cars in the country

by 2015.”

Last year, Optimal Energy chief executive Kobus Meiring was disappointed after his company – the first developer of South Africa’s electric car – was closed because it failed to get further funding from the government and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Meiring was also disappointed the project would not continue but also grateful for the government support of the vision to develop electric cars. He acknowledged Optimal Energy would never have got as far as it did in developing

the Joule (The electric car) without government support.

He said the official reason provided for not supporting the electric car project any further was that the commercial risk was too high.

Meiring said the IDC was very vocal that the project needed more support than could be provided by the new industrial policy action plan and that it should be put on the national agenda and budgeted for in the national budget.

“From an IDC perspective, if the government could not do this, the IDC could not continue to fund the project,” he said.

Angola to boost transparency in bank NGOLA has introduced tougher regulations for banks on ownership disclosure, auditing and risk management, responding to international calls for increased transparency and supervision in the oil-rich country's booming financial sector.

Riding on the coat-tails of an oil boom - Angola is Africa's No.2 crude producer - the country's banking sector has posted rapid growth in the last decade and attracted foreign players.

However, the expansion has raised questions about transparency, an area in which rights groups and international organisations have urged Angola to improve its record.

The new regulations, issued by the central bank, come in response to recommendations from the IMF and the World Bank, a senior executive in the sector told Reuters.

"This will help reduce questions about transparency in the sector and strengthen the central bank's supervisory capacity," said Joao Fonseca, executive director at Banco Angolano de Investimentos, the top bank in terms of assets.

Angola's banking market is dominated by five banks, including units of Portugal's Banco BPI and BES .

But with deposits rising by a third and assets by a fifth in 2011, overseas players such as Standard Bank and Russia's VTB are expanding their presence.

Under the wide-ranging new corporate governance code, banks

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S

•Corporate Affairs Manager, Voltic Limited (Ghana), Mr Cyrus deGraft-Johnson (2 nd right), handing over cartons of natural mineral water to an executive of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mrs Linda Asante-Agyei, while other executives of the association look on.

will have to publish information about their shareholding structures, including details about who owns direct and indirect stakes.

Rights groups have criticised opaqueness in a system in which large stakes are owned by secretive offshore companies.

If an Angolan bank opts to have non-executive directors on its board, it must also appoint an executive board to handle day-today management in a transparent and responsible manner and one independent board member to oversee it.

"The rules are very demanding

and will require banks to strengthen management capacity," Fonseca said, adding that the deadline for implementation by the end of 2014 had been agreed with the sector association ABANC. Stricter rules on auditing, risk management, compliance and stress testing will enhance the central bank's ability to supervise the financial system.

The rules will also help oil companies operating in Angola as they switch to making payments through local banks and demand transparency, Fonseca said.

S. Africa mine unions may get big wage hikes

OUTH African mine unions may obtain double-digit wage hikes this year that companies can ill afford, gold producer Harmony Gold said on Friday, as it posted a third-quarter loss caused by production shortfalls following labor unrest.

The share price of South Africa's No. 3 bullion producer plunged over 9 percent to an eight-year low, underscoring market concerns about the ongoing impact of strike action, rising costs and falling prices.

Biennial wage negotiations for South Africa's gold sector get under way in May or June and this year's pay talks are set to be among the toughest ever as worker militancy heaps pressure on shrinking company margins.

"Wage negotiations are going to be difficult this year with more owners and more unions in the room," Harmony's chief executive Graham Briggs said in a conference

call with journalists after the results were released.

"The final figure will depend on how profitable we are going to be next year. I certainly don't think there would be a double-digit increase on basic pay but the end result with a profit share could be a substantial increase. So the end result may well be double digit," Briggs said.

South Africa's gold, platinum and coal producers have been agreeing to above-inflation wage increases for years but steeply rising power and other costs mean another round of big rises would push many into the red.

But trade unions, embroiled in a battle for members and influence, are pushing hard for steep wage increases in a bid to win the hearts and minds of rank and file workers.

A bitter turf war between the established National Union of

Mineworkers and the more militant Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union triggered violence last year that killed over 50 people, and wildcat strikes hit mine production hard.

The main reason why Harmony fell into a loss in the March quarter was the temporary closure of its Kusasalethu mine because of the union rivalry and violence.

Harmony's third-quarter headline earnings per share slumped to a 47 cent loss.

The company is slashing planned capital spending by almost a third as it re-adjusts to falling gold prices. Briggs said 1.4 billion rand ($156.21 million) would be cut from its 2014 spending plans, the bulk of which will come out of Papua New Guinea where it is hoping to develop a massive copper-gold mine.

"The sudden drop in gold price requires us to look more carefully at our costs," said Briggs.

Nedbank to acquire Mozambique’s Banco Unico stake SOUTH Africa's Nedbank Group said on Friday it plans to acquire an initial 36 percent share of Mozambique's sixth-largest lender Banco Unico, and that it would later increase the stake to a majority shareholding.

The announcement comes as South African lenders are scouring the underbanked African continent in the hope of making acquisitions to hedge rising competition back home.

Nedbank, South Africa's fourth largest banking group, also plans to convert a $285 million loan to pan-African lender Ecobank later this year, it said.

In its first quarter trading update, Nedbank said that net interest income in the first three months grew 7.3 per cent to 5.121 billion rand ($571 million) from 4.774 billion a year ago.

It recorded higher retail impairments as elevated consumer indebtedness and unsecured lending continued into 2013, while the credit loss ratio increased to 1.22 percent from 1.08 percent a year ago.

Zimbabwe lures foreign investors, bourse scales record peak AFTER shunning Zimbabwe during its years of hyperinflation and political strife, foreign investors are finding the southern African country increasingly attractive.

Zimbabwe’s adoption of the dollar, a new constitution that curbs presidential powers after 33 years of President Robert Mugabe’s rule, and cheap valuations are luring some foreign investors to its stock market.

The main index, up more than 25 per cent this year, hit a record high of 191.16 on Friday and offshore investors have been strong buyers.

But nagging concerns about elections due this year and the government’s policy of forcing firms to cede majority stakes to black citizens are deterring larger portfolio inflows and the foreign direct investment that Zimbabwe needs, investors say.

“Zimbabwe used to be the breadbasket of Africa so the potential to restore its lost glory is still there,” said Funmi Akinluyi, Silk Invest’s subSaharan Africa investment director, adding that the firm has no investments in Zimbabwe but is looking at it closely.

“It just needs fundamental changes, starting with politics.”

Zimbabweans in March approved a new constitution limiting presidential powers, removing the main barrier to an election in the second half of this year after a disputed 2008 poll.

Those investing in Zimbabwe, including Renaissance Asset Managers, Investec and Stanlib, say they are cautious but believe it has already seen the bottom.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

Taxation

Increased tax collection: presumptive tax to the rescue

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AXING the informal sector has become a huge challenge for tax authoritieswhether at the state or federal level. Yet they must be taxed for government to be able to meet the desired objective of pooling funds together for development of social infrastructure. Presumptive taxation has therefore become one key tool used by tax administrators to get the "hard-to-tax" into the tax net whether in developed or developing countries. It is presumed that the deployment of a presumptive tax regime will widen the tax net in Nigeria.

A presumptive tax regime is one where the desired tax base is not itself measured but is inferred from some simple indicators-turnover, assets, farm size, value of land, shop value, etc., which are more easily measured in place of complex financial statements. The kernel of presumptive taxation is anchored on section 6 of the Personal Income Tax(Amendment) Act, 2011, which introduced a new subsection (6) to section 36 of the preceding act, as follows; "Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Act, where for all practical purposes the income of the taxpayer cannot be ascertained or records are not kept in such manner as would enable proper assessment of income, then such manner a taxpayer shall be assessed on such terms and conditions as would be prescribed by the Ministry of Finance in regulations by order of gazette under a presumptive tax regime".

A lot of people have argued that when taken from a historical perspective presumptive taxes have always existed and that there has only been a transition from an agricultural based economy to industrialized driven economies. Whereas tax administrators have made sufficient laws to ensure compliance with regard to structured businesses with verifiable statements of accounts, the informal sector remains unreached. What this portends for an economy that requires all the funding it can get to tackle decaying infrastructure is deprivation of needed resources which is quite huge from the informal sector.

The size of the informal sector in Nigeria is very enormous, knowing from hindsight that the informal sector employs a huge chunk of labour force, while a lot more are self employed without appropriate documented means of accounting for their income. Presumptive taxes provides for a simplified option for tax compliance without going through the rigors of financial documentation. It opens a new vista for those outside the tax net to be integrated into the system as well as limiting tax avoidance.

Essentially, presumptive taxation offers even more than assumptions of payable income taxes, as it also offers a streamlined method for transiting from the informal to the organized structure whether individually or a business.

A movement from the burden of standard assessment system accounting method to

• Ag. Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Mashi

By Frank Onero Obaro

A lot of people have argued that when taken from a historical perspective presumptive taxes have always existed and that there has only been a transition from an agricultural based economy to industrialised driven economies. assessment as per volume of trade, value of land or even simple turnover of trade substantially encourages unwilling taxpayers to pay their taxes and also enjoy incentives or benefits that the formal sector enjoys.

From a Nigeria point of view, it is obvious that most taxpayers and even incorporated businesses are still grappling with maintaining accurate reporting standards or even navigating complex tax codes, which has resulted in non compliance and evasion, requiring additional resources and efforts from the tax administrator to enforce compliance. So figuratively speaking, part of the rationale of presumptive taxation will be to reach as many that the proposed regulation will cover to engender a stronger taxpaying culture. Some tax experts have also insisted that Presumptive taxation will engender self assessment since most taxpayers covered by this regulation will have to file their assessment by completing simple forms with little aid. This appears rational but it must be said that Presumptive taxation is targeted at increasing revenue collection using the simplest means possible.

In jurisdictions were presumptive taxation is practised, standard and estimated assessments, presumptive minimum taxes, value of land,

net wealth and asset value are some of the methods employed in estimating income and assessing tax liability. While a lot of stakeholders have argued for and against the various forms of assessment noting that some of such methods do not allow for fairness of assessment, however it must be noted that the various methods have their merits and demerits but each addresses different set of taxpayers and would be proper to apply them accordingly.

Interestingly, some advanced countries still practice Presumptive taxation e.g. In Czech, lump sum taxation is available for individuals with income from agriculture production, from a trade and/or from other business activity if the business has no employees or co-operating persons, and annual income in the three immediately preceding taxable periods did not exceed CZK5m (US$234,000). The business owner may not participate in an association that is not a legal entity. In France Presumptive taxation was widely used in the agricultural taxation even though it's application has reduced tremendously in the last decade, it was used to effectively tax that sector and afforded taxpayers the skill to transit to desirable filing/assessment methods. Also in France, farmers with a turnover of 500,000 francs or less are eligible for the presumptive basis of taxation. Locally, the Lagos Internal revenue Service (LIRS) has introduced some form of direct presumptive taxes which has yielded increased revenue for the state.

Though much can still be achieved has it is obvious that artisans and petty traders are the primary focus of their policy.

Presumptive taxation is an attractive method of governments' continuing effort at making the tax system more productive and efficient while instilling responsibility of citizenship and ownership simultaneously. Also of strategic importance is the capacity of the tax administration to handle the particular presumptive method being applied for improved compliance. Attention must also be paid to how a particular presumptive method will work in different situation. The administrative competence and capacity of the tax administrator will be sufficiently tasked for the implementation of presumptive taxation to effectively fill the void it was been created to serve because if taxpayers can hide the factors on which the presumption is based as easily as they can hide income, then the presumption will not be of much use. Taxing the informal sector can add substantially to revenue collection and as stated recently by the Ag.Chairman of the FIRS "such a large pool of taxpayers cannot be ignored by any tax system, which seeks to make taxation the pivot of national development", this statement in itself sums up the desirability of a presumptive tax regime. • Obaro can be reached at: obaro.frank@gmail.com

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

• From left: Governors Muritala Nyako (Adamawa State), Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Peter Obi (Anambra), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) after an NGF meeting in Abuja.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) chairmanship election is expected to hold this month. A major contender is the incumbent chairman, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is having a running battle with the Presidency, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NACA) and a section of the polarised Rivers State House of Assembly. Will Amaechi weather the storm or will he be defeated by the forces opposed to him? EMMANUEL OLADESU and AUGUSTINE AVWODE examine the protracted crisis rocking the NGF and implications for its future.

Thorny road to NGF chair election T

HIS month is critical to the future of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF). The 36 governors are warming up for the forum’s chairmanship election. But, unlike the previous poll, the contest is not beiong aproached as a friendly.

The NGF is polarised into the pro-Amaechi and anti-Amaechi factions. Majority of the governors are said to be backing the Rivers State governor. But the Presidency, which is believed to be uncomfortable with his leadership of the forum, is trying to raise another aspirant to slug it out with him. The battle became more fierce last month, with the pro and anti-Amaechi elements returning to the drawing board to perfect their antagonistic scheming strategies to have a upper hand. Following the forum’s rancorous meeting in Abuja, the election was postponed.

Amaechi is battling to retain the seat. When the election was postponed, it was evident that those opposed to him have not mustered the majority support required to frustrate his second term bid as the NGF chairman. The 10 northern governors who are opposed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s choice were backing Amaechi. But it cannot be ascertained now whether his critics have recruited more antagonists for the leadership of the forum.

The gathering storm Amaechi is in the eye of the storm. The first move against him after the last NGF’s meeting was strategic. Posters announcing the presidential ambition of Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, with Amaechi as his running mate, flooded the Northern States to stir up emotions and sentiments against the duo within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and create disaffection among party followers. The posters, which were sighted in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Benue states, may have been released to black-

‘Amaechi’s relationship with President Jonathan had turned sour, since he openly criticised the federal government’s transformation agenda. Under his leadership, the NGF had confronted the President over critical issues germane to true federalism. NGF had objected to the formula for revenue allocation and the controversial Sovereign Wealth Fund’ mail Amaechi and weaken his popularity in the NGF and the newly inaugurated PDP Governors’ Forum led by his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Chief Godswill Akpabio.

Amaechi’s relationship with President Jonathan turned sour, when he openly criticised the federal government’s transformation agenda. Under his leadership, the NGF had confronted the President over critical issues germane to true federalism. NGF objected to the formula for revenue allocation and the controversial Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The government has also turned the heat on the NGF chairman. Recently, at the Akure Airport, his plane was grounded for allegedly violating aviation rules. Many believed that the problem was aggravated by the existing cold relationship between the governor and the President. Now, the Rivers State House of Assembly has affirmed the plot to remove Amaechi from office. Already, the ruling party is in turmoil in Rivers State. There are two parallel executive committees fighting for the soul of the party. So far, the party executive allegedly backed by the Presidency is having the upper hand. The game plan is to frustrate the governor’s senatorial bid and ensure that he does not hand over to a candidate of his choice in 2015.

But the Rivers State governor has not been deserted by many governors. Sources close to

him disclosed that since his plane was grounded and the impeachment plot thickened, many of them have called to solidarise with him. “The governors are with the NGF chairman and some of them have advised him not to reply his Abuja critics on the pages of newspapers,” said the source.

NGF’s growing influence

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HE NGF is not recognised by the 1999 Constitution. But governors have used the forum as a platform for the ventilation of grievances against the defective federal structure. Under the umbrella, the governors, who have been described as provincial oppressors, have challenged the Presidency to a duel by going to the court for judicial interpretation of presidential actions and moves.

The membership of the association is voluntary. Its resolutions and decisions are advisory and not binding. But the NGF cannot be ignored by any politician. Observers believe that it is a potent force in the polity. In the past, the body derived its strength from its unity and cohesion.

Critics of NGF The NGF lacks a legal backing, although it thrives on the exercise of the freedom of association by its members. Bayelsa State Gover-

nor Seriake Dickson, who antiaged what he said as the excesses of the NGF chairman, pointed out that the body has been used to feather personal nests. In his view, the forum may have exceeded its bounds as a mechanism for peer review.

Critics of the NGF have observed that the governors had grown wings. A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Senator Smart Adeyemi (Kogi Central District), berated the governors for frustrating the constitution amendment process. He pointed out that despite the clamour for the local government autonomy, the governors are averse to it.

A PDP elder and former Education Minister, Prof. Jibril Aminu, alleged that the governors were exercising sweeping powers. He described the NGF as an oppressive body, whose wing should be clipped.

Another PDP backer, Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent Ijaw leader and former Information Minister, flayed the governors for oppressing the President. He said their virulent attacks were unwarranted. He pointed out that the governors have tacitly supported corruption by not speaking against the corrupt activities of their colleagues.

Governors/federal legislators feud From 1999 to date, there has been tension between many governors and federal legislators from their states. The governors, who are locked in the battle for the control of the party machinery in their states, have labeled the lawmakers as “Abuja politicians”, who are not conversant with the situation at home. The senators and House of Representatives members also frown at the growing powers of the governors. The governors are the party leaders in the states and they decide who gets what, how and when. Party faithful worship them as •Continued on page 44

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POLITICS •Continued from page 43

thin gods. The party’s executive committees at the ward, council and state levels are created in the governors’ image.

During elections, National Assembly members who are not in the good book of some governors may miss being nominated by the party.

Many legislators have also complained that their influence has been cut by the governors in their constituencies. Any legislator who criticises the government’s activities may be labelled as the enemy of the governor, with severe consequences for his political career.

Governors and godfatherism

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INCE the aborted Third Republic, governors have assumed the status of godfathers. They dictated to the Houses of Assembly and ensured that the Speakers were under their armpits. President Jonathan was sensitive to the governors’ awesome powers when he requested them to nominate candidates for ministerial slots. That special privilege, which enraged the ruling party, further increased the powers and influence of the state party leaders, to the detriment of those outside their camps.

The privilege was abused by some governors. They ended up nominating cronies who ultimately serve as liaison officers in the federal cabinet. The ministers who have performed creditably became threats to the governors in their states. The constant rivalry between the governors and ministers over their antagonistic political ambitions has generated more tension and confusion in the ruling PDP. In many PDP states, the party has often been polarised into the camps of governors and federal lawmakers. When the two factions struggle for the soul of the party in the state, the party has always ended up as the main casualty.

Ahead of the primaries that heralded the general elections, PDP states boiled over the contest for supremacy between governors and National Assembly members on one hand and governors and ministers on the other.

Power loaded governors As the party leaders, governors are at a vantage position to manipulate the primaries to favour themselves or their anointed candidates.

In many states, the Houses of Assembly work as an appendage of the executive. The governor decides who emerges as the Speaker. Except in Lagos State, most governors loathe the idea of a fully independent legislature, supported by the House of Assembly Service Commission.

Governors also determine, in many instances, who becomes members of the Houses of Assembly, Representatives and Senate.

A political scientist, Boniface Ayodele, said the hands of the governors are also heavy on the local governments. “They are afraid to conduct council elections. They prefer to set up caretaker committees composed by their lackeys and cronies”, said the Ekiti State University don. In fact, some governors interfere in local chieftaincy tussles and insist on the candidature of their friends and associates for traditional thrones. “Governors are too powerful. The problem is that there is no one to tame them in their states, not even the parliament”, Ayodele added.

Governors as state party leaders In the Second Republic, governors were regarded as primus inter pares by the members of the executive councils they presided upon as chief executives. In that previous era, governors could not isolate themselves from the pack of democrats who constituted their teams. The new breed,

• Governors of the proposed All Progresives Congress (APC) during a recent visit to Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Thorny road to NGF chair election who came on the stage in the Third Republic, were not rooted in the democratic culture of earlier period, which thrived on internal democracy, constructive dialogue and wide consultation. In that era, which was generally regarded as an era of strong political culture, party supremacy was upheld and governors, ministers, commissioners, special advisers and state and federal parliamentarians were bound by party constitutions, directives, guidelines, rules and regulations. The late Kwara State kingpin, Dr. Olusola Saraki, who , alluded to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) caucuses, submitted that these elected functionaries knew their limits because the party was supreme.

The beat changed in 1999. Immediately the governors stabilised in their offices, the buck, henceforth, stopped on their tables. During the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors were instrumental to the nomination of scores of politicians for ministerial positions. The formula employed for their selection was devoid of equity. Those who had scores to settle with the governors were denied the opportunity, despite their qualifications, competence and service to the party.

Also, in 2007, governors were completely in charge. Only the candidates endorsed by them made the ministerial list. The governors also instructed the senators from their states to ensure that they scale through the screening hurdles in the Upper Chamber. A few of them who were lucky to be appointed by the President without consultation and involvement of the governors soon fell out of favour with the governors and the party at the state level. Lagos politician Isiaka Adekunle-Ibrahim, said governors grew wings because of the weakness of the country’s political culture. “The Governors Forum, as we have seen, is a powerful and influential political bloc. They are so powerful in the PDP and many

of them used to have their ways, no matter the odds”, he said.

NGF’s origin

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OR a body that is not only elitist but also has less than 40 in num ber, nobody expects that the the NGF would be this polarised. The Forum’s website says it all. The mission of the Forum is to: “ provide a common platform for collaboration amongst the Executive Governors on matters of public policy; to promote good governance, sharing of good practice and enhance cooperation at the state level and with other arms of government and society”.

The NGF is a “coalition of the elected governors of the country’s 36 states. It is a non-partisan association which seeks to promote unity, good governance, better understanding and cooperation among the states and ensure a healthy and beneficial relationship between the States and other tiers of government”.

The body was registered in 1999 under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, (CAMA), 1990.

From that time, the NGF has been led by five governors. It started with the former governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu. He piloted the affairs of the body from inception in 1999 to 2004. He was succeeded by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah who led it from 2004 to 2006. Next to chair the Forum was former Edo State Governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion. He led it from 2006 to 2007. Thereafter, former Kwara State Governor Senator Bukola Saraki took over the mantle of leadership. He was there for the whole four years. The incumbent Chairman, Amaechi, took over in 2011. Whether he would serve a second tenure would be decided this month when his first tenure ends on May 26.

Drama as of old This present drama about lead-

ership succession in the forum is not the first of its kind. In 2011, a similar drama rocked the Forum as it sought to pick a new chairman. That drama was laced with political intrigues tied to the 2011 presidential election.

Former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, who had been named as the new chairman of the Forum was removed in a dramatic fashion. His ‘overthrow’ was said have been engineered by some Northern presidential aspirants who thought they could not trust him.

The presidential aspiration of former Governor Saraki had led to the announcement of Daniel as the NGF chairman. But a section of the Forum would not have any of those measures described as “undemocratic”. It was alleged that the PDP hijacked the process of naming a successor and mandated Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam to announce Daniel’s appointment. The battle for things to be done right was champinoned by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.

Fashola had maintained that the process adopted in selecting Daniel was an affront to the country’s quest for a viable democracy.

“Some members of the Governors Forum have acted in an undemocratic way. The question of who leads the forum must be a democratic process.

“It bothers me as the single national agenda in the country today is free and fair elections, but members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have chosen to usurp and subvert the will and decision of 36 governors, only 10 of them sat down to elect a new leader.”

He had an ally in Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, who argued that it was improper for any

‘The desire for a forum that is not attached to the whims and caprices of a ruling party could be said to be the major reason Daniel faced such a stiff opposition and was eventually pushed aside. From all indications, the forum wants to be free from the apron string of any political party. This is exactly what will make the election very interesting’

governor to be imposed on the Forum which covers the whole country by a single party – the PDP. Those who opposed Daniel’s emergence hinged their position on the fact that he could use his position to the advantage of President Goodluck Jonathan. Daniel was coordinating Jonathan’s Presidential campaign in the Southwest then.

No to external influence

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HE desire for a forum that is not attached to the whims and caprices of a ruling party could be said to be the major reason Daniel faced such a stiff opposition and was eventually pushed aside. From all indications, the forum wants to be free from the apron string of any political party. This is exactly what will make the election very interesting.

Already, a new body, the PDP Governors Forum, has emerged since February 25 with Akpabio as chairman.

Since 1999 when the Nigeria Governors Forum was formed, whoever led the forum had always served as coordinator of an informal association of PDP governors. This has since changed, with the emergence of Akpabio who now has a clear cut brief to lead PDP governors.

PDP Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, described the formation of the PDP Governors Forum as borne out of “necessity”. The PDP Governor Forum will no doubt go into the election with its own agenda. Interestingly, not all the governors on the platform of the PDP are in agreement with the formation of the party’s separate forum. It has been generally interpreted that the move was to weaken the larger body and force PDP’s agenda down the throat of others.

In the same vein, governors on the platform of major opposition parties have sent a strong signal that they are ready to work together for a better country. Though still in its budding stage, the governors of the proposed All Progressives Congress (APC) demonstrated their togetherness recently when they visited the hot bed of the Boko Haram insurgency. Observers say there are apparently about three or more factions that will be going into the election whenever they are ready to conduct it and that each ‘group’ will fight to protect its own interest. Though Akpabio has assured that the PDP Governors Forum would not do any harm to the main body, not many people believe it. But the major question is: can the NGF elect its chairman without any external interference?

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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MOTORING

Porsche unveils Panamera Platinum T HE Porsche Centre, Lagos has unveiled Porsche’s new model, the Panamera Platinum Edition.

With N22.5 million as starting price, the Panamera offers exceptional value and luxury to discerning motoring enthusiasts.

Porsche Centre Lagos Brand Manager Mr Michael Wagner, who made this pronouncement in Lagos, promised prospective customers who drive home any of the Panamera range will be privileged to go on a guarded tour to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany with a business class return ticket.

Also as part of the incentive, Wagner said, the customers will be shown round Porsche Travel Club Black Forest Day and offered three nights’ accommodation at Radisson Hotel, Stuttgart.

He also added that customers can alternatively get an option of a 24 carat gold plated Porsche BlackBerry phone with the customer’s name engraved on it.

Porsche has steadily been bolstering its Panamera line since the car was first introduced adding models like the V6, Hybrid and GTS. Also available as Panamera 4, the Platinum Edition stands out with its subtle, independent design features in platinum silver metallic combined and expanded standard features with exclusive details.

For instance, the lower half of the side view mirrors, the air-inlet grille lamellas; the air vent grille on the

•Porsche Panamera Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

side which is designed specifically for the turbo model with the trim on the trunk lid and the rear diffuser are all in platinum silver metallic.

This is in addition to the interplay with one of the Edition’s five exterior finish colours that results in an especially harmonious and elegant

appearance.

The solid exterior colours are offered in black or white with the options of metallic basalt black, metallic carbon grey and metallic mahogany lacquer finishes.

The black glossy finish used for the side window strips creates a convincing overall exterior appearance.

Customers would also delight in the many frequently requested ex-

tras that now come as standard equipment in the Platinum Edition.

The debutant also comes with the automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors that reduce the glare from traffic behind you, and the 19-inch Panamera Turbo alloy wheels with red, black and gold Porsche crest that highlights the sporty elegance of the vehicle.

The upper part of the dashboard

and the door trim, the footwell and the back of the front seats as well as the loadspace cover are in black, while the remainder of the interior is in Luxor beige.

Other highlights include the standard sport design steering wheel and the distinctive Porsche crest on the front and rear headrests as well as the insignia “Platinum Edition” on the front door trim strips.

Globe, Weststar, TNL shine at Transport awards

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RONTLINE auto companies Globe Motors Holdings, Weststar Associates Limited and Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) were among winners at the maiden annual edition of the Nigeria Transport Awards and Lecture held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Globe Motors Holdings, a dealer in Toyota and Mercedes Benz vehicles as well as a distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles, won the prize of Most Outstanding Auto Company in After-Sales.

Its Managing Director Mr Victor Oguamalam, said the award would spur his company to do more in delivering even better services to its numerous customers cutting across different parts of the country.

Head of Marketing of TNL, Mr Andrew Ajuyah, who received the Most Transparent Auto Company

prize for his company, thanked the organisers for recognising TNL. Ajiyah urged other auto companies to be open in declaring their import and sales figures.

In the same vein, Weststar Associates Limited was recognised as the Most Outstanding Auto Company in After-Sales delivery.

Other auto related companies that went home with awards include First System Refinishes Limited, for Sikkens as Auto Paint of the Year; Moore Enterprises Limited for Auto Body Care Company of the Year; Oando Lubricants as Lubricants of the Year; Bizol Lubricants as Best New Entrant.

The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Osita Chidoka was given an award as Safety Personality (Road) of the Year.

•A cross-section of the awardees and guests at the event

Lubricating oil giants to light up motor fair

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OISED to take the fight against fake and adulterated lubricants and transmission fluids to the doorsteps of automobile consumers, the leading names in the production and sale of best grade and world class engine oil and lubes have booked stands to showcase the best at the Lagos Motor Fair and Auto parts Expo.

The fair will begin on Friday at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The companies from Nigeria and overseas include Mobil, Oando, Performance Enhancing Products Limited (PEPCO), Ascon Oil Limited, Coin Ventures Limited and Lubcon Limited.

Among the products to be showcased are additives, lubricants, greases, adhesives and wiper blades.

The fair organiser, BKG, praised the high interest being showed by the lubricant giants.

BKG Chairman, Mr Ifeanyi Agwu said, a conducive platform has been provided for all segments of the automotive sector to showcase their best and latest.

“Our ultimate goal is to fast track the development of the automobile sector in Nigeria. Virtually all the well known lubricated firms have indicating interest and foreign companies are even coming in their large numbers too,” Agwu said.

He stated that the Lagos Motor Fair will be an unparalleled gathering of established brands as well as new entrants.

“The imperative of this event cannot be over-emphasised as more Nigerians are keying in to efforts to harness the enormous potentials in the automobile, parts and accessories market in the country,” he noted.

The fair is organised in collaboration with SENEXPO International, Turkey.

T

HE Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the management team of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to set up a task force that would arrest, discipline and prosecute any driver that violates the rules and regulations of the union.

Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Commerce and Industries, Hon. Bisi Yusuf said this during an interactive meeting with the leadership of the union at the Assembly Complex.

Yusuf observed that within and outside the garages and parks, illegal possession of guns, selling of alcohol otherwise known as paraga, violation of traffic law, indiscriminate parking to pick passengers as well as pollution of the environment especially urinating publicly are so rampant among the Danfo drivers, hence, an internal task force should be in place to arrest any erring driver.

Yusuf said: “We want to appreciate the effort of the new management of the union in reducing

Set up task force to discipline members, NURTW told

By Oziegbe Okoeki

crime rate at motor parks and garages. We are appealing to you to do more as the Assembly wants you to intensify more efforts in arresting some bad eggs among you.

“I want you to realise that the state government cannot do it alone except you collaborate government effort at ensuring that the behaviours of your drivers are check mated”, Yusuf said.

The lawmaker also frowned at the filthiness and dirtiness of motor parks describing it as appalling and disheartening citing Alaba by Orile-Agege Motor Park as an example.

In his contribution, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu implored the union to train their members regularly adding that the state government

would continue to assist them in any programme that would sustain the better living standard of the people.

Responding, the state Chairman of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, said one of the challenges facing the union is inadequate motor parks to accommodate more vehicles.

He stated that since the new management team took over last year, a lot of improvements have been recorded in transportation business.

“We have introduced bomb detectors at our various motor parks to search any passenger that would be in possession of bomb or explosive weapon. Also, the union has employed security guards in all our motor parks and garages for overnight protection of the garages,” he said.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

NEWS

•Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean, Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Dr. Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, Justice George Oguntade (rtd) and Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, at the Church’s first session of the 32nd Synod of the Diocese at the Cathedral Church of Christ, PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE Lagos...yesterday •Chairman, Federal Housing Authority Residence Association (FHARA) of 202 Road, B Close, Festac, Lagos, Chief Ben Onwuma (middle) greeting Vice Chairman of Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIA), Mr. Alani Akiode (right),when members of FHARA visited the spinal cord association at Amuwo Odofin Local Government... at the weekend. With them are SCIA’s Secretary, Mrs Alice Bassey Etuk (second right), FHARA member, Mrs Gladys Nonye (second right) and another FHARA member, Mr Igwe Mathew

=

•Israeli Embassy Media and Political Officer, Mr Tony Obiechina (middle), his wife, Grace, cutting their 25th wedding anniversary cake with their children in Abuja...at the weekend

•From left: Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Priscilla Kuye; Chairmanin-Council, Institute for Government Research & Leadership Technology (IGRLT), Ambassador Moses Essien; Chief Executive, IGRLT, Dr. John Akanya and Professor of Engineering Technology, Manipal University Anjiaiah Devineni, at the induction of Patriotic Citizens Dubai 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel, Bur, Dubai...at the weekend

•Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar (middle) with police officers and members of his family during the celebration of his 55 years birthday in Maitama, Abuja ...yesterday.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

Chief Imam to Boko Haram: accept amnesty

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HE Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Khalid, has urged Boko Haram insurgents to lay down their arms and accept the Federal Government’s offer of amnesty.

Khalid made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

According to him, the insurgents will reap a lot of

benefits from the current peace initiative and the nation will return to normalcy, if they accept the offer. “ If they accept the offer, Muslims and non Muslims alike will be strongly behind them and peace will reign supreme in the country, but if they do not accept the offer, it can degenerate into a serious crisis that can cause a setback to the country.”

He also expressed optimism that the committee set

‘If they accept the offer, Muslims and non Muslims alike will be strongly behind them and peace will reign supreme in the country’ up by the Federal Government would, at the end of the day, achieve its objectivs judging by the calibre of members.

Khalid, however, stressed the need for government to show sincerity and commitment to the outcome of the committee’s recommendations geared towards resolving the problem, once and for all.

The Islamic cleric also stressed the need for the nation’s food security programme to be revived and backing it up by the Act of Parliament.

He advised the Federal

Government to establish a proper planning on food security to enable the country not to run into famine.

Khalid said the country had a lot of programmes on food security such as “Operation Feed the Nation(OFN)”and “Green Revolution (GR)”.

He urged the government to revisit such laudable programmes with a view to encouraging the teeming unemployed youth to embrace agriculture and boost food se-

curity.

Khalid urged the Federal Government to give priority to training and retraining of civil servants in the country for speedy development. “ Our local farmers need serious training in order to boost their production, thereby, increasing food production in the country as well. “ If there is adequate supply of food in any country, that country will have lesser security threat,” Khalid said.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

49

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

50

96th KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

S

ince inception, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has established himself as one of the most progressive and dynamic Governor of Kano State. His second coming exposed a personality that is committed to serving the community. His stands on development policies show a remarkable degree of consistency thereby portraying a man in peace with himself for the betterment of his nation and Kano State in particular. He is never afraid of controversy when he is sure that his stand is for the betterment of Nigeria. While some leaders shy away from speaking up, Governor Kwankwaso is neither cowed by the size of the challenges for a cause that is just. He is a leading propagator for transformation of the nation's economy, fighting corruption and labor matters. His statements on or off stage offer radical propositions thereby laying bare the problems and solutions for a better nation. His experience as the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Governor, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria crystallized a strong determination to bring benefiting and befitting transformation to the State, which he met at comatose stage. In fact, for the last two years he has been translating a program that has made Kano a shining example for other States to copy. There is no sector that is left unchanged from Education, Health, Youths empowerment, Agriculture or Revenue Generation.

Throughout these two years, the Governor has consciously attracted the attention of the people of the State to self-reliance, sincerity of purpose, purposeful governance as well as a new spirit of commitment for the State to progress. With this, the State is changing as the citizens now believe in their Government because of its sincerity and prudence in the management of resources. Thus, a new political and economic thinking appears based on the recognition of realities on the ground. The people are becoming more optimistic and supportive to the Government because of what it is able to deliver. His approach to governance is realistic because he understands the nature, needs and aspirations of his people. That explains his commitment to empower youths through sponsorship to acquire further education within and outside the country and by teaching them simple skills for self-reliance. This policy builds a new society, where people develop themselves and consequently the society. It is based on this that one should comprehend the decision of the ninety-six (96th) sitting of the Council of Thursday 2nd May, 2013 (22nd Jumada Thani, 1434 AH) presided over by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. At this sitting, fifty (50) memoranda were submitted by Eight (8) MDAs for deliberation. Thirty five (35) of them were approved for execution among which twenty four (24) were on projects covering an expenditure of Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Million, One Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Six Naira, Twenty Three Kobo (N2,772,182,196.23) while eleven (11) were on policy issues. Thus: 1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted thirty one (31) memoranda for deliberation by Council on behalf of some MDAs. Sixteen (16) of them were approved for execution as follows; a) Presentation of the Outcome of an Advocacy Visit to the State by the Wheat Transformation Team:The contents of this memorandum, submitted by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, presented the outcomes of an advocacy visit to the State by the Wheat Transformation Team under the auspices of the Lake Chad Research Institute, Institute of Agricultural Research and Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources requested for approval and granting of permission by Council to commence the registration exercise of all Farmers in the State preparing for the implementation of a Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) program of the Federal Government. The program aims at addressing the imbalance in Agricultural Input delivery and kicked-off in March, 2013 in all 36 States of the Federation and FCT. Importantly, Council was notified of the highlights on the outcomes of the advocacy visit. Thus; i. Interactive Session held between the visiting team and Stakeholders in the Ministry of Agricultural and Natural Resources discussed issues particularly on strategies for scaling up Wheat production in the Country which has the potential of reducing import bills on Wheat. ii. Emphasis was put on attainment of 81.78% of the total of 213,881ha of Land used for Wheat production in the 1988/ 89 production year in Kano State. iii. The encouraging support provided by the State Government in the areas of provision of tractors, combined harvesters/ seed planters; subsidized inputs such as fertilizer, seed, and irrigation infrastructures to farmers were deliberated upon. iv. The availability of improved seeds discovered via research was discussed. v. Souvenir presentation of two publications was made to the sector, titled "Wheat in Nigeria: production and utilization" and "Update on Wheat Research and Production in Nigeria (29th January, 2013)".

In this regard, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources intimated Council of the level attained in the preparations for the successful handling of the registration exercise for which Council was requested to approve for commencement.

Council noted, considered and approved the commencement of the registration exercise. b) Presentation of the Proposal and Request for Funds for the Training of 32 Technical Subjects Teachers at Bradford College, United Kingdom:Cognizant of the resolve and commitment to qualitatively provide for technical and vocational education, Council approved the release of the sum of N41,017,200.00 to the Ministry of Education to facilitate the sponsoring of fourteen (14) Technical Subject Teachers (i.e. 12 Teachers and 2 Inspectors) to attend a six (6) months training program at Bradford College, United Kingdom. Details were presented on the financial commitment for Council's consideration.

This way, Council directed the Ministry of Education to identify the necessary equipment and instructional materials required to be provided to facilitate for smooth replication/local delivery of the same training in the technical and Vocational Schools across the State. c) Request for Funds to Enable Payment for the Replacement of Burnt Down 2.5 MVA, 33/11KV Electric Power Transformer at Government House and the supply of Electricity to ten Chalets:Considering the vital need for a steady supply of electricity from the National Grid to the Office of the Secretary to the Government, Government Guest Houses and the (10) Guest Chalets behind the Government House, the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport notified Council of the need to supply and install 33KV (Blue Line) to the ten (10) Guest Chalets within the Government House in view of their significance to accommodating important Guests.

Specifically, the intention is to upgrade the existing 2.5MVA, 33/11KVA Injection Substation to 5MVA Electricity Transformer at the Government House. This upgrade is meant to provide relief to the existing overloaded 1x2.5MVA Substation and enable the extension of the 33KV dedicated line to the new Government Lodge near Deputy Governor's Residence; Secretary to the State Government's Office Complex and the ten (10) Guest Chalets within the Government House.

A competent Contractor forwarded a proposal for the execution of the envisaged works with BEME in the sum of N12,005,070.00 which was requested for release to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, as endorsed by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, to enable execution of the vitally required project stated above.

Council approved the release of the sum of N12,005,070.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the execution of the stated project according to the specifications presented.

In the same vein, Council attention was drawn, by the contents of another memorandum, to a request submitted by Messrs.

Digibits Controls Nigeria Limited for payment in respect of supply and installation of a brand new Electric Power Transformer at the Government House to replace the one that exploded, caught fire and burnt down on 23rd September, 2012 due to overloading.

Messrs. Digibits was directed to immediately restore normal electricity supply which was promptly executed at the cost of N15,225,000.00 and Council was requested to approve for release to enable payment for the replacement.

Approval was granted by Council as requested for the release of the stated sum of N15,225,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to facilitate payment for the replaced electric transformer at Government House according to the details presented. d) Presentation of Letter of Appreciation for the Donation/Allocation of an 18-Seater Toyota Hiace Bus to the Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus, Bagauda:The Acting Head of Campus at the Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus, Bagauda submitted a Letter of Appreciation to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The contents of the letter expressed deep appreciation for the donation/ allocation of an 18-Seater Toyota Hiace Bus for use in the School.

Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively. e) Presentation of Report on Breach of Terms of Operations of Fairly Used Amana Taxi by a Beneficiary :The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport notified Council that, in the course of its activities the Task Force Committee on Amana Taxi/Buses, a defaulter was apprehended. A Golf Wagon with registration number KKU 06 XA, Amana 91 was allocated to him nine (9) months ago but was only able to pay the expected weekly deposits for three (3) weeks after which he absconded and failed to make any further installmental payments. When apprehended it was discovered that he changed the original registration number and paint of the vehicle pictures of which were displayed for Council's perusal. In addition, the concerned allottee still owes N100,000.00 to complete settlement of the price of the vehicle for which he was given up to 12th April, 2013 to effect payment. He could not. The vehicle was impounded/collected from him serviced, repainted to normal Amana Taxi color for re-allocation to a tested abiding beneficiary at an agreed price.

Further, the contents of this memorandum, as endorsed by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, reported a total of 49 taxis and buses impounded from many beneficiaries found wanting as a result of absconding on expected weekly payments, operating outside the designated areas and other offenses. Such were recommended to Council approval for reallocation to other prospective beneficiaries so as to serve as a deterrent to others.

Considering the original intentions of Government, Council approved the allocation of the impounded 49 Amana vehicles to other prospective beneficiaries in addition to thes one. f) Request for Funds to Facilitate Payment of Stipend to 100 Kano State Indigenous Postgraduate Students Studying at Various Institutions in Turkey:Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted this memorandum for deliberation by Council on behalf of the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education. The contents of this memorandum requested for approval by Council for the release of the sum of $225,000 for disbursement as a stipend (allowances) to the 100 Kano State Indigenous Postgraduate Students studying at various Institutions in Turkey at the rate of $250 per Student per month as endorsed by the Kano Scholarship Board.

Approval was granted as requested by Council for the release of the requested sum of $225,000 to the Ministry of Higher Education to enable the State Scholarship Board settle the payment of a monthly stipend to 100 Kano State Indigenous

Students studying in Turkey at the rate of $250 equivalent to N40,000.00 each totaling $225,000 equivalent to N36,000,000.00. This was in recognition of the need to fulfill Government's commitment to the policy that informed the Government to sponsor the Students for the Courses abroad. g) Request for Funds to Settle Payment for Live Coverage of the Entire Ceremony of the Mass Wedding of 1,000 Couples on Saturday 27th April, 2013:Office of the Director of Press and Public Relations to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE submitted a request, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, for the release of the sum of N33,701,250.00 to enable settlement of payment for three (3) Hours Live Coverage of the entire Ceremony of the Mass Wedding of 1,000 Couples on Saturday Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso 27th April, 2013 between the Emir's Palace and Government House, Kano by eight (8) Media Houses.

Details were presented to Council for consideration.

Considering relevance of the request, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N33,701,250.00 to the Office of the Director Press and Public Relations to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to effect the stated payment. h) Request for Funds to Facilitate the Conduct of Capacity Building Workshop for Media Personnel in the State Service:This administration realizes the significance of investing in human capital through the provision of education. Investing in human capital is in political-economic sense very much the same as investing in nonhuman capital, such as machines, structures, equipment and other material capital. Just as an investment in nonhuman capital is expected to generate efficient and profitable outcomes in business circles, so is the huge investment in human capital expected to augment the capacity of the State labor resources. This clearly explained the huge investment being made by the present administration in the education sector. In addition, to the support given to the formal education sector through the provision of more classes, equipment and instructional materials, retraining of those in the service is not left unattended. This brings us to the purpose of this memorandum submitted by the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture.

The contents of this memorandum submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry for Local Governments reminded Council of the recommendation proffered by the Deputy Governor at one of its sittings to conduct the Workshop at the cost of N35,000,000.00. Subsequently, Council directed Local Governments to pay for the Workshop accordingly.

In view of this, Council was statutorily notified of the fact that the Workshop is meant for Media Personnel in the Local Government Service.

So, Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N35,000,000.00 by the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture to enable conduct of the Workshop. i) Request for Funds to Enable Payment for Six (6) Months Accommodation Charges in Respect of 56 Kano State Indigenous Students on Postgraduate Studies at Jordan University of Science and Technology:The incumbent administration under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE established over twenty (21) Tertiary Institutions spanning various aspects of academics and employable skill acquisition. The State presently owns two Universities and eighteen skills acquisition Institutes established all over the State for the benefit of the teeming unemployed/unskilled youths roaming the streets of the State.

Despite this, the administration sponsored 501 postgraduate students overseas in addition to the 100 selected to be trained as pilot in Jordan and another 100 to read medicine. This brings us to the purpose of this memorandum. The submission informed Council of the need to release funds for the settlement of accommodation to 56 students now undergoing training in Jordan. The sum of $67,200 (equivalent to N10,752,000.00) was approved for release by Council to the Ministry of Higher Education to enable payment for six (6) month's accommodation charges in respect of 56 of the 501 Indigenous Kano State Students on Postgraduate Studies at Jordan University of Science and Technology. This was in fulfillment of Government's commitment to the policy of sponsoring Kano State Indigenous Students for Postgraduate Studies abroad. j) Request for Funds to Carry-out a Special Print Media Project to Showcase Achievements of the Present Administration:The Director of Press for Peoples Media Ltd submitted a proposal, presented by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, to showcase the achievements of the present administration for a period of one (1) Year at the cost of N18,000,000.00. The request was endorsed as significant in view of its potential of enlightening the public on developmental projects being executed by the Incumbent administration.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N18,000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to enable Press Media Ltd undertake the project of showcasing the achievements of the present administration for a period of one (1) Year. k) Request for Financial Assistance Towards Sponsorship of Three (3) Kano State Indigenous Students Currently Undergoing M.A. and Ph.D Programs:This case was presented for consideration by Council on behalf of the Ministry of Higher Education through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. Details were presented consideration of which prompted Council to approve the release of the sum of N1,500,000.00 in respect of Musa Yusuf Tambai studying M.A. Arabic Literature in Malaysia. The Authorities at the Northwest University, Kano were directed to handle the respective cases of Hadiza Lawan Abdullahi and Hadiza Abdullahi studying at ABU Zaria administratively.

2. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Request for Funds to Facilitate the Continuation of the Already Started Routine Maintenance Works on Some Selected Roads in Kano Metropolitan Area:Government is aware of the vital role road transport network plays in the development of the State economy. However, as all infrastructures, road requires constant maintenance and upgrading to match with the development of the metropolis.

Thus, the need to rehabilitate and reconstruct the existing road network and at the same time keep it in good condition for commuters is paramount. This administration has given the same emphasis and commitment in the construction of new and the general rehabilitation and maintenance of the existing road network. This brings us to the basis for the submission of this memorandum. The memorandum informed Council that more than 20 major roads in the metropolis were rehabilitated and made motorable. Amongst them are: Bompai Road, Sokoto Road, Bello Kano Terrace, Obasanjo Road, F.C.E. Road, Dan Hausa Road, Commissioner Road, Murtala Muhammed Road, Lagos Road, Magajin Rumfa Road, Dr. Bala Muhammed Road, Katsina Road, etc.

The Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) operating under the auspices of the State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning submitted a request for the release of the sum of N150,000,000.00 to enable continuation of the already started routine maintenance works on some eighteen (18) selected roads in the metropolis. An update on the progress of the work was presented for Council's consideration in view of its earlier approval for the release of the sum of N50,000,000.00 for the same purpose.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N90,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable KNUPDA continue with the routine maintenance work started on the eighteen (18) selected metropolitan roads presented for consideration.

3. MINISTRY OF HEALTH The Ministry of Health submitted five (5) memoranda for deliberation by Council. All were approved for execution as follows; a) Request for Funds to Commemorate the 2013 World Malaria Week in Kano State:The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Health notified Council of the declaration of the World Health Organization (WHO) of the 25th April of every year as the World Malaria Day. So, the week preceding the date is commemorated as World Malaria Week.

As such, details of activities designed to commemorate the week as budgeted were presented for Council's consideration.

The sum of N2,627,000.00 was requested for release by Council to enable execution of the budgeted activities designed in commemoration of the 2013 World Malaria Week in Kano State in concert with the entire world.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N2,627,000.00 to the Ministry of Health to enable conduct of activities in commemoration of the 2013 Malaria Week. b) Presentation of a Report Submitted on a Visit to Tokushukai Medical Group in Tokyo:The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Health reminded Council of the directive from Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE issued to him and the Deputy Governor to represent him in response to an invitation extended by the Nigerian Ambassador to Japan to attend the Nigerian-Japan Energy Summit as well as to visit the Tokushukai Medical Group.

The visit was undertaken during which the Headquarters of the Medical Group was attended and a meeting was arranged.

The previously endorsed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2008 was focused upon and agreement was reached to look into the MOU more critically in order to make necessary changes acceptable to both parties for development and eventual signing of a new MOU at a later date to be announced by the Ambassador. Exchange of other relevant documents to facilitate the process also took place.

Council was further intimated of the fact that the Nigerian Embassy in Japan appreciated the visit and the donation granted

by Kano State towards organizing the summit and promised to keep/watch the process until Kano State derives maximum benefit from the Medical Group.

Council appreciated the presentation. c) Request for Funds for the Continuation of Activities of the State Task Force Committee on Immunization and Polio Eradication:Contents of this memorandum highlighted the laudable efforts of the State Government in contributing towards Immunization and polio eradication in the State. The level of commitment of the present administration under the leadership of the incumbent Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE is commendable and close to achieving the total eradication

2013

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013 of the polio scourge.

As such, the Ministry of Health requested for the release of the sum of N6,218,500.00 to enable continuation of the activities of the State Task Force Committee on Immunization and Polio Eradication.

Considering the significance of the request, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N6,218,500.00 to the Ministry of Health to enable continuation of the activities of the Task Force Committee on Immunization and Polio Eradication. d) Request for Funds to Facilitate the Activities of the State Immunization Plus Day on Polio Eradication:Council was intimated, by the contents of this memorandum, of the fact that Nigeria has adopted the conduct of polio Supplemental Immunization as a strategy to completely eradicate the polio disease from the country. So, special campaigns are periodically organized during which health workers move from house to house to vaccinate eligible Children with the polio vaccine. Three (3) rounds have so far taken place this Year.

In any case, all stakeholders play a role at Federal, State and Local Government levels. This way, the State Government provides support for supervision, training, logistics and public enlightenment activities. As such, the Ministry of Health requested for the release of the sum of N10,897,500.00 by Council to enable provision of resources required for the activities of the State Immunization Plus Days on Polio Eradication.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N10,897,500.00 to the Ministry of Health to enable provision of required resources for the execution of yet another round of the stated activity. e) Presentation of Report on Implementation and Request for Funds for the May 2013 Round of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) in Kano State:The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Health notified Council, through the contents of this memorandum that, Nigeria has adopted the Integrated Maternal, New Born and Child Health Strategy (IMNCH) for the attainment of the MDGs 4 and 5. It was decided that the MNCHW will be implemented/conducted twice each year so as to make the strategy effective.

So, the State Ministry of Health and its partners have started planning for the conduct/implementation of the first round of 2013 MNCHW week scheduled for (20th to 24th May, 2013). As such, the Ministry of Health requested for the release of the sum of N7, 853,600.00 by Council in support of the program. Details were presented for Council's consideration which prompted the granting of approval for the sum of N5, 000,000.00 as Government support for the program.

4. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Nine (9) memoranda were directly submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.

All were approved for execution as follows; a) Presentation of Situation Report on the Construction of Box Culvert at Amazuma Filling Station:The State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted a situation report on the progress attained in the awarded Contract for the construction of Box Culvert at Amazuma Filling Station. The work has generally attained 57.27% level of completion for which eleven (11) items (and levels attained) were presented along with pictures for Council's consideration.

Council acknowledged the presentation and directed the completion of the project before this year's raining season. b) Request for Funds to Facilitate the Renovation/Reconstruction of Storm-Damaged Gidan Dan' Hausa, Situated Along Bello Kano Terrace, Kano:The monumental Gidan Dan' Hausa was damaged by heavy downpour during the rainy season of the year 2012. The need to renovate the property of Historical and Cultural significance to the State becomes imperative considering the impending rainy season of the current year.

So, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for the release of the sum of N20,650,121.80 by Council to enable execution of the required renovation works at Gidan Dan' Hausa.

Significance and relevance of the project prompted Council to immediately approve the release of the requested sum of N20,650,121.80 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the renovation project at Gidan Dan' Hausa in view of its significance to the History and Culture of the State. c) Request for Funds to Facilitate the Provision of Sports Facilities at Northwest University Permanent Site, Gwaron Dutse, Kano:The Northwest University, Kano has been established courtesy of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Work is in earnest progress at the Permanent Site of the University located at Gwaron Dutse.

Comprehensive sporting area along with facilities are required for which the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for the release of the sum of N29,691,613.60. Details of the requirements were presented for Council's consideration which prompted the granting of approval for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable provision of sporting facilities at the Permanent Site of the Northwest University, Kano. d) Request for Funds to Enable Construction of Proposed Staff Housing Phase I at Northwest University Permanent Site:Council was notified of the need to commence construction of residential/housing facilities for the Staff of the Northwest University, Kano within the Permanent Site where general work is in earnest progress currently.

As such, five (5) detached housing facilities for Principal Officers and two (2) blocks of six (6) flats were estimated for construction at the cost of N313,171,499.66 which was requested for release by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the project.

Considering the significance of the request, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N313,171,499.66 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the construction of Staff Housing Phase I at the Northwest University Permanent Site according to the details presented. e) Request for Funds to Facilitate the Dualization of Road from Sani Abacha Youth Center (Termination Point on Sharada Road to Madobi Bridge):Contents of this memorandum submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport politely referred the sitting to the selection of the Kano-Madobi-Yako-Kafin Mai Yaki Road for inclusion in the 2012 Budget.

The road covers a distance of about 66.1KM characterized by a serious failure of the surfacing and parts of the pavement structure and was last renovated over ten (10) years during the first tenure of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. So, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport substantiated to Council that, renovating the road will certainly improve the socioeconomic activities of the area and trigger more developmental activities.

Though important, the project of the renovation of the 66.1KM long road was recommended to be executed in phases with the first phase to commence from Sani Abacha Youth Center (Termination Point of Sharada Road) to Madobi Bridge, covering a distance of about 7.0KM for which the sum of N1,379,009,879.73 was requested for release by Council to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the phase I part of the project.

The project was considered to be in line with the policy of the present administration and resolution to take infrastructural development to all nooks and corners of the State especially roads as heralded by the approval granted for the construction of 5KM double carriage ways complete with street lights in all 44 LGCs in the State.

Considering the significance of the project, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N1,397,009,879.73 to the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the first phase of the project on the renovation of KanoMadobi-Yako-Kafin Mai Yaki road. f) Request for Funds for the Construction of New Governor's Lodge for Kano State Government at Kasumu Street Victoria Island, Lagos:The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport politely reminded Council of the dilapidated condition of the State Governor's Lodge situated at Kasumu Street Victoria Island, Lagos which calls for complete demolition and reconstruction to a befitting status that can stand the test of time by standing as an edifice. The project was estimated to cost the sum of N198,524,539.39 which was requested for release by Council to enable execution.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N198,524,539.39 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable construction of a new Governor's Lodge for Kano State Government at Kasumu Street Victoria Island, Lagos. g) Request for Funds by Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA) for Road Maintenance Works within Kano Metropolis:KARMA is one of the newly established agencies by this administration, which was set up to maintain and rehabilitate roads within and outside the metropolis. The agency is under the supervision of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. The contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its instruction to KARMA at its sitting on the 10th April, 2013 to immediately finish the works on repairs of Gwarzo to Karaye Road and commence maintenance work on metropolitan roads jointly with Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

Responding to instructions, authorities at KARMA consulted with authorities at KNUPDA during which the latter declared exhaustion of all materials and funds for the exercise.

Nevertheless, KARMA complied with its instructions and carried out condition surveys of thirteen (13) metropolitan roads for maintenance which include the followings: i.

IBB Road ii.

Sani Abacha Way (former Airport Road) iii. Nababa Badamasi Road (former Ja'afar Road) iv. Church Road, Sabon Gari v.

Lafia Road vi. Court Road (Gyadi-Gyadi) vii. Sheka Makaranta Road viii. Rimi Market Road ix. Lodge Road x.

Kofar Ruwa to Kwanar Dala Road xi. Yahaya Gusau Road Sharada xii. Mandawari-Galadanci-Kofar Na'isa Road xiii. Waziri Gidado Road Details on the scope of work and items required for its execution were presented for Council's consideration. The aggregate sum of N93,700,000.00 including logistics was requested for release by Council to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable KARMA execute maintenance work on the 13 selected metropolitan roads named above.

Considering the relevance of the project, Council approved the release of the trimmed down sum of N90,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable KARMA to undertake the maintenance work on some of the 13 metropolitan roads named above. This is in line with the policy of the present administration on the provision and maintenance of required infrastructure especially roads in order to facilitate for easy movements for the citizenry. h) Request for Funds to Facilitate Relocation of Wudil Technical College to Former Water Resource Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA) Workshop at Tiga:One of the laudable resolutions of the present administration is the declaration to convert all unused/underused Government property/facilities into proper and required utilization especially Schools. Many such facilities have already been converted and put to proper use as heralded by the following: " Conversion of Gidan Ado Bayero for use as temporary site for the Northwest University, Kano. " Conversion of the famous Magwan Water Restaurant for use as a School tag-named First Lady's College. " Conversion of Psychiatric Hospital Yadakunya for use as a Girls' Secondary School Jan' Baki. " Conversion of Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport Kofar Nassarawa Yard to Governor's College.

Notably, the present site of Wudil Technical College conflicts with that of the Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil. At the same time, the WRECA Workshop at Tiga is currently not utilized for the intended purposes.

51 Government instructed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to relocate Wudil Technical College from its present site/location at Wudil, to the former WRECA Workshop at Tiga so as to solve the conflict on right of occupancy between the two Institutions and provide more land and structures to the University for expansion and utilization.

So, a condition survey was conducted on the unused property/Workshop based on which the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport prepared drawings and Bill of Quantities in the sum of N294,594,102.05, which was requested for release

by Council to enable relocating Technical College Wudil to the unused former WRECA Workshop at Tiga. The new site provides ample land for the construction of a modern Technical School and future expansion.

Considering the relevance of the request, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N294,594,102.05 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to expedite action in executing the project of relocating Technical College Wudil to the unused former WRECA Workshop at Tiga. i) Presentation of Request for Funds for the Execution of Phase II Model Villages Development Works at the State Rural Areas:The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport reminded Council of its approval granted for the execution of the first phase of model villages development work mentioned above. The program aims at transforming the thatched/earthen worked traditional houses to quasi-modern sand crete block-built structures of which the first phase has been executed almost to completion level at three selected villages which include Warawa, Makoda and Kunchi. The Communities at the beneficiary villages welcome the development and applaud Government on the issue.

So, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport conducted a feasibility survey for the construction of 100 quasi-modern/ prototype units of these houses at Kwankwaso Town in Madobi Local Government Area at the cost of N753,341.40 per unit bringing the cost of 100 units to N75,334,140.00, which was requested for release by Council to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the execution of the project.

The project was considered to be in line with the Housing policy of the present administration. Access to relatively affordable housing has been provided to the citizenry as exemplified by the following: " Construction of Sand Crete built quasi-modern housing units at Warawa, Makoda and Kunchi. " Development/Construction of the modern housing units at Kwankwasiyya, Bandirawo and Amana Cities. " Sale of GP houses to the occupants (serving Civil Servants), etc.

So, approval was granted as requested by Council for the release of the sum of N75,334,140.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the construction of 100 quasi-modern housing units at Kwankwaso Town according to the details presented.

5. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTHS, SPORTS AND CULTURE The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources reminded Council of its appointing a Committee comprising four (4) Members under his Chairmanship to study and vet a request for the release of funds from the Kano Pillars Football Club (KPFC) submitted by the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture for Council's consideration and approval.

The requested sum of N60,034,000.00 to enable the Club participate in 19 matches (Home and Away) was vetted down to N43,070,000.00. Details were presented for Council's consideration. However, the trimmed down sum of N43,070,000.00 was recommended for release by Council according to the details presented by the Committee so that the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture can enable the Kano Pillars Football Club participate in the stated 19 matches (Home and Away).

Council approved as requested the release of the sum of N43,070,000.00 to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture to enable KPFC participate in the stated matches.

6. MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION Presentation of Report from the 3-Member Committee Appointed to Re-screen the Lists of 235 Non Academic and 21 Additional Academic Staff of the Northwest University, Kano:The 3-Member Committee appointed for the re-screening exercise comprised the Honorable Commissioners of Higher Education, Justice and that of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The Committee did its job diligently and recommended the following for Council's consideration and approval. " That from the 235 listed non-academic Staff presented for the re-screening exercise only 142 were recommended for employment. " The University should conduct fresh interviews to fill the 21 additional academic Staff required at the University since the ones currently serving are mostly on visiting capacities.

Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the recommendations of the Committee.

7. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES Presentation of Report on the Need to Conduct/Complete Second Phase of Farmer Registration Exercise for the Year 2013:The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources reminded Council through the contents of this memorandum that, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted the first phase of Farmer Registration Exercise (25th - 28th March, 2013) nationwide. That time, 438 optical mark reading (OMR) forms were distributed among the 484 wards in the State. As such, a balance of 78,400 OMR forms which translated to additional 162 forms per each of the 484 wards was expected for the State.

Presently, the balance of 78,400 OMR forms expected from the Federal Government has been delivered to Kano State. So, the second and completion phase of the entire Farmer Registration Exercise will soon commence in the State. As such, it was recommended to Council to direct the CRC to assign/appoint a supervisor for each of the 484 wards across the State so as to ensure efficient and wider as well as transparent conduct of the final phase of the Farmer Registration Exercise.

Council appreciated the presentation and directed the State Community Reorientation Council (CRC) to appoint a supervisor in each of the 484 wards in the State to ensure efficient and wider as well as transparent conduct of the second phase of the Farmer Registration Exercise in the State.

8. MINISTRY OF FINANCE Presentation of the List of Banks with Balances of Accounts Operated by Different MDAs in the State:Transparency is the watchword for the entire operations of the present administration under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Prudence guides the deployment of resources in the execution of the public spirited projects undertaken in all spheres of Governance.

Cognizant of these and more reasons, the Ministry of Finance decided to present a list comprising 290 MDAs in the State along with their respective Banks, Account numbers and Cash balances for Council's perusal and knowledge open to the public in consonance with the policy of the incumbent administration.

Council appreciated the presentation and unanimously commended the Ministry of Finance for a job well done.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 96TH EXCO SITTING 1. INAUGURATION OF THE FIRST (1ST ) GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY Council witnessed the successful inauguration of the first governing council of the Newly Established Northwest University, Kano. The Governing Council comprises the following; Alhaji Sule Yahaya Hamma - Chairman Professor Hafizu Abubakar - Member Professor Yahuza Bello - Member Mal.Bala Ibrahim B/Kudu - Member Mariya Ali Kote - Member Perm Sec/Higher Education - Member Vice-chancellor - Ex-officio Registrar - Secretary Accordingly, Council called on the new Governing Body to dedicate themselves and ensure that the university develops and attain desired international requirements and standard.

2. INAUGURATION OF THE BOARD OF KIRU REFORMATORY INSTITUTE Council witnessed the inauguration of the Kiru Reformatory Institute board which has the Hon. Commissioner of women affairs and social development as chairperson and eight (8) members.

3. SIGNING OF LAW Council witnessed the signing into Law of the Education Trust Fund Law by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The law will aid the improvement of educational standard across the State, solicit support and at the same time open avenues for cooperation with private/business concerns.

4. MAY DAY CELEBRATION Council congratulates all Civil Servants in the state and the entire Country on the May Day celebrations. Council reiterates its commitment and support to the welfare of the labor force in the State 5. VISIT OF THE STATE DELEGATION TO TOKOSHUKAI MEDICAL GROUP TOKYO JAPAN Council noted the visit of the powerful State delegation, which was led by the Deputy Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to the Tokoshukai Medical Group, Tokyo, Japan where they discussed the possibility on how to partner with the medical group towards the development/completion of the Giginyu Hospital. The Memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the issue is expected to be signed soon.

6. WATER DISTRIBUTION Council noted that the laying of 600mm Ductile iron pipes from Watari to Mil-tara has been completed and the pumping of water has started, which has led to the increase of water supply in the State. Council also noted the ongoing rehabilitation of the Watari Irrigation Dam where over 137 million Naira was earmarked for the project with a view to improving water supply in the State.

7. OPENING OF KANO AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY COMPANY (KASCO) STORES Council noted the opening of the KASCO stores and calls on the general public to patronize the stores where Agricultural inputs are displayed for sale.

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO BORNO STATE Council noted the visit to Borno State by the Governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to commiserate with the Government and people of the State over the unfortunate incidence at Baga. Council wishes to thank His Excellency the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shatima and other stakeholders for the warm reception accorded to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Council acknowledged a financial support of N20 million given to Borno State Government by the Governor during the visit.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, Illegal / Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following number - 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.

For update on the activities of Kano State Government click to www.kano.gov.ng/new

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 6, 2013

53

NEWS

Fed Govt vs Rivers: Sheathe your sword, says elder statesman

Ijaw protest kinsmen’s killings From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

T

HE Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on the Federal Government and international community to intervene in the killing of Ijaw people in Ibeno and Eastern Obolo local governments of Akwa Ibom State.

The INC said the killings have been allegedly carried out by the Ibibio since August 28, 2008.

INC Vice-President Charles Ambaiowei said the killings were confirmed by three leaders from Ibeno and Eastern Obolo, who came to Port Harcourt to meet with the INC. Ambaiowei said the first boundary crisis between the Ijaw and the Ibibio was recorded in 1954.

“In 1966 during the Civil War, the Ibibio blackmailed us as pro-Biafra and enlisted the support of Nigeria Army to destroy Amazaba town thus turning Ijaw into refugees, who went to seek shelter in Andoni, now in Rivers State.

“When the Ijaw returned home at the end of the war, the Ibibio had encamped in all the Ijaw villages. It was from then that the crisis started which led to the murder of the Oka-Ama of Amaoka (Obolo-Ijaw village), Sunday Eli Ikorwa, on August 28, 2008.”

The INC chieftain also lamented that the Judicial Panel of Enquiry set up by the Akwa Ibom State Government has not seen the light of day.

Lawmaker praises Mobil

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HE Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Okpolupm Etteh, has praised Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited for its 500 mega watts Qua Iboe River Project.

In a statement by his media office, Etteh said the recent signing of the Seller’s Representative Agreement (SRA) by the company, was a good sign.

The leader, who represents Ibeno/EsitEket State Constituency, said he was

Schlumberger partners Amnesty Office

T

HE Presidential Amnesty Programme has

partnered Schlumberger Limited to train some of its delegates in oil drilling engineering.

Schlumberger is the world’s largest oilfield services company, with approximately 120,000 employees representing more than 140 nationalities and working in more than 85 countries.

It has principal offices in Houston, Paris, and The Hague.

The first batch of 15 out of the 30 successful delegates was deployed on Friday to study Drilling Engineering at the Schlumberger Technologies, Melun, France.

The training is expected to run for 42 weeks.

At the pre-deployment orientation in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, urged the delegates to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

Kuku, who was represented by the Deputy Director (Procurement), Jaiyeola Tikolo, said the Amnesty Office considers the training very important because of the pedigree and global status of the company.

“Always remember where you are coming from. The Federal Government has invested so much in you by sponsoring your training.

“There is always a great reward for hard work. So you must be good ambassadors of your country,” Kuku said.

glad that the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project have been concluded.

The commercial tenders for Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) are almost completed.

Etteh said Mobil’s action would boost the presidential initiative to make Nigeria resolve its power problem.

The statement also quoted Etteh as saying Mobil’s effort will complement that of Governor Godswill Akpabio who he said, has completed the State’s Independent Power Project in Ikot Abasi.

E

LDER statesman and Christian Leader Bishop Friday Nwator at the weekend urged the parties in the Federal Government’s face-off with the Rivers State Government to sheathe their swords.

He called for the restoration of peace in the state.

Nwator, who is the Founding President of International Integrity Bishops College and Faithful Minister World Network, played a leading role in quelling the violence that rocked the state a few years ago.

Speaking to reporters in Port Harcourt, Nwator said: “I have been watching with dismay the way the crisis is

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

going on in the state for some time now and as an elder statesman and father to the state it has given me sleepless nights until recently God asked me to intervene.”

Calling on all the parties involved to embrace peace, he advised President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi to stop listening to advice that tend to sour the relationship between them.

The Bishop said: “I want all the people involved in this crisis to know that Rivers State is important to us and it will not be good if we de-

‘This crisis is capable of causing a breach of the peace which may jeopardise the security of life and property in our state and take us back to that horrible era of violence and lawlessness’ stroy it because we do not have any other state to go.

“This crisis is capable of causing a breach of the peace which may jeopardise the security of life and prop-

erty in our state and take us back to that horrible era of violence and lawlessness.”

He also appealed to the factional Chairman of PDP, Felix Obuah, to use his leader position and reconcile all the aggrieved members of the party by shunning acts that will further escalate the crisis.

He appealed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, lawmakers, the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, and others who may be secretly fuelling the crisis at the background, “to calm down and sheathe their swords in the interest of peace.”

Funeral rites for lawyer begin today

F

•The late Ozako

RIENDS and family of entertainment lawyer Efere Ozako, who died on April 18, would gather today for a service of songs at the Shell Hall of Muson Centre, Lagos by 5pm.

A Blackberry broadcast being circulated revealed that the late Ozako was famous for his agitation for intellectual property rights.

Comedy merchant Opa Williams, who spoke to The Nation on telephone, said other funeral arrangements would be released after tonight’s events.

By Victor Akande, Entertainment Editor

Ozako, who hailed from Delta State, died of a stressrelated ailment at Havana Hospital, Surulere, as against previous reports, that he died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). He was 47.

The lawyer, after complaining of headache, collapsed on the way to the hospital.

The hospital reportedly asked for a deposit of N500, 000, which was immediately raised by friends.

He was taken to the Inten-

sive Care Unit (ICU) where he was said to have regained consciousness later in the night, eased himself, convulsed and died.

His body was deposited at LUTH morgue.

Ozako was well known for his workshop series; Wetin Lawyers Dey Do …

Sef?, which he began in 2006, through Dtalkshop, an agency he co-run with Kaine Agari, his cousin.

The forum was meant to awaken filmmakers and musicians to the possibilities of earning well from their artistic endeavours.

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 6, 2013

54

NEWS ‘Support Okorocha’

Governors mourn Pini Jason

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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THE Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, Rev Anthony Obinna, yesterday called for support for the Rochas Okorocha-led administration.

He said the state has witnessed infrastructure development in the last two years.

The cleric warned against sabotaging the administration and urged politicians to support the governor.

Rev. Obinna, who was represented by the cathedral administrator of the Assumpta Catholic Church, Rev Andrew Nkwocha, during the special thanksgiving to mark the Imo Freedom Day, urged the Church to pray for the administration to succeed.

Orji: Abia is safe for investors

•Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme Kingsley Kuku (third left) with Chairman, Inter-Agency Task Force on Arms Verification in Niger Delta, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum (second left), the Secretary, Akpodigha Filatei (left) and other members of the Task Force during the submission of its report to Kuku in Abuja

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

Mob sets murder suspect ablaze

ABIA State Governor Theodore Orji has assured investors that the state is safe.

Orji said the state has become one of the safest and most secured in the country.

He said Abia is ready for increased investments in commerce, industry, agriculture, transport and other areas that investors may want to explore.

The governor spoke in a presentation at the Canada- Nigeria Investment Conference, Toronto, where he tried to showcase the state’s potentials.

Orji told his audience that there are mineral resources yet to be tapped in the state.

The governor said opportunities exist in the real estate for building and management of middle and high scale housing development, especially in the urban areas.

Residents complain of gas flare A NON-governmental organisation, the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) and some residents near Shell’s oil field in Opollo Epie in Bayelsa State, have reported unusual gas flare at ground level in the area.

The Head of Bayelsa Office of ERA, Alagoa Morris, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the flares had wrecked havoc on the ecosystem since the firm began flaring last month.

“Shell has been discretely flaring gas at ground level within the field in Opollo in Yenagoa Local Government and the last time we raised the alarm, it put out the flame.

“It has been doing this at odd hours to evade the industry regulators and to avoid paying the penalties.

“A visit to the site shows that the vegetation around the site has been at the receiving end of this assault on the environment.

“The development has taken a toll on the residents, who had to contend with the heat and noise from the flames emanating from the well.”

A

MURDER suspect, E m m a n u e l Nwegwe, has been set ablaze by a mob in Umunaga, Ohaozara Local Government of Ebonyi State.

Nwegwe allegedly killed his relative, Innocent Onu, over a disagreement on a wedding reception venue.

It was gathered that Nwegwe, after allegedly committing the act in their

family compound, ran into a forest.

The suspect was reportedly apprehended and set ablaze by some youths, who had been searching for him.

Police spokesman Sylvester Igbo condemned the act.

He said the youths had no right to take the law into their hands.

“The youths discovered

where the man was hiding, they brought him out and killed him. His body was set on fire.

“Before the police got to know about it, the man had been killed.

“The police cannot arrest anyone now because we are still investigating to know who actually killed the suspect.

“People are not permitted

to take the law into their hands. Even though the deceased allegedly killed his brother, the case had been reported to the police.

“What the youths should have done when they saw him was to bring him to the police station. There is no law that permits them to kill the man.

“We are yet to confirm the number of youths who carried out the act.”

Seven robbery suspects paraded in Abia

T

HE police in Abia State have paraded

seven suspects for alleged robbery and drug peddling.

Solomon Ezenwa, Emmanuel Patrick and Chukwudi Uwaeke were arrested at the crime scene in Amaiyi Ahaba .

Speaking with reporters at the weekend, the Commissioner of Police, Usman Tilli Abubakar, said following a distress call the police received in Umuahia, Obinna Nkili, Ogbonna Ahiwe and Eke Emmanuel were arrested.

Abubakar said the suspects were being

T

Police arrest three kidnap suspects

HREE suspected kidnappers were at the weekend arrested by the police in Enugu.

The trio gave their names as Ikechukwu Echeruo,Okomma Uchama and Ebuka Omenyi.

Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said the suspects had on April 25 allegedly kidnapped Okwudili Maduabuchi, a cab driver.

From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

interrogated. They will be arraigned, if found culpable.

The police chief said an assualt case was reported

by Ogbonna Agbai.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

The suspect was reportdely taken to a bush at Iwolo Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government.

Villagers, however, pursued the hoodlums and the suspects were arrested.

Amaraizu said they are helping police in their investigations.

Agbai reported that two men tried to strangle him.

Also paraded was Chris Chukwujekwu (42), who was caught with substances, suspected to be cannabis.

Chukwujekwu was allegedly carrying the weeds in

his car, AV 09 GWA, at Umuikaa.

The commissioner said there were seven (50kg) bags of the substance found in the car of the suspect, who hails from Nneokwa in Idemili South of Anambra State.

Edo to pay recalled teachers

E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has promised to pay four-month salary to the recalled education inspectors, principals and teachers, who were relieved of their appointments six months ago for alleged dereliction of duty.

The teachers were recalled on May Day during a rally speech by the governor.

The teachers, who resume today, said they had learnt their lesson the hard way and pledged to be more diligent.

The 60 recalled teachers and education inspectors, at a meeting with Oshiomhole thanked him for giving them a second chance.

Speaking on their behalf, Steven Omoruyi said they are now ready for better service delivery and appreciated the governor for

calling them back to their duty post after six months without pay.

Another beneficiary, Felix Igie, said they had learnt their lesson.

“We are now better principals and the lesson is enough for other teachers and principals to learn from.”

Oshiomhole said the decision to relieve them of their appointments was a difficult one to take, but the least he owes the Edo child is quality education.

He said: “Thank you for taking time out to come and say all you have said. Let me thank you for appreciating what we have done and let me use this to explain to you why we took the decision which was a difficult one for me.

“I believe that the least I owe the Edo child is quality

primary and secondary education.

“We have seen some of our schools are beautiful than some of our higher colleges.

“This is deliberate because I know that it is a fact that there is no country in the world where everybody is a graduate.

“But what some countries have achieved is a situation where every child has sound primary and secondary education.

“Once you have a sound foundation even if you are unable to go further you have what it takes to help yourself in life.

“Once that foundation is faulty then nothing else in life is likely to work.

“It was not by accident we started rebuilding schools I made sure they are of the finest quality.

“Look at the Government

•Oshiomhole

House you will see that we have not done anything here.

“The Edo State Government House is one of the oldest in the country.

“My colleague celebrate they have the best government house, I have not spent any money on the Government House because for me what is important is those things that will affect majority of our people rather than my own personal comfort.”

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his Delta State counterpart, Emmanuel Uduaghan, have mourned the late columnist, Pini Jason.

In a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said: “Pini Jason was a quintessential writer in a class of his own.

“He was a wordsmith who used the right coinages to convey his message, which the high and low found endearing.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Felix Ofou, Uduaghan lamented that the celebrated columnist died when his wise counsel and respected foresight on national issues were most needed.

The governors condoledwith the publisher of Vanguard, Dr Sam Amuka, the management and staff of the newspaper as well as the family of the deceased.

Also Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has condoled with the family of the deceased.

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, described Jason's death as "a big blow to the media industry."

He described the deceased as a "gifted writer who used his pen to reform the society in his lifetime and bared his mind on critical issues affecting the polity".

Fayemi said: “ He was one of the greatest exponents of informed political commentary whose incisive writeups charted a better course for the nation.

"He spoke truth to power and was quite courageous in his campaign for a better society."

NSCDC seize stolen crude oil From Osagie Otabor, Benin EN of the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have seized a tanker filled with suspected stolen crude oil.

The tanker, with registration number XC 386 EZA, was intercepted at Esan Central Local Government.

Executive Director of the State Petroleum and Gas Monitoring Task Force Chris Okaeben called on the state and federal governments to institute stringent measures against pipeline vandals.

“This tanker was loaded with crude oil stolen from one of the vandalised oil pipelines in Edo Central.

“It was intercepted by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and was brought to my office this afternoon.

“It is very unfortunate that in this state criminals still indulge in vandalisation of petroleum pipelines. They are frustrating government efforts at improving the economy.”

Okaeben called for collaboration with security agencies to tackle crude oil theft and adulteration of petroleum products.

He also inspected some filling stations at IkpobaOkha and Oredo, where he warned the owners not to sell fuel above the approved pump price of N97 per litre.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

56

DIPLOMACY

Polish Ambassador predicts tremendous growth opportunities in Nigeria Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently led a trade delegation to Nigeria on the invitation of President Goodluck Jonathan. A team of editors from The Nation met with the Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, His Excellency Przemyslaw Niesiolowski, after the visit. The ambassador spoke on the visit and many more. FOREIGN EDITOR DAYO FAKUADE was there. Excerpts:

O

N trade relations with Nigeria: Poland has been doing direct trading investment in Nigeria for quite some time but the tempo has recently picked up since 2011. Right now there is obviously imbalance of trade in this relationship as Nigeria imports about 100million Euro’s worth of goods annually from Poland while only about 15 million is reciprocated.

Mostly there has been a lot of interest in the nonoil business sector at which Nigeria has in abundance such as bauxite, coal, iron ore, bitumen and much more.

Therefore the trade missions, now about three this year, are geared towards reversing this imbalance.

In comparison for instance, Polish annual investment and trade with South Africa is in billions of dollars with each doing as much business with the other, which is understandable because of our historical ties.

We might seem to have come a little late to the party (that is Nigeria’s investment climate), but the new interest in Nigeria among Polish investors is due to the great potentials Nigeria possesses. Think about it, with its abundant natural resources and population projection of about 221 million by the year 2020 people any serious investing community will think twice to ignore such market.

It is hoped that with the

improved infrastructural development on-going now in Nigeria the capacity for growth and trade will be further enhanced in terms of volume in the nearest future.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during Prime Minister Donald Tusk visit to Nigeria, the first of its kind from a Polish leader, is therefore to facilitate and speed-up the institutional frameworks in the two government’s respective ministries of trade, investment, commerce and industry; open up all bureaucratic bottle-necks and enhance mutual prosperity for both countries.

On Maritime skills acquisition and training: We have an internationally acclaimed maritime industry through which Polish companies have effectively partnered with companies all over the world in varying capacities. We have established a world-class Maritime Academy in Angola, which is the largest in the sub-Saharan Africa region and recently a reputable Polish company, Navimor Maritime International Authority signed an MOU with the Bayelsa Sate Government to establish a world class maritime academy in the state. Along this line Poland has provided training for about forty former amnesty militants from the Delta region while another batch are being prepared for tactical training and

Country Facts: Name: The Republic of Poland President: Bronislaw Komorowski (2010) Prime Minister: Donald Tusk (2007) Land area: 117,571 sq mi (304,509 sq km); total area: 120,728 sq mi (312,685 sq km) Population (2011 est.): 38,415,284 (growth rate: -0.08%); birth rate: 9.96/1000; infant mortality rate: 6.42/1000; life expectancy: 76.25 Capital and largest city (2011 est.): Warsaw, 1,720,398 Other large city: Krakow 756,183 (2011) Monetary unit: Zloty Language: Polish (official) 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2% (2002 census) Ethnicity/race: Polish 96.7%, German 0.4%, Belorussian 0.1% Ukrainian 0.1%, other 2.7% (2002) Religions: Roman Catholic 89.8% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3% (2002) Literacy rate: 99.8% (2003 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP $765.6 billion (2011 est.); per capita $20,100.

Popular Citizens: Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla) Lech Walesa, Solidarity Leader and First democratically elected post-communist leader.

Courtesy: infoplease skills acquisition in the maritime industry in Poland.

Polish companies are in consultation with the Nigerian Ports Authority

and other stake holders in the maritime industry in seeking closer collaboration for development in the industry.

Not to be left behind, a

trade delegation will soon be living from Aqua Ibom State to meet with Polish investors also in seeking joint ventures for development.

Seven American troops killed in Afghanistan

CAR to probe ousted leader

S

C

ENTRAL African Republic’s interim government says it is investigating what it claims are human rights abuses committed under the rule of deposed president Francois Bozize.

Justice Minister Arsene Senda, speaking on state radio Saturday, said he instructed prosecutors to probe crimes allegedly carried out by Bozize and other members of his government. Senda charged that the Bozize government was responsible for assassinations, torture, kidnappings and economic crimes. He charged that 119

•Niesiolowski

Poland’s giant leap in Central Europe: The successful transformation of Poland from a centralized communist society to an open market economy has been accomplished through a series of decisively, aggressive and sound fiscal and hightechnologically driven policy formulations and implementations.

First, there was a well established, educationally grounded and skilled labour force, ready to work.

Therefore, at the onset the economy started out on a high notch.

Second, the leadership was progressive and ready for developing all spheres of the economy and lastly, no one questions the strategic goals and vision to which the republic has to go, in spite of differences in personalities and approaches.

For strategic reasons, it joined the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) in 1999, after a referendum by the people, admitted into the European Union (EU) in May 2004, belongs to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other regional alliances to promote and protect her regional interest in Eastern Europe and the world in general.

Republic of Poland’s principal trading partners are the EU members with Germany leading the pack.

So, with all these the economy did not suffer much of the recessionary trends witnessed in most part sof Europe in the nineties, thus making Poland the second fastest growing economy in the sub-region.

On security relationship: Security is every nation’s concern and so Poland and Nigeria do have strategic and tactical cooperation especially in the areas of prisons safety and control.

There have been challenges with prison outbreaks in some parts of the world and the prison authorities of both our countries are comparing notes and training, exchanging visits in combating this menace at the highest level. Recently, the prison chiefs in Nigeria visited with their counterparts in Warsaw in looking for greater ways of combating this menace and gradually progress is being made.

•Bozize

people were killed by Bozize’s bodyguards. He accused Bozize and his family of embezzling state funds.

Bozize, 66, was toppled in March after 10 years in power and sought refuge in Cameroon. The Seleka rebels, led by Michel Djotodia, formed an interim government and have vowed to hold free and fair polls within 18 months.

EVEN U.S. soldiers and a member of the NATO-led coalition were killed on Saturday in one of the deadliest days for Americans and other foreign troops in Afghanistan in recent months, as the Taliban continued attacks as part of their spring offensive.

The renewed violence came as Afghan President Hamid Karzai acknowledged at a news conference that regular payments his government has received from the CIA for more than a decade would continue. Karzai also said that talks on a U.S.Afghan bilateral security agreement to govern future American military presence in the country had been delayed because of conditions

the Afghans were placing on the deal.

The U.S.-led coalition reported that five international troops were killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan, and coalition spokesman Capt. Luca Carniel confirmed that all five were American.

The coalition did not disclose the location of the roadside bombing. However, Javeed Faisal, a spokesman for the governor of Kandahar province, said the coalition patrol hit the bomb in the Maiwand district of the province, the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban.

Later, the coalition reported that a soldier with the Afghan National Army turned his weapon on coali-

tion troops in the west, killing two in the most recent of so-called insider attacks. Such attacks by members of the Afghan security forces against their fellow colleagues or international troops have eroded confidence in the Afghan forces as they work to take over from foreign forces.

Both killed were American, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose the nationalities ahead of an official announcement.

Another coalition service member was killed in an insurgent attack in northern Afghanistan, the NATO-led force said. It did not provide any further details of the incident.

It was the fourth time since

last summer that seven Americans have been killed on a single day in the war.

On March 12, a Black Hawk helicopter crashed outside Kandahar, killing five U.S. troops. Two more U.S. troops were killed that day by an insider attack.

And on April 6, Afghan militants killed six Americans, including a young female diplomat, and an Afghan doctor in a pair of attacks in southern Afghanistan. The three U.S. service members, two U.S. civilians and the doctor were killed when the group was struck by an explosion while traveling to donate books to a school. A seventh American, a civilian, was killed in a separate insurgent attack in the east.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS Malaysia coalition wins in tight election

Israeli jets bomb Damascus

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Israeli jets bombed Syria yesterday, rocking Damascus for hours and sending pillars of flame into the night sky in what a Western source called a new strike on Iranian missiles bound for Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Local people reported massive explosions and internet video showed the capital’s skyline lit by flashes; Syrian opponents of President Bashar al-Assad rejoiced at Israel’s third raid this year, and second in 48 hours, while anger in Tehran highlighted how Syria’s civil war risks spinning further beyond its borders.

Israel, while declining to confirm the strike, stressed its focus was to deny its Lebanese foes new Iranian firepower and not take sides between Assad, long seen as a toothless adversary, and rebels who have won

sympathy from Israel’s Western allies but who also include al Qaeda Islamists hostile to the Jewish state.

It appears to calculate that Assad will not risk forces he needs to fight the rebels by attacking a much stronger Israel.

Syrian state television said the bombing around a military research facility at Jamraya caused “many civilian casualties and widespread damage” and quoted a letter from the foreign minister to the United Nations saying: “The blatant Israeli aggression has the aim to provide direct military support to the terrorist groups after they failed to control territory.”

People living near the Jamraya base spoke of explosions over several hours in various places near Damascus, including a town housing senior officials: “Night turned into day,” one

man told Reuters from his home near Jamraya, also struck on January 30.

CNN quoted Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad calling yesterday’s attack a “declaration of war”, and the Iranian foreign minister urged countries to resist Israel. But a senior Iranian commander also said Syria was strong enough to defend itself without Tehran’s help - though he also offered training.

A confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel hoped that by not confirming its attack, it would not force its enemies into serious retaliation. There was little response from Hezbollah, Syria or Iran to an earlier attack on the Jamraya compound, near the Lebanese border, on January 30.

After an Israeli strike on

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•Netanyahu

Friday, U.S. President Barack Obama defended Israel’s right to defend itself from Hezbollah, which fired many rockets into Israel during a war in 2006.

A Western intelligence source told Reuters: “In last night’s attack, as in the previous one, what was attacked were stores of Fateh-110 missiles that were in transit from Iran to Hezbollah.”

Bangladesh building owner faces murder charge

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HE wife of a Bangladeshi garment worker who was killed when a building collapsed filed a murder complaint against the building’s owner yesterday as the death toll from the country’s worst industrial disaster climbed to 622.

Murder complaints were also filed against the owner of one of the garment factories inside the building and a municipal

engineer in the suburb of the capital, Dhaka, where the factory was located.

The owner of the Rana Plaza building, Mohammed Sohel Rana, was arrested after a fourday hunt as he appeared to be trying to flee across the border to India.

He is one of nine people being held in connection with the April 24 disaster, which the government has blamed on the building’s faulty, illegal construction.

Rana and the others in police custody could face the death penalty if found guilty of murder or mass manslaughter.

None of the accused has commented publicly on the accusation that they were to blame.

Hundreds of relatives gathered at the site of the disaster on Sunday, some holding up photographs of family members. A teenage girl broke down in tears when she recognized the

body of her mother by her dress, after she was brought from the ruins.

In all, 53 bodies were recovered yesterday and rescue workers said they could see more trapped in the rubble. The smell of decomposing bodies hung in the air.

Authorities have found it increasingly difficult to identify bodies and are using ID cards found on them or even their mobile phones to do so.

ALAYSIA’s governing coalition won a tight national election yesterday to extend its 56-year rule, fending off an opposition alliance that pledged to clean up politics and end race-based policies in Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy.

As counting went late into the night, the fractious multiracial opposition proved unable to unseat one of the world’s longestserving governments and pull off what would have been the biggest election upset in Malaysia’s history.

The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN), or National Front, passed 112 seats, giving it a simple majority in the 222-seat national parliament. The opposition alliance had 60 seats.

With more than twothirds of seat results confirmed, it remained to be seen if Prime Minister Najib Razak would receive a strong enough mandate to continue gradual reforms aimed at boosting investment and easing authoritarian laws.

He is under pressure to improve on the coalition’s worst-ever result, recorded at the last election in 2008 when it won 140 seats and lost its customary twothirds parliamentary majority. Failure to do so could weaken his leadership, unnerving investors

and raising uncertainty over policy in the multiethnic nation of 28 million people.

“I hope the opposition accepts the result with an open heart and will allow the democratic process to continue,” Najib told a news conference.

The opposition retained economically important Penang state as its leader Anwar Ibrahim sought to build on stunning gains in 2008, when it took over four state governments and deprived the BN of its twothirds parliamentary majority.

It also claimed to have retained the crucial industrial state of Selangor, which Najib had vowed to win back, although that could not be confirmed with election officials.

The ruling coalition had been expected to win, but opinion polls showed a tightening race with Najib struggling to translate strong economic growth and a deluge of social handouts into votes.

The possibility of a disputed result loomed large amid opposition claims of widespread election fraud.

Before most votes were counted, Anwar declared victory in a surprise statement that appeared to be a tactic to whip up support.

Election officials said voter turnout was about 80 percent, a record high.

PROTEST IN BANGLADESH

•Islamist protesters gather on a highway at an entry point to the city as the activists enforce a siege as part of their protest in Dhaka ...yesterday “At least one person was shot dead and 35 people were injured,” police sub-inspector Rokon, who uses one name, told AFP. Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka police Sheikh Nazmul Alam would only confirm that they fired rubber bullets to disperse unruly protesters. Hundreds of thousands of hardline Islamists demanding a new blasphemy law blocked major highways cutting off the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka from the rest of the country, police said.

•Islamists run as Bangladeshi police fire rubber bullets towards demonstrators during clashes with Islamists in Dhaka...yesterday

•Bangladeshi police baton charge Islamists during clashes in Dhaka...yesterday. “

•Bangladeshi policeman fire rubber bullets towards demonstrators during clashes with Islamists in Dhaka...yesterday.

PHOTOS: AFP

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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NEWS Bauchi councils to have due process law From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (right); Prof. Oladapo Afolabi (second right); Principal Architect of Texas Technical University, United States, Mr. Marwan Zgheib (second left) and the Associate Vice-Provost for Academic Affairs, Texas Technical University, Dr. Gary Elbow, during the visit of the technical university team to the Governor’s Office in Ibadan...at the weekend.

Suspected herdsmen kill six in Benue

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USPECTED Fulani herdsmen at the wekend allegedly killed six Tiv farmers and destroyed homes worth millions of naira in Madugu village, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

But Police spokesman Daniel Ezeala, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who confirmed the incident, said only two people were killed.

A member of the Benue State House of Assembly, representing Makurdi North,

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Avine Agbom (ACN), told The Nation that the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons when they stormed the village at 4am.

The lawmaker said the herdsmen operated till 10am.

Agbom said the attacks were carried out in the usual guerrilla style.

According to him, the attackers surrounded the village at night, shot into the air and

•Police: only two died began to gun down any residents who attempted to escape.

In the weekend attack, the Head of Madugu village, Iorkyosu Madugu, was reportedly shot at close range. The community leader is the elder brother of the former Commissioner for Land and Survey in the George Akume administration, Mr Titus Madugu.

The invaders also allegedly destroyed food items and yam barns. They were said to have operated for over five hours without security men challenging them.

Agbom said Madugu is only four kilometres from Northbank, Makurdi, where there is a Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) Barracks and 72 Special Forces Battalion.

Boko Haram: Chief Imam urges sect to accept amnesty

Ahmed canvasses establishment of Council WARA State Governor of Ulama on preaching Abdulfatah Ahmed at

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the weekend called for the establishment of a Council of Ulama (a body of Muslim scholars) in the country to moderate preaching among Islamic clerics.

This, he noted, would reduce the use Islam to address their perceived wrongs and propagation of political ideas by some preachers.

Ahmed spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at a book, entitled: Language Skills for Arabic Students, written by Dr Uthman Idrees Kankawi.

The governor also urged Muslim preachers to harp on the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

virtues of peaceful coexistence and equity, as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an.

He said: “Such a body, to be composed of reputable and knowledgeable Islamic scholars, should be saddled with the authority to vet sermons before they are preached in public. Doing so will ensure that our scholars’ sermons are in line with the authentic provisions of the Holy Qur’an, the Hadith and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

“Such a move will also pro-

vide an opportunity to instil in our youths the virtues of peaceful coexistence, love, integrity and equity which, In shaa Allah, will insulate them from fundamentalist preaching through the internet and other sources.

“Finally, as leaders in our various spheres of influence, all of us here have a sacred responsibility to preach these eternal virtues of peaceful coexistence and equity, as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an, the Hadith and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) as a counterweight to the increasing stigmatisation of Islam, the

T •Ahmed

religion of peace. We cannot allow the actions of a few to define us as Muslims and shape the perception of Islam, our religion.”

Plateau: ‘STF must punish bad elements’

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S stakeholders search for peace in Plateau State, the senator representing Plateau North, Gyang Pwajok (PDP), has urged the military Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in the state not to ignore the complaints against some of its personnel.

“The STF authorities must fish out and deal with bad elements to rid the security system of such bad eggs,” Pwajok told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos, the state capital, yesterday.

The senator spoke after leaders of the warring Berom and Fulani communities in Plateau North resolved to forgive one anothe and embrace peace.

He noted that both sides have blamed the STF personnel of complicity in the lingering violence.

Pwajok said: “Both sides accused the STF personnel of being part of the problem. In fact, at one of the sessions, some community leaders pointedly told the STF Commander that his men were involved in all

manners of atrocities. We cannot sweep that under the carpet.

“The STF should face such accusations and seek to resolve them. There is no need for excuses. It is not a war propaganda against anyone because most of the speakers appeared fully convinced.”

The senator described the peace talks as “very successful”, adding that he was delighted that the speakers were frank and suggested solutions to end the bloodbath.

He said: “What we have done is to take more practical steps by taking the message to the hinterlands where the peace process can be best driven. It is a non-military approach to violence and it is being initiated by the warring groups themselves with the interfaces transparently very frank, down to earth and straight forward.”

The senator explained that more strategies were being put in place to consolidate on the gains so far made.

30m may lose means of livelihood in Chad Basin

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HE Executive Secretary of Lake Chad Basin Commission, Sanusi Amran Abdullahi, has said over 30 million people living in and around the Lake Chad Basin may lose their sources of livelihood, if the prevailing negative effects of climate change in the region are not addressed quickly.

Abdullahi spoke in Abuja at the just-concluded 58th sessions of the Council of Minis-

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

ters of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

He said: “Climate change is real and the effects of climate change phenomenon abounds.

The heat waves, the flooding, the draught and the southwards movement of the Sahara in the Sahel region are a few examples.

We must make efforts to save the Lake Chad and the over 30

million of our people whose livelihood depends on the natural resources in the lake.”

He urged member states to join hands in saving the region from climate change.

He said: “Our salvation lies in looking inwards to find ways and means of mitigating the effect of climate change and imbibe the recommended mitigation measure suitable to our environment to stop the

The lawmaker alleged that nobody responded to distress calls to save the villagers.

He urged the Federal Government to to provide security for his constituents, adding that they have been under incessant attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen in the past four years.

He also appealed to the Benue State Government to set up camps for victims of the crisis, who are taking refuge at a primary school at the weekend.

The Bauchi State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with a Kadunabased consulting firm, Crystal Associates Nigeria Limited, has organised a three-day workshop for local government top officials in Bauchi.

The workshop, with the theme: Managing the Economy of Local Government at Grassroots Level, was to ensure improved service delivery and productivity at the grassroots.

Participants at the workshop, which held at Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi, included local government caretaker chairmen, heads of administration, council secretaries and local government internal auditors.

Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda, who was represented by the Head of Civil Service, Mr. Abdon Dalla Gin, explained that the workshop was to improve capacity-building and resources development and management in the state.

The governor said the government’s interest in capacity-building at the local government level was in fast-tracking actions on the public procurement and physical responsibilities.

scourge of climate change that is causing degradation and water resources stress in our region, through proper planning and implementation of long term soil and water conservation interventions. This will guarantee our food security and alleviate poverty.”

The Federal Government had expressed concerns over the receding waters in the Lake Chad Basin.

HE Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters’ Mosque in Abuja, Sheikh Muhammad Khalid, has urged the Boko Haram insurgents to lay down their arms and accept Federal Government’s amnesty offer.

The Muslim leader spoke yesterday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, the insurgents will reap a lot of benefits from the current peace initiative and the nation will return to normalcy if they accept the offer.

Khalid said: “If they accept the offer, Muslims and non Muslims alike will be strongly behind them and peace will reign supreme in the country, but if they do not accept the offer, it can degenerate into a serious crisis that can cause a set back to the country.”

He expressed optimism that the committee set up by the Federal Government would achieve its objective, judging by the calibre of its members.

PDP wins Kogi council poll From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

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HE Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates winners of last Saturday’s council election in the 21 local government areas of the state.

KOSIEC Chairman Ayo Abraham announced the results yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital.

He hailed the electoral officers and their assistants for their transparency and fairness during the exercise.

The state electoral chairman admitted that there were inadequacies in some areas, which nearly threatened the smooth conduct of the election.

He, however, added that the commission surmounted the challenges.

Abraham thanked the local and international observers for adjudging the election among the best in the history of the local government elections in the country.

Kogi vehicle kills woman in Lokoja From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

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KOGI State Government House ambulance has allegedly killed a woman on the Ganaja Road, Lokoja, the state capital.

The ambulance was reportedly entering the state capital from the East when it ran into the woman, who was riding a motorcycle with a baby on her back.

She was said to be crossing the highway when the vehicle hit her at noon. But the baby reportedly survived.

The identity of the woman could not be ascertained at press time yesterday.

A statement by the Special Adviser Media to Kogi Governor, Mr. Jacob Edi, said her body has been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja. The baby, the statement added, is receiving treatment at the same hospital.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

59

NEWS Governor begs Boko Haram to release Monguno Continued from page 2

“They are keeping in custody someone who has been advocating for amnesty, dialogue and peaceful negotiation of the crisis in our land, someone who is promoting Islamic scholarship and practice, promoting harmony, tolerance and coexistence, someone whose house is open to the poor masses, someone who even in the face of threats, kept fate and continued to visit his old neighbours and family friends to pray with them and extend alms even when he has the option of staying away.

“They are keeping a defenceless old man, who cannot even run away even when he sees an opportunity to escape from custody; they are keeping an old man who only deserves their kindness, help, courtesy, respect, admiration and prayers and not to be made to undergo a trauma as reward for doing good and helping orphans.

“By keeping Monguno, they are discouraging good tidings and empathy for the reward for good is good and nothing less.”

The statement quoted the governor as appealing to citizens of Borno and other Nigerians to help in praying for the safe and early release of Mon-

President not a despot, says spokesman Continued from page 2

headed and mischievous.

Governor Amaechi has publicly stated that this particular allegation is a piece of fiction created by certain persons and the media. We insist that President Jonathan is not engaged in any quarrel or dispute with Governor Amaechi.

And it is wrong to use the matter of the aircraft that was grounded by the aviation authorities to concoct stories of persecution.

“The institutions involved have offered reasons publicly why they took their decision with regard to the unlicensed aircraft, which in any case is an asset of the state, not the governor’s personal property. The President has nothing to do with that incident.

“The ACN claims that there is “a growing propensity to stifle the freedom of expression and freedom of the press.” The report by the Committee to Protect Journalists which the ACN quotes is not a comment on government-media relations in Nigeria. This administration sees the media as a strategic partner in the business of nation-building. The government not only enjoys a robust relationship with the media, it continues to encourage the freedom of expression and of the press.

“Lai Mohammed tries to substantiate his claim by seeking to build something on nothing. He tries in vain.

The truth is that the Nigerian media is pluralistic, vibrant, independent and free; it has grown in scope, size and in terms of the freedom to practise under this administration.

“All lovers of democracy must join us in reminding the ACN and its spokespersons that they cannot pull down this house with mere spittle because our democracy is strong and solid and the man at the helm of affairs is a democrat and a progressive leader.”

guno and for the safety of all and sundry as well as for the return of peace in the state, the North and the country as a whole.

It said the governor has been in touch regularly with Monguno’s family, even as efforts are being made to ensure the elder statesman’s release.

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has advised Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria to sheath their swords.

He gave the advice when Nigeria’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Dauda Danladi, presented his letters of credence in Kabul, the Afghan capital recently.

Karzai urged Boko Haram members to lay down their arms if they are true Muslims and embrace the amnesty offered by the federal government.

“Boko Haram should stop burning schools, Mosques,

Churches in the name of Islam.

You should not destroy your country if you are true Muslims. You should protect lives because in Islam if you kill one, it is as if you have killed the whole of humanity and if you save life, it is as if you have saved the whole of humanity” he was quoted in a statement from the Nigerian Embassy in Pakistan. Ambassador Danladi also has document accreditation Pakistan, where he is resident.

President Karzai recalled the activities of the Taliban in Afghanistan saying it was externally motivated.

He said in most cases suicide bombers were given jackets containing bombs and on wearing it somebody who will follow them will detonate it on reaching their targets.

Afghanistan First Deputy Minister of Defence, Saran Continued on page 60

Jonathan under attack over Amaechi, Baga massacre Continued from page 2

was inflated by US$10 million while the police have sacked the secretariat of Obio-Akpo Local Government in Rivers. The question is: Who gave the orders for the police to sack the secretariat, and in the process take sides with the President in the political disagreement with the governor? ‘’Which are the other national institutions that will be drafted into this scorched-earth campaign against a perceived nonconformist party member? If the President can go to this length against his own party man, what will he do against the opposition?

Why is it that a democraticallyelected President cannot be challenged by anyone, whether or not he is a member of his party?’’ it queried. ‘’Also, the ferocity with which the Jonathan Administration went after a former Minister of Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, for claiming that President Jonathan frittered away the 67

billion dollars in foreign reserves which she said President Olusegun Obasanjo left behind in 2007; and the fate that befell NEMA spokesman Yushau Shuaib for daring to criticise the lopsided appointments in parastatals under the Ministry of Finance, are glaring actions of an administration that is bent on stifling Freedom of Expression. ‘’These anti-democratic measures will worsen as the 2015 elections approach. Therefore, all lovers of democracy must join us in speaking out against the Jonathan Administration’s descent into despotism. This is the only way to prevent a President’s desperation for power from torpedoing our country’s democracy. After all, a critical benchmark of a democratic society is the existence of a vibrant, free and independent media that will give the citizenry a platform to freely and vigorously debate current issues,’’ the party said.

The ACN also expressed concerns at the growing propensity

of the administration to stifle the freedom of expression and freedom of the press, citing the report by the media rights group Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), on the occasion of this year’s World Press Freedom Day on May 3, as a global testimony to the worsening press freedom record of the administration. ‘’According to the CPJ, Nigeria has become one of the worst countries in the world for deadly, unpunished violence against the press. Nigeria and Somalia are also the only African nations listed on the CPJ’s 2013 impunity ranking. Yet, the government has not relented in its attacks against the media: Gestapo-style arrest of Leadership journalists; Fines slammed on Liberty Radio in Kaduna over a listener’s opinion on the so-called Good Governance Tour; Arrest of two journalists of the Kaduna-based Al Mizan newspaper and the ban on a documentary on poverty in Nigeria, just to mention but a few.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

NEWS Rivers: Plot to unleash mayhem on Obio-Akpor council ‘uncovered’

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HERE seems to be no end to the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.

A local government chairman yesterday alleged that some people he referred to as “Abuja forces” planed to cause trouble.

The Chairman of Obio- Akpor Executive Caretaker Committee, Chikaodi Dike, in a statement, said: “On Friday, May 3, 2013, our Council Secretariat in Romuodomaya was taken over by strange policemen who claimed to have orders from above (the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and Police Inspector-General) for me and the members of the legally constituted, constitutionally recognised Caretaker Committee of the Obio-Akpor Local Government Council in Rivers State to vacate the council premises immediately.

“When we refused to leave and then cried out that the police cannot sack a legally constituted Council Executive Committee without any legal instrument, the police quickly changed their story, barricaded the Council Secretariat and chased us out because they wanted to forestall a breakdown of law and order in the council offices.

“We can now authoritatively reveal to Rivers people that the same Abuja forces who orchestrated the barricading of our Council premises by the police are planning to storm the same Council offices on Monday, May 6, 2013 with different shades of hoodlums and miscreants and then unleash violence and mayhem on the good people of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. Their plan is to start from outside the council secretariat.

“This plot is being championed by a former Council Chairman, who is a known acolyte of the Abuja forces that have sworn to make Obio-Akpor and, by extension, Rivers State ungovernable as a prelude to the declaration of a State of Emergency?

“We urge the people of ObioAkpor to remain calm and lawabiding. Good will always triumph over evil.”

Also yesterday, A group, the Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation (RIVLEAF), called for the immediate sack of Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, and the Rivers Police Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu, over Friday’s sealing off of the secretariat of Obio/Akpor Local Government council.

It also urged the National Assembly, to investigate “the show of shame” at the Obio/ Akpor secretariat.

The President of RIVLEAF,

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Bisi Olaniyi Port Harcourt

Wele Alex Wele, with whom was the group’s Publicity Secretary, Igbarima Alex Fubara, at a news conference yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said there would be no development without peace. They urged the warriors to sheathe their swords.

The Obio/Akpor council secretariat, as at yesterday evening, was still under lock and key, with the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Tony Okocha, stating that if the sealing off continues today, man-hours would be lost.

It was also learnt that the Chairman of Obio/Akpor, Timothy Nsirim; his deputy, Solomon Eke; and all the 17 councillors, suspended on April 22 by 27 of the 32 members of the House of Assembly, may be reinstated at today’s sitting, considering the tension generated by the action.

Nsirim and others are backed by the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, a former Chief of Staff and Director-General of the Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011.

Wike, a two-time chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, has the support of President Goodluck Jonathan who is believed to be supporting the factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Felix Obuah, who was inaugurated in Abuja on April 16.

Amaechi is supporting Chief Godspower Ake, who was sacked on April 15 by an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Ishaq Bello.

The Obuah-led executive, on April 29, suspended the 27 lawmakers loyal to Amaechi, for failing to reinstate Nsirim and others.

The leader of the Rivers House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Lloyd, hinted in Port Harcourt that the lawmakers would be sitting today, based on the April 29 order of a Rivers High Court, Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Henry Aprioku, which restrained the Obuah-led executive from suspending the 27 legislators.

The five lawmakers loyal to Wike, who are not affected by PDP’s suspension: Michael Chinda (Obio/Akpor II constituency), Kelechi Godspower Nwogu (Omuma), Evans Bipi (Ogu/ Bolo), Martins Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor I) and Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt III), have said they will also vowed to be at today’s sitting.

RIVLEAF said: “We condemn police’s invasion and sealing off of Obio/Akpor council secretariat. We call for the immediate sack of the IGP and Rivers CP for their unprofessional and shameful conduct in a democratic dispensation.

“The show of federal power and might has clearly buttressed and

strengthened the call for state police, as it is in other civilised democracies of the world.

“We also call on the members of the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, investigate the show of shame and expose all those behind it. This is a threat to our democracy and national image.

“The National Assembly members cannot fold their arms and watch a few power-hungry persons turn Nigeria into a police state. It is a dangerous precedent and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.

“We want to inform Rivers people that the issue at stake in Rivers State is not about Governor Amaechi, but about attempts to hijack the soul of Rivers State, ahead of the 2015 general elections. It is about unbridled and crude quest for power.

“We must, therefore, rise to defend Rivers State. We believe in fairness, equity and justice to all ethnic groups and among the three senatorial districts in Rivers State.

“Governor Amaechi has offered credible, honest and quality leadership to the people of Rivers state. Never in the history of the state have we seen a governor who has exhibited and exuded so much courage, commitment and passion to develop Rivers state. He needs to be appreciated, commended and supported.

“Felix Obuah is a beneficiary of a fraudulent and dubious judgment, which is now before the Court of Appeal. Obuah and his executive want to distract Governor Amaechi, by acting irresponsibly and recklessly, in order to overheat the polity.

“The plot to use five of 32 members of Rivers House of Assembly to impeach Governor Amaechi and the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, is condemnable, uncalled for and shows desperation to hijack power at all costs. Rivers people must be vigilant and resist the attempts.”

Okocha, who succeeded Wike as Chief of Staff; Commissioner for Agriculture Emma Chinda; and the caretaker chairman were stopped on Saturday from entering the sealed secretariat.

Okocha, while speaking with reporters at the gate of Obio/ Akpor council secretariat, described the shutdown of the local government as a coup against the state, adding that the plotters wanted to provoke the people to anger for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency.

The chief of staff said: “On Monday, we are going to have a loss of man-hours, if this situation continues, because from

Baga massacre: CPC blasts Jonathan, asks President to sit up Continued from page 2

•Amaechi

what I was told, from 2pm on Friday, the policemen started chasing the workers out of the council’s premises.

“We know the masterminds.

We know that their plan is to provoke the people of Rivers State to anger and then for there to be some kind of mayhem, for them to declare a state of emergency.

“We are peaceful people. Two wrongs cannot make a right. The advice to our people is that they should remain calm and peaceful. We will sort all these out, but I can assure you that the Pharaoh you see today, you will see them no more forever.”

The comment of the wife of President Jonathan, Dame Patience, at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa on Thursday evening, paved the way for Friday’s invasion of the secretariat of Obio/Akpor Local Government.

The Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman (Chikordi), was among the dignitaries who thronged the airport to welcome the First lady.

It was learnt that when Chikordi introduced himself as the chairman of Obio/Akpor council, Mrs. Jonathan got angry When the President’s wife, during the introduction, heard of Obio/Akpor, she asked Chikordi if he was the suspended or newly-inaugurated helmsman and the council boss confirmed himself as the new chairman, with the First Lady describing him outright as “an illegal chairman”.

Chikordi, while confirming the interaction with Mrs. Jonathan at the airport on Thursday evening, denied being described as an illegal chairman.

He said: “We were at Port Harcourt International Airport to welcome the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan. I introduced myself as the Obio/Akpor LG chairman.

“Dame Patience Jonathan asked me: ‘Are you the suspended or the new chairman?’ I said I am the new chairman. That was the only interaction we had.”

the President to the plight of the Baga people, is in our opinion, an infraction of this relevant provision of the Nigerian Constitution. We consider this conduct as very unacceptable.

But the Presidency said it had been proactive on the incident in Baga.

In a statement, Abati accused the CPC of allegedly making cheap political gain from the incident.

The statement said: “The Congress for Progressive Change, in a statement today, by its National Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin, has grumbled that President Goodluck Jonathan ought to have visited Baga in Borno state, following the incident of April 16.

“It is in the character of the CPC and its spokesperson to play to the gallery even when the occasion calls for maturity and sobriety.

“The problem with them is that they consider everything ‘very unacceptable’, and in particular everything relating to President Jonathan. They deserve our sympathy.

“If they care to know, President Jonathan has been very pro-active in dealing with the Baga incident. He ordered an immediate probe by the Mili-

tary High Command and the intervention of rescue and aid agencies, who have been working with the Borno State government and other agencies of state to ensure that the victims are rehabilitated and assisted with relief materials.

“The reports of the investigations by the Military High Command and the National Emergency Management Agency have since been made public.

“President Jonathan has described the incident as most unfortunate and regrettable and he has made it clear that where there is any established case of misconduct, justice will be done.

“He has also welcomed the plan by the National Human Rights Commission to carry out independent investigations. He continues to receive regular briefings on the incident, even as he has directed the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to come up with an assistance programme for the displaced persons in Baga.

“These steps surely do not give an impression of ‘insensitivity or aloofness’. Rather, it is the CPC that is being insensitive by struggling to make cheap political gain out of this.”

Governor begs Boko Haram to release Monguno Continued from page 59

Pooh-Enayatullah Nazari, while receiving Ambassador Danladi advised Boko Haram members not to emulate the Taliban because they were supported by external forces to cause problems which made more than half a million orphans and widows in Afghanistan.

He said Afghanistan lost over two million people, while one million were disabled, Nazari hoped his country’s experience should be a lesson to fundamentalists in Nigeria to stop any actions that will destabilise the country.

“War is not good. It is like a flame and will destroy both the good and the bad. Whoever makes efforts to stop it, God will reward him and who so ever try to aggravate it will destroy everything and will be responsible before God,” Nazari stated.

He suggested the need for Nigeria to open its doors for Afghan young officers to attend some basic training in Nigeria.

He hoped that Nigeria would not go through the same prob-

lem experienced by Afghanistan before embracing peace through dialogue.

The Deputy Chairman of the Higher Peace Council, Abdul Hakim Mujahid, who was a former Taliban Ambassador to United Nations also said that contrary to the perception of many, Islam is the religion of peace.

He said if Allah wanted to make all nations Muslims or Christians, he has the power to do so, but noted that in his wisdom, he chose not to do so.

Danladi who is Nigeria’s nonresident ambassador to Afghanistan, commended the efforts of President Karzai’s administration.

He assured that Nigeria’s transformation agenda initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan on the international scene is global peace and economic diplomacy; He said issues on manpower development, capacity building and institutional strengthening will be forwarded to relevant authorities in Nigeria for consideration under a conducive atmosphere.

Eight killed as militia groups clash in Bayelsa

A

GUN battle between two rival ex-militia groups in Lobia com-

munity, southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State left eight people, including a subling of an ex-militant leader, Pastor Reuben Wilson, dead.

The victims, suspected to be armed militants regrouping in the state were identified by operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo Shield as belonging to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

The new group, made up of former foot soldiers in various camps of ex-militant leaders, but headed by a former commander in Young Shall Grow camp, has been fingered in the

killing of 12 policemen.

They have also been linked with the increasing wave of sea-robbery and kidnapping along the major waterways in Southern Ijaw.

Based on its intelligence report ,the JTF recently stormed the area and clamped down on seven hideouts, seizing some military uniforms, communication gadgets, arms and ammunition.

Sources in Lobia community said five of those killed were youths who had embraced amnesty and have been integrated back into the society.

There were two accounts on how the eight people died.

One account said they were tricked into the creeks while another said they engaged in a shoot-out.

A community source said the boys were tricked to the creeks where they were shot dead by gunmen.

According to the source, it was strongly believed that the alleged killers of the 12 policemen, who escaped from their hideouts in Azuzuama, were responsible for the latest killing to thwart investigation by the police and from tracing their whereabouts, using information from repentant militants.

Friends and relatives of the deceased believed they were deliberately set-up to be killed by the gunmen.

“Our brothers were set up by some persons in Lobia community. The report we gathered showed that after they were killed,” they said.

Pastor Wilson, whose 37 year-old younger brother Judah Benaibi Wilson was among the dead, recently alleged that anti-Jonathan forces had planned to destabilised Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region using renegade ex-militants to launch crisis.

At Wilson’s house, scores of mourners gathered consoling the family members over the death of the cleric’s younger brother.

Wilson who confirmed the story was in a pensive mood.

The media coordinator of the JTF, Lt. Col Onyema Nwachukwu, who also confirmed the incident, however, stated that there was a shootout.

He said: “At about 2am on Sunday, there was an armed

collision between two armed groups at Lobia 1 in Southern Ijaw Area which led to the death of unspecified number of persons. Our troops have carried out a cordon and

search operation in the community and recovered items including two AK 47 riffles, One GPMG barrel, six AK47 magazines and one speed boat”

CBN’s one-day cheque settlement policy begins

T

HE move by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce the settlement cycle of a cheque to one day has taken off, it was learnt at the weekend.

Known as the cheque truncation system, the move is in line with the apex bank’s cashless policy and the economic policy and the current trend around the globe.

The Nigeria InterBank Set-

tlement Systems (NIBSS) and a financial services software provider - Precise Financial Systems (PFS), worked with the bank to achieve the breakthrough across all the 37 branches of the apex in states capital and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Under the new regime, all cheques presented for settlement would be resolved within the stipulated date across the country.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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PREMIERSHIP

NATION SPORT

Suarez: My future is at Liverpool

Balotelli T Balotelli backs backs Man City City Man to reclaim reclaim to League title title League next season season next

•Balotelli

E

X-MANCHESTER City striker Mario Balotelli is adamant his former team will reclaim the Premier League title next term as he assured supporters they “will not see a repeat of this season”.

The Sky Blues are 13 points adrift of their close rivals in second place, with their only chance of silverware lying in their FA Cup final clash with Wigan on Saturday.

Balotelli, who joined AC Milan in January, is in no doubt that City will reinforce their squad in the summer and win back the crown they clinched during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

“Roberto [Mancini] will do everything he needs this summer and Manchester City will win back the title next season. City will sign two or three of the best players in the

world - and we will not see a repeat of this season,” he is quoted as saying by The Sunday Mirror.

“The FA Cup final has become a very big game for Manchester City, even though it was not the trophy we were all talking about in the dressing room at the start of season. Everybody wanted to -retain the league and also do well in Europe.

Lukaku dismisses Drogba comparisons

T

HE Belgian striker, currently on loan at West Brom, believes he is his own player, despite similarities with the former Chelsea star Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, currently on loan at West Brom, has played down comparisons between himself and Blues legend Didier Drogba.

Lukaku, who turns 20 next week, has often been described as ‘the next Drogba’, and has done little to curb such comparisons following an explosive breakout year with the Baggies.

But the Belgian ace – who has scored 14 league goals for the Hawthorns outfit – believes he is his own man, though thanked Drogba for his guidance while at Chelsea.

“Didier and I do have a similar style,” Lukaku told Fifa.com. “I learnt a lot from him, and I’m delighted to have had the chance to rub shoulders with him for a year.

“But there’s only one Didier Drogba, just like there’s only one Romelu Lukaku.

“Players like Drogba and [Nicolas] Anelka took me under their wing and showed me how things worked in the Premier League. And now I’m happy to be able to spread my own wings.”

Lukaku believes he needed to step out of the Stamford Bridge shadows and prove his worth on the pitch, hence his decision to move to West Brom on loan.

But while he has enjoyed an excellent campaign, leading the Baggies’ scoring charts, he recognises the need to continue to improve if he wants to fulfil his dream of winning the Ballon d’Or. “I had to put my reputation on the line, because I had a lot to prove,” Lukaku continued.

“I’d been criticised a bit, and I wanted to respond in my own polite way – by performing strongly on the pitch.

“I’m only 19. It goes without saying that I’ve still got a lot to learn. First and foremost, I need to keep my feet on the ground. I thank God every day for the opportunity to

play in the Premier League. I know that not everyone gets this kind of chance, especially at my age.

“I can and I must improve every area of my game.

Perfecting my skills is the only way I’m going to get better. Winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or is actually a dream of mine.”

“But those two things did not work out - so now the FA Cup means everything. City are now at the level where the fans expect a -trophy every year and, even though the FA Cup was not the biggest trophy they could win, it is still a big trophy.”

Balotelli was, however, wary of the upcoming Wembley showpiece as he cited the unpredictability of the competition.

“Of course, City should win it, but football can be strange.

I learned an English saying when I played for City - ‘The magic of the cup’,” he continued.

“It means anything can happen. All the players are professional and will treat Wigan with -respect, while Roberto [Mancini] knows how -important this game is, so he will not allow for any complacency.” , Sturridge is equipped to play right across the front line.

When he’s at it, he’s got a lot to offer.”

HE 26-year-old indicated that he will be staying at Anfield, while he admitted his pain at missing the Merseyside derby with Everton through suspension Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has indicated that he intends to remain at Anfield despite his latest moment of controversy.

The Uruguayan received a 10-match ban for biting the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during the 2-2 draw in April, with the forward set to miss a significant chunk of the start of next season.

Reports suggested the incident might force the 26-year-old to leave the Premier League club, coming as it did after a string of earlier controversial events. However, the player has once again committed himself to the Reds.

“I have a deal with Liverpool and this is my present and future,” he was quoted as saying by The Sun. “From the day I arrived, I saw how special this derby is, so

T

HE ex-Spurs man admitted in an ideal world the 23-year-old would remain at White Hart Lane but indicated his departure can’t be ruled out and wouldn’t necessarily be disastrous Paul Walsh believes Tottenham boss Andre VillasBoas should think about allowing star man Gareth Bale to leave the club because his transfer fee would be big

A • Lukaku

•Suarez

Spurs should consider selling Bale, says Paul Walsh

Ferguson regrets not signing ´unbelievable´ Lampard LEX FERGUSON has hailed Frank Lampard as “unbelievable” and admitted he missed a trick by failing to sign him from West Ham. The 34-year-old England international switched to Stamford Bridge from Upton Park in 2001 for a fee of 11 million pounds and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the leading midfielders of his generation.

And Ferguson has expressed his regret at not beating Chelsea to his signing after revealing United considered making a move for the player while he was still at West Ham. “Lampard is fantastic - I don’t think there’s a midfield player who will ever do those 200 goals again.

It is quite phenomenal. I think the guy has had a great career, I must say,” he said.

The United manager went on to compare Lampard to the likes of Old Trafford legend Bryan Robson and former Liverpool and

it is a pain to miss it,” added Suarez - who has netted 23 league goals this term but like other nominees was beaten to the PFA Player of the Year award by Gareth Bale.

“But we have a big squad which can function without me.”

•Lampard

Ipswich midfielder John Wark due to his knack of “coming into the box just at the right time”.

“Plus, I can’t remember Frank ever being injured. I always thought that maybe he wasn’t playing because they thought he was a little bit past it,” Ferguson added.

enough to buy three “worldclass players”.

The Welshman has been in incredible form this term, netting 19 Premier League goals on his way to claiming three Player of the Year awards, with his displays reportedly putting the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich on alert.

And with Spurs rumoured to be asking for somewhere in the region of •70 million, former White Hart Lane man Walsh, who made 128 appearances for the club, reckons the pain of losing him would be easily numbed by new signings.

“Of course they should keep him, but they could also cash in by buying three world-class players for that amount of money,” he told The Sunday Mirror.

“Gareth has three years left on his contract, so the club can say: ‘You’re not going anywhere.

We are going to keep you.’ But they also have to think that he may have to go, depending on their financial situation.

“Obviously getting into the top four will help. Others have gone before him so you can’t rule it out.

“I don’t think it’s the end of the world because they could really strengthen the side with three fantastic new players.”

• Bale

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NATION SPORT

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Kenyon: I would hire Mourinho

F

ORMER Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has said he would appoint Jose Mourinho as manager if he still worked at the club.

Mourinho has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge throughout the campaign, but those reports intensified after he hinted at working in England after Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League exit.

The Portuguese manager led Chelsea to their first ever Premier League titles during his four-year reign from 2004 to 2007, in which they also won the FA Cup and League Cup. “If I was at another club and looking for someone who would give me the maximum chance of winning, it’s Jose Mourinho,” Kenyon told the BBC. “You’ve got one of the best clubs, one of the best owners and one of the best coaches it’s a hard combination to resist.

“I’d need some other very strong candidates to look

elsewhere and you’d have to say he’s very much on the shortlist.

“Pep Guardiola would have been up there (as a candidate) but he’s not available. Manuel Pellegrini you would definitely look at. But if I was looking at Pellegrini or Jose, Jose would win hands down.”

Kenyon also said that if Mourinho was to return to Chelsea, he would need to have been in talks with controversial owner Roman Abramovich for some time.

Mourinho left Chelsea after falling out with Abramovich, and went on to lead Inter Milan to UEFA Champions League glory and two Serie A titles.

“They’re both very strong individuals and before this appointment happens, if it happens, there will be an awful lot of discussion between those two,” he said.

“It’s a very different team now, that is at a very different part of its evolution as a major European team, and clarification is needed over players.”

Butragueno: Kaka, Ronaldo are great professionals

•Kenyon (l) and Mourinho

Cruyff: Barca´s golden era not over

D

ESPITE bowing out of the Champions League on the back of a crushing 7-0 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich, Tito Vilanova’s men are well on course to sew up their 22nd Liga title.

And Cruyff has cited the impending domestic success of the side he once represented as a player and coach as evidence of their continued ability to compete at the top. “(The end of an era) doesn’t exist; it’s just a piece of nonsense someone said,” the 66-year-old told AS. “It’s simply a matter of mistakes made by the club’s directors. That happens.”

Former Barca boss Pep

Kaka (l) and Ronaldo

Guardiola highlighted the thin line between winning and losing, and insisted he does not see himself as superior to other coaches.

“I’m not better than any other coach. Success and failure are part of the game, and I have won and lost as a coach and as a player,” the Spaniard told reporters in Argentina.

“As a coach, the secret is to push the right button for every player. You can only paint pictures; when the game begins, everything is in my players’ hands.”

Guardiola amassed a 14trophy haul in a four-year spell at Camp Nou and will succeed Jupp Heynckes as Bayern Munich boss at the end of the season.

E

MILIO Butragueno has singled out the “exemplary” talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka for praise following Real Madrid’s 4-3 win over Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday.

The Blancos were trailing after just eight minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu before the pair of attackers combined to further delay Barcelona from an expected title success, and the club’s former striker commended them for their attitude.

The Blancos legend singled out the duo for praise following their goalscoring heroics in Saturday’s 4-3 Liga victory over Valladolid “Not only is it for [Ronaldo’s] goals, but I have great admiration for him and for the commitment and professionalism that he

Reus eager for Hummels’s stay

B

O R U S S I A DORTMUND attacker Marco Reus has urged

•Reus

team-mate Mats Hummels to stay at the club despite reported interest from Barcelona.

The defender, who helped Dortmund reach the UEFA Champions League final on Tuesday as they edged past Real Madrid in the semi-final, has long been linked with a switch to the Catalan club.

However, Reus, enjoying his first season at the Westfalenstadion after joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in July last year, is hopeful Hummels will stay put and help keep the current squad together, despite Mario Goetze’s impending move to Bayern Munich.

“I hope no player leaves Dortmund - not Hummels nor

anyone else,” he told AS. “We’re a family and we have a contract. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good and we feel well in the club and the city.”

Reus was full of praise for centre-back Hummels, who he believes is one of the best all-round players in the world.

He added: “In the coming years he will be world class but now, despite his age, he already has experience. He has great vision to take the ball from the back and become a good creator for attacking play.

“Moreover, in case anyone forgets, Hummels is also good in front of the opposition goal, so that makes him a complete player.”

always shows,” he told reporters.

“For him, there is no easy match. He is an example and you have to look up to him.

Kaka is also a great professional and has always tried his the best, so I’m happy for him.”

Butragueno went on to say that he was desperate for Madrid to claim the Copa del

Rey to make up for their failure in the Champions League and La Liga this term.

“The season started the way it did, we gave away many points and Barcelona kept up their lead,” the side’s director of communications added.

“Elimination [from the Champions League] was a shame because there was

great excitement beforehand.

We believed in the comeback [against Borussia Dortmund] because we aspire to win every title.

“We will do everything in the Copa final to give our fans some joy. They were phenomenal last Tuesday and almost helped make the team go through. The players have recognised their efforts.”

Zanetti key to my Inter stay, claims Stramaccioni

T

HE Italian has paid tribute to his captain and assistant coach Ivan Cordoba for their support during a difficult season for the Nerazzurri.

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni says he will have captain Javier Zanetti to thank if he remains at his post at the club.

The Nerazzurri have endured a difficult season, with a string of injuries and inconsistency affecting their pursuit of a European spot, but the young

•Zanetti

boss has paid tribute to his players and assistant Ivan Cordoba.

“I’ve made mistakes myself, but I’m fortunate to have a group of players who are also great men,” he was quoted as saying by the club’s official website.

“I’m fortunate to have Cordoba alongside me - the club and I got that one spot on. He’s a real man with lots of experience and part of the credit for our united dressing room must go to him.

“Javier is another person I’m grateful to because he has always been incredibly supportive. He is the captain of Inter and he respects what the president says without contradicting him.

“If I am to remain the coach of Inter, as the president wants, I’ll have Javier to thank too. He’s key for us.

“He’s my engine and I want to make sure he’s with us for the start of pre-season training, whether he comes along with his leg in plaster, on crutches or whatever.

“Inter have been strong on the right in recent games.

We’ve tried out various solutions to make up for his absence over the last few days, but you can’t replace the captain. Javier is unique.”

Inter have been blighted by catastrophic injury problems throughout the campaign, and were dealt yet another blow when it was confirmed that Ruben Botta, who is set to move to Guiseppe Meazza this summer, was ruled out for six months with knee ligament damage.

Stramaccioni confirmed the news was a blow but stressed they would not be tempted to pull out of the transfer.

“Yes, he’s got injured and so has [Samuele] Longo. Two players we were planning to build the future with now need to go under the knife...

That’s going to frighten off anyone who wants to join Inter, isn’t it?

“Let’s just say that we haven’t had much luck recently. [Botta is] a young lad who’s had a nasty injury but if we’ve decided to go for him our assessment won’t change now. He’ll be an Inter player, we’ll wait for him.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

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SPORT EXTRA

Omeruo rides to victory in Holland N

IGERIAN defender Kenneth Omeruo was booked in the 53rd minute as his Dutch side Ado Den Haag cruised to a 2-0 victory over highly rated Feyenoord side on Sunday May 5 2013 at the Kyocera Stadion (Den Haag).

Omeruo who is expected to team-up with his Super Eagles’ colleagues later this month for the busy schedule ahead of the national team, featured for 90 minutes in the Eredivise clash, as he helped marshal the backline

of his modest side.

The victory for Den Haag on Sunday is their first win in 5 games and has subsequently shot them to eight spot on the log as they attempt a late rally for a possible Europa League ticket next season.

It is not certain if Chelsea will allow Omeruo to continue his loan stint in Holland next season or will be brought back to London to team up with his Nigerian compatriot John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses at the Stamford Bridge.

N

thank God that we are champions of Benue State.

The game was Sanni's third game in charge since joining Apa United from NPFL side, Kwara United and he is now convinced that his side would earn a promotion to Nigeria's top flight at the end of the season in the NNL. “We have 12 more games to go and what we need is to win all our seven home games and try to win just an away game and we would campaign next season in the premier league as that's the reason I am here,” Sanni told supersport.com.

Apa United and Lobi Stars will now represent Benue State at the national finals.

T •Omeruo

3SC defeats Crown in Oyo final

N

IGERIA Professional Football League side, Shooting Stars of Ibadan (3SC) defeated Crown FC of Ogbomosho 1-0 to win the 2013 State Federation Cup decided at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba Ibadan on Sunday.

Tony Edjomariegwe first half strike ensured that the Oluyole Warriors maintained their superiority over the Nigeria National side seeking promotion to the elite class.

The match was watched by handful of football fans after the gate was thrown

open by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Dapo Lam Adesina in appreciation to their support to the two teams in the NPFL and NNL campaign.

Speaking after the encounter, 3SC Coach, Tunde odubola revealed that having won last year’s edition, but failed to live up to expectation at the national level, the team’s main aim now is to go ahead and win this year Federation Cup. “We won it last year and have won it again but our main focus is to win the national Federation Cup final. We have a team that is

capable of achieving that aim and I believe with the backing of the state government and the support of good people of the state, we’ll win the trophy”, Odubola noted.

In his reaction, Crown Chairman, Noah Bello praised his players gave a good account of themselves despite losing the game.

“The game was balanced only for the goal scored by 3sc that won the game. We are not disappointed at all, we’ll go back and strategise on how we can represent the state better at the Federations Cup.”

Kogi Fed Cup final shifted T

HE Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) has granted the approval for Kogi 2013 Federation Cup final between Kogi United FC and Lokoja FC to be rescheduled to May 14,

•Maigari

•Tie to hold May 14 From Tunde Liadi, Owerri 2013 owing to the Local Government Elections held across the State on Saturday the Kogi State Football Association has announced.

Mr Adama Yahaya, the Chairman of the Kogi State FA confirmed the new date to journalists in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Adama noted that the earlier date set for the final was not feasible owing to the LGA elections held in the State and the fear that its fallout may not have eased even two days after it was held.

He also admitted that the

N

IGERIA’S Victor Anichebe and his Everton teammates on Sunday May 5 2013 secured a point in the Merseyside derby at Anfield against bitter rivals Liverpool.

Anichebe was handed a starter’s shirt in the duel but his effort were not enough to secure the Toffees their first win in Anfiled in 13 years of endless tries.

The result is a better one for Everton as they remain five points clear of their neighbours in sixth spot and

with two games remaining will surely finish higher for a second successive season.

Although the home side created the clearer openings, the visitors could point to a Sylvain Distin header that was disallowed for an infringement from a corner for reasons that remain unclear.

For Everton, maximum points would have done their Champions League ticket push a big lift but might now have to concede to playing in the Europa League.

Heartland, Abia Warriors win Imo, Abia Federation Cup titles

Apa United shocks Lobi IGERIA National League (NNL) side, Apa United on Saturday emerged champions of the Benue State FA cup after beating Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Lobi Stars 5-3 on penalties.

Lobi Stars who are the defending champions almost took the lead in the 20th minute when midfielder Moses Orkuma set up Nanen Imenger, but the striker's shot was too weak for Apa United’s goalkeeper, Idache Emmanuel as the first half ended goalless.

Apa United then came out in the second half with much energy and their efforts paid off in the 58th minute when striker John Jerome opened the scoring for the Otukpobased club.

United believed they had won the duel, but the centre referee awarded a penalty to Lobi Stars in the 80th minute which was well converted by Chimaobi Nwaogu in the 80th minute as the regulation time ended 1-1 apiece.

Imenger was the culprit for the Stars as his kick was a big blow to the former Kwara United man as Apa United goalkeeper, Emmanuel did not even move an inch before saving the ball.

Head coach of Apa United, Tunde Sanni was pleased with his wards' performance against Lobi Stars.

“We should have won the game without penalties, but I

Everton earns points at Anfield

challenge in the Association's plans to have the State's helmsman, Captain Wada Idris on ground during the grand finale also forced a postponement.

"We have agreed to play the finals on May 14 against earlier 4th of May, delighted with the consideration of the Nigeria Football Federation for the new choice of date.

"We are happy the elections were free and fair and will have Kogi State Governor Idris Wada at the Confluence stadium to watch the final, we anticipate organising one of best cup finals in recent time though won't reveal any

detail for now as we expect all and sundry to come and watch," he confirmed.

National League side, Kogi United will hope to reclaim the cup for the first time in four years when they face the capital based team and 2011 champions Lokoja FC, who are a division below in the Nationwide League.

NWL side Lokoja FC defeated defending champions, non-league KABU FC 2:0 to book a place in the final, while NNL side Kogi United FC edged out another non-league side Idah United 1:0 to reach the second successive final.

The game will be played at the 25,000 seater-capacity Confluence stadium, Lokoja.

WO-TIME national Cup champions Heartland for the umpteenth time have emerged as the winners of the 2013 Imo State Federation Cup after a 2-0 victory over National Nationwide side, Bussdor FC at the Dan anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Two quick goals from inform striker,Akor Isah Umoru in the 35th and 37th minutes settled the contest as the Naze Millionaires ran away with the giant trophy again just like it was for close to two decades now.

Heartland's head coach, Ndubuisi Nduka told SportingLife that he was satisfied with the way his wards approached the game and commended them for playing to instructions.

Nduka opined that the 2-0 win over Bussdor would spur

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri on Heartland ahead of their road trip to Yenagoa against Bayelsa United on Wednesday.

The Team Manager of the losing finalists, Sam Obuh Snr. Expressed gratitude to God for ensuring they get to the final and he assures that all the loopholes noticed in their march towards qualifying for the national Federation Cup are corrected before it begins later in the year.

Meanwhile, National League side, Abia Warriors popularly called the Ochendo Boys have created one of the major upsets of this year's State finals of the Federation Cup after the club defeated highly rated Enyimba FC 1-0 at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

Ighalo's goal pushes Granada to safety

F

ORMER Nigeria youth international, Odion Ighalo, scored a 28th minute goal as Granada secured a shock win over Malaga, and eased their relegation worries, before he was stretchered off with a groin injury.

The striker had come under fire from the coach and from fans, as he struggled to fin the net in the early part of the season, but has now formed the habit of scoring crucial goals.

The lone goal victory, which followed the tough victory over Espanyol last week, means that El Granada have now amassed 35 points, and moved up to 15th position, four clear points above the last relegation place.

The loss, however meant that Malaga, who shocked with their displays in the UEFA Champions League this season, are now five points adrift of the last qualifying place for the tournament next season.

•Odion

WHO SAID WHAT

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 8 NO 2,477

‘I want all the people involved in this crisis to know that Rivers State is important to us and it will not be good if we destroy it because we do not have any other state to go.’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

T

HIS is the time for pardon. We see people die daily in this country as though Nigeria is a vast slaughter slab. Woe is us already, and so we should just accept our tragedy as routine blessing from above.

That is why we are calling for amnesty for Boko Haram. All those calling for amnesty are only displaying love. Love for everyone.

Love for those who kill and those who die, those who wield the dagger and those whose heads are lopped off. It is equal love. Love, according to the scriptures, works no ill against the neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. It is love for those who burn the market and those with nothing left to sell. Love for those who are without homes, siblings and parents is the right love so long as we also love all those who created the tragic blessings: that is the murderers.

The logic is straightforward. We cannot live a life in which we have bias or malice against our fellow citizens. Mercy is the quality of faith in Islam. And Jesus also said blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.

If we give mercy to Boko Haram, we should extend the same quality to others. There was a story recently of armed robbers in parts of the country. They are only hungry and want some cash, so we should forgive them. In fact, we should expunge criminality from our constitution and replace it with love. Everything is done out of the love of self.

Who can question that? All men are by nature selfish, said philosopher Thomas Hobbes. The same man said life was brutish, nasty and short. Don’t mind Shakespeare who accused a character in the play Twelfth Night as “sick of self-love.” There is nothing wrong with that. The Bible says we should love our neighbours as ourselves. You ought to love yourself.

We gave amnesty to militants in the Niger Delta, and it was a good thing. They left the creeks, all of them. Recently, there was a report that a dozen policemen died from the bullets of militants. What militants? Those who enjoy pardon don’t fight again. I think it was ghosts that killed the police, not human beings. Those who enjoy pardon often enjoy their lives. Nothing stops them. Ask the guys who now enjoy billion naira contracts, in charge of pipelines and ports in the country.

If you are killing people and blowing up pipelines and kidnapping people, the right reward is pardon. Once you get the pardon, you live in five star hotels, lap up the best food and gurgle the best wine. That is the benefit of forgiveness. If Tompolo can get pardon and become a big man, why should we hesitate to give the same quality to the others? After all, the militants made great sacrifice by leaving the creeks with all their access to big cars and limitless cash as well as melody and romance of mosquitoes. Some of them were generals and heads of state.

RIPPLES 18MILLION NIGERIANS ARE MENTALLY SICK–Expert

Yes...POVERTY-INDUCED insanity

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

The power to forgive

•President Goodluck Jonathan Now they have become bloody civilians.

What better sacrifice is that?

There have been stories of kidnapping. Is it not the best way to take what they did not have? Many do not have jobs, and they give themselves one and become self-employed.

Who can beat that? Other than that, they would have no access to anything in the land.

They decide to capture the relatives of the rich and the rich themselves. With that, they attempt to equalise wealth. Is that not what we want, for the poor to also be empowered?

After all when they kidnap, they still feed

‘The political leaders say they have the right to decide who gets forgiveness. They have missed the point. The people own Nigeria, and the leaders occupy positions of authority on trust.

They have appropriated the trust. Yet they get pardon. So the people have forgiven them by their silence’ the people. They are only giving the victims small vacation, some rest from the daily grind of work. They feed the victims from their own pockets, and that is an investment.

Should they not get their reward? After all, we want entrepreneurs in this economy.

Now, we have them. Okay, we still forgive them because we did not bargain for it. But we cannot forget they are taking after the big men in society.

If impunity is the order of the day, they are following a great example. When, from an order from above, the Inspector General of Police can shut down a local government

HARDBALL

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EITHER the Senate nor its Constitution Review Committee has confirmed the veracity of the presidential and governorship tenure proposal reportedly under consideration. But since the speculated recommendation on tenure has not been refuted, it is fair to make a tentative comment on it. Last week, newspapers reported that the Senate committee was toying with the idea of recommending a six-year single term for the executive arm of government. The suggested tenure, the reports indicated, would take effect from 2015, and would bar the present set of executives from benefiting from it. By their interpretation of the Senate proposal, the media conclude neither the president nor governors whose term in office would expire in 2015 would be eligible for re-election.

Though the Senate has not published the final details of its review proposals, the snippets published so far present a basis for animated discussions. Assuming the interpretations of the proposals are accurate, it is hard to see how the Senate can push the provision on tenure through the legislative process.

Quite apart from the din it would raise among President Goodluck Jonathan’s supporters, and considering how severely it would abridge their plans for re-election or extended tenure, the proposal stands on very leprous legal legs. When the present set of executives vied for elective posts, it was on the legal and constitutional understanding

FRIDAY NWOTOR

headquarters in Rivers State without the backing of any law, how do we claim moral superiority to those who take over a bank or a bureau de change without recourse to law.

Two Leadership newspaper journalists were arrested boorishly for an article rather than a recourse to the rule of law.

The militants and the religious zealots have said they will never forgive Nigeria for committing crimes against them. It reminds me of the historian who asserted that the Nazis will never forgive the Jews for the holocaust.

The Nazis claim that the Jews made them into devils. So the Nigerian state made the armed robber a killer and a thief, the kidnapper a snob of freedom, the militant for decades of neglect, etc.

They have seen a governor who stole billions go free in the court. They have seen a person who never enjoyed love in his community become senator term after term. They have seen a loafer with little education and integrity throw a N60 million wedding for his daughter when they were suffocating to secure N60,000 for their daughter’s school fees.

They saw a governor receive pardon over billions stolen when their neighbour who stole a tin of geisha has been languishing in detention without trial for the past five years.

So who should forgive whom?

It is the somersault of the hierarchy of forgiveness that bothers me. The people have always forgiven the leaders of this country.

They are allowed to stab their ears with sirens, splash mud off their Mercedes Benz and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) at the poor, announce contracts that never materialise, brandish billions for tea and refreshments at Aso Rock when the ordinary folks look merely for survival.

The political leaders say they have the right to decide who gets forgiveness. They have missed the point. The people own Nigeria, and the leaders occupy positions of authority on trust. They have appropriated the trust.

Yet they get pardon.

So the people have forgiven them by their silence. They don’t protest, or foment chaos in the streets in the name of revolutionary angst. They just siddon look, apologies to Bola Ige. The people forgive the leaders after ruining the lives of the people. Poor education, broken infrastructure, bad hospitals, etc. and they are forgiven. So why not forgive the criminals who want to wipe all law-abiding people off the face of the Nigerian earth? If we cannot abide by the law, let us forgive everyone.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Pointless single term controversy that those entitled to a second term would exercise their rights to vie for the same office if they wish. No constitutional or legal provision could justify a change of goal post midway into their tenure. Nor is it likely a court could be found to sustain the Senate’s tenure proposal even if it were to be adopted.

If newspaper reports are accurate, there are indications the president and his men may be rallying against the Senate’s tenure proposal. This is a waste of time and resources.

They should understand that the proposal can only stand if it is not applicable to current office holders. Sitting president and governors took office under the 1999 constitution; they will, therefore, exercise their right to seek re-election if they have served only one term. Notwithstanding, the Senate proposal must be seen in the context of the feverish manoeuvres triggered by the president himself when, barely one year into his first term, he began to toy with the idea of a seven-year single term proposal. It was not clear why he embraced that astonishing idea, but many analysts believed it was a selfish ploy to help him navigate the maze around his completion of his predecessor’s unfinished first term.

The country must, however, not be held to ransom by the president’s and Senate’s tenure intrigues. Proposing changes to the subsisting tenure provision is a misdirected ef-

fort and a gross misreading of the political problems of the country. The president’s argument that a seven-year single term provision would eliminate the problems associated with re-election battles and curb the huge cost of seeking a second mandate is as untenable as it is a needless distraction. Re-election battles are doubtless costly and sometimes destabilising, but the need to seek a fresh mandate generally restrains the executive’s dictatorial tendency and gives the public a fail-safe option to throw out an incompetent government before irreversible damage is done. A six-year or seven-year single term is as prone to mindless abuse as any other tenure system. Imagine, for instance, being stuck with an incompetent and dictatorial government for six or seven years instead of four.

The problem with Nigeria is not its tenure system. While it is okay to review the constitution in some respects, it must not be forgotten that the past 14 years of the Fourth Republic witnessed unrestrained manipulation of the system by a few self-appointed kingmakers who have neither the moral compass nor the democratic credentials to make the constitution, as defective as it is in some aspects, to work. Even if the tenure system were to be reworked and eventually adopted, as long as the said manipulators still have free rein, the system would continue to be undermined.

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