The Nation May 7, 2014

Focus on jobs as WEF opens •World leaders in Abuja

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•Fayemi to voters: beware of evil alliance •AND MORE •Are PDP leaders assure Fayose of support ON PAGE 9 •Lawmaker dumps PDP•No rigging, governor warns

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WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

•BRING B ACK THE GIRLS: A group of a women demanding the return of the girls in Abuja…yesterday.

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MORE STORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS ON PAGES 2-5&7

PHOTO: NAN

Jonathan accepts U.S. offer to join girls rescue battle Scores ‘feared dead in attack’ Soyinka seeks rapid action

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HE world is joining forces with Nigeria to rescue the school girls abducted by Boko Haram gunmen.

President Goodluck Jonathan accepted yesterday America’s offer to send in men and equipment to join the battle to rescue the girls who were snatched away from their hostels in Chibok, Borno State on April 15.

Besides, the United Na-

From Yusuf Alli and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tion (UN) warned that no harm must befall the girls.

Britain said it would help.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Dr. Reuben Abati said Jonathan accepted the offer during a telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Mr. John Kerry.

Abati issued a statement, Continued on page 4

•Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga speaking during the signing of the Foreign Investment Protection Agreement between Nigeria and Canada, in Abuja…yesterday.

With him are and Canadian Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Hon. Christian Paradis and Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

Eight girls abducted

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USPECTED Boko Haram gunmen kidnapped eight girls from a village near one of their strongholds in the North overnight, police and residents said yesterday.

The abduction of the girls, aged 12 to 15, follows the kidnapping of more than 200 other schoolgirls by the Islamist militant group last month in Chibok, Borno State.

Continued on page 4

•LIFE P15 •SPORTS P23 •MONEY P26 •INVESTORS P28 •POLITCS P43 •FOREIGN P62

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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NEWS CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

‘Only way to T

•In coming Group Managing Director of Skye Bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo greeting Ria Financial Service Director General Mr. El-Hadj Malick Seck during the Skye Bank Plc’s aunch of Ria Money Transfer in Lagos...yesterday. With them are Deputy Manging Director Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu (left) and Ria Financial Service Business Developemet Director Mr. Manuel Villena.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

• Special Adviser to The Minister of Finance, Dr Chika Akporji speaking at the presentation of ‘Gender at Work’ in Abuja ...yesterday. With her are World Bank Country Director, Marie Francoise Marie-nelly left) and World Bank Economist, Matthew Morton.

• Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello speaking at a news conference on his ministry’s activities in Alausa...yesterday. With him are Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba (second right), Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Dr Lateef Folami and Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs Ronke Osho (right).

•From left: Wife of Abia State Governor, Lady Odochi Orji, Marketing Manager, Reckitt Benckiser, Qaiser Rashid Sajid and Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okechukwu Ogah at a sensitisation walk to comemorate the 2014 World Malaria Day in Umahia, Abia State.

HE girls in the school dorm could hear the sound of gunshots from a nearby town. So when armed men in uniforms burst in and promised to rescue them, at first they were relieved.

"Don't worry, we're soldiers," one 16-year-old girl recalls them saying.

"Nothing is going to happen to you."

The gunmen commanded the hundreds of students at the Chibok Government Girls Secondary School to gather outside. The men went into a storeroom and removed all the food.

Then they set fire to the room.

"They … started shouting, 'Allahu Akhbar,' (God is great)," the 16-yearold student said. "And we knew."

What they knew was chilling: The men were not government soldiers at all. They were members of the ruthless Islamic extremist group called Boko Haram. They kidnapped the entire group of girls and drove them away in pickup trucks into the dense forest.

Three weeks later, 276 girls are still missing. At least two have died of snakebite, and about 20 others are ill, according to an intermediary who is in touch with their captors.

Their plight - and the failure of the Nigerian military to find them - has drawn international attention to an escalating Islamic extremist insurrection that has killed more than 1,500 so far this year. Boko Haram, the name means "Western education is sinful," has in a video seen Monday claimed responsibility for the mass kidnapping and threatened to sell the girls. The British and US governments have issued statements of concern over the fate of the missing students, and protests have erupted in major Nigerian cities and in New York The 16-year-old was among about 50 students who escaped on that fateful day, and she spoke for the first time in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. The AP also interviewed about 30 others, including Nigerian government and Borno state officials, school officials, six relatives of the missing girls, civil society leaders and politicians in northeast Nigeria and soldiers in the war zone. Many spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing that giving their names would also reveal the girls' identities and subject them to possible stigmatisation in this conservative society.

The Chibok girls' school is in the remote and sparsely populated northeast region of Nigeria, a country of 170 million with a growing chasm between a north dominated by Muslims and a south by Christians. Like all schools in Borno State, Chibok, an elite academy of both Muslim and Christian girls, had been closed because of increasingly deadly attacks by Boko Haram.

But it had reopened to allow final-year students to take exams At about 11 p.m. on April 14, a local government official, Bana Lawal, received a warning via cell phone. He was told that about 200 heavily armed militants in 20 pickup trucks and more than 30 motorcycles were headed toward his town.

Lawal alerted the 15 soldiers guarding Chibok, he said. Then he roused sleeping residents and told them to flee into the bush and the nearby hills. The soldiers sent an SOS to the nearest barracks, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) away, an hour's drive on a dirt road.

No help arrived.

When the militants showed up two hours after the warning, the soldiers fought valiantly, Lawal said. Although they were outnumbered and outgunned, they held off the insurgents for an hour and a half, desperately waiting for reinforcements. One was killed. They ran out of ammunition and fled for their lives.

As dawn approached, the extrem-

•Members of Women for Peace and Justice, Southeast protesting the abduction of school girls at the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State in Enugu... yesterday.

PHOTOS: NAN

ists headed for the boarding school.

There were too many gunmen to count, said the girl who escaped. So, even after the students realized the men were Islamic extremists, they obediently sat in the dirt. The men set the school ablaze and herded the girl's group onto the backs of three pickup trucks.

The trucks drove through three villages, but then the car of fighters following them broke down. That's when the girl and her friend jumped out.

Others argued, the 16-year-old remembered. But one student said, "We should go! Me, I am coming down.

They can shoot me if they want but I don't know what they are going to do with me otherwise."

As they jumped, the car behind started up. Its lights came on. The girls did not know if the fighters could see them, so they ran into the bush and hid.

"We ran and ran, so fast," said the girl, who has always prided herself on running faster than her six brothers.

"That is how I saved myself. I had no time to be scared, I was just running."

A few other girls clung to low-hanging branches and waited until the vehicles had passed. Then they met up in the bush and made their way back to the road. A man on a bicycle came across them and accompanied them back home.

There, they were met with tears of joy.

"I'm the only girl in my family, so I hold a special place and everyone was so happy," the girl said. "But that didn't last long."

The day after, the Defense Ministry put out a statement quoting the school principal, saying soldiers had rescued all but eight of the girls. When the principal denied it, the ministry retracted its statement.

With confidence in the military eroded, the residents of Chibok pooled their money, bought fuel for motorcycles and headed into the dangerous Sambisa Forest. The forest sprawls over more than 23,000 square miles, nearly eight times the size of Yellowstone National Park in the United States, and is known to shelter extremist hideouts.

Mutah Buba joined the search party hoping to find his two sisters and two nieces. They got directions from villagers along the way who said they had seen the abductors with the girls on a forest path. Finally, an old man herding cattle at a fork in the road warned them that they were close to the camp, but that they and their daughters could be killed if they confronted the militants.

The searchers returned to Chibok and appealed to the few soldiers there

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

o get Chibok girls is negotiation’ •'Bring Back Our Girls' Group protesting over the abducted Chibok school girls in Abuja... yesterday.

Nigeria falters in the face of terrorism VIEWS FROM ABROAD The Economist

Kidnapped girls highlight Nigeria’s many security challenges

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HE response of Nigeria’s government to the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls by suspected Islamist militants began with confusion and has become increasingly shambolic, creating chaos that in other countries would see senior heads roll.

President Goodluck Jonathan has remained remarkably silent about the kidnapping of the girls, a story that outraged many and triggered one of Nigeria’s rare street protests.

Five years into an insurgency by the Islamist sect Boko Haram that claims thousands of lives every year, Mr Jonathan seems distracted while the military has failed to stop the bloodshed despite a multi-billion dollar-a-year budget.

Elsewhere, recent human disasters have caused governments to wobble severely. The disappearance of flight MH370 with 239 people on board in early March was an embarrassment for the Malaysian government.

Malaysia continues to endure heavyhanded criticism from China regarding a lack of transparency of Prime Minister Najib Razek and senior cabinet members, straining diplomatic relations. In South Korea, Prime Minister Chung Hong-won offered his resignation over the government’s handling of a ferry disaster on April 16th that killed at least 187, many of them schoolchildren. Meanwhile, the Nigerian elite points fingers.

On April 30th, hundreds of

OKO Haram has claimed responsibility for the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls, a day after President Goodluck Jonathan ordered a three day shutdown of the capital Abuja during the World Economic Conference.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau on Monday (05.05.2014) claimed the Islamist militant group was behind the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls from northeastern Nigeria. “I am the one that abducted them,” the most wanted man in Nigeria said as part of a recorded message released to numerous media organisations. Shekau also warned that more attacks “will follow soon.”

“I will sell them in the marketplace,” Shekau said in a video recording. The teenage girls were abducted on April 14 from a boarding school in the rural town of Chibok, near Borno state in northern Nigeria. According to an intermediary, two of the girls have died of snakebite and about 20 of them are ill. He was also quoted by AFP as saying that Christians among the girls have been forced to convert to Islam.

Mustapha Gana, a father of one of the girls and a retired military officer told DW, parents and a local vigilante group had attempted a search for the girls. “It was not possible for us to get them because the insurgents are well armed,” Gana said adding that they were willing to accompany the military into the bush. “We the parents are ready to go along with them even if we would be killed.”

Girls’ protest leader arrested Nigerian police on Monday detained Naomi Mutu, the woman behind the mass demonstrations dubbed “Bring Back Our Girls.” Human rights activists told dpa news agency Naomi had been arrested in Chibok.

The arrest was reportedly ordered by First Lady Patience Jonathan,

though as the president’s wife she does not have a constitutional right to give such orders. Her office later denied there were any arrests.

President Jonathan’s government is increasingly facing criticisms for failing to free the girls. Protests in major Nigerian cities have been held to show frustration with the country’s security services. Nigeria’s police recently admitted more than 300 girls were abducted. Of that number, 276 remain in captivity and 53 were able to escape from their abductors.

Abuja shut down In the face of the security threat, President Jonathan has ordered a complete lock down of the capital Abuja. However, he argued the measure was meant to decongest the city as it plays host to the World Economic Forum which begins on Wednesday (07.05.2014).

"We plead with Nigerians living in Abuja to understand with government because we believe that instead of keeping you for five six hours and you will not get to your destination better stay back at home," Jonathan said. However, Tam Breme, a resident of Abuja told DW correspondent Ben Shemang, Jonathan's move was a result of increasing security challenges. "If Abuja is being shut down for 3 days, I think the government is trying to consider reasonable period of time to look into the issue of protest." Despite the rising number of attacks in Abuja, the President told the nation in a televised "media chat" he believes the country is winning the war against Boko Haram Islamists. More than 1,500 people have been killed as a result of the insurgency this year alone.

Nigerians took to the streets of Abuja, the capital, as well as in northern city Kano in an attempt to jolt the government out of its stupor and find the missing girls. Horrific reports of mass marriages involving insurgents are slowly leaking into the press, only adding to the misery of families frustrated with the apparent inaction of the government.

In desperation, parents have launched their own rescue attempts.

Security analysts suggest the girls may have been taken into neighbouring Cameroon.

In the pounding tropical rain, the former vice-president of the World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili, led the April 30th protest in Abuja. Senate president David Mark addressed the rally. “We are lost for words. We can only apologise that it is taking this long to get these girls released. We are not going to rest until the last of

the girls is freed. All the security apparatus, all of us must get involved in this battle.”

So far, foreign politicians have said more about the attack than Nigeria’s.

Former British prime minister Gordon Brown, the United Nations’ special adviser on girls’ education, is going to visit Nigeria to launch a campaign to raise funds for and awareness of the missing schoolgirls.

Messages from the Nigerian

military are odds with statements from the girls’ school and other state authorities. The defence ministry issued an inaccurate report claiming all but eight of the girls had been found and then retracted it, further damaging the government’s credibility. Boko Haram has been going after softer targets such as schools and markets with increasing ferocity. But the mass abduction is unprecedented.

to accompany them into the forest.

They refused, point blank, Buba said.

Parents in Chibok ask why they came within a couple of miles of their daughters, yet the military did not.

"What was strange was that none of the people we spoke to had seen a soldier man in the area, yet the military were saying they were in hot pursuit," said Buba, a 42-year-old drawn home to Chibok by the tragedy from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital 130 kilometers (80 miles) to the northwest.

The military says it is diligently searching for the girls, with extensive aerial surveillance.

"Every information relayed to security agencies has so far been investi-

gated, including the search of all places suspected as a possible hide-away of the kidnapped girls," Information Minister Labaran Maku said Friday.

Many soldiers have told the AP they are demoralised, because Boko Haram is more heavily armed and better equipped, while they get little more than a meal a day.

Some of the kidnapped girls have been forced into "marriage" with their Boko Haram abductors, sold for a nominal bride price of $12, according to parents who talked with villagers.

Others have been taken across borders to Cameroon and Chad, they said.

Their accounts could not be verified, but forced child marriage is common

in northern Nigeria, where it is allowed under Islamic law but not the country's Western-style constitution.

In the meantime, the parents are frantic. Through sobs and jagged gasps for air, the mother of a missing 15-year-old said she had lost confidence in the authorities.

"I am so very sad because the government of Nigeria did not take care of our children and does not now care about our children," said the mother, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect her daughter. "All we have left is to pray to God to help them and help us" The mother of six wondered what would happen to her daughter's lofty

ambition to become a doctor. She said the girl spent her time caring for the family, and would cook whatever her mother wanted to eat.

"She is my first-born, the best," said the mother, who broke into a scream followed by wails of sorrow. "What am I to do as a mother?"

Spurred by growing national outrage, President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday set up a committee to work out a rescue strategy, and expressed confidence that the military will find the girls.

The only way to get the girls back is through negotiation, according to an Islamic scholar who has mediated the release of previous hostages. The

scholar, who remained anonymous because his position receiving messages from Boko Haram is sensitive, said the militants are willing to free the girls for a ransom, but have not specified how much.

The 16-year-old who escaped keeps thinking of her friends, and wondering why she was able to get away while they are still captive. She is at times afraid and at times angry.

"I am really lucky and I can thank God for that," she said. "But God must help all of them … Their parents are worrying. Every day, everyone is crying."

•Courtesy: Associated Press

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Culled from Deutche welle

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

NEWS Focus on jobs as WEF opens

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•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle) with the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Commission, Chief Wale Mogaji (fifth left), Secretary to the State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (left), Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Adejoke Odeyemi (second left), Hon. Sunmi Lanre Odesanya (third left), Head of Service, Mrs. Seyi Williams (fourth left), Hon. Mrs. Risikat Adeniyi-Adegeye (3rd right), Dr. Bode Tawak (second right), Prince Bayo Balogun (right) and some members of the State Executive Council during the commission’s visit to Governor Fashola at the Lagos House, Ikeja…yesterday.

Jonathan: military operations’ll continue till girls are rescued

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the security and intelligence services would go on with their operation to free the abducted girls.

He spoke while inaugurating the presidential factfinding committee set up to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the 234 – police said 267 - secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State.

The committee, he said, is not an administrative or a

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From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

judicial panel. The fact-finding committee will not interface with the functions exclusively reserved for the state government.

The committee is also not a replacement for the ongoing search and rescue operations by security agencies or for covert intelligence gathering required to assist the operation.

According to the President, setting up of the committee is inevitable to con-

front the sad circumstances that surrounded the abduction.

He said: “First, let me make it very clear. Luckily, the Minister of Justice is here, that this committee is neither a judicial committee nor an administrative committee to look into the affairs of this incident.

“You will agree with me that this is not a committee that brings joy to me and indeed our country men and women. However, it is a necessary step which gov-

ernment must take to confront the sad circumstances surrounding the abduction of female students, our daughters in Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.

“Fellow country men and women, this is a trying moment for our country and it is reassuring that we have the empathy and cooperation of friendly countries from across the world at this time.

“I am appreciative of the Continued on page 59

Northern elders ‘oppose force to free girls’

OME Northern elders and two other groups may be reaching out to Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau to secure the release of the 276 abducted girls, it was learnt yesterday.

The other two groups are Islamic clerics in the North and some of the detained insurgents.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

The three groups are likely to suggest two options to secure the girls freedom.

The options are either payment of ransom or the release of some detained members of Boko Haram as a form of swap.

Besides the deployment of troops, the government has not made up its mind on the

two options favoured by many Northern leaders.

Northern leaders, including Borno elders who met with President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja, are opposed to the use of force to rescue the girls.

It was learnt that the force alternative may provoke Boko Haram to kill the abducted girls.

A highly-placed source said: “The Presidency and Northern elders or leaders are trying to seek solutions to the abduction of the girls.

This was why the President met with Borno elders yesterday.

“The President is giving listening ears to all groups in view of the determination Continued on page 59

HE World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa begins today in Abuja with a focus on forging inclusive growth and creating jobs. More than 900 leaders from business, government, civil society and academia will be at the meeting, which ends on Friday.

The meeting is holding against the backdrop of significant economic growth, progress in reducing poverty in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, but also persistent inequality. This year’s programme is built on three pillars: Accelerating Society’s Transformation; Deepening Investment Partnerships; and Redesigning Growth Models.

Besides host President Goodluck Jonathan, other leaders for the meeting are: Mohamed Larbi Ould Khelifa, President, People’s National Assembly, Algeria; Thomas Yayi Boni, President of Benin; Li Keqiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China; Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire; John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana; Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya; Kolo Christophe Laurent Roger, Prime Minister of Madagascar; Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; Macky Sall, President of Senegal; Jakaya M. Kikwete, President of Tanzania; and Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo.

“Africa’s continued

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

progress depends fundamentally on the ability of its leaders to take the bold decisions necessary to transform the region’s economy and society. By bringing together leaders from politics, business and civil society, we hope the meeting will offer an environment where such decisions can be catalysed, and where commitment and creativity can be drawn on to build a future fit for all Africans,” said Elsie Kanza, Director, Head of Africa, World Economic Forum.

In addition to the two-day official programme, many meetings will be held in parallel in Abuja during the week. Among them is Shape Africa, the annual meeting of Africa’s Global Shapers community bringing together young people from across Africa to share ideas on how they can improve life in their home cities and countries.

The co-chairmen of the meeting are: Dominic Barton, Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company, USA; Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer, Heineken, Netherlands; Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Nigeria; Bineta Diop, Special Envoy for Women, Peace and SecuContinued on page 59

Eight more girls abducted Continued from page 1

Lazarus Musa, a resident of the village of Warabe, told Reuters that armed men had opened fire during the raid.

“They were many, and all of them carried guns. They came in two vehicles painted in army colour. They started shooting in our village,” Musa said by telephone from the village in the hilly Gwoza area, Boko Haram’s main base.

A police source, who could not be named, said the girls

were taken away on trucks, along with looted livestock and food.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau threatened in a video released to the media on Monday to sell the girls abducted from a secondary school on April 14 “on the market”.

“Many people tried to run behind the mountain but when they heard gun shots, they came back,” Musa said.

“The Boko Haram men were entering houses, ordering people out of their houses.”

Jonathan accepts U.S. offer to join girls rescue battle Continued from page 1

which reads: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Tuesday welcomed and accepted a definite offer of help from the United States of America in the ongoing effort to locate and rescue the girls abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok three weeks ago.”

“The offer from President Barack Obama, which was conveyed to President Jonathan by the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, in a telephone conversation which began at 15.30 hours today, includes the deployment of U.S. security personnel and assets to work with their Nigerian counterparts in the search and rescue operation.”

“Mr. Kerry assured President Jonathan that the United States is wholly committed to giving Nigeria all required support and assistance to save the abducted girls and bring the reign of terror unleashed on parts of the country by Boko Haram to an end.”

“Thanking Mr. Kerry for

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Scores feared dead in attack

HERE seems to be no let-up in Boko Haram’s bloody campaign.

Scores died on Monday night in an attack on Gamboru Ngala town in Borno State, it was learnt yesterday.

The insurgents reportedly attacked a local market, fired shots into the crowd before entering the town to burn homes and vehicles.

Gamboru is a town at the NigeriaCameroon border. It is the headquarters of Ngala Local Government, which is about 200km from Maiduguri, the capital of the beleaguered state.

the call and offer of further assistance, President Jonathan told him that Nigeria’s security agencies who were already working at full capacity to find and rescue the abducted girls would appreciate the deployment of American counter-insurgency know-how and expertise in support of their efforts.”

President Jonathan, after speaking with Kerry met with the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and heads of national security agencies in continuation of the national

The figure of those killed could not be independently confirmed. Borno Senator Ahmed Zannah said up to 300 were killed in the “12-hour” attack on defenceless villagers.

The insurgents reportedly had Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) and Rocket Propelled Launchers (RPGs), among other weapons.

“The attackers stormed the communities in the night when residents were still sleeping, setting ablaze houses and shooting those who tried to escape,” a source said.

The troops stationed in the village reportedly moved towards the Lake

efforts to find and rescue the girls.

At the meeting, Abati said, the President received updates on the ongoing searchand-rescue effort and approved recommended actions.

Britain also offered to help.

British Foreign Minister William Hague said: “We are offering practical help.”

Hague spoke with reporters as he arrived for a Council of Europe meeting in Vienna to discuss ways to defuse the situation in Ukraine,

Chad area when they got information that some gunmen were sighted with abducted schoolgirls moving to the area, thereby giving the sect members the opportunity to strike unchallenged.

Defence Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade said last night that the military received the alarm raised by Zannah.

“Aside the initial alarm raised by that source, which is typical of him, we have not been able to make an independent confirmation of an attack.

“We have deployed troops and have not been able to get any confirmation,” Gen. Olukolade said.

where the government is trying to quell an insurrection by pro-Russian activists.

“What has happened here… the actions of Boko Haram to use girls as the spoils of war, the spoils of terrorism, is disgusting. It is immoral,” he said.

He said he did not want to discuss the details of what help Britain was offering.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, said she has written President Jonathan to take steps to res-

cue the 276 (police figure) pupils.

She said failure to protect the girls is a violation of human rights.

She also warned Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau against selling the girls because it would amount to crimes against humanity.

The UN High Commissioner made her position known in a statement in Geneva through her spokesperson, Rupert Colville.

The statement was made

•Dr. Jonathan

available to our correspondent from Geneva against the backdrop of the global search for the abducted girls.

The statement said: “We are deeply concerned about the outrageous claims made in a video believed to be by the leader of Boko Haram in Nigeria yesterday, in which he brazenly says he will sell the abducted schoolgirls “in Continued on page 59

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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NEWS Anglican to govt: rescue the girls From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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HE Diocese of the Kwara Anglican Communion has urged the federal and Borno State governments to rescue the over 200 schoolgirls abducted from a secondary school in Chibok.

The church appealed to both governments to provide tight security for schools, particularly in the Northeast.

The synod of the church at its 14th session, presided over by the diocesan Bishop Olusegun Adeyemi in Ilorin, the state capital, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

In a communiqué at the end of the session the “synod notes with concern the activities of the Boko Haram sect and the general insecurity in the land and calls of President Goodluck Jonathan to stem the unacceptable security challenges, and Nigerian must be more proactive in intelligent gathering and reporting”.

The communiqué added: “The synod is alarmed by the abduction and kidnapping of about 200 girls from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State.

“Synod appeals to our politicians to conduct responsible campaigns and conduct themselves with the fear of God as we approach the 2015 general elections. It appeals to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be fair to all political parties in the interest of the continued survival of Nigeria as a united entity.

“Synod prays that God will grant the country’s leaders the wisdom to direct it on the path of righteousness so that everyone can realise their full potentials. This will make life better for the poor and the downtrodden.

“Synod notes with concern the jumbo pay for political office holders and appeals to the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission to look into ways of effecting a downward review to forestall future agitations and labour unrests and their attendant negative effects on the country.”

‘Emphasise intelligence gathering’

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HE Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Dr Mharfuz Adedimeji, has urged the Federal Government to use more intelligence gathering to tackle the growing Boko Haram insurgency.

Adedimeji advised the Federal Government to adopt the “carrot and stick” strategy to rescue the over 200 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents.

He said the government should not close the door against negotiations with the sect.

The English teacher told reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, noting that the approach should be hard and soft because there must be dignity in human life.

He added: “When two elephants fight, it is the grasses that suffer. The terrorists are animals.

So, we should not reduce ourselves to their status because human lives are involved here.

The government should rely more on a soft option.”

CHIBOK GIRLS ABDUCTION

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APC: First Lady's intervention distracting

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has decried the melodramatic intervention of First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan in the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State.

The party described Mrs Jonathan's action as distracting, counter-productive and calibrated to scapegoat others with the sole intention of exculpating her husband rather than finding the girls.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC said: "Make no mistake about it, there is nothing wrong in the First Lady, as a woman and the mother of the nation, playing a role in resolving the unfortunate abduction of the girls. But that role must be within the realms of social activism, not in policy making or conduct of state affairs."

The party warned that melodrama, highlighted by the shedding of made-for-television crocodile tears, cannot and would not bring the girls back safely to their parents.

By Olamilekan Andu

"What will bring them back is a purposeful and sustained effort by the Federal Government, which has hitherto been tentative and lethargic. Therefore, enough of the distracting, absurd and overbearing show that the First Lady has put up in the past few days," APC said.

The party advised the First Lady to stop grandstanding and get real by leading a protest of other first ladies from the 36 states from the Eagle Square to Aso Rock to pressure her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, on whose laps falls the responsibility of leading the nation to find the girls, to act fast.

It also urged the First Lady to stop apportioning blames at this time so that all efforts can be geared towards finding the girls.

"Our dear First Lady needs to be told clearly that her husband, the President, is the nation's Chief Security Officer. Our dear First Lady needs to be informed that because Borno State, where the unfortunate abduction took place, is under a state of emergency, her husband, the President, has automatically assumed all security powers there. It is, there-

fore, wrong for our dear First Lady to be threatening to march on Borno to ask the governor to produce the girls. That march should be on Aso Rock instead," APC said.

The party wondered where the First Lady derived the powers to summon elected and appointed officials to Aso Rock to answer her queries over the missing girls.

It noted that by doing so, "she is usurping the President's constitutional role, making him to look weak and ineffective in conducting the affairs of state and also making Nigeria the butt of jokes in the international community".

APC said: "The First Lady has summoned the Borno State Police Commissioner; the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Chibok; the Borno State Commissioner for Education, the relevant local government chairman, the school principal and the school gatekeeper, among others. Where did she derive the authority or power to issue such summons?

Does she know the implication of forcing security officials to divulge, on public television, sensitive information that could even hamper the search for the

girls? How can a police commissioner, who is not accountable to the governor of a state, be subject to the First Lady? Where in the Constitution, or any law for that matter, is the role and powers of the First Lady delineated or articulated?"

The party said if the First Lady would not heed the advice to stop summoning public officials to her executive chambers, then the officials should stop honouring such illegal and unconstitutional summons.

It also took the First Lady to task over her comments that anytime she comes out, like a masquerade, something happens.

APC wondered why she did not deem it necessary to have come out in the first few days of the girls' abduction so that "something would have happened".

"Apparently, the First Lady believed, as she revealed on public television and as it has been insinuated in certain quarters, that the girls' abduction was a ruse aimed at embarrassing her husband, hence neither she nor her husband took the whole tragedy seriously. That explained

their delay in acting.

"Now that the Boko Haram terrorists have claimed responsibility for the abduction and even threatened to sell the girls, the nation hopes that the First Lady and her husband now believe this is no 'politics'," it said.

Also, the APC has condemned the clamour for the release of the names and pictures of the girls by those who are apparently doubting their abduction, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Women Leader Kema Chikwe.

The party noted that while publishing the names and pictures of the girls would not facilitate their rescue, it would succeed in stigmatising them for life when eventually they are found and returned home safely.

"These girls, who are mostly within the age-range of 16-18, are children, and deserve to be protected. Any attempt to publish their names and pictures, as being demanded in certain quarters, will stigmatise them for life, against the backdrop of the sex slavery conditions which many fear they may have been subjected to. Therefore, let us spare them any more trauma than they may have been subjected to already," APC said.

Pupils protest in Ebonyi From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

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•Former Education Minister, Dr Oby Ezekwezili (right), Defence Headquarters’ spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (left) and others during the Bring Back Our Girls protest by the Women for Peace and Justice at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Lagos Assembly urges Fed Govt to seek global support

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HE Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the Federal Government to own up on its helplessness in combating the Boko Haram insurgency and seek international help to end the sect’s menace.

Members of the Assembly spoke yesterday at plenary.

They noted that concerted global assistance would enable the government to free the over 200 girls in Boko Haram’s detention and reduce terrorism in the country.

Moving a motion condemning the capture and detention of the schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, the Assembly urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the military to fast-track the safe return of the girls to their parents.

During last Sunday’s media chat, Dr Jonathan, in response to a question on the likely location of the Boko Haram sect, said: “I don’t know where they are… There is no confirmation of the location of the schoolgirls.

You are a journalist; you know more than me.”

The lawmaker representing Eti-Osa II, Gblohan Yishawu, noted that the answer fell short of the expectations from the President of any country.

The lawmaker said it showed the helplessness of the Jonathan

By Oziegbe Okoeki

administration to resolve the security crisis.

For those still in doubt, Yishawu said: “Nigeria is at war and in need of urgent action by the government.”

Apparently saddened by the case of the missing schoolgirls, another lawmaker Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet said it was unfortunate that Nigerian leaders were only talking and trading blames over the matter.

The lawmaker said most of the

nation’s leaders were not taking concrete action to ensure the release of the innocent girls.

She said: “It is no longer a question of declaring a state of emergency. Ours is a failed state and we cannot continue like this.

It is time we called a spade by its name. We are better off calling on the international community to come to our aide.”

Chief Whip Rasak Balogun agreed with his colleagues’ submission on the need to take immediate action to rescue the

schoolgirls.

He said the insecurity embarrassment had demystified Nigeria’s status as the giant of Africa.

Balogun sympathised with parents of the captured girls, adding: “The Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government did not promise Nigeria anything on assuming power in 2011.”

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to take their destiny in their hands as 2015 elections draw nearer.

Security agencies have failed us, says NGO

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NON-governmental organisation (NGO), AlMu’minaat Social Advocacy Project (SAP), has expressed disappointment over the inability of security agencies to foil the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, and the Nyanya bombings.

The group spoke during a mass protest to the Lagos State Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja.

SAP Coordinator Mrs Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade described last week’s Nyanya explosion as the result of security agencies’ failure, especially the security officers who mounted road block on the route.

She said: “It is now evidently clear that our security agencies are bereft of the technical know-how of modern intelligence gathering. This is why bombings and other crimes are perpetrated with the culprits smiling away, leaving hundreds of their victims in pains. ...There are the agonies by the family members, relatives, friends and colleagues of those who have died.

“No doubt, the recent bombings in Nyanya, in the

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the abduction of over 200 girls from a secondary in Chibok, Borno State, have shown that the efforts of the security agencies are not working effectively.

The fight against terrorism has not curbed the insurgency in Nigeria and such huge security challenge cannot be allowed to continue.

She condemned the Federal Government lukewarm and slow response of the Jonathan – led government and security apparatus in handling the abduction of the girls and the whole security issues in the North-East.

“We as women and mother will not stop at street protests to demand for action, we will mobilize, organize and fight for the protection of the rights of the girl-child in Nigeria. We will in this instance, not relent until this government does what is expected of it, to apprehend the perpetrators and bring back our girls,” she said.

CORES of pupils of Great Minds Academy, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, marched yesterday on major streets to protest the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, by the Boko Haram sect.

They urged the Federal Government to ensure the release of the girls.

The pupils, aged between four and 10 years, marched from the school’s permanent site on Olisaemeke Street through the Abakaliki Township Stadium to the Government House.

During the procession, which lasted over 30 minutes, some of the pupils shed tears.

Some clerics, parents and teachers joined the procession.

Some of them said they suspended lectures to pray, fast and march round the state capital for God’s urgent intervention.

They said the girls in Boko Haram captivity were fellow school children.

One of the students, Miss Idika Oluchi, said: “We are saddened that our fellow school children were taken away by some disgruntled elements and kept in the bush for more than 19 days now.

“We are more saddened to hear yesterday (Monday) that two of the girls are dead. We had to declare a two-day fast and prayer to seek for God’s intervention.

“We are no longer comfortable sitting down in our classrooms, receiving studies while other children are in the bush.

We don’t know their fate, but we are trusting God to urgently intervene.

“As long as the Federal Government and the security agents are doing their best, we are optimistic that God will resolve the issue, since children have waded in.”

The school’s proprietor, Mr. Chris Nwadigo, described the action of Boko Haram as unfortunate.

In a sermon, Evangelist Ephraim Ononye urged the Federal Government to rescue the girls.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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NEWS Osunbor faults NHRC From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

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ORMER Edo State Governor Prof Osereheimen Osunbor has faulted his alleged indictment for electoral offences by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in its recommendation to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

In a statement issued yesterday, Osunbor rejected the NHRC’s report. He said he had written the commission to demand its confirmation or denial of the report and published in the newspapers.

“The purpose of the letter as I indicated was to get a confirmation from the Commission whether or not the recommendation as contained in the newspaper reports actually emanated from them; to demand a copy of the report forwarding my name to the AGF for prosecution and to know the specific offence or offences for which the commission has recommended me for prosecution,” he said.

Osunbor said the one week ultimatum he gave the NHRC had since lapsed, but that it was yet to reply him.

“One week has now elapsed and I have not received any reply from the Commission neither has the commission issued any denial of the reports and recommendation to the AGF ascribed to it.

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Reps reactivate probe of N10b chartered jets

AWMAKERS have reopened their probe of how the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke blew N10 billion on chartered jets.

The House Committee on Public Accounts has summoned the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) and its Managing Director, Mr Haruna Momoh to appear before it.

This aligns with the declaration of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal that the probe is not dead.

The House suspended the investigation which should have begun on April 28 because of a subsisting case in court.

In a memo dated April 30 by the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee,Hon Solomon Adeola Olamilekan and addressed to the Manag-

•Summon PPMC MD From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

ing Director of the PPMC, the committee gave the organisation and its boss a week to submit in a written form all they know about the charter of the 850 Challenger.

The committee said it was issuing the memo because of new information from Vistaget international Limited, one of the companies involved in the transactions.

The memo reads: “It was observed that you and PPMC played a Central role in the charter of the 850 challenger Aircraft,you are therefore requested to submit a memorandum on

your involvement and that of the PPMC in the said transaction.”

The committee in the memo requested for the following: “Details of the Financial transaction on the amount paid by NNPC/PPMC to Vistajel International Ltd for the Charter and maintenance of the 850 Challenger Aircrafts and other related Aircrafts such as the OELXR GLOBAL EXPRESS XRS from January 2012 till date.

“Details of any Financial liabilities that may be currently outstanding on the Charter and maintenance of the 850 Challenger Aircraft and other related Aircrafts

used by the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources,Mrs AllisonMadueke for both national and international trips.

“Copies of the agreement (if any) between NNPC/PPMC and Vistajet International LtD over the Charter and maintenance of the 850 Challenger Aircrafts 0E-LXR GLOBAL EXPRESS XRS and other related aircrafts by the Minister.

“The manifest in the custody of the Committee revealed that you have always been in the Company of the Minister while on international trips on board the said aircraft, you are therefore required to furnish details and particulars of trips (with the Minister) embarked upon by yourself with the Minister and the justification for such trips.”

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HE ranks of medical and dental practitio ners in the country have increased with the induction of 261 fresh doctors were inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

The inductees were part of the 389 candidates who registered for the April assessment examination conducted for foreign medical and dental qualification holders and also graduates from Nigerian universities whose accreditation for training was withdrawn before the graduation of their students.

The Registrar of MDCN, Dr. Abdulmumini Ibrahim said quality must be ensured in medical education as provided in the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act CAP M8, LFN 2004.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

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From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Police recover snatched school van

Court rejects bid to arrest IGP FEDERAL High Court in Abuja yesterday refused a prayer for the issuance of bench warrant against former Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar and three others for allegedly ignoring the court’s summons.

Justice Abdulkadir Abdulkafarati, in a ruling yesterday, held that it was necessary for the court to tread cautiously because the liberty of individuals was involved and that they were also challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The ruling was on an oral application by Ajibola Oluyede, lawyer to politician and promoter of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited (COGIL), Ifeanyi Ubah at the resumed hearing of a contempt proceedings initiated against AigImokhuede and four others for allegedly disobeying an earlier judgment by the court.

Oluyede noted that despite the court’s order on April 9 directing the alleged contemnors to appear physically in court upon being served with court processes, the five alleged contemnors have refused to attend court.

He argued that a notice of preliminary objection by the alleged contemnors was not sufficient to shield them from appearing in court as ordered by the court. He argued that the application filed by the alleged contemnors was that contemplated under Order 12 Rule 12 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules.

Medical Council inducts 261 docs

•From left: Managing Director, Africa, Repro India Limited/ 2014 conference collaborator, Mukesh Dhruve; Conference Chairman, Nigerian Book Fair Trust, Alhaji Waheed Akin Olajide; Chairman, Nigerian Book Fair Trust, Mr. Samuel Kolawole; Keynote Speaker, Dr. Victoria Okojie and representative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, during the 13th Nigeria International Book Fair in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO:SOLOMON ADEOLA

Court forces EFCC to close case against fleeing oil marketer, others A

LAGOS High Court in Ikeja yesterday closed the case of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against an oil marketer, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo who is alleged to have fled the country.

Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo fixed July 14 for Mamman Ali and Christian Taylor , who are accused of alleged N4.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud to open their defence.

The trial of the three oil marketers and their companies has been stalled for six months following reports that Ogunbambo had jumped bail and fled the country.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to the EFCC, Mr Seidu Atteh, told the court that he had recently taken over the matter from his predecessor.

Atteh said he was informed that Ogunbambo had ab-

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By Adebisi Onanuga

sconded.

He said as a result the EFCC has not been able to execute the bench warrant issued against him.

He sought a short adjournment to enable the EFCC produce Ogunbambo or file an amended charge against the other defendants.

But counsel to Ali, Mr Toyin Pinheiro (SAN), objected the request for the adjournment on the basis of Ogunbambo’s absence.

Pinheiro said: ”This matter commenced since July 2012. The prosecution listed 15 witnesses in the proof of evidence and they have only called two witnesses so far.”

Pinheiro argued that the EFCC should have taken steps

to amend the charge so that the matter could continue since it was aware that Ogunbambo had absconded.

“I think the court has an inherent power to close their case.

“Section 36 of the Constitution talks about fair hearing which also connotes conclusion of the trial against an accused within a reasonable time.

“My humble application is for the court to close the case of the prosecution and we are ready to open our defence,” Pinheiro added.

Justice Onigbanjo pointed out that the court had a duty to conduct its activities in a timely manner.

Justice Onigbanjo said the EFCC could have amended the charge against the other

defendants since the last adjournment in February following their inability to apprehend Ogunbambo.

According to him, the courts’ record shows that the EFCC has not shown enough seriousness to go on with the trial of the other defendants.

Justice Onigbanjo said it would be wrong for the commission to hold other defendants to ransom as a result of the action of another defendant.

Justice Onigbanjo counselled the EFCC to file an application to reopen the case against the other defendants before the next adjournment date if the commission is still interested in pursuing the matter.

The judge said the court would be willing to also consider the application to amend the charge and strike out Ogunbambo’s name.

cial performance through the use of Information and Communication Technology”.

Referring to the FOI Act, Justice Mukhtar said: “This piece of legislation has become a watershed in the Nigerian human rights jurisprudence. It becomes imperative that judicial officers have proper understanding of the Act, its requirement and means of compliance.

“This is because the judiciary has been vested with the exclusive jurisdiction over

the interpretation of the provisions of the Act,” the CJN said.

Represented by Justice John Fabiyi of the Supreme, the CJN also stressed the importance of ICT in the opesration of today’s judiciary.

“Our judicial officers have no choice than to key into this process of ICT otherwise they may find themselves quite unsuitable for the 21st Century Nigeria judiciary. The rapid developments in ICT

HERE was panic in Abuja yesterday following rumours that a bus–filled with pupils on the way to school was snatched by gunmen and the children abducted.

The rumour was quickly dispelled by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which clarified that armed men snatched a school bus without any child in it.

The bus belonged to Divine International Academy at Nyanya.

The police later recovered the school van, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number XG 246 GWA. Police spokesman Frank Mba said the bus was recovered by police operatives attached to the Nasarawa State Police Command following a manhunt.

Mba added that two suspects, Victor Essien (40) and Ubongpong Bassey (49) were arrested.

The statement quoted the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to have assured members of the public of enhanced security in the federal capital territory and its environs It added that the police would remain committed to the task of providing the citizens and participants at the World Economic Forum (WEF) world-class security services during and after the event.

The IG was also quoted to have enjoined the citizenry to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies in the task of securing the nation.

CJN, NJI to judges: have proper understanding of FoI Act

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar and Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI) Justice Umaru Eri, have urged judges to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to enable them effectively discharge their responsibilities under the Act. They argued that a proper understanding of the provisions of the Act by judges will

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

enable them effectively adjudicate on disputes brought before them under the Act. They noted that judicial officers do not appear to fully appreciate the provisions of the law.

They spoke in Abuja at a refresher course for judicial officers on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the FOI Act organised by the NJI. Its theme was “Enhancing judi-

opened up new opportunities that were unthinkable only a few years ago.”

Justice Eri observed that the FOI Act has radically altered in a most fundamental way, how the three organs of government relate with the ordinary citizens.

“It supersedes the Official Secrets Act of 1911 and the relevant provisions of both the criminal and penal codes, amongst other laws and relevant aspects of the extant Civil Service Rules.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MAY 7, 2014

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NEWS

CHIBOK GIRL’S ABDUCTION •Members of all Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), protesting the abduction of Chibok School Girls in Ibadan on tuesday

CNN Reporter Isha Sesay interviewed presidential aide Dr Doyin Okupe and Minister of Information Labaran Maku in Abuja last night. Excerpts: Okupe: Our president Boko Haram has T isn’t a show man

become a global problem, says Soyinka

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nless the international community joins forces with the Nigerian government, the 276 girls kidnapped at the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State would be sold as sex slaves, Prof Wole Soyinka said yesterday.

The Nobel Laureate, who spoke to CNN’s Christine Amanpour, described the abduction of the school girls as a horrifying event, which needed rapid action from the global community.

He said the experience would traumatise the victims for the rest of their lives, stressing that services of psychological experts would be needed to help the girls recover from the pain should they be rescued alive.

He said: “The world must confront this reality. It is painful and horrifying that these girls are going to be sold as sex slaves. I used that expression deliberately; let us not beat around the bush. We are dealing with the monstrosity and an affliction, which requires that we must go in quickly and act rapidly, because these girls are going to be traumatised in a way in which it is going to ...haimt them for the rest of their lives.”

Soyinka described as gleeful charade, the latest video

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By Wale Ajetunmobi

released by the Boko Haram sect, which filmed its leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau, with four other armed militants, sending a message to the government.

“The obscenity we just watched from the leader of Boko Haram is something to be anticipated, but it doesn’t come as a surprise. That is the nature of what this people have made themselves into,” the Nobel Laureate said.

Soyinka, who noted that the Boko Haram activity should not be seen as Nigeria’s problem, said the sect was consolidating internal insurrection that had been brewing slowly in the country for a long time.

He dismissed the notion that the extrajudicial killing of Mohammed Yusuf, the sect’s leader, aggravated the crisis in the Northeast, saying the late Yusuf was a serial killer and butcher, who should have been brought to justice were he to be alive. He condemned the move by government leaders to make the late sect leader a saint, even as he denounced his extra-judicial killing.

He said: “When Yusuf was killed, a former Head of State went on a mission of appeasement to Boko Haram family, asking the people to forgive and forget. But this was a

•Prof Soyinka

killer. But the law says those who kill must not go unpunished.”

Condemning the acts of terror against innocent Nigerians, Soyinka said: “These criminals take pride in bestiality.

The issue is that of fundamentalist fascism in which you feel that…it is an act of domination in which you prove what power you have in the environment, the little pond, where you operate. It is a bad mentality.”

Soyinka said the protesters demonstrating against the school girls’ abduction have created action whose end nobody could tell. He said the abduction has ended all pretence by the government, which he said has shown indifference to the enormity of the crisis rocking the Northeast.

He said: “People coming out on the street now don’t realise the enormity the action would catch up on them. Where it would end, I do not know but one thing is certain; the president and his government cannot pretend what has befallen Nigeria. All the pretence, indifference and denial have ended; I am convinced about that. The situation is now beyond the capacity of the government...”

HE government has said it is on top of the situation but it is three weeks since over 200 girls went missing. You have provided little or information to support your statement…(cuts in) No Aisha, that is not correct.

Our president is not a showman. The fact that the president did not say a word is not in any way mean that a lot are not being done. There have been a lot of meetings; a lot of directives and I am aware that two special battalion were devoted to search for these girls.

There have been over 250 areas we are checking with helicopters, aeroplane and fighter jets that can actually scan the forest. The truth is,this was shown on the national television NTA two days ago. Beyond that, virtually the entire communication machinery of the Ministry of Defence has been deployed to Borno State.

Would you respect the people of the world and the parents of the missing girls demand to know There is no doubt that every effort that has been made so far are quite worthy of what they are. The government is in support of this demonstration and anger. We are in support.

If I had known about this protest earlier on, I would have come with a red cover to show solidarity with the mothers that are in pain. I have children of my own and I love them. I can’t imagine how people think that the president, who love the people, who works for the country, would sit back and just allow children to be abducted for three weeks. The fact that we are not showing people does not mean that we are not doing our best.

I think the people need in-

formation and (cuts in) Let me tell you something.

As of today, the Federal Government has set up an information centre, which will be opened 24 hours, taking questions and not just questions alone. It will give information on a daily basis about what is going on.

This is the first time we are hearing this…

Yes. I am just leaving an emergency national Security Council meeting. It lasted for 3 hours. As at 3:15pm, I didn’t know I was going to be called to a meeting. But by 4pm, we were all seated. Everybody and anybody in the security of this country was seated; Vice President…everybody.

I want to ask you about offer of help by the US government. Has that offer been accepted by the Nigerian government?

I can confirm to you that President Goodluck Jonathan spoke to the US Secretary of State John Kerry today. And between them, they have agreed; America has offered assistance in the area of high technology…and all sorts of things. And the president has accepted the request and the thing will come very soon…maybe next week.

You have been dealing with BokoHarma for many years…(cuts in) Not for many years. It started from 2009. Not 2002…

Although, they had a local issues in Borno State. They were not kidnapping people; they were not doing all those things.

But from 2009, this new crisis

By Wale Ajetunmobi

started. And it involves presently…there is criminality, there is religious bigotry and there are all sorts of things in it.

How is it possible despite emergency rule for 200 girls were taken from their beds in the dead of the night in a place where the military are stationed?

Borno State covers an area of over 150,000 kilometre. That is, the landscape is wide. How many soldiers do we have? You know, we cannot run kilometre by kilometre. There were people on ground, maybe 15 or 20 in an area; that was not enough.

But you know, a lot has been done to revamp the security system in these places by now. I want to say it again, we will get those girls back. We will. We have the capacity, we have enough power and the expertise.

•Okupe

Maku defends govt’s management of abduction information

HY has there been no adequate information from the government about the missing school girls?

First of all, this happened in a regional government and the first region that we should be talking about is the Borno State government. They also spoke. The Commissioner for Information spoke.

Now, at the national level, I also addressed the press and the people of Nigeria concerning the effort the governor was making in the rescue of those girls. Initially, the information was sketchy. The school authority was saying one thing; the Borno State Governor was saying another. There was a lot of mix up.

Don’t forget that this is a remote school in one of Nigeria’s region

By Wale Ajetunmobi

and in a place of difficulty in security. As government at national level, we will not rush to the public without definite information. But at different level, communication was going out to the people. For example, the principal addressed the press and she appeared at different level to communicate what happened. Borno State Government did the same thing. The security services also spoke.

Okay, you spoke about security service. But there was a statement that all the girls had been released apart from eight. Was that a deliberate attempt at misinformation?

It was never a deliberate attempt of misinformation. Somebody broke wrong information within a

security system to the military high command. So when they made that statement, it was based on a report they received. And that is the point about information. In the end, we found that the information was not correct and the military immediately issued a statement, saying what happened was not true. And we went back.

Would you accept that the government did very badly to have information of that magnitude and came out to the general public to say it is incorrect?

I won’t accept that. Let me explain to you, there are different levels of responsibility. We are talking about federation, with different level of responsibility. This is a school in one of Nigeria’s region. Absolutely, we have a duty as a Federal Gov-

ernment to get information and that was why speeches that we are peaking because of the conflict of information that was carried this region.

We found that at one point, they said it was six students. At another point, they said it was 50 students.

At another point, the report keeps changing. As I speak to you now, we have had a fact-finding committee to be able to ascertain exactly the number of people taken. But don’t forget that, at this point, schools were not supposed to be closed. We have this school opened and exam was taking place and this incident took place at night. We needed to really get correct information but unfortunately, the level of government that should be able to communicate…

Are you blaming the local gov-

ernment?

No, we are not blaming the local government for what happened. We are talking about…when some happened at that level, at other level you plan a proper report, right?

Okay, ‘this thing happened in this school’, ‘eight people were supposed to have been taken away’.

That wouldn’t get off immediately; it should be tied as information for us. But unfortunately, there were so many conflicts in the data that we got. As I am speaking to you, we have had to get a proper committee to be able to verify. Because when you want to communicate with the people, you also need to make sure that the facts are correct. And this is a rural region, assembly those information did not come right on time.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MAY 7, 2014

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NEWS

Ngige: I didn’t abuse Yoruba

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ENATOR Chris Ngige (Anambra Central) has debunked a social media report in which he is quoted as abusing the Yoruba .

Ngige was quoted online as saying: “Yoruba people are wicked. I would never have anything to do with them.”

The All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) candidate in the November 16, 2013, governorship election in Anambra State described the report as “forged, malicious

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From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

and untrue”.

Speaking through his media aide, Okelo Maduklaife, Ngige said the document did not emanate from him, his agents, privies or associates, urging the public to disassociate him from it.

In a statement in Awka, the Anambra State capital, he said: “It is a fatal error, which has further reduced these sore political foes as incapable of staying above the belt. We, therefore, urge self-

respecting members of the public to discountenance the verbal poison under reference and avert their mind to what could have necessitated this bad forgery at a time Ngige has just led his party in Anambra State through organised and transparent congresses to establish a formidable structure in the state and is making progress at the Election Tribunal to restore the voting rights of Anambra citizens stolen on November 16, 2013, in exchange for an un-elected Junta.”

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•Ngige

Woman allegedly sells son in Oyo

MIDDLE-aged woman has been handed over to the police in Oyo, Oyo State, for allegedly selling her baby to ritualists.

It was gathered that a commercial motorcyclist, who took her to a storey building where the baby was sold, was suspicious of the woman and hid somewhere to find out what she was up to.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

Sources said about an hour later, the woman came out of the house without the baby, carrying a bag, and boarded another commercial motorcycle home.

On getting home, it was learnt that the woman raised the alarm that her baby was missing and her neighbours gathered to help her.

Sources said the motorcyclist that took her to where the baby was allegedly sold came to the house and told her neighbours where she took the baby.

The motorcyclist led the people to the two-storey building but no one was found in the building. It was learnt that blood stains were found in the house.

The woman’s neighbours

Lagos Assembly celebrates whiz kid Anjola

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Man held for ‘defiling’ minor

HE Lagos State House of Assembly has celebrated nine-year-old Miss Victoria Anjola Gbotoku of Edidot Primary School, Badore, Ajah, who had credits, including in English Language and French, in the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE).

At plenary on Monday, Anjola stood in the stand reserved for the governor and received a handshake from the Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

She was given a certificate of recognition and a cheque for an undisclosed amount.

Ikuforiji said: “Anjola deserves to be celebrated for doing the state and country

By Oziegbe Okoeki

proud, especially at a period when news coming out of the country is not too pleasant. It is a thing of joy that in the midst of the darkness pervading the land, Anjola has demonstrated with her performance that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

He hailed Anjola’s parents for helping her achieve the feat. Anjola’s mother is a Chief Magistrate, who has a first degree in English Language. Her father is a lawyer with his first and second degrees in French.

Ikuforiji said: “It shows that parents count a lot in the success of their children.”

Other lawmakers showered encomiums on her.

Mr. Ipoola Omisore (IfakoIjaiye 2) described her as “a special kid and a shining example to children of her age”.

Thanking the House for the honour, Anjola, whose ambition is to become a medical doctor, said she needed a scholarship to pursue her dreams. She pleaded that the age barrier in writing external examinations and entry into tertiary institutions should be removed because it was hindering many children with exceptional talent.

Anjola urged President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue the abducted girls in Chibok, Bornu State.

returned home to search her room and found a bag containing an unspecified amount of money there.

The woman was taken to Durbar Police Station for interrogation.

Oyo votes N3.7b for six schools

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has approved N3.7 billion for the conversion of six secondary schools into model schools.

Commissioner for Education Prof. Solomon Olaniyonu said this would create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

The schools are: Anglican Secondary School, Oritamefa, Ibadan; Baptist High School, Saki; Ogbomoso High School, Ogbomoso; Oba Akinbiyi High School, Ibadan; Obaseeku High School, Eruwa and Abiodun Atiba Grammar School, Oyo. Each of the project, which will cost N622 million, includes the building of 24 classrooms, administrative blocks, science laboratories, Intro-tech workshops, computer rooms and libraries.

The governor has also approved N143 million for the renovation of primary healthcare centres across the state.

The contract includes the purchase of equipment and drugs in the centres.

Olaniyonu said N30 million was earmarked for the purchase of ambulances for general hospitals.

Fetish objects scare Ondo workers From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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ORKERS of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Akure, the Ondo State capital, were scared to go into their offices yesterday, following the discovery of some fetish objects at the company’s gate.

One of the objects was wrapped with fresh palm fronds.

It was alleged that the objects was placed there by members of the Nigeria Electricity Workers Union (NEWU) to protest the nonpayment of their allowances.

Last week, the Ondo chapter of the union protested the no- payment of the terminal dues of workers laid-off by the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), now BEDC.

20 YEAR-old man, Afeez Raimi, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a two-year old girl in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The incident occurred on Monday on Dalemo Street at Bembo in Apata.

Raimi is an SS 2 pupil of the African Church Grammar School, Apata.

The victim’s parents are Raimi’s grandfather’s tenants.

Raimi confessed to the crime, describing it as “the work of the devil”.

He said: “I was returning from somewhere when she followed me into my room. I

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

was ironing and she slept on the bed, so I dipped my finger into her.”

Police spokesperson Olabisi Ilobanafor said medical examination revealed that the victim’s private part was penetrated and she was bleeding.

The victim is at the intensive care unit at an undisclosed hospital.

Ilobanafor urged parents to be careful who they entrust their children to.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Seven arrested for ‘assault’ in Ogun

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From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

EVEN persons have been arrested by the police at IleseIjebu in Ogun State for beating up a man, Dare Okanlawon.

A restaurant owner, Queen Omonigho; Abraham Adenuga; Samson Masebinu and four others allegedly attacked Okanlawon last Thursday on the suspicion that he was a kidnapper.

It was learnt that Okanlawon went to Omonigho’s restaurant to have breakfast and started asking Omonigho’s daughter some questions.

Sources said Omonigho came in and accused Okanlawon of trying to kidnap her daughter. She raised the alarm and hoodlums gathered, beating Okanlawon with cutlasses, bottles and sticks. Okanlawon was rescued by policemen.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said Omonigho, Adenuga and Masebinu confessed to injuring the victim and were directly involved in the attack.

They have been charged to court.

Adejobi said the command was investigating the April 30 burning of Mr. Gabriel Olafenwa’s home by some youths in Ilaro on the suspicion that it was being used by ritualists.

Police arrest 11 hoodlums in Ogun

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HE police have arrested 11 hoodlums, who allegedly attacked residents of Idi-Agbon in Ado-Odo/Otta Local Government Area of Ogun State.

It was learnt that the hoodlums, who allegedly came from neighbouring states, invaded Idi-Agbon to scare the villagers and make them abandon their family and community land.

The suspects are Wasiu Musa (33), Nasiru Olanrewaju (28), Segun Iseotan (25), Friday Onakpise (24), Owolabi Shobayo (32), Nurudeen Akanni (21), Damilola

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Oluwole (32), Segun Tehela (33), Ajibola Adekunle (33), Ademola Adenuga (30) and Olakunle Sholeye (32).

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the suspects were land grabbers.

He said two AK 47 rifles, three pump action guns, 38 rounds of AK 47 rifle ammunition, 48 live cartridges and charms, among other items, were recovered from them suspects.

Adejobi said the command would not tolerate crime.

Clark’s wife consults PDP chieftains

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R. Abisola SodipoClark, wife of Ijaw national leader Chief Edwin Clark, appears set to join the race for Ogun Central Senatorial seat in Ogun State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The medical doctor, who hails from Abeokuta North Local Government, was in Abeokuta yesterday to consult with PDP chieftains and members in furtherance of her political ambition in 2015.

At the PDP State Secretariat in Abeokuta, Mrs. Sodipo-

Clark was received by the Chairman, Chief Adebayo Dayo; the Secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo; former Deputy Governor Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye and a party chieftain, Alhaji Agboola Alausa, among others.

She did not deny or confirm speculations about her ambition .

She simply said she was qualified for any political position.

Mrs. Sodipo-Clark said she was in the state to renew her membership card and consult with party members.

Ondo APC chair preaches unity

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NDO State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Isaac Kekemeke has said the party’s new leadership will unite its factions to build a stronger APC and take over power.

Speaking to The Nation after meeting with the leadership of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders’ Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) in Akure, Kekemeke said: “We will ensure that the APC gets substantial votes during the February 2015 Presidential and National Assembly polls.”

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

He said his committee would not be distracted by the antics of two leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Congress (ANPP), who claimed they had formed a parallel executive.

Kekemeke said: “These two party leaders, who are members of the legacy party, earlier withdrew from the ward and local government congresses because they wanted the party offices to be shared between the legacy parties that formed APC.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MAY 7, 2014

9

NEWS

EKITI 2014

Youths rally support for Fayemi’s re-election

Ekiti PDP lawmaker joins APC •Governor warns against rigging

B

ARELY 24 hours after a former Governor of Ekiti State Chief Segun Oni dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a House of Assembly member, Mrs Bunmi Oriniowo yesterday defected to the APC. Mrs Oriniowo represents Ido/Osi 1 in Ido-Osi Local Government Area on the platform of PDP. Oni hails from the same local government Oni received Governor Kayode Fayemi at his IfakiEkiti home on Monday where he spoke of his readiness to partner the governor and ensure his victory in the June 21 election.

The APC considers Ido/Osi Local Government Area key in the efforts to win the coming election as the council had always been a stronghold of the PDP. Mrs. Oriniowo, who announced her defection at a rally addressed by the governor in her hometown, Ifisin, said she decided to join the APC because the party represents progress, development and integrity.

Fayemi warned against any attempt to rig the June 21 governorship poll, saying “anybody who attempts to steal the votes of Ekiti people will find himself to blame”.

The campaign tour took the APC standard-bearer to Osi, Igbole, Ifisin, Aaye and Ifaki communities where he was received by enthusiastic crowd of

•L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; a beneficiary, Commissioner I, Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Kemi Olaleye; wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Sen. Olu Adetunmbi (Ekiti North); Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; and Dr. Bola Adetunmbi, during the presentation of vehicles in support of Fayemi’s re-election campaign, in Ifaki-Ekiti...yesterday.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

supporters.

With the defection of Mrs. Oriniowo, the ruling party now has 25 members in the Assembly. The PDP’s left with only one member in the 26member legislature.

She said: “In Ekiti State, new water is springing and we now have fresh fish inside the water. Our state is now witnessing development we have not seen before and we must identify with this train of development, peace, progress and development.

“Governor Fayemi is a man of integrity, he is a performer and his wife is a wonderful woman who is doing so much for women in Ekiti. On June 21, I want you Ifisin indigenes and all our people in Ekiti to come out en masse and vote APC. “The same way you used to vote PDP in the past, I want you to vote APC now that I have joined the broom party.

(Former Governor Segun) Oni and Fayemi are now one, so cast your votes for the broom party because that is the party for the people”.

Mrs. Oriniowo was received into the APC by the Interim Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, who said the party was a mass movement which is being joined by people who share the dream of development.

At the admission were two APC woman members of the House of Assembly, Mrs. Ayo Fatunbi (Moba 1) and Mrs. Abeni Olayinka (Ado 2).

Fayemi said when Mrs. Oriniowo was in the PDP, she shared the vision of the APC lawmakers in working for the development of the state.

The APC candidate explained that he had earlier attested to Mrs. Oriniowo’s integrity and character during his budget interface with the people of Ifisin last November.

The governor described Mrs. Oriniowo as a “reliable person and a woman of cour-

age”.

He urged the Ifisin community to cast their votes for the APC and stand by their votes on election day.

Addressing the rally held in Osi, Fayemi said the game is up for “those on the wrong side of the divide who represent backwardness and retrogression”.

Ace juju musician Sir Shina Peters added color to the Osi rally, thrilling the crowd with his brand of music.

The governor declared that Ekiti people will not tolerate rigging of the June 21 poll, urging voters to be at alert.

He explained that the roads and the town hall built in the community and beneficiaries of monthly stipends for old people and other empowerment initiatives should motivate indigenes to vote APC. Addressing the people of Ifaki, Fayemi said with the entry of former Governor Oni into the APC, the party is now assured of overwhelming victory.

Fayemi to voters: beware of ‘evil alliance’

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HE John Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation (JKFCO) has warned Ekiti voters of an alleged plot by the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to “forge an evil alliance” in a bid to “stop” Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Its Director-General, Bimbo Daramola, at a news conference in Lagos, urged voters to reject any move that would take the state backward.

He said they should not, in the face of “dizzying promises and political mudslinging” by Fayemi’s opponents, forget his administration’s numerous achievements in line with his eight-point agenda Daramola said since Fayemi assumed office, “the atmosphere of gangsterism, insecu-

By Joseph Jibueze

rity, immaturity and crudity at the highest echelon of the state have given way to a peaceful, decent and humane governance, while the high principles and sense of decorum for which Ekiti people are well known have come to the fore again.”

On the alleged PDP-LP alliance, the organisation said: “This is really not a surprise to us, considering that the Labour Party is nothing but a satellite party of the PDP. But anyone who believes this information is far fetched should put his or her ears to the ground, and will find that exploratory meetings have already started …

“We urge the people of Ekiti to reject those who have no interest in building on the

progress that our dear state has achieved in the past three and half years.

“We urge the people of Ekiti to reject those who will not hesitate to team up with their kind for the sole purpose of denying Ekiti another four more years of peace, progress, prosperity and positive people-oriented programmes “We urge the people of Ekiti to be very vigilant, as alignments of evil are about to be forged with the sole intention of robbing the people of the good governance they have enjoyed in the past three and a half years.

“We say no to a return to the dark days and our gory past, and forward ever for the good people of Ekiti,” JKFCO said.

According to the organisation, Fayemi has raised the standard of living in Ekiti, which has been transformed through unprecedented infrastructural development, massive investment in education and good management of scarce resources.

“It is inconceivable, therefore, that the good people of Ekiti would want to backtrack from the huge and significant progress the state has recorded under Governor Kayode Fayemi, or want a reversal of the good fortunes of the state.

“Therefore, we feel compelled to remind the good people of Ekiti State, both within and outside, that eternal vigilance is the price of freedom, and that the Ekiti people must not and will not return to Egypt,” Daramola said.

Are-Ekiti PDP leaders assure Fayose of support

•Fayose

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EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Are-Ekiti, Irepodun/

Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have reiterated their commitment to ensuring victory for the party’s governorship candidate in the June 21 election, Mr Ayo Fayose.

The leaders described the last Thursday’s attack on PDP supporters in the town as brutish. He urged security agents to bring perpetrators of the attack to book.

Rising from their meeting

in Are-Ekiti, the party leaders in a communique signed by the Ward Chairman, Chief H. O. Owonifari and Secretary, Prince Adedayo Olajutemu, said the PDP would get maximum votes from the town.

The Communique reads; “In 2003, the Kabiyesi Alare of Are-Ekiti went all out campaigning for Niyi Adebayo against Fayose. At the end of the day, Fayose got 1,200 votes

from Are-Ekiti as against Niyi Adebayo’s 300 votes.

“We are happy that the monarch again, openly joined Governor Kayode Fayemi’s campaign. We see this as a good omen because we foresee a repeat of 2003.

“We therefore wish to appeal to our supporters to remain calm, in the face of sponsored attacks, bearing in mind that 80 per cent of the votes of Are-Ekiti belong to the PDP.”

He promised to increase the number of beneficiaries of the monthly stipends to the old age while work has begun on Ifaki-Esure Road.

The governor said his administration completed the Iworoko/Ifaki Road which was started by Oni, describing the roads built under his watch as solid and durable.

Reacting to the demands of Ifaki people for the resuscitation of the AM radio station in the community, the governor promised to convert the station to an FM station to be equipped with modern equipment.

He also said the Institute of Medical Technology of Ekiti State University located in the town would be expanded to create more jobs and boost the economic activities in the town.

He urged Ifaki people to vote APC to benefit from an administration that cares for the masses.

Campaigning for votes at Igbole, Fayemi declared that nobody can reverse the development that is happening in Ekiti, urging the people not to be intimidated by the opposition threat to unleash violence.

SOME youths under the auspices of Youth Traders’ Association have launched a campaign to rally support for the re-election of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The campaign was launched by members of the association in the popular Erekesan Market, AdoEkiti, the Ekiti State capital, with a visit to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe. They also visited stalls within the sprawling ware points to mobilise and widen the support base of the incumbent governor among traders.

Waving banners with various inscriptions on the landmarks of the Fayemiled administration, the youths urged traders to return the governor with their votes on June 21.

Their spokesman, Mr. Opeyemi Fakayode said the mobilisation became necessary because of the facelift Dr Fayemi has brought into governance and turning Ado-Ekiti to a befitting capital city.

Also backing the youths, an apolitical organization – Modupe Adelabu Support Group, noted that the state has witnessed tremendous progress under the Fayemi administration.

The Group’s Coordinator, Prince Diran Aladesanmi, said the state capital has been a major beneficiary of the transformational programmes of government since Fayemi came into the saddle as governor.

Aladesanmi described as laudable legacies the infrastructure provided by the state government.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

10

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Kidnap suspect burnt to death

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suspected kidnapper was yesterday set ablaze by a mob on Ekoro Road in the Abule Egba area of Lagos.

The incident, which occurred around 7a.m, led to traffic gridlock on the road as motorists found it tough meandering through the crowd that thronged the scene of the incident.

Eyewitnesses said the woman allegedly kidnapped three children on their way to school in the area. A bread seller, they said, raised the alarm as the suspect made to escape from the scene.

The woman was said to have been beaten to a pulp before youths in the area hanged a tyre on her neck and set her ablaze with petrol. The Nation learnt that the woman was burnt completely before the arrival of policemen from nearby

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Oke-Odo Police Station.

“We don’t want to give her the opportunity to secure freedom from police custody if she is arrested. You might call this jungle justice, but it remains the only way to discourage others like her from perpetrating sinful acts.

We don’t want another Soka in our community,” said a resident who spoke in confidence with The Nation.

A police source said that no arrest could be made because the identity of the person that set the woman ablaze was unknown.

A man, who simply identified himself as Ikisa, said the three children were going to Army Children School in the area when the suspected kidnapper

accosted them, pretending to be taking them to the school.

“Somebody challenged her on the ownership of the children. She claimed the children belonged to her; they asked questions and discovered that the children were not hers. They beat her up and set her ablaze,” an eyewitness, Mauton Avose, said.

Other sources said the woman came with a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), which she parked at a distance, while others said she wanted to take the children into a tricycle before she was caught and set ablaze.

The police could not confirm if the woman’s SUV was taken to the station as claimed as sources at the OkeOdo Police Station said its Divisional Police Officer was at a meeting when called for confirmation.

By Raymond Mordi

• The suspect before she was burnt ... yesterday

Doctor held for expectant mother’s death

HE police have arrested an alleged quack doctor, Adesina Sulaimon, over the death of a 36-year-old expectant mother in Lagos.

The woman, Mrs Agnes Olajorin, 36, allegedly died in his hospital where she had gone for the delivery of her baby.

The hospital, which is located in the Majoda area of Ikorodu on the outskirts of Lagos, has been sealed up by the police pending the conclusion of investigations.

It was gathered that the

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By Jude Isiguzo, Kunle Akinrinade and Ebele Boniface

Fashola’s wife supports ailing Sofowote

By Jude Isiguzo, Senior Correspondant

late Mrs Olajorin, while in labour, was rushed to the clinic by relatives and neighbours last Friday.

Sources said she developed some complications during delivery and bled to death while the doctor remained helpless.

Suspecting that Sulaimon was unprofessional in his conduct, the woman’s relations were said to have invited the police, who later

‘The hospital was searched and the doctor could not provide the certificate of its registration and his qualification certificate. He just opened the place and started treating people discovered that he was not qualified to practise.

A police source said: “The

hospital was searched and the doctor could not provide the certificate of its registration and his own qualification certificate. He just opened the place on his own and started treating people.”

The state police command’s spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who confirmed the incident, said the suspect had been arrested. She said that detectives at the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigations Department

(SCID) are investigating the case.

Braide said: “On May 2, about 8.30pm, a pregnant woman, Agnes Olajorin, allegedly died with her baby in the hands of Adesina Sulaimon, a quack doctor and owner of an illegal clinic in the Majoda area of Ikorodu during delivery.

The case was reported and the doctor was arrested. The woman’s remains have been deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary for autopsy and investigation is ongoing”.

Mushin mayhem: Arrested businessman sues police

LAGOS-based businessman, Toba Ajiboye, who was arrested in connection with the recent mayhem that occurred in the Akala area of Mushin, has filed a N100 million suit against the police for allegedly violating his fundamental rights.

The police arrested Ajiboye in his Surulere, Lagos home in connection with the latest crisis involving Akala boys in Mushin.

Pa Ogundana goes home Pa Joseph Ibitoye Ogundana, a celebrated herbalist, has passed on in his Ifaki, Ekiti State home. He was 92.

The late Ogundana, who was popularly known as “Baba Wa Bimo,” lived the greater part of his life in Ghana, where he fell in love with their language and lifestyle.

The herbalist, according to his son and family spokesman, Olajide Ogundana, was survived by other children, grandchildren and great grand-children.

The late Ogundana, who has been buried in Ifaki, will be remembered by his children with a service at the Methodist Church, Ifaki on May 17.

• The late Pa Ogundana

•Demands N100m compensation for ‘illegal’ arrest

By Adebisi Onanuga

Ajiboye, whose family filed an application on his behalf for the enforcement of his fundamental rights before Lagos High Court, Ikeja, was arrested “without a warrant” on April 24 and was allegedly brutalised.

Joined in the suit are: Commissioner of Police, Lagos State and Ibrahim Alhassan, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), the Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station.

In his Motion on Notice, Ajiboye’s family including his wife, Mrs Nkem Ajiboye and his younger brother, Sulaiman Babajide, said that all efforts to see him since he

• L-R: Author of the book and foremost journalist, Comrade Jola Ogunlusi; first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale and wife of the author of the book: ‘NNJ: A History of Nigeria Press,’ written by Ogunlusi, during its launch at the Oranmiyan Hall, Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos

was arrested failed, until a Lagos lawyer and rights activist, Mr. Nurudeen Ogbara took over his case and traced him to Badagry, where he was allegedly detained.

However, in an affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Ajiboye’s wife, the family said that despite the fact that their breadwinner was traced to Badagry Police Station, he was not allowed to meet with his lawyer, Ogbara or any member of his family.

They are, therefore, asking the court to declare that Ajiboye’s arrest without warrant and continued detention in Badagry since April 24, without disclosing any offence against him and without trial is illegal and

unconstitutional.

The family is praying the court for an order compelling the police to release him. They are also asking seeking a mandatory order, compelling the 1st respondent (police commissioner) to ensure “that the N1 million carted away by the agents of the first respondent from the house of the applicant on Thursday April 24, 2014, when they invaded the place and whisked the applicant away be refunded to the applicant forthwith.”

He also demanded compensation of N100 million against the respondents jointly and severally for his “illegal and unconstitutional violation of his fundamental rights, as well

as an apology in two national newspapers.

The family claimed it did not know its breadwinner is dead or alive, stressing that the police had denied Ajiboye’s relatives and the lawyer, an access to him.

Mrs Ajiboye also alleged that before her husband was arrested by the police, they beat him up with the support of some hoodlums who allegedly attacked him, “with all sort of weapons, including broken bottles which they actually aimed at his neck.”

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ngozi Braide did not respond to calls put across to her; neither did she reply the text message sent to her.

A date is yet to be fixed for the hearing of the application.

THE of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, has supported efforts to raise N35 million to save the life of Mrs. Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, founder/president of Glowing Channels Foundation, who is battling cervical cancer in a German hospital.

She spoke at Freedom Park, Broad Street in Lagos, while opening a one-week photo exhibition organised to raise funds for her treatment.

Mrs. Fashola said she was supporting the effort as chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), an organisation providing succour for needy children, women with breast and cervical cancer.

Mrs Fashola said Mrs. Sofowote would not have been going through her bitter experiences if she had been going for yearly screening.

“I do my screening every year; that was how the symptom of what could have become a debilitating case of cancer was detected years ago,” she said.

Fire guts mosque in Lagos

By Jude Isiguzo

A popular mosque, Idera Oluwa, which is situated at the Marina car park on Lagos Island has been razed by fire. Property worth millions of naira was reportedly lost in the disaster.

The Imam of the mosque, Mudashiru Folorunsho and other worshippers were said to be praying when the incident occurred.

An eyewitness, Ismail Ahmed, said it was caused by a spark from one of the electrical power points, adding that the incident was immediately reported at the Lion Building from where operatives stormed the scene to put out the fire.

Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the incident, adding: “The cause of fire and value of property damaged are yet to be ascertained. No life was lost and the case is under investigation at Lion Building Division.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

11

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Tiwa Savage calls for return of abducted girls S ENSATIONAL singer Tiwa Savage has lent her voice to the call for the release of the over 200 school girls abducted almost two weeks ago by Boko Haram insurgents.

She made this call last weekend during the sixth stage of the Star Music Trek at Ekwulobia Township Stadium, Anambra State.

Raising her fingers in the air, the audience reportedly chanted “Bring back our girls” after her, thereby joining the global call to find the over 200 female students abducted from a high school in Chibok, Borno State last month.

The recently married singer went on to serenade the audience and an eager male fan, who was invited to join her on the stage.

Her duet with Dr Sid on Dorobucci was the icing on the performance, with the audience

•Charly Boy

Charly Boy eulogises dad

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AVERICK artiste, Charles Oputa, has revealed that prominent musicians such as D’banj and Terry G will be among top artistes who will perform at a concert in honour of his father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, who passed on at the weekend at the National Hospital, Abuja at the age of 96.

Charly Boy, as he is better known, also said his father lived a fulfilled life. “My father was a good and great man, though we did not start off well. In the beginning, he always felt I was too rascal and that I did not obey orders; so, it was important I go my own way.

“I thank God I did that.

Since the past 25 years, I have won the kind of respect I deserved from the man who thought that the direction I took was a wrong move. For the past 25 years, we bond-

S

•Osupa

•Savage

Nigeria’s biggest artistes.

The seventh Star Music Trek concert holds in Onitsha on

May 11, as the music concert continues its exciting Nigerian tour.

Clarence Peters gets MAMA nominations

•The late Justice Oputa

By Ovwe Medeme

ed. I am proud to have had a father like him. I will continue to apply these virtues to my life,” he said.

Meanwhile, retired IGP, Mike Okiro, one of the sympathisers at the Oputa’s residence, described the late justice as a rare gem.

Okiro also described his death a big loss to the family, the judiciary and the country.

“He was a great man and he lived a very good life worthy of emulation,” Okiro said.

Stakeholders wade into Osupa - MAAN face-off

TAKEHOLDERS in the music industry have called on the president of Music Advertisers Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Alhaji Waheed Oyediran, aka Mosebolatan, and Fuji artiste, Saheed Osupa, to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

This appeal was jointly made during a recent stakeholders’ meeting at the Abalti Barracks, Lagos.

Among the notable individuals and organisation that called on the two warring personalities are veteran music producer and marketer, Alhaji Waheed Olumo of Ol-

going wild in excitement.

The host, Gbenga Adeyinka, on his part, provided the teeming audience with a highly amusing show that kept thousands of fans who surrounded the massive Trek stage on their feet for the over 10-hour performance.

Kcee and Harrysong, who were dressed in colourful yellow, white and black outfits, performed a medley of their hit songs: Beta Pikin, Bulienu Jesu, Limpopo, Okpekete, Give it to Me and Pull Over as well as other hits for their appreciative fans.

Other headline acts present at the show were Phyno and Mr. Raw. Since March 29, the Star Music Trek has toured six cities, including Nsukka, Makurdi, Uyo, Umuahia and Orlu.

Over the years, it has brought together thousands of fans across the country to watch live performances from many of

umo Records, Alhaji Mo-Saheed of MoSaheed Records, Fuji Musician Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Islamic Musician Association of Nigeria, (ISMAN) and Musical instrument rentals Association, among others.

During the meeting, which was summoned by the Music Label Owners Association of Nigeria, MULOAN, Alhaji Olumo and Mo-Saheed called on the Mosebolatan-led MAAN to lift the ban placed on Osupa and that both parties should embrace peace.

The MULOAN, led by Elder Joel Ajayi, supported by the Public Relations Officer, Tunde Oselu of Tunderbolt Visions and the Assistant Secretary, Rotimi Babatunde, reiterated the association’s stand on the issuance of logo.

Ajayi said the suspension had nothing to do with the feud between MAAN and Osupa. According to him, it became necessary to check the abuse and pave way for a more effective and transparent process of issuing logos. “Logo is not a condition for replicating companies to produce their jobs. We also enjoin all artistes, promoters, marketers, distributors and retailers to release and sell their musical CDs without logo until further notice,” Ajayi said.

O

RGANISERS of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), MTV Base, have revealed the nominees for the Best Video for this year’s awards show.

Popular Nigerian music video director, Clarence Peters, is nominated twice for Yung L’s SOS and Burna Boy’s Run My Race.

The unveil, which was done at the KwaZulu-Natal

Saka is face of Soul Mate

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OPULAR comic actor, Hafeez Oyetoro, alias Saka, has been engaged

by Soul Mate as the lead act in a new campaign. Also runway superstars, Ure Scott Kalu and Ifeoma Ume Okeke will join him as faces of the new brand of body cream.

“For several years, all we have done is satisfying our customers with a line of hair care products that has grown in leaps.

Now, we introduced a project that we have worked on for years,” said Dele Okusanya, Communications Director of Soul Mate.

Saka and the models are in a commercial portraying the result of using the newly introduced set of body creams. “We are committed to our customers. That is why for two years, we have tested the new line, especially the skin lightening cream and only decided to launch when we were sure the time was right,” Okusanya added.

•Oyetoro

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

and supported by Absolut & The City of Durban, sees Peters competing against the likes of Amr Singh for Heaven, Kyle Lewis for Sleepwalker and Khuli Chana and Terence Neale for Ragga Bomb.

According to the organisers, MAMA 2014 will feature performances from African and international artistes, in-

cluding the awards’ signature collaborations between artistes of different genres and cultures.

The winner for Best Video will be chosen by MTV Base.

Other Nigerian nominees include Tuface Idibia, Davido, Don Jazzy, Flavour, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Dr Sid, Ice Prince, P Square, Olamide, Phyno, May D, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Kcee.

Recently, Clarence made headline news when South African rapper, Tumi Molekane, accused him of lifting key visual elements off his own Asinamal video, which was released a couple of years ago.

According to Tumi, the Eminado video directed by Clarence Peters was a remake of his.

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Life

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Text only: 08023058761

•Okara flanked by, Prof Clark (right) and a guest

‘My life and River Nun’ – SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

X-raying a literary amazon

– Page 48

Setting the stage for Soyinka’s 80th birthday – Page 17

Seoul: The living soul of Asia

– Page 49

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

HUBERT ADEDEJI OGUNDE: TWO-AND-A-HALF DECADES AFTER

Okara flanked by Prof Clark ( second right) and guests

At 93, he walks around unaided. His sight and senses are still sharp. At a conversation and book signing session in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Pa Gabriel Okara relived his life as a poet and writer, and what motivated him to write The Call of River Nun and The Voice, among others. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

‘My life and River Nun’

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OR over 90 minutes, two literary giants Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka and Prof J.P Clark sat side by side listening to a friend and author of The Call of River Nun, Pa Gabriel Okara.

Shortly before the conversation, the two renowned writers has been chatting. Also in the audience were renowned historian and Prof Emeritus A J Alagoa and Prof Chidi Maduka of the University of Port Harcourt, among others. After sometime, guests were asked to rise and welcome the celebrator, Pa Gabriel Okara, who clocked 93 that day.

The gathering, Meet The Author (which also featured conversation/book signing and cake cutting),was held penultimate Thursday at the Royal Banquet Hall of the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. It was to honour Okara on his birthday. It also formed part of the activities marking Port Harcourt as the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organsation (UNESCO) World Book Capital 2014.

But for the eulogies from Prof Maduka, Okara’s 93rd birthday would have gone without a word from the older generation of writers. The duo of Soyinka and Clark declined to talk when requested by the compere, Anote Ajeluonuo, of The Guardian to comment on Okara.

With nostalgia, the Ijaw-born poet spoke of his growing up, his works and why he wrote The Voice, a book that promotes the Ijaw cultural heritage and others. Organisers of the Port Harcourt Book Capital celebration dedicated the evening to celebrating the life and works of Okara, who is still exceptionally active with sound memories at 93.

Telling his childhood story almost in a poetic manner, he said: “I grew up with the water, fishes and trees. I attended Government College, Umuahia where I was introduced to

literature. We were compelled to read one book per week and to make presentations to teachers afterward. From there, I developed the passion for writing. I was in the Gambia for sometimes. I also did printing press in Lagos. I was in the civil war and also had opportunities to go for all manners of training within and across the world. I won many awards in the civil service including that of Rivers State and national honour of OON from the Federal Government. I am happy to take part in the celebration of my 93rd year on the planet earth. I am grateful to God for good health and for strength even to climb up the high step of this podium. I appreciate all my friends.”

“The concept of my writing is feeling, sensitiveness to situation, peculiar thought which others may not have. To me, what keeps me in writing is the desire to express the scene around me. I am driven not by fame or money but by sheer desire and pleasure for writing.

Sometimes I write on what makes me angry as well especially in my poetry”

Like how much did he make from his first published work?

Okara said: “One thing I will like to make clear though it may appear strange to non-creative writers is that I wasn’t taking money when I started writing. I created passion for writing, especially with the conflict in the society. There was a time that the British Council invited me for a poetry programme.

I was so happy when it was broadcast. Later, I was asked to sign for the money for the service. I was shocked and I asked, ‘which money?’ I was happy for the joy of being heard. It was 10 pounds then. That was a big money then. All I wanted was a forum to express my feelings. I was driven by the muses.

That was writing then. I was also happy with the Commonwealth Prize when it came at last. I was paid N500,000 as a joint winner. The joy was in the acceptance of what is written by the generation of loving people of Nigeria.”

What then was the concept behind the writing of this sage?

“The concept of my writing is feeling, sensitiveness to situation, peculiar thought which others may not have. To me, what keeps me in writing is the desire to express the scene around me. I am driven not by fame or money but by sheer desire and pleasure for writing. Sometimes I write on what makes me angry as well especially in my poetry.”

He also explained what motivated him to write his popular poetry collection, The Call of River Nun. “I was in Enugu when I wrote the book. The concept of the poem came to me when I climbed to the top of the hill and watched the insects, the soldier ants, in group, carrying their loads. I began to wonder on such a territory and such preservative manouvres these insects were demonstrating. Also, I thought about my childhood; how different was the atmosphere in the Creek compared with my new abode at Enugu? I began to think about my life journey in the River Nun. I remembered my early childhood. The Call of River Nun may be described as a poem of remembrances, desire to live freely without any fear, without any enemy. I remembered all that happened in the decade that you might have achieved,” he said.

•Continued on page 17

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E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Setting the stage for Soyinka’s 80th birthday

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IGHTY life portraits of Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka dotted the Hall of Fame of the Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta Ogun State capital. It was the opening of a special exhibition tagged Living Legends, to flag off the celebration of Soyinka’s 80th birthday. It was organised by the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE). Governor Ibikunle Amosun led government functionaries including Secretary to the State Government Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa and Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mrs Yewande Amusan to the event.

Amosun extolled Soyinka’s virtues noting that the Nobel laureate as an iconic indigene of the state is role model. He praised the organisers of the event for their efforts.

Mrs Amusan said the government would participate in Soyinka’s birthday activities, including the exhibition.

Her words: “We will be there to support whenever our support is required because our support is not limited to the exhibition.”

The rocky city of Abeokuta, the capital of Soyinka’s home state, Ogun, which is fast becoming a tourist destination, particularly, for those who seek to escape from the unavoidable “madness” of Lagos, the activities lined up for Soyinka at 80 bring additional values.

Amosun hopes to maximise the long celebration and expected high volume of human traffic to showcase the city’s culture and tourism. Mrs Amusan said this much when she listed the city’s tourism focus such as the adire (tie and dye) textile designs festival as well as the Olumo Rock.

“We must, for his sake, put in place all that he stands for,” the place of creativity in the uplifting of a people,” emphasised the governor.

The works on display consist of pieces done in 2008 by 12 renowned contemporary Nigerian artists in various media. The works will also be viewed in other states in the course of the 80-day event, which will end on July 12.

Other activities for the birthday celebration include symposium, theatre perform-

•Continued from page 16 Though he started his career in writing as a playwright he later dropped the genre.

Why did he quit? He said: “I cannot remember any more. It proved to me that I was on the wrong path of my creative writing. I discovered that poetry was my calling. I also wrote short stories.”

Some young writers in the audience wanted to know under what influence he writes. He said: “Comedians are the most serious people. They make you laugh but are serious and collected. They invent situation to make you laugh. Poets are not made to write when they are drunk especially in Ogogoro. Some writers may be inspired by taking alcoholic drinks but not all. Some are drunken and brave in battle field. Some may be inclined to drinking, others don’t, so it is in creative writing. They make people, sometimes, to weep and sorrowful. They express this through their writing. Some sing and some play music.”

At the early stage of his writing what occupied his mind before he wrote?

“What a writer does depends on what happens in the society. Politics and reactions generally, especially the impact such action or change has on him. I keep on saying that a writer or a poet can’t just stop writing. He

•Governor Amosun (centre) Adeoluwa (left) Olu Ajayi, Teju Kareem, Yewande Amusan at the opening of the exibition

By Udemma Chukwuma

CELEBRATION ances, essay competition and workshops.

The theme for programme is: Education: Path to freedom and the future.

Former Chairman, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Lagos State Chapter, Olu Ajayi, who was the curator of the exhibition, said it was coincidental that the life portraits of the icon were being exhibited to celebrate Soyinka at 80.

“In Nigerian history you rarely find legends being documented in art forms, apart from people being commissioned to paint portraits, artists have not engaged people of substance who have contributed to the socio-economic-political life in this country, to have these individuals in the body of work of art. That was what inspired the painting of Living Legends.

“As a living legends’ promoter and as part of cultural exchange, this exhibition is an aspect of it. The painting of Prof Soyinka has gone beyond portrait but in form of body of art. The choice of Wole Soyinka as the living legend is due to his consistency for years,” Ajayi said.

“The youth as future of tomorrow were not left out of this event. The opening ceremony also witnessed a life drawing session by students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. “We are going to have students who will be taken through a workshop in the areas of drawing and framings to make them understand the different

styles of artists that partook in the exhibition,” Ajayi added.

WSICE Project Executive Producer Teju Kareem of Zmirage said the project was in three major parts – the essay competition, which is to mentor the youth; the advocacy, to put identify what we think is right for humanity and art and culture which we will exhibit through stage play, music, drama and exhibition.

Kareem noted that the organisation aims to use the platform as a tool to dismantle the fear that exists among people because of lack of understanding of each other’s culture, religion, commerce and social life.

“We believe very strongly that once the fear is eliminated, through understanding of each other’s culture, the world will experience the peace and unity that we all crave for. That is the trust of International Cultural Exchange, however, we see Wole Soyinka as an icon, who stands for all these virtue…we therefore approached him to lend us his date of birth as our calendar for the event. We chose to identify our goals of international cultural exchange, which is in consonance with Soyinka’s virtue, his humanity, his activism, and his social and cultural being. We see all these as impetus for farther development and cooperation among us. Hence we celebrate Wole Soyinka,” Kareem stated.

The producer of the project, Lillian AmahAluko said: “The discourse we are stating up now is these young ones, who are going to capture a moment in time of their world, they are not going to be painting Soyinka,

‘My life and River Nun’ writes because he wants to express his feelings. Those who are familiar with classical music use that to entertain too. But most importantly, it is the expression of feelings.”

He moved around the venue without the use of a walking stick; climbed the podium unaided and responded fast to all questions.

Okara disclosed the secret behind his super soundness. “Every drug has expiry date.

Some foods also have. Can you accept that you have expiry date? One is kept alive through his activities and strength. He begins to wear away at certain stage. That depends on the state of his mind to start with.

What is in the mind affects your age. Many of us have read about creation in the Bible.

God made man in his image and likeness. It is spiritual. Does God ever die? Does he ever grow sick? Therefore, you will not grow sick or die. What we experience at death is what we believe. What is in the mind affects our life. That is the secret if it is a secret at all.

What you think you are will determine what you will ever be. There is no short cut. You work hard.”

On the need to protect indigenous language and African culture, Okara said:

“In what language do you read? Is it the language of your colonisers? Language grows with the culture of the people. You are known and identified by the culture of which you are nurtured and in which you grew up. So, in Nigeria, we have several languages. The common language is English.

If you want your writing to be read and appreciated outside your enclave, you have to write in English language. While doing that, you have to give some sacrifices to your culture too. In Ijaw, when you say somebody is afraid, you say the person has no chest because we believe it is the chest that gives courage to struggle for livelihood. If someone has no chest, it means he is a dead person or can someone live anatomically without a chest? This symbolises the kind of life people live in riverine area. You have to fight and struggle. Bravery, strength is embedded in ones heart. Without bravery, you cannot live in those days. I have to write the way I did to maintain certain elements of Ijaw culture in the story. The language that is not used vanishes. If you don’t reflect in the language of your expression, some elements of your culture will soon disappear as we find in this country. Those who speak

they are going to be painting the world as they see it, using the living legend project is to draw an analogy for them to see.

“Teju Kareem and Prof Segun Ojewuyi of Global New Heaven started the programme to use the platform of literature, arts and culture to uphold the dignity of man and to achieve global diplomacy because there are so much violence in the world …man against man, and we feel that with education, with knowledge of one another we will come to accept, love and understand one another. And we will be able to live in peace. These individuals are using art, theatre and literature to achieve these phenomena due to their knowledge in these areas,” Amah-Aluko said.

Terra Kulture was represented at the opening of the show by Mrs Ronke Akinyele to support the project as well as encourage the students who will be participating in the workshop.

“Terra Kulture is here to show our appreciation and show our gratitude for another person taking up the platform to do something like this, bringing visual art to the limelight. So far so good the exhibition is nice and I have seen a lot of works by artists I know such as Abiodun Olaku, Ben Osaghae,” Akinyele added.

The Wole Soyinka International Culture Exchange was founded five years ago by Teju Kareem and Prof Segun Ojewuyi who are the Co-Executive producers of the project is to promote education, art and culture through literature, visual art and theatre.

English are mechanised people. In villages, those who live with old ideas can easily be influenced by those who speak foreign languages like English. If we don’t revive and keep alive that aspect of our culture, we will lose our identities and we will join those people who have lost their culture. I hope we will be civilised as I do myself,” he said.

He was later treated to a rousing birthday song and warm embrace by his friends. Prof Maduka used the occasion to present a book on the symposia that were held years ago in honour of the celebrator, saying he was the first writer to be honoured with the honorary Doctorate degree of Letter by Univeristy of Port Harcourt.

The evening was rounded off with a birthday cake. Presented at the cake cutting Soyinka, Clark, Mrs Koko Kalango, Molara Wood, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan and members of his family.

On Friday, it was the turn of another renowned Ijaw-born writer, Prof J.P Clark.

Like his kinsman, Okara, he took the seat at the Meet The Author forum, during whiuch he shared his experiences as a writer. He said he does not beleive ‘we are a wasted generation. The interaction was preceeded by performances by some budding writers coordinated by AJ Dagar Tolar.

•Continued on page 50

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Capital of books

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• Governor Rotimi Amaechi scores for literacy in Rivers State and Nigeria

ARADOXICALLY, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Book Capital 2014 highlights the disturbing challenges facing Nigeria in the important area of citizen literacy. Reading and writing are indisputably essential civilising skills in contemporary times, and it is one of the tragedies of the modern-day Nigerian experience that literacy levels across the country of about 170 million people reflect disproportionately lower numbers of illiterates.

It is heart-warming that last month’s inauguration of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, as this year’s World Book Capital, holds a rich promise for improved literacy in the country. Notably, the administration of state governor Rotimi Amaechi demonstrated uncommon enlightenment by giving support to a local book-focused group, Rainbow Book Club, organisers of the Garden City Literary Festival, which competed internationally with 11 other countries for the nomination, making Port Harcourt “the first World Book Capital City in sub-Saharan Africa.” This historic record truly deserves to be celebrated for the honour it has undoubtedly brought to the country and to the African continent as well.

It is worth mentioning that UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova’s congratulatory words represented a striking tribute to the thought that informed the bid as she referred to “the quality of its proposed programme which provides for extensive public participation and aims to develop reading for all.”

In this connection, Amaechi’s vision is definitely commendable and deserves to be emulated by those who hold the reins

of government across the country, particularly because of its possible far-reaching impact. According to him, “We budgeted nearly N4 billion for the World Book Capital. We are building libraries, but I call them reading rooms, in the city. They are about seven and we are having 23 in all the local government areas. We will equip and furnish the libraries.” No doubt, this is a useful approach to tackling issues related to illiteracy in the society, and an effective way to boost interest in reading, especially among the young. It is hoped that the state government will realise the lofty dreams, not only because such accomplishment will raise the standard of literacy in the state but also for the reason that other states can learn from it and positively change the depressing situation of widespread illiteracy in the country.

Regrettably, Port Harcourt’s reign coincides with perhaps the most potent threat to educational pursuit in the country in decades, speaking of the ongoing terror campaign against western education and related values by the Islamist militia Boko Haram. In specific terms, the group’s outrageous April abduction of over 200 students at the Girls Senior Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, most of them still missing, is a terribly negative and undesirable development. The scandal is even more devastating on account of the fact that it is a monstrous blow against girl-child education, which is relatively disadvantaged, especially in the country’s northern region where the activities of the religious terrorists are pronounced.

Nevertheless, in a philosophical sense, the extremists teach a valuable lesson because their actions are evidently informed by ig-

norance, which will always promote darkness, as against education and literacy, which are agents of light and advancement. Without intending to do so, the group has, by reverse behaviour, contributed to raising awareness in favour of education.

It is noteworthy that President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 launched the Bring Back the Book project in Lagos State, which was in 2012 revived in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, after an uncertain lull. Instructively, he declared that the campaign was designed to “make in-roads into schools all over the country,” adding, “By so doing, we will get our pupils reading to feed their imagination for the upliftment of the entire society.” This idea dovetails nicely with the status of Port Harcourt as World Book Capital.

However, it is important to stress that it will take more than talk.

‘This historic record truly deserves to be celebrated for the honour it has undoubtedly brought to the country and to the African continent as well. It is worth mentioning that UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova’s congratulatory words represented a striking tribute to the thought that informed the bid as she referred to “the quality of its proposed programme which provides for extensive public participation and aims to develop reading for all’

You dey bleach?

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• WHO rates Nigerian women as world champions in skin-bleaching

IGERIA seems to have become a remorselessly cheerless place, like an arid land where flowers don’t grow. In the last few years she has been shorn of good news, especially as concerns human development indices emanating from the United Nations agencies. We are prominent but only in the league of the laggards. Among the poor nations, we are notable; on the jobless index, we are running strong. Just raise any social or economic index and Nigeria is preeminent on the negative end of it.

While these may be understandable considering that our polity has been long beset with poor leadership which has left her underdeveloped for a long time, how do we explain her current laurel as the

‘ Even after we have been liberated from the shackles of colonialism, many of us are still unable to break the chain of inferiority complex and low self-esteem. Despite the crusading work of people like James Aggrey, Booker T. Washington and even Kwame Nkrumah, many years ago, it is uncanny that some Africans, led by Nigerians, would still consider the white skin better or superior to black’

country with the most bleached women in the world, as recently adjudged by the World Health Organisation (WHO)? The desire to make the colour of the skin lighter is a personal decision and has nothing to do with economic or social pressures; it is strictly a self-induced harm.

According to WHO, 77 percent of women in Nigeria use skin-lightening products and this is the world’s highest.

This compares with 59 percent in Togo and 27 percent in Senegal. An independent poll conducted in Abuja early in the year by NOI Polls corroborates WHO’s position. Ironically, it was discovered that the practice cuts across all social strata while educational standing did not prove to be an important factor. This suggests that attempt to alter the colouration of one’s skin has deep-rooted psychological and colonial undertones.

Some respondents said they use skinlighteners because they want “white skin” while yet others said they wished to “look beautiful” and “attractive to the opposite sex”. It was also discovered that many people who bleach believe that light or pale skin depicts beauty and success while dark complexion is considered to be below standard and ordinary.

Sadly, skin bleaching substances like most other things, are hardly regulated in Nigeria. All sorts of tubes, plastic bags of powders, ointments and mixtures can be found in most patent medicines stores and on the sidewalks in markets across the country. Both the imported and locally concocted ones are sold side-byside by vendors. Some of the most ruinously potent ones are not labelled as to their ingredients.

Skin-bleaching has become a pandemic in Nigeria regardless of the fact that skin-lightening creams have been proven over the years to contain dangerous and toxic substances such as hydroquinone, mercury compounds and topical steroids which are known to cause such debilities as kidney failure, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Long use of these chemicals which steadily erodes the concentration of melanin (dark pigments of the skin) often portends long-term damaging effects on the bleached skin; it makes the skin less responsive to suture during surgery while large dose of the chemicals in the body could affect the unborn child in child-bearing women.

It is quite worrisome that even in this age so many Nigerians are still prisoners of their skin colour. Even after we have been liberated from the shackles of colonialism, many of us are still unable to break the chain of inferiority complex and low self-esteem. Despite the crusading work of people like James Aggrey, Booker T. Washington and even Kwame Nkrumah, many years ago, it is uncanny that some Africans, led by Nigerians, would still consider the white skin better or superior to black.

Let us restate Aggrey’s evocative words on this matter that, “I am proud of my colour, whoever is not proud of his colour is not fit to live.” While we urge government to ban bleaching substances and criminalise their sale, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) must initiate campaign to educate bleachers on the need to shore up their self-esteem, be proud of their exquisite black skin and try being beautiful from the inside.

Ethnic Cleansing in Africa

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HE sectarian violence between Christian and Muslim militias and civilian mobs that has plagued Central African Republic for the past several months has tipped into a full-fledged campaign of ethnic cleansing of Muslims from the capital Bangui and the southern part of the country. Efforts to stem the mayhem have so far failed, and the country is on the brink of a de facto partition as Muslims flee toward the country’s northern borders. With 2.2 million people in dire need of humanitarian assistance, donor countries must act quickly to finance the $274 million in emergency aid the United Nations says is urgently needed.

Inside the republic, 600,000 people have left their homes, and, by the end of the year, the United Nations estimates, more than 360,000 people will have fled to impoverished neighboring countries that cannot provide for them. The country’s infrastructure is in tatters, militias and mobs continue to hunt down fleeing civilians, and crops have gone unplanted. The United Nations warns that, at this rate, more children will die in Central African Republic for want of food than from machetes or bullets.

The French now have 2,000 troops in the country working alongside some 5,000 African Union-led peacekeepers. But sectarian tensions have sowed division even among the peacekeepers, with Chadian soldiers charged with siding with the country’s Muslims. The more than 800 Chadian soldiers in the peacekeeping mission left by April 13 after they were accused by the United Nations of firing on civilians at a market, a charge they deny.

The United Nations Security Council has acted wisely to authorize a major new peacekeeping force of 10,000 soldiers and 1,800 police officers to Central African Republic. But there is a real risk the new mission, not scheduled to assume authority until Sept. 15, will arrive too late to prevent the country’s partition into separate Christian and Muslim territories, not to mention the utter destruction of the country and the deaths of millions of people.

It is imperative that everything be done to move this date forward. The United States, Europe and Africa must increase their support for peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. Unless the violence can be stopped and healing begin, it will be largely impossible to hold elections scheduled to take place in February, a first step toward a lasting, political solution. Strong, immediate intervention is urgently required to prevent the sectarian conflict in Central African Republic from collapsing into outright civil war.

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

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: It has been three weeks now since Boko Haram, Nigeria’s tormentor in chief (after poverty), seized over 200 girls from us and there seems to be no end in sight to the hell these girls have been made to go through. It must have been three weeks of horror for these young girls, whose only crime is being born in Nigeria as well as going to school.

Since the kidnap of these innocent girls what we have been treated to is buck passing, as if that’s going to bring back our girls. Even citizens have joined in. I totally agree now, that indeed Nigerians are part of the reasons Nigeria is where she is today. You have to see how citizens have trivialized this matter. I hope Nigerians’ eyes are now open to reality now that the names of some of the missing girls have been released.

The presidential media chat of Sunday night, unfortunately offers little hope. What was that about not knowing where the girls are, from the commander-in-chief? That suggests that even the military does not know anything about these kidnapped girls in the past three weeks, as whatever information the president will have, will have to come from the military.

Does it mean not much efforts have been made since then? The fact that a committee was just set up days ago to look into the kidnap of these girls actually confirms that we are not putting in more efforts to bring back these girls. Was it a decoy? I would have loved it to be but something tells me the president was honest with that answer, which unfortunately is bad news. Now we are hearing that the girls must have been married out to infidels in neighboring countries and the president is saying those rumors are unfounded. Pray, how will the president know if they have been married out or not when he doesn’t

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When will our girls return? even have a clue about where they are?

The trauma, psychological and otherwise, this must have brought upon these girls and their families is better imagined. I just think more efforts needs to be put in to make sure these girls are re-united with their families safely. Nigeria has failed them!

Is there enough intelligence gathering from our military? Does Boko Haram have more men than our military? What is being done

S

IR: The scene in Nigeria over the last few weeks can be taken to be an adaptation from a blockbuster première movie in Nollywood. Everything is just a jest.

In fact, Nigeria is a disgrace.

President Goodluck Jonathan should resign with immediate effect. This country is a complete joke and a disgrace. Maybe I should be clear, I don’t believe that Nigeria is a great country and I don’t believe that we are good people in Nigeria.

Some days ago, some 200 or more girls were abducted from a secondary school in Borno State, or is it the case that they were stolen?

Were they simply nobbled or kidnapped?

Where are these girls? What is happening to them?

Are they being used for rituals in some voodoo, in some juju and/or

to make our borders, especially with Cameroon and Niger republic less porous? Is the President in touch with the Presidents of these countries to find a lasting solution to the activities of these infidels?

Are the Boko Haram elements in the government (as the president admitted) invisible? What’s been done to fish them out? Is there enough information on Boko Haram sponsors? Seriously we are tired of talks. We are tired of accusations and allegations without re-

sults.

On a larger scale, what is been done to reduce the massive illiteracy rate in the North? How about the high unemployment rate there too? What is our budget on security? Or does everybody just collect security votes and leave us to our fate? What is the state of mind of our military men? What’s their take home? Do we take care of them like a country should take care of their security men? Are they well motivated to want to die for their

some other form of religious cultism? Why was it that only girls were kidnapped? Why? Why? Why? How were they kidnapped in the first instance? I thought there’s some form of Emergency Rule with ‘curfew’ and ‘tight security’ in Borno? So, the Boko Haram insurgents came in the middle of the night, opened the schools gate and entered the girl’s dormitories, loaded the girls into trucks, drove through the streets of Borno and disappeared without anyone seeing anything? How amazing? How convenient?

Or are they are still in Borno?

How come no one has seen them?

Are they being kept in an isolated building? Are there no Nigerians close to the place where these girls are being kept or whatever? Maybe they are not even in Nigeria?

The news circulating the media is that the girls had been trans-

ported out of Nigeria into Mali, Chad and Cameroon and ‘sold into marriage’ with some unknown persons at $12, just like you would do to a piece of yam and cloth at the Market Square. How offensive!

Do we have a president in this country or just figurehead? What is the stand of the National Security Council? Or do they even have a stand at all? Do they have a clue at all? Or could it be true that we don’t even have a body like that?

I saw some members of some form of ‘security council’ including Christian Association of Nigeria’s boss, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor on the TV smiling after a ‘security meeting’ a few days ago in Abuja. Could it be that they are happy? What is the cause of their happiness? Is that not a disgrace in itself?

Investigative journalists should be plenty on the streets of Borno

I weep for Nigeria

country? We need answers.

The citizens, especially those around Borno State and environs have roles to play too, if we are going to stop this reign of terror.

The fact is that some citizens know the where about of these infidels, but for some reasons have refused to come forward. They will be doing Nigeria a great service by coming forward with useful information about the sect. They should be encouraged too, as some of them are rightly afraid that their identities will be revealed once they give useful tips to the military . They don’t know who is who. Even the military may have been infiltrated.

More needs to be done before Boko Haram wipes us all out,but first, the government has to bring back our girls.

•Chiechefulam Ikebuiro thalynxis@yahoo.ca

by now and in the suburbs, scavenging for intelligence. Or are they doing that and no one knows about it? Is that even possible? I think our journalists do not care. It is either that or that they are simply lazy and don’t know to go about these things.

Why aren’t Nigerians asking questions? Why hasn’t anyone been arrested?

Is there any search going on? If any search is going on, why isn’t anyone saying anything to Nigerians? Are we that bad that we don’t care about what is happening to other people as long as they are not our daughters, friends or members of our church or mosque? Are we humane at all in Nigeria? Honestly, I weep for Nigeria.

I’m definitely not proud of Nigeria, at all.

• Abayomi Ojo Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

21

COMMENTS

Free ‘Our Girls’; World Economic Forum policing and Triple Terrorism: Boko, Fulani, Political

W

E are waiting for the rescue of ‘our girls’ over 200+ young innocent Nigerian girls seized in the pursuit of education in a secure area. Was this attack not Tony predicted? Surely we Marinho have enough service personnel to surround the relevant part of the Sambisa Forest and execute a shrinking or strangling noose ‘No One in No One Out’ effect while opening whatever channels come up for dialogue and negotiation with Boko Haram which however specialises in the indiscriminate killing and blowing up of men, women, youth and children of all races and sexes as a modus operandi. Another miscalculation is that the borders with Chad and Cameroon were not closed with boots on the ground to prevent any cross border transfer of the girls. Unfortunately this post-kidnap failure has led to stories including that the girls seized at Chibok are beings sold into slavery and forced marriages. Indeed, very worryingly, Nigerian women say that thousands of children have silently been kidnapped in the area with no noise in the press. And meanwhile the Fulani-Nigeria war continues unabated claiming 10-80 lives daily, in spite of ‘peace meetings’. Who is going to pay compensation to families of those ‘killed-for-cow’ by herdsmen across states? Is this not armed robbery, terrorism and a war against defenceless Nigeria? Is this not saying ‘My cow is more valuable than your human life? This Nigeria, sha. So we have a triple terrorism. Security is inadequate. In the cities and towns the police know where the criminals are. However the police often accommodate crime and criminals. If the police can police the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Abuja let them extend their expertise nationwide to protect Nigeria from the onslaught of the terrorists –Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, and the terrorism of political thugs. Note that the political terrorists are as vicious as Boko Haram, yet our police and military allow them to roam around accompanying evil politicians unchallenged.

M

AY 1 or May Day of every year is a day set aside all over the world to celebrate the toiling and suffering workers who bear the brunt of sustaining global economy. Different countries have their unique styles of celebrating the day. In Nigeria, the tradition is a public holiday when workers congregate to undertake official march past and other forms of pageantry.

So, ordinarily, this year’s Workers’ Day, which was marked in Nigeria last Wednesday, followed the same old tradition. At the Eagle Square, Abuja, where President, Goodluck Jonathan, was physically present, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, seized the opportunity presented by the occasion, to rub it in on the government that “unbridled political interests were hampering the war against terrorism”. It lamented that “despite enormous resources voted into maintaining security, the fight against terror has been far from being won partly due to the various conflicting political interests in the country”.

In his address, Abdulwaheed Omar, the NLC President said, “In spite of government’s effort, the situation in the North-east is deteriorating. The initial gains of emergency rule clearly have been lost and the momentum squandered. Indeed, the choice of target, regularity of strikes, weapons used, co-ordination and sophistication of their operations make them not only the leading group to dread.

We feel seriously concerned about the state of the nation’s security infrastructure”. According to Omar, “It is immoral to play politics with the lives of the people. We are almost certain that if anyone was left in doubt about

These political terrorists, thugs, are hired, supplied with weapons including machetes, and paid by aspirants to Nigeria’s various political offices including governor, senator, representatives, LGA chairman and councillors. They are no different from Boko Haram and should be called as such. They are no different from Fulani herdsmen and should be called as such. In 2015, will we allow such terrorism to be disguised as ‘politics’ and political campaigning’? Where will the police, now securing Abuja WEF be then to arrest all the political terrors nationwide to clean up elections for honest politicians to step forward? It depends entirely on the police. We will need impartial police. After the Rivers State debacle, that may be a mirage but there is still time and hope for ‘A Political TerrorismFree 2015 Election’. So far the experience in Ekiti State suggests the need for a massive anti-terrorism police presence to thwart the political terrorism of the usual suspects in the political fray too afraid to face an honest election campaign.

Do we really know Nigeria? It has become a very different place from when we grew up. The amount of security effort to protect the World Economic Forum delegates is an eye opener to all including the police. All Nigerians deserve a higher, honest, upright, efficient, well equipped and well paid police and armed forces. The days of giving a loaded gun to a psychologically unbalanced person who may have just been drinking to a state of drunkenness, just because he has a uniform on, should be over.

Will the true Nigerians please stand up! Nigeria is so desperately in need of true Nigerians.

Every day we hear of and see the bodies of true Nigerians being slaughtered, blown up, run over, machete, machine-gunned, drowned and even killed in the line of duty.

We know that the ECOMOG lost between 3,000 and 8,000 troops, human being, unsung true Nigerians. Where are they buried, where is their memorial? Are the maimed, widows and children catered for? Where are the names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in foreign lands, inscribed in ‘West African Marble’ like the little Military grave at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos? In those days the families around the cemetery smelt the smell of death as bodies of soldiers were buried at night. My late aunty told

me and I personally witnessed an ECOMOG funeral in Sango Cemetery Ibadan where the wife, who was not informed arrived suddenly during the funeral. Her unforgettable words were ‘My husband is dead and you could not even tell me so I could bring the children to his funeral’. Whose duty is it to write condolence letters to the families of dead soldiers? Is it Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence or Special Adviser or the Vice President or the President who writes these letters? The highest honour a man can give his country is that he lay down his or her life for that country, often in the security services! But do not forget the hundreds of farmers, students, youth who have also been forced to lay down their lives due to the inability of the country’s government to defend them in their villages, farms and schools. Is such a country worthy of receiving that final fatal honour from any citizen when it treats its citizens, alive or dead, and their surviving dependents, so shabbily?

Too many Nigerians are Nigerian in name, by mere geographical accident of birth without working at making Nigeria a pride to live in.

‘Every day we hear of and see the bodies of true Nigerians being slaughtered, blown up, run over, machete, machine-gunned, drowned and even killed in the line of duty. We know that the ECOMOG lost between 3,000 and 8,000 troops, human being, unsung true Nigerians. Where are they buried, where is their memorial? Are the maimed, widows and children catered for?’

Ambush on May Day

the universality of this war, the Nyayan bomb blast erased all of that”.

Barely few hours after, as if to prove that they can never be cowed no matter what, the Boko Haram terrorists were on their devilish best as they hid under the approaching cover of darkness to, once more, detonate another lethal ware right inside the Nyayan Motor Park in Abuja. The first twin-bomb attack in the nation’s capital after about two years lull occurred at the same park in the early morning of April 14. The latest attack is coming on the heels of mass protests that have engulfed the country in the wake of the abduction of more than 240 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, North-east of Nigeria.

Recently, a surfeit of protests took over the nation’s landscape. From Chibok to Abuja, Lagos, Ilorin, Kano, Ibadan and other major cities, women in their hundreds brandishing leaves took to the streets to register their discomfort over what their leaders termed “government’s lethargic approach” to this nagging issue of mass abduction of innocent school children who were writing their final examinations. The women are right. So also are all Nigerians united in the clamour to free these school children from their captors and end the terrible nightmare their parents, siblings and loved ones are currently experiencing. But that is easier said than done. The ease, frequency and devastations of these terrorists’ attacks on hapless and defenceless Nigerians are creating more than enough worries in the country and in the global commu-

‘Perhaps, the time has now come for the President to embark on a general house cleaning in order to save him from consistent embarrassment and save the poor, innocent Nigerians who are daily being gruesomely massacred from avoidable deaths’

nity.

Let us look at the scenario like this.

At the May Day celebrations in Abuja, the President had said that those who participated in the Nyayan bomb blast on April 14 would not escape justice. The same day, another devastating bomb blast erupted right inside the same motor park. What the terrorists simply demonstrated by this was that the President could continue to threaten hell and brimstone, while, they, in turn, would always have their way anytime, anywhere.

A few days to the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the Boko Haram terrorists had, in a video broadcast, confidently told a bewildered world that his agents were everywhere, including Abuja, ready to strike whenever the call for satanic exploits come calling. A few days after, his agents struck in Nyayan Park, killing about 80 people while close to 200 were either injured, some seriously, or maimed for life. That same day, his agents swooped on Chibok and forcefully made a way with more than 240 school children. Again, now, they have struck at the same spot in Abuja.

This is a national embarrassment, a calamity of unquantifiable magnitude.

The latest Nyayan bomb attack is eliciting various reactions from the government and other stakeholders, including, of course, the native settlers of Nyayan who can safely be referred to as the land owners. In the wake of the attack last week, a spokesman for the community expressed the frustration of the people over the spate of bomb attacks in the community in recent times and threatened that the community would mobilise and storm the National Assembly to register their disgust if nothing was done urgently to restore normalcy to the area.

The threat by the Nyayan community underscores the general feeling of bewilderment in the country over the inability of the security agencies

to stem the growing tide of killings.

Perhaps, it was to assuage the feelings of the populace that the government held an expanded security meeting in Abuja last week. A fallout of the meeting was the settingup of a fact-finding committee headed by Brig General Ibrahim Sabo. The committee is saddled with the responsibility of providing the government with reliable information on the whereabouts of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

The choice of Sabo, ex-boss of the dreaded Directorate of Military Intelligence, DMI, during the late General Sani Abacha’s Gestapo-like military dictatorship, is quite understandable. Under his watch as DMI boss, Sabo was like the lord of the Manor.

At the beginning of the current Boko Haram crisis, suspicions were rife that a renegade group of the Abacha goons might have had a hand in the crisis in order to draw attention to them. This may or may not be true.

But according to a Yoruba proverb: “Omo ina la n ran sina”, meaning “to get at a wild fire, you need to go through a lesser fire”.

Without mincing words, the latest barrage of explosions in Abuja appears to be the handiwork of fifth columnists bent on destabilising the country through the instrumentality of chaos. In a speech some years ago, the President had alluded to the fact that the Boko Haram terrorism is a cankerworm that has spread its tentacles everywhere - in the government, security agencies and other places. The President may have exonerated his cabinet in his last Sunday’s media chat, but with all that are now happening; it is most certainly that palpable disloyalty exists among the President’s aides and within the security agencies.

Perhaps, the time has now come for the President to embark on a general house cleaning in order to save him from consistent embarrassment and save the poor, innocent Nigerians who are daily being gruesomely massacred from avoidable deaths.

Dele Agekameh Like the late Chinua Achebe said in his book, A Man of the People, “the thieves have taken enough for the owners to notice”. If I may apply this most appropriately in this context, the Boko Haram terrorists, their sponsors and or collaborators, have done incalculable harm to the country and humanity, so much that their temerity should now be stopped by all available means possible.

This is no time to engage in unnecessary finger-pointing; we have all failed this country. It is as if we are bereft of leaders in this part of the world, as everybody with the least opportunity to be in government now scampers for the filthy lucre rather than provide purposeful leadership designed to extricate the country from its present moral and socioeconomic miasma. We can only defeat these terrorists if we all come together and say “enough is enough!” Without this, our children, our brethren, our generation and the entire country will be the worse for it. Nigeria has the potential to be great but this God-given opportunity is being frittered away on the altar of corruption and avarice. We have the manpower, the natural resources and everything to make us great, but our country seems to be operating a plethora of misplaced priorities.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

22

COMMENTS ‘Thank you for keeping alive the abduction of the girls seeking to be EDUCATED. But we seem to have forgotn so soon those who died seeking to be EMPLOYED. The organisers of the interview have smiled to the bank while thier sponsors are in thier offices. Can this happen in South Korea?’ to even Senate Chamber, in some cases, was zoned unchallenged to the “master’s” wife. So, why limit blames to Ekiti?

What of judicial compilicity in installing governors? Dare, we need God’s intervention. From Lai Ashadele.

•Governor Fayemi

For Olatunji Dare Fayemi’s performance would speak him for his second term despite the language of do or die affairs to intimidate him for the coming election. From Gordon Chika Nnorom Mr Dare, I can see that you are an All Progressives Congress (APC) sympathiser.

You can’t see anything bad in Fayemi’s government because you belong to them.

Be it known to you that Fayose footprint is still in Ekiti. Try to be rational in your comment. Fayemi government has bad side too. From Femi, Ekiti.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world” - Mahatma Gandhi. I have made your every Tuesday “AT HOME ABROAD” my breakfast, today’s Ekiti= “The PDP’s morbid obsession” must be read by all Ekiti ketes in around world because to be forwarned is to be armed. I have been expecting Mr Vice-President to deny it and he hasn’t, so he really meant what he said. No wonder Mr Adesiyan Jelili was made the Minister of Police Affairs while another South Westerner was made Minister of State of the Ministry of Defence. Is it another Boko Haram in the making in Ekiti and Osun states? From Pastor Oyeniyi Ajibola,Ayedun Ekiti.

To me as a Free-born of Ekiti State, bringing out Ayo Fayose again by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is an embarasment and a big insult to any decent Ekiti man or woman. From Kayode Adu. Re-Ekiti: The PDP morbid obsession. Sir, being a Professor and an International Lecturer, I expected you to do a better analysis of Fayemi and Fayose. Perhaps Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and other gubernatorial candidates, their pros and cons rather than advertising the sitting governor for retention. We learnt intellectualism from you and your write-ups. You do not have to refer to a candidate as a ‘nonentity’ all in a way to drag him into mud. But who knows tomorrow? None. What will you write if he wins eventually? Rigging, already insinuated. There shouldn’t be foothold anywhere in today’s politics. That was the same page where all columnists promoted somebody in Ondo election of 20/10/2012 and ridiculed Mimiko’s achievement! Alas Mimiko won convincingly. Republicans win and Democrats win elsewhere at different times in U.S.A. Why regional-ethnic politics in 21st century. Peace for 21st June. From Lanre Oseni.

A good article sir,it is time they start paying for their short comings. From Anonymous Dare, in Southwest political history, the Ekiti State bit is more tolerable than that of another where a Christian governorship aspirant from all indications had a visible chance of winning an election but was murdered in cold blood; a matter that has remained in the closet like that of an Attorney General of Federation of Southwest extraction. Politics, in Southwest after the political fathers’ pre-Independence period has lost decorum so much that service to the people, which is the true grain of political leadership, has been relegated to the background in exchange for self service.

In some states, taxes are collected publicly by selected “boys” of the “masters”; without accountability to the state. Candidacy

For Gbenga Omotoso I went through the article,’The road to Sambisa’ with a painful heart. The poor is always treated with contempt and disdain. God will arise to the rescue of the poor children. Those rented ‘mothers’, dressed in gifted robes were looking for food for their poor and helpless children.

They are not sincere. A heartless and shameful outing. From Ubong Andy, Akwa Ibom.

Thank you for keeping alive the abduction of the girls seeking to be educated.

But we seem to have forgotten so soon those who died seeking to be employed.

The organisers of the interview have smiled to the bank while thier sponsors are in thier offices. Can this happen in South Korea? From Anonymous The president himself created insecurity for himself all over Nigeria. He does give a damn, he pitches people agaist themselves. He plays politics of vengeance. A leader who does not consider the interest of his country first is always having problem. The president felt unconcerned and went to Kano dancing while mothers were in the Sambisa forest searching for their abducted chilldren. President Jonathan caused problem for himself, he should face it. From Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Lagos.

I read your editorial of May 1st. Nigeria has survived and shall continue to survive all man made imposibilities on the Federal Governement and President Goodluck Jonathan! Because God’s hand is on the land the truth shall prevail at the end of the storm. The governor of Borno State owes a lot of explaination to the nation,likewise the principal of that school in Chibok. Its indeed a show of shame by the Borno women chasing shadows in Abuja instead of Borno and Kaduna headquarterts of the North! Or to the Sultanate where Islam is watching over the perpetrators of inhumanity to man in the name of Islamic religion.From Anonymous If it is true there was a rally in support of the President’s run in 2015, the show should be called worse than shame. The organisers are criminals and may be part of the Soka Ibadan criminals. Infact, the President if he has human feelings, should sack all his lieutenants singing his praises if any at the wrong times. From Foluso When nothing tangible is happening, shameful things happen, its just a matter of time.From Anonymous Sir, you are right. It is a show of shame, we should rescue the girls before campaign and if government fails then they should all quit . From Anonymous .Sir, If this country continues like this there will be war very soon.BOKO Haram is mixed up with retired members of armed forces of which the contry has been relegated. The cry of people who fought for this nation’s civil war and now neglected has caused a great harm untill those people are properly catered for war is on the way. The prayers of dead soldiers wives and their childrens will not let this country be in peace. From Anonymous “Re- Show of Shame in Abuja’’ Going by the attire worn by these women rallying for Jonathan it shows they are from the southern part of the country. Do they think Jonathan will retain the presidency

with votes just from the southern part of the country ? I am not surprised anyway for the President himself behaves like the president of the Ijaws and not as the president of the entire nation. God bless Nigeria. From Anonymous Good day, your comment on editorial notebook today speaks my mind. Let us keep up the campaign for the release of our daughters. May God save us from this inept government. From Leke, Minna Dear Gbenga, The road to Sambisa: It is with sadness, I comment on the fate of missing Chibok school girls. I pray that God will touch the hearts of their abductors, and make dem release these innocent girls. Their situation reminds me of the days of Biafra, where the conquering Nigerian soldiers ‘captured’ innocent Ibo (Biafran) girls, and converted them, as their spoils of war and wives, with no payment of dowry or consent of parents.

No person in Nigeria, the government of the day, military command, not even the vociferous Human/Civil Rights and International community condemned the irreprehensible act. Today, 2014 Nigeria, Boko Haram has re-enacted d same scenario. Lesson and moral story: what goes around, comes around, and those who fail to learn from history, repeat history!.

Thanks. From Chukwuma Dioka. Owerri, Imo State.

Sir, show of shame is gross under statement. It is the height of insensitivity, the organisers and participants are heartless, clearly the women amongst them are not mothers and will never be mothers, they are heartless. I feel so pained just like the President. My feelings have nothing to do with whether I like Mr. President or not.

How much could they have been given to kill their sensibilities? What a time? Iweep for Nigeria. From Timi Owei The President Goodluck Jonathan campaigners are not just insensitive but God less and irresponsible. What it potends is that they don’t have respect for human life.

I wish the abducted girls were children of our lawmakers,appropriate action would have been taken to free them. From Anonymous I am so grieved about those “mothers“ who are NOT mourning with those of us in grief.Are these ones mothers ,sisters or Aunts? Greedy and shameless people !

Also, unwise males joined them in the show of shame in Abuja. From Solomon.

The greatest shameless thing that can be displayed by our leaders after all the innocent blood shed is for President Goodluck Jonathan to contest re-election in 2015. From Comrade Ibrahim Sir, come to think of it, since Boko Haram hits and run out through the border to neighbouring countries it is easy to get the countries to cooperate. The answer is close our borders while the search last. I do business with one of our neighbouring countries but for the 200 girls I will close my business. Thanks. From Anonymous For Tunji Adegboyega Dear Tunji, your opinion today (Sunday) was very apt. It was ex-President Shehu Shagari who told the opposition parties of his time that ‘if you can’t beat us, join us’. I think for so long, organised Labour had complained about bad governance to no avail. I think that they have decided to heed Shagari’s call and joined “Any Government in Power (AGIP)! Thanks. From Chukwuma Dioka, Owerri, Imo State.

It is a pity that Nigerians have become slaves in their fatherland. Our leaders cannot speak boldly again because the ghost of their deeds is haunting them. The leadership of the NLC has become weak and

•Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar

redundant. It cannot fight for the masses again, but itself. They deceived us during the fuel subsidy. There are no convincing words coming out of the labour leaders; instead, they were showing us where they stood with the president. Emulate the comrade governor and stop … From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

He once told us that corruption is not Nigeria’s major problem. Now, he has said that poverty is not the country’s major challenge. I think Mr. Jonathan is right.

Or, how could anyone fault him? On this, knowing quite well how he went to school bare-footed and suddenly found himself in a position where he could squander money? Did he not tell Nigerians in Kano how he doled out cash to get the presidency in 2011? How can a man under whose watch government officials keep stealing billions and moving freely, with the law appearing incapacitated know what poverty is all about? As far as I am concerned, Jonathan’s administration is one of the tragedies that have befallen Nigeria. This is why all lovers of democracy and good governance should ensure that it is banished from Aso Rock in 2015. From Ifeanyi O. Ifeanyichukwu, Abuja.

The charge of docility against the present crop of Labour leaders ties with the insinuation that some Labour leaders of the recent past owe much of their personal wealth and political ascendancy to the exploitation of their positions while in office. While seemingly fighting fir the masses, some of these so-called activists are believed to have negotiated some underhand deals with government officials .

Some are perceived as beneficiaries of the sleazy oil sector. Thankfully the inimitable comrade governor is still alive with some of his close associates to clear the air on what basically the perception of progressive corruption in the ranks of Labour leaders. From Kuteyi R.R., Ondo.

It is very painful that the present NLC/ TUC leadership are ‘sidon look’. Many things are going wrong and they are doing nothing; it is very unfortunate. They don’t have a fighting spirit against the backdrop of Nigerian workers’ welfare.

They should have emulated the past leaders in terms of doggedness in fighting for workers’ wellbeing. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

Someone once observed that a staff of authority in a wise man’s hand is nothing more than a wood in the hand of a fool. No organisation can rise beyond the quality of its leadership. Labour has gone the way of everything Nigerian; standards have simply collapsed!. From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso.

After reading your recent write-up about we Nigerians celebrating the outstanding growth of our economy, I felt so sad that due to politics and some other issues that relate to insecurity, such huge achievement like this seems to be under-reported, maybe especially by well-meaning Nigerians who have not given up, believing the caucus of ‘nothing good can come from Nigeria. In fact, I am surprised and glad reading your column instead of glancing through it. Maybe they are blind, except when there is casualty done by insurgents.

From Styl-cef Ussr.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

25 NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

Dana Group seeks N4.5b from NSE D ANA Group of Companies Plc plans to raise about N4.5 billion from the capital market through a medium-term debt issue.

Dana Group plans to float a six-year bond to raise N4.5 billion. It will carry a fixedrate coupon and will be due for redemption in 2020.

The corporate bond is expected to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The NSE has given its approval to the corporate bond.

Sources said the net proceeds of the bond issue would be used to strengthen the operations of Dana Group, a conglomerate of several businesses across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

From its maiden business of pharmaceuticals manufacturing in the mid 80s, the group has diversified into not less than eight other businesses including bulk importation of industrial

By Taofik Salako

Capital Market Editor

chemicals, affordable pharmaceuticals and surgicals, commodities, polyethylenes, automobiles, electronics and white goods.

It inaugurated a plastics plant for household products in 2000 and followed this by setting up a pharmaceutical formulation plant and a table water bottling plant in 2003. The group also ventured into the manufacturing of food products with an instant milk plant under the banner of danaco milk and an instant noodle plant under the banner of Dana Sun Yum Noodles in 2007, and a rice milling plant too, using state-ofthe-art food processing equipment from the world leaders in their fields.

Dana Group also acquired

steel rolling mill in Katsina to produce debars and wire rods, which was a high point in 2006. The group has also diversified into the food sector, automobile sector and aviation sector.

Global corporate new bond issuance reached $3.2 trillion last year, the second highest annual total since 2009’s $3.3 trillion, according to Standard & Poor’s (S & P).

In a report on credit trend, Standard & Poor’s stated that investor appetite for corporate debt was very healthy for most of the year, dipping only during certain periods due to the uncertainty related to the timing of the Fed’s tapering.

According to the report, with a relatively low and stable cost of capital, many companies pursued capi-

tal-intensive projects, made strategic acquisitions, and pre-financed or refinanced obligations.

“Both investment-grade and speculative-grade bond issuance were strong in 2013. Of the $3.2 trillion in new corporate debt issued globally, investmentgrade corporate issuance comprised nearly $1.8 trillion or 55.1 per cent of the total, while speculativegrade debt reached a recordhigh of $507 billion or 15.7 per cent of the total,” the report stated.

S & P noted that the sharp rise in the issuance of speculative-grade debt is telling as investors appeared to have become more comfortable with riskier assets in 2013 as they searched for ways to improve overall yield.

To put this in perspec-

tive, speculative-grade bond issuance was $419 billion in 2012. Previous to the recession, in 2006 and 2007, speculative-grade bond issuance only reached $208 billion and $213 billion, respectively, before dropping as low as $56 billion in 2008. Even entities at the lowest end of the ratings spectrum were able to sell their bonds on the capital markets, which is partly the reason why defaults were less frequent in 2013.

Globally, only 2.16 per cent of speculative-grade companies defaulted in the 12 months through the end of November, last year, down from 2.5 per cent in 2012. Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services did not rate $942 billion of the $3.2 trillion in new bonds that were issued last year.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil

-$117.4/barrel

Cocoa

-$2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

- ¢132.70/pound

Cotton

- ¢95.17pound

Gold

-$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

-$163/lb MARKET

CAPITALISATIONS NSE

-N11.4 trillion

JSE

-Z5.112trillion

NYSE

-$10.84 trillion

LSE

-£61.67 trillion RATES

Inflation

-8%

Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending

-15.87%

Savings rate

-1%

91-day NTB

-15%

Time Deposit

-5.49%

MPR

-12%

Foreign Reserve

$45b

FOREX CFA

-0.2958

EUR

-206.9

£

-242.1

$

-156

¥

-1.9179

SDR

-238

RIYAL

-40.472

•From left: Deputy President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. KayodeOkunoren; President, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu and Mr. Keith Alford, Managing Director, Old Mutual Life Assurance, when the company executives hosted insurance brokers in Lagos.

Associated Airline mulls payment of compensation seven months after HERE are indications to victims’ families crash. that Associated Air-

T

line, owners of the crashed chartered Embraer 120 plane marked 5NBJY, may soon commence payment of insurance claims to the victims’ families.

The plane crashed over six months ago while conveying the body of former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu, shortly after take-off from the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

The Nation gathered that the payment is expected to pave way for the airline to resume flight operations in the country. Sources in NAICOM said this was the outcome of a meeting between the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the owners of Associated Airline.

CBN’s monthly credit to banks hits N653.7b

- P 26

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

Sixteen of the 20 people on board the ill-fated plane, including the Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Deji Falae and MIC boss, died in the crash.

There were seven survivors.

Other passengers, who died in the crash, are Tunji Okusanya, Chijioke Duru, Kingsley Amaechi, Deji Afolabi, Mrs. A.O. Alabi, Daji Bernard, Deji Falae, Samson Hassan, Olatunji Okusanya, Capt. Yakubu; Flight officer Oyinlola; Engr. Soroh Ebiya; Flight dispatcher Ibrahim; Mr. Felix Latoya; Cabin attendant Owolabi, and Cabin attendant, Samson.

The Montreal Convention

of 1999 states that airlines wishing to operate on domestic route shall adopt the approved liability limits in line with the requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which states that the airline shall pay compensation in the case of death, or injury of passengers of $100, 000 per person, destruction, loss or delay of baggage shall be $1, 000 and destruction, loss, damage or delay of cargo shall be $20 per kilo.

Although the first part of the compensation of $30, 000 is meant to be paid three months after the crash, in the case of Associated Airline, nothing has been heard from the airline

NSE slams N100,000 weekly fines on 80 firms

- P 27

the

When The Nation visited the office of the airline at the local airport last week, a stern looking worker declined comments on the matter, urging the reporter to see the Managi n g D i r e c t o r , M r .

Tunde Oremule whom he said was at the Head office in Toyin Street, Ikeja.

Efforts to get the Chief Operating Officer, Alhaji Taiwo Raji, to respond to enquiries proved abortive as he did not respond to the text messages sent to his mobile phone.

Contacted via a text message on the matter, Chief Press Secretary to the late Ondo State Governor, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi, wrote: “I will crosscheck whether they have started paying the claim and get back to you.”

ICAN wants IFRS specialists in financial sector

By Collins Nweze

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HE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has called for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) specialists in the financial sector.

Its President, Kabir Mohammed, made the call in Lagos.

He said prior to IFRS, what obtained all over the world were country-specific versions of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which were based on cultural, legal, economic and regulatory peculiarities of individual countries.

He explained that in most cases, these standards differed extensively, thereby causing confusion for investors and creating problems for multinational companies that needed to prepare varying sets of financial statements for the different countries where they operate.

He said the need for IFRS specialists in the financial sector to increase and also the need to enhance capacity building in that field.

The ICAN boss, who spoke during the induction for the corporate finance management faculty of IFRS certification programme, said following Nigeria’s adoption of IFRS, the corporate finance management has been in the forefront of building capacity in this area.

He said ICAN awards certificate of proficiency in IFRS to desiring members to achieve this objective.

According to the ICAN boss, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) Act 2011 has replaced the repealed Nigeria Accounting Standards Board Act No 22 of 2003.

The new Act has also given the Council the responsibility for developing and publishing accounting and financial reporting standards to be observed in the preparation of financial statements of public entities in Nigerian and related matters.

He said the Act has expanded the scope of activities of the FRC by creating additional departments in such areas as corporate governance, audit standards, valuation and actuarial services.

It also separated accounting standards in private sector from those of the public sector and will enhance financial reporting in the later which hitherto, has not received the prominence required due to very few available standards for the sector.

During the induction, 52 accountants were awarded the proficiency in IFRS certificate brings the total awardees to 204.

PenCom explains new Police PFA

- P37

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

26

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

CBN’s monthly credit to banks T hits N653.7b HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) credit to banks and discount houses has hit N653.7 billion, The Nation has learnt.

There are 21 banks and five discount houses in the country.

The fund, which came as Standing Lending Facilities (SLFs), attracted N1.8 billion interest.

The fund was given at 14 per cent interest. The SLF is an overnight CBN credit available on banking days between 2 pm and 3.30 pm, with settlement done on same day value. Funds were sourced from savings and foreign currency deposits, as well as accretion to unclassified assets.

The CBN said credit to the domestic economy rose by 2.2 per cent to N12.2 trillion above that of the preceding month. This was attributed to the 2.6 per cent increase in banks’ credit to the private sector, which offset the 4.9 per cent fall in credit to the Federal Government during the period under review.

Stories by Collins Nweze

Total specified liquid assets of the DMBs stood at N5.9 trillion.

The liquidity ratio fell by 1.1 percentage point below that of the preceding month and was 15 percentage points above the stipulated minimum ratio of 30 per cent.

The loans-to-deposit ratio, which stood at 55.5 per cent, was two percentage points higher than of the preceding month, but was 24.5 percentage point below the prescribed maximum ratio of 80 per cent.

Total assets and liabilities of the discount houses stood at N177.9 billion, an increase of 48.7 per cent above that of January. The development was accounted for by the 59.6 and 67.4 per cent rise in cash and balances with banks

and claims on the Federal Government. The increase in total liabilities was attributed to the 116.2 per cent growth in moneyat-call.

Also, discount houses’ investment in Federal Government securities of less than 91-day maturity rose to N86.35 billion and accounted for 60.2 per cent of their total deposit liabilities. Hence, investments in Federal Government Securities was 0.2 percentage point above the minimum level of 60 per cent.

Discount houses’investments on treasury bills rose by 134.5 per cent over that of the preceding month. Total borrowings by the discount houses stood at N42.4 billion, while their capital and reserves was N23 billion.

Data indicated mixed develop-

ments in banks’deposit and lending rates.

With the exception of the average savings, seven-day and over 12 months deposit rates, which declined from 3.27 to 9.80 in January to 3.26 to 9.68 per cent, other deposit rates of various maturities rose from 8.21 per cent to 9.40 per cent in the previous month to a range of 8.41 to 9.60 per cent.

At 8.49 per cent, the average term deposit rate rose by 0.06 percentage point above that of the previous month. Similarly, the average maximum lending rate rose by 0.31 percentage point to 25.83 per cent.

However, the average prime lending rate fell by 0.02 percentage point to 16.93 per cent during the review.

Also, the margin between the average savings deposit and maximum lending rates increased by 0.32 percentage point to 22.57 per cent.

Why banks will not increase lending,

by RenCap B ANKS are still hunted by the 2007 meltdown, when they gave out non-performing and delinquent loans that triggered the global financial crisis, a report by Renaissance Capital (RenCap), has shown.

In the report tagged: “Global Emerging and Frontier Markets: Which markets can boom?”

RenCap said those fears made it difficult for the lenders to increase their loans.

It said despite the problems, banks must improve on their lending to support equity prices.

According to the investment and research firm, banks have become cautious following their experience in lending 14 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007. It predicted a modest rise in nominal growth from 13 per cent last year to 16 per cent this year. “We expect a modest uptick in nominal growth, from 14 per cent in

2013 and 16 per cent in 2014,” it said.

According to the report, the growth index suggests the main bid for equities will continue to come from rapidly rising local pension fund money and frontier cash. “It explained that in the first quarter of 2014, and perhaps the entire first half of 2014, we see Nigeria outperforming Kenya, due to movements by frontier investors,” it said.

RenCap said Nigeria’s rising weight in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) index, up from 14 per cent to 20 per cent is one factor behind this, adding that assumption of naira stability remains critical.

It said analysis of debt cycles shows that credit booms have tended to drive equity returns.

“Conceptually, we think this makes sense, as credit booms have tended to coincide with accelerating economic activity, periods of low interest rates and strong corporate earnings,” it said.

It said the magnitude of the credit expansion is key, especially when credit is growing faster than GDP is expanding, there is a greater opportunity for equity and other assets to perform well.

Put simply, excess growth of credit tends to spill over into asset prices, including property and equity and can eventually feed through into inflation,, he added.

“Nigeria, Mexico and Turkey also have a somewhat supportive credit-growth trend although Turkish credit growth and pricing are increasingly dependent on the availability of funding,” it said.

In the interbank call segment, the weighted average rate, which stood at 11.98 per cent in the previous month, fell to 10.50 per cent in February.

Bank to boost e-payment

F

From left: Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Business Development Director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Ria, Manuel Raventos; Executive Director, Risk Management, Fidelity Bank, Onome Olaolu; Executive Director, Lagos and Southwest Bank, Ik. Mbagwu and Executive Director, Corporate Banking, John Obi, at the launch of Fidelity- Ria Money Transfer in Lagos.

• Acting CBN Governor Sarah Alade

IDELITY Bank Plc is working on Information Technology (IT)-driven transformation projects to boost electronic banking, its Managing Director, Nnamdi Okonkwo, has said.

Speaking at the bank’s Annual General Meeting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, he said the projects would be handled by experts.

Okonkwo said: “We have also restructured our sales force into a flatter and more nimble organisation, which is closer to the customers and aggressive enough to drive our market share aspirations in order to achieve our corporate strategy. We are centralising our processing functions which will reduce our cost to serve and improve uniformity of customer service.”

He said the bank’s shareholders okayed a 14 per ordinary share of 50 kobo dividend payout for its investors.

Okonkwo said the bank has adopted a mantra tagged: “Back to the basics, forward to the future.” This, he explained, involves its drive to build a performance-driven organisation on the back of product innovation,

superior customer service and to enable it compete fiercely in the retail and electronic banking segment with technology driven innovation.

He said the bank’s resolve to support the productive sector and grow a new generation of passionate entrepreneurs led to the creation of the Fidelity Managed SME team that provides financing, business advisory services, capacity development and shared technology platform to SMEs. “We hope to remain steadfast in encouraging Nigerian entrepreneurs through delivering special products and services, and improved platforms for knowledge sharing and business advisory services,” he added.

Last year, he said, the bank expanded its foray into some new and key sectors by establishing and growing a relatively balanced and sustainable business portfolio that would provide a consistent revenue stream in the years ahead, adding that its collection of business in both public and private sectors has continued to improve on the back of the redeployment of more efficient platforms.

AfDB sets development goals

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HE African Development Bank (AfDB) Board of Directors has approved the institution’s Results Measurement Framework (RMF) covering 2013 to 2016.

The RMF is a corporate management tool which helps the institution to meet its development goals.

It is framed around 100 performance indicators organised into four interconnected levels, namely: Development progress in Africa (Level one); AfDB’s contribution to development in Africa (Level two); the bank’s operational performance (Level three); and its organisational efficiency (Level four).

According to the bank, the exercise will further enhance the bank’s ability to maintain high standards in delivering development results on the continent.

Also, it will track performance at all four levels through the Annual Development Effectiveness Reviews.

“The document is based on extensive research and draws on international best practice in managing for development results. It not only builds on lessons learnt from experience in implementing the previous RMF, but also benefits from consultations from other development institutions,” it said.

The bank’s Director, Department for Quality and Results, Simon Mizrahi said: “The Results Measurement Framework is not an end in itself: It is a development tool for the bank to achieve its objectives.”

He said the RMF brings together evidence from the bank’s work, including its strength and weaknesses, so appropriate action could be taken to implement its programmes and successfully meet its new ambitions outlined in the 10-year strategy from 2013 to 2022.

He said in approving the RMF, the directors expressed satisfaction, saying that it strengthens the measurement culture in the AfDB.

27

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

NSE slams N100,000 weekly fines on 80 companies

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has imposed a weekly fine of not less than N100, 000 each on all the companies that failed to submit their 2013 audited annual reports and accounts by the expiration of the extended deadline of April 30, 2014.

The NSE, in a response to exclusive media enquiry by The Nation, stated that it has no intention to grant further extension of the April 30, 2014 deadline. The NSE stated that barely half of companies with December 31, 2013 year-end met the deadline and that defaulters will be sanctioned in line with Appendix 111 of the NSE Greenbook, which contains listing requirements.

Section 14 of the Appendix 111 states that “any late submission of accounts shall attract a fine of N100, 000 per week from the due date until the date of submission” while “a listed company who contravenes any of the provisions of the Listing Rules and General Undertaking and fails to pay the penalty imposed on it for such contravention on or before the due date shall be liable to a further fine of N300,000 in addition to N25,000 per day for the period the violation continues”.

Besides, the sanctioned companies are expected to state in their subsequent annual report details of contraventions and the sanctions imposed for such contraventions.

According to the NSE, there were 136 companies with December year-end but only 71 companies had submitted by the close of working hours.

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

“The Exchange has granted a one month extension to all listed companies irrespective of their year-end to submit their audited accounts and reports. There is no present intention to grant any further extensions,” the NSE stated.

The Nation’s check indicated that the NSE has now tagged 80 companies with its “Below Listing Standard” (BLS), which confirms their failure to submit their audited annual reports within the deadline and also confirms the imposition of sanctions. The 80 companies included 65 companies with December year-end and some 15 companies with year-end within the previous year.

The sanctioned companies included West Africa Glass Industries Plc, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, Cappa & D’alberto Plc, Big Treat Plc, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, National Salt Company Nigeria Plc, UTC Nigeria Plc, African Alliance Insurance Plc, Aiico Insurance Plc, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Continental Reinsurance Plc, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Equity Assurance Plc, Goldlink Insurance Plc, Great Nigeria Insurance Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc, Intercontinental Wapic Insurance Plc, International Energy Insurance, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Law Union And Rock Insurance Plc, Linkage Assurance Plc, Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc, Nem In-

surance Company, Niger Insurance Company, Oasis Insurance Plc, Prestige Assurance Company Plc, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Staco Insurance Plc, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, Unic Insurance Plc, Unity Kapital Assurance Plc, Universal Insurance Company Plc, Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc, Abbey Building Society Plc, Royal Exchange Plc, Ekocorp and Evans Medical Plc. Others were Omatek Ventures Plc, NCR (Nigeria) Plc, E-Tranzact International Plc, Starcomms Plc, MTI Plc, African Paints (Nigeria) Plc, IPWA Plc, Austin Laz & Company Plc, Nigerian Wire & Cable Plc, Afroil Plc, Oando Plc, Beco Petroleum Product Plc, Conoil Plc, R.T Briscoe Plc, Ikeja Hotel Plc, Daar Communications Plc, Studio Press(Nigeria) Plc, Smart Products Nigeria Plc, Rokana Industries Plc, Capital Oil Plc, Union Ventures & Petroleum Plc, Adswitch Plc, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, C & I Leasing Plc, Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc, Aso Savings & Loans Plc, Costain (W.A) Plc, G Cappa Plc, Union Homes Savings & Loans Plc, Nigerian German Chemical Plc, Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc, Premier Breweries Plc, Rak Unity Petroleum Plc, Golden Guinea Breweries Plc, Premier Breweries Plc, Lennards (Nigeria) Plc, DN Tyre & Rubber Plc, P.S Mandrides & Company Plc, John Holt Plc, Deap Capital Mgt & Trust Plc and Juli Plc. Some market pundits said the NSE should conduct operational review of

companies that have persistently been fallen short of corporate governance standards with a view to determining the real reasons behind their persistent failures.

A report on sanctions and fines for similar defaults in 2013 obtained yesterday showed that the Exchange slammed about N105.9 million on 48 companies that delayed their results.

The fines ranged between N200, 000 and N6.8 million.

The NSE had slammed some N60.2 million as fines on 34 companies for failure to meet deadlines for 2011 audited reports. With a range of N3.8 million and N100, 000, average fine for the year was N1.77 million.

Post-listing rules at the NSE require quoted companies to submit their earnings reports, not later than three months after the expiration of the period. Most quoted companies including all banks, major manufacturers, oil and gas companies, breweries and cement companies use the 12-month Gregorian calendar year as their business year. The business year thus terminates on December 31.

NSE’s regulatory filing calendar indicates that the deadline for submission of annual report for companies with Gregorian calendar business year is March 31.

However, on the heels of exclusive report by The Nation that less than onethird of the companies submitted their annual reports by March 31, 2014, the NSE had extended the March 31 dead-

line for a period of one month, giving companies that operate the Gregorian calendar year as their business year up till April 30, 2014 to submit their audited earnings reports for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The tagging of the defaulting companies with “BLS” serves as caveat and red alert to investors that the tagged companies are operating below expected corporate governance standards as set out by the listing rules at the NSE. NSE uses four different kinds of tags or symbols to alert investors about the status of each quoted company. These include “BLS”, the first degree alert level indicating a company that has not complied with post listing rules such as late submission of financial statements, unauthorised publication, and management failures among others.

Also, financial services companies such as bank and insurance companies awaiting regulatory approval will carry the appropriate symbol of awaiting regulatory approval (ARA). Companies that are undergoing a capital reconstruction exercise including supplementary issue, share buyback, split, share reconstruction among others will be tagged with capital reconstruction exercise (CRE) while companies that have indicated that they will be delisting or companies that are being delisted at the instance of the regulator would be flagged with delisting in process (DIP) symbol.

Caverton to list 3.35b shares on NSE

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has given approval to Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc to list its entire share capital on the main board of the Exchange.

The quotation committee of the NSE gave the approval after reviewing the prospective listing documents submitted by Caverton.

Caverton would be listing 3.35 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each by way of introduction. The listing by way of introduction will enable existing shareholders of Caverton to trade on their shares while new investors can buy into the company.

Market sources also hinted that Caverton will also float an initial public offering (IPO) to raise funds from the general investing public.

Coming on the heels of the historic listing of SEPLAT Production and Development Company as the first upstream company on the NSE, the listing of Caverton will provide further inroad into the upstream oil and gas industry.

Incorporated in June 2008, Caverton Offshore Support Group was formed in response to the Local Content Policy of the Federal Government,

J

which is aimed at increasing indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.

The group, made up of Caverton Marine Limited, Caverton Helicopters Limited and other subsidiaries, is an indigenous conglomerate and one of the leading providers of marine, aviation and logistics support services to the oil and gas sector.

Caverton Helicopters and Caverton Marine have provided services to clients working within the oil and gas industry for 15 years and have a global workforce of more than 600 employees.

Caverton Helicopters, which started operations with an intra-city helicopter shuttle services in Lagos in 2004, has grown steadily to become a dominant player in the oil and gas and aviation sub-sector within and outside the country.

On its part, Caverton Marine Limited, which was incorporated in 1999, has, among others, provides premium marine services to the Nigerian Ports Authority, Oando Plc, Total Fina Elf, African Petroleum, Shell Trading and Shipping Company and Shell Petroleum Development Company.

•From Left: Vice Minister of Trade, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Mr Myong San; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, at the 4th Session of the Nigeria-DPRK Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Abuja ... on Monday.

Julius Berger Nigeria dangles 120m shares, N3.24b dividend

ULIUS Berger Nigeria (JBN) Plc will combine cash and scrip dividends as returns to shareholders for the 2013 business year.

The board of director of the construction company said it has recommended distribution of N3.24 billion in cash dividends and 120 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each as bonus shares as returns for the 2013 business year.

A breakdown of the dividend recommendation indicated that shareholders would receive a dividend per share of N2.70 and a bonus share of one share for every 10 shares held as at the closure date.

According to the board, the bonus shares will rank parri passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares of the company except that such shares shall not qualify for dividend recommended by the Directors in respect of the year ended De-

cember 31, 2013.

As in the case of the dividend, shareholders whose names appear in the register of members as at the close of business on May 30, 2014 will benefit from the bonus issue.

Audited report and accounts of Julius Berger for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that turnover rose marginally from N201.57 billion to N212.74 billion. Profit before tax rose by 31 per cent from N12.34 billion to N16.22 billion.

Profit after tax however dropped slightly from N8.19 billion to N8.06 billion. Earnings per share thus stood at N6.72 in 2013 as against N6.83 in 2012.

As part of its strategic positioning, Julius Berger has said it would focus on further diversification of its clients and business segments, improve on business development efforts, sustain due diligence and ex-

plore opportunities in alternative financing models to improve on its performance.

Chairman, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, AVM Nurudeen Imam, outlined that the company would consolidate its performance with continuing diversification of its client and business portfolios from public sector to private sector and across the construction chain with a view to mitigate cluster risk and ensure good spread across the sectors of the economy.

He said the company would step up its business development efforts by exploring opportunities in alternative financing models including options such as public private partnership (PPP) and build-operatetransfer (BOT).

According to him, the company would continue to modernise its administrative, engineering and op-

erational departments and implement cost control measures that optimise the functioning of the company.

“Nigeria retains enormous potential. As Africa’s second largest economy, the rapidly developing nation is a focal point for not only Nigerian, but also international investors interested in the continent.

Such investors are looking for a dynamic partner that can deliver superior quality work to global standards and is able to offer customised solutions based on country specific knowhow. I believe that our business model, operational strategies and company values make us a firstchoice contractor for such potential clients,” Imam noted.

He said Julius Berger would continuously strive to sustain its leadership position in the construction industry through effective risk as-

sessment, proactive management and enhanced productivity year on year.

Imam assured that the board was fully aware of the need to appoint more Nigerian directors but noted that such appointments would be gradual and based strictly on merit and shareholding structure of the company.

Providing further insights into the future outlook of the company, managing director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Wolfgang Goetsch, said the company would focus on establishing itself as the leading EPC contractor in the power sector noting that the privatisation of the power sector holds immense potential for the Nigerian economy.

He said the company would establish more strategic locations for its business hubs besides the existing locations in Abuja, Lagos and Uyo.

28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

Nigeria-Dubai trade centre crisis hampers foreign investments •NTC’s DG decries frustration of Presidential directive

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BREWING crisis around the status of the Nigerian Trade Centre (NTC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hampering flow of trade and investments between Nigeria and UAE and frustrating the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.

Official documents obtained by The Nation indicated that President Goodluck Jonathan had in early 2012 approved the transfer of the NTC, Dubai to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (MITI)as a platform for the development of a regional trade hub for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

But the transfer has since stuck in high-level personality clash involving the Director of the NTC, Alhaji Mohammed Baiwa on one side and former Nigerian ambassador to UAE and Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda and the current Nigerian ambassador to the UAE, Alhaji Ibrahim Auwalu, on the other side.

Baiwa alleged that Yuguda was the arrowhead of the plan to frustrate the transfer, dating back to his tenure as the ambassador to the UAE. Yuguda’s office has not responded to media enquiry for clarification on the issue.

However, Auwalu acknowledged receiving media enquiry and promised to make his view available in due course.

Official documents showed the transmission of approval of the trans-

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

fer of the NTC from the Presidency to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, an idea welcomed by the Ministry. The Ministry, in a review in support of the transfer, outlined that the NTC, Dubai would serve as a platform for the establishment of trade and investment desk within the region.

According to the Ministry, the NTC Dubai would serve as a major mobilisation point for investment and trade between Nigeria and Dubai by organising business for a, seeking joint venture cooperation for credible Nigerian businesses, organising outward and inward business missions, initiating memoranda of understanding between some public and private institutions in Nigeria and their counterparts in UAE and negotiating trade agreements on behalf of Nigeria.

Two years after the Presidential approval of the transfer, the transfer process appeared to be grinding to a halt and the entire operation of the NTC Dubai faces imminent end. As the squabbles over the transfer raged on, the nine-year trade license of the NTC Dubai, issued on April 6, 2005, expired on April 4, this year. Baiwa alleged that efforts to renew the trade license and his personal visa were frustrated by the Nigerian Embassy in Dubai. He added that the inability of the trade centre to operate effec-

,

•From left: Baiwa, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and Col. Sanni Bello (rtd) during a visit to NTC, Dubai.

tively has led to accumulation of unpaid salaries, rents and other ancillary expenses with the NTC Dubai currently facing threat of ejection from its office in Dubai.

He said he had written to the two chambers of the National Assembly and made overtures to the Nigerian Embassy in Dubai, but Yuguda had enlisted political network and a smearing campaign of calumny to misrepresent the NTC Dubai and discredit the transfer process.

“The trade centre was operating before the presence of the Nigerian Embassy. The first Acting Consul General, Ambassador Abdullahi Gwari was cooperative because he was a carrier Ambassador, we had a working relationship. But when Ambassador Bashir Yuguda came we were in good relationship in the beginning until he realised that I was more popular and he felt I would take over from him, and then he started to blackmail me with an allegation that I am a drug pusher just to take over my office.

When it became difficult, he opened an office called Nigerian Trade Mis-

sion in Dubai which was not approved by the Nigerian Government and the host country. He operated this office from 2009 to 2013, then the current Ambassador Ibrahim Auwalu inherited the office,” Baiwa stated.

“Nigeria is losing billions of Dollars because of the Nigerian Ambassador to UAE who has overridden the Presidential approval for two years.

This has affected the centre to operate like the other regional trade offices independently of Embassy, and now face with office rent and legal action that will affect the image of the county,” Baiwa added.

Trade reports at the Customs central statistics office, Dubai, suggested a decline in the flow of trade and investment between Nigeria and UAE in recent period. While flow of trade between the two countries grew from $500 million to $1 billion in 2004 and about $3 billion in 2011, when the NTC was fully operational, it trailed $1 billion last year.

Baiwa said only Presidential intervention can help to resolve the crisis and expedite the transfer in order to

stem the decline in trade and investment between the country.

“It’s been one year and three months since they have withheld my visa. All his allegations against me are false. The role of an ambassador is to protect the interest and citizens of his country. But what we have here is a clear case of persecution and falsehood. I have been running the NTC since 2005 to date, I have not been paid a kobo as salary but I have staff that I pay salaries. We owe rent on the NTC office because I cannot travel to formalise payment. I have been detained by the Dubai authorities because all my cheques I issued returned. This has affected my dignity and respect that I have earned other the years.

The NTC can generate billions of naira for Nigeria. Nigeria as the biggest country in Africa has a huge number of people coming to this country. I am appealing to President Jonathan to revisit the NTC case and deny these people the opportunity to take over what belong to Nigeria, “ Baiwa said.

PEARL Awards holds public lecture on market development

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•From Left: Head of Political, European Union (EU), Mr Henry Prankerd and Head, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Michel Arrion, at a media chat in Abuja ... on Monday

HE PEARL Awards Nigeria has concluded arrangements to hold the 10th Annual PEARL Public Lecture for capital market development. The lecture is scheduled for Wednesday May 28, 2014 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The theme for this year’s public lecture is “Actualizing Nigerian Capital Market Quest for Leadership in Africa: Issues, Challenges & Options”. The lecture will be delivered by renowned capital market expert and administrator per excellence, Mr. Tola Mobolurin, chairman, NASD Plc and Capital Bancorp Plc. The event will be chaired by former Minister of Finance and chairman, BGL Group Plc, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu. Experts that would lead discussions at the lecture include Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, President, In-

stitute of Capital Market Registrars; Alhaji Kasimu Garba Kurfi, Council Member, Nigerian Stock Exchange; Mr. Ayodele Othihiwa, Chairman, Association of Reporting Accountants in the Capital Market and Mr. David Adonri, Managing Director, Lambeth Trust & Investment Company Limited .

Mr. Olalekan Adekoya, Secretary, Board of Governors, PEARL Awards Nigeria, said the annual lecture was instituted in 2005 to provide a forum for seasoned experts and technocrats from the public and private sectors to brainstorm on germane, contemporary and emergent issues in capital market development.

He said the 10th edition is expected to attract who is who in the Nigerian capital market and other stakeholders in the nation’s economy.

RT Briscoe loses N152m as interest expense rises to N1.47b

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T Briscoe (Nigeria) Plc recorded a loss before tax of about N152 million in 2013 as the company continued to wriggle in mounting interest expenses.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of RT Briscoe for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed top-down decline in all key performance indices, underlining the decline in sales and continuing negative impact of the company’s financing expenses.

The report indicated a loss before tax of N151.60 million in 2013, sustaining the red line that started in 2012 when the company lost N228.50 million. However, with tax gains of N59.59 million in 2013, net loss after tax dropped from N280.72 million in 2012 to N92.02 million

in 2013.

Turnover dropped from N21.98 billion in 2012 to N21.77 billion in 2013. Gross profit slipped from N2.68 billion in 2012 to N2.56 billion while operating profit dropped from N941.78 million to N801.81 million. Finance expense meanwhile rose from N1.26 billion in 2012 to N1.47 billion in 2013. The depressed bottom-line also impacted on shareholders’ funds, which slipped from N3.13 billion in 2012 to N3.05 billion in 2012.

After several years of unbroken dividend payment, RT Briscoe Plc had entered the red zone in 2012.

Shareholders saw a reduction of about 25 kobo in the underlying value of each of their shares as returns for the 2012 business year in

contrast with dividend per share of 10 kobo received in 2011 and 2010 respectively. The board has also not recommended any dividend for the 2013 business year, obviously due to the negative bottom-line.

RT Briscoe has been unable to actualize its recapitalization plan, forcing the company to depend on short-term bank loans. While the company’s total assets and liabilities declined in 2012, borrowings increased during the period, underlining the increasing dependence of the company on short-term funding. Borrowings, which were categorized as current liabilities and thus implied a short-tenor of a year, rose from N8.10 billion in 2011 to N8.93 billion in 2012. Total assets however dropped from N15.05 bil-

lion to N14.11 billion while total liabilities declined to N10.98 billion as against N11.53 billion in 2011.

Audited report and accounts of RT Briscoe for the year ended December 31, 2012 indicated that turnover rose by 12 per cent from N19.61 billion in 2011 to N21.98 billion in 2012. The company had maintained appreciable profitability until financing charges for its N8.9 billion loans sucked all profit. Gross profit increased from N2.18 billion to N2.68 billion.

After deducting administrative, selling and distribution expenses, operating profit stood at N941.8 million in 2012 compared with N965.66 million in 2011. However, interest expense jumped by 62.3

per cent from N776.38 million in 2011 to N1.26 billion in 2012, reversing the company’s profit before tax of N319.66 million in 2011 to pre-tax loss of N228.50 million in 2012. After taxes, net loss rose to N280.7 million in 2012 as against profit after tax of N149.9 million.

The board of RT Briscoe has severally fingered what it described as “an unfortunate but unavoidable reality” of “high level of bank borrowings and short term loans as well as interest expenses.”

On the heels of the loss in 2012, the board of directors of RT Briscoe had ordered the management of the company to immediately present a turnaround plan for the flagging company.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

PAGE 29

‘Ekiti, Osun elections will shock Nigerians’

INSIDE

It may not be good music to the ears of many, but Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, says his sometimes controversial prophecies are messages he is under God’s instruction to deliver. And as the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States draw nearer, the man, many of whose predictions have come to pass is warning of danger ahead. He spoke with ADEKUNKE YUSUF and SINA FADARE •Continued from Page 30

Things will straighten up in Igboho •PAGE 32

Mimiko has failed in Ondo State •PAGE 35

Tuberculosis Centre brings relief to Iseyin •PAGE 36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

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‘Ekiti, Osun elections will shock Nigerians’

HERE was a time that you predicted that if care was not taken, Nigeria may break up.

Do you still stand on that prediction and if you do, can prayer avert the breakup of the country?

The Nigeria issue will start from 2015, when you are going to start seeing what will become of the country in the nearest future. If you recall that in 2010, I granted an interview in The Nation where l said that President Jonathan should not contest 2011 general election. A lot of people raised eyebrow that you cannot say that about him. All what l foresaw then is what is happening now. I said something about confab that it will come up. This ongoing confab will only tell Nigerians what will happen in the future. I still foresee another confab that will start afresh and decide what Nigeria will be; it will tell us the Nigeria of now and what it will be in the nearest future. That confab will tell us either we are going to be together or not. I do not see Nigeria as a nation in the nearest future. It may not be 2015, it may even go beyond 2020; l don’t see Nigeria as a nation in the next 50 or 60 years.

May be prayer can help, but l see Nigeria breaking up in the nearest future, but l do not know the exact time.

You also once said that the breakup will happen without shedding blood. Can you shed more light on this?

Let me start with the issue of Boko Haram. It is not an Islamic movement; it is an entity that cannot be explained. They came from the fallout of politicians. America is aware of the deadly sect but just refused to help Nigeria. If there is going to be problem in this country as regards what the country is passing through, America should be blamed. They are aware of this insurgence that is plaguing the country since 2002. I made mention of it in my book of prophecy that is due for public presentation in July. I said it in the past that terrorists will invade Nigeria. By the time of my prediction, nothing happened – not until November 2010, when we saw bomb scare in Abuja during the Independence Day. I believe that the book was sent to everywhere for the people to read, to understand and know what to do.

Prophecy is to warn an individual, corporate body and government of the impending danger and what to do in order to avert it. When you warn, it does not matter whether you like that person or not, that was how it was in the past. Prophet will go to government, leaders and people in authority to deliver God’s message to them in the form of prophecy, but today people do not take it in good faith. They do not listen to the prophets of God, an indication that they berate God. That is the consequence.

Nigeria will divide at a conference where what to be done will be the central focus and there will be no war or shedding of blood when the disintegration will take place. There will be pockets of crises here and there, a lot of disagreement, but it will not lead to war before Nigerians go their different ways. There is a lot of disagreement in the Federal Government; they can still curtail it if they listen to the voice of God. Take for instance, when government said that power will be stable in 2010, l said then that power will not be stable until 2016-2017. They did not like it, but you can see what is happening now.

In some of your past predictions, you warned President Jonathan not to contest 2015 presidential election and if he does, he may not complete the term. Do you still hold on to this prediction?

If Jonathan does not contest, expect more crises. If any other party wins the presidency, expect crisis. If Jonathan contests and wins, expect

crisis. We have only two major parties. Within them a lot of crises will erupt, only God will help us. Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb, we need prayers. That is why l am forced to ask the question, what is the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) doing? This problem we have in the country is not from God, but manmade. That is the reason why we can still overcome the problem. If it is God problem, it will be difficult. If Buhari contests, he may not likely get there. Jonathan wants to contest, I still see him on that seat. If Jonathan contests, he will still win because there will be the eleventhhour packa-ging that would assist him, but the future is shaking. l foresee more troubles, I see a trouble that will keep that government not moving steadily. It will not be running as expected.

Nigeria needs proper cleansing, but who is going to lead the cleansing now, I do not know because CAN is now the third political party we have in the country. We need prophets and Imams who will pray for the country to avert this looming danger. Jonathan meant well for this nation, but he has bad aides.

Let us divert a bit. Governorship elections are coming up in Ekiti and Osun states this year. What did you see on this?

The elections in Osun and Ekiti states will shock Nigerians. Let us pray very hard so that there will not be bloodshed in the coming elections in the two states. There will be certain areas in Ekiti where the election will not be conclusive. That of Osun State, election will be a bit delayed in some areas. However let us pray for the two states irrespective of who will win the election. I see bloodshed in Ekiti and Osun; the people should be very careful and everybody should pray so that this will not happen - stealing of ballot boxes, killing and political thuggery are not good for the nation.

On my own part, I have been praying. Other Nigerians, prophets and clerics should join to do so. We should fast to avoid the looming danger. From today to the May 31, we should fast and pray because of Ekiti and Osun elections. Without God, we are not going to get solution to most of our problems. He is the Alpha and the Omega and has solutions to all problems. We should ask God in prayer to direct us aright as a nation.

It is now that prophets must be involved in the administration of this country. In the area of security, people should not be biased about religions, whether Christianity or Is-

•Widows at the church premises

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

lam. Take for instance, the Malaysian plane, a prophet said he was aware about the missing plane. Why didn’t he warn the country ahead of time?

The same prophet also said that he saw the plane in the water, the second week that the Lord spoke to me; I responded that the plane is not inside water; tomorrow it may be, I don’t know. The plane did not crash, let the Malaysian government disclose where it is.

Are you saying the disappearance of the Malaysian plane and inability to find the crash site is political in nature?

Whatever they call it, the missing plane is at home (in Malaysia).

Since you said God revealed to you that Nigeria will definitely break up,

don’t you think that the breakup may come at the end of the on-going confab?

No. The confab will only come out to say one or two things about the 2015 elections. The government is not ready for this confab; they just want to use it to know what is going on in the country. It is just a mere rehearsal for the future of the nation. When the government declared that the GDP of Nigeria is improving, whereas the Lord said that the economy of Nigeria will not be stabilised until 2016 and 2017. Whoever predicted the theory of the GDP is only predicting the future of Nigerian economy. The confab is just a primary of the bigger confab that is coming ahead in the nation. The new

‘

The elections in Osun and Ekiti states will shock Nigerians. Let us pray very hard so that there will not be bloodshed in the coming elections in the two states. There will be certain areas in Ekiti where the election will not be conclusive. That of Osun State, election will be a bit delayed in some areas

‘

confab will be a new set of people, not the re-cycled leaders, old men who are in the present confab.

You said Nigeria needs prayers and spiritual cleansing at these trying times. Is the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria doing anything in that direction?

Who are the people in CAN? We have people with pedigree who can handle the association better. Not me, l cannot. People who can do it are there, why do they have to make CAN a political issue? My suggestion is that let CAN be scrapped or Ayo Oritshejafor should resign. The association has been turned into a political party; you see them taking themselves to court. If they want to do election now, they canvass to people; it ought to be more of a spiritual thing. CAN and other religious bodies should help the government.

I understand that there are inter-religious bodies in the country, but they are not doing anything. If they are functioning as expected, a lot of things are supposed to have been fixed If truly Nigeria is blessed with a lot of men of God, why are we in this mess? What went wrong?

Let me correct an impression, not all pastors are prophets. If you are not gifted as a prophet, you cannot know what to do if a nation is in crisis. It is different from a spiritualist, who has the source of his power through other means, but a prophet is linked with God and he delivers

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT his message to whomever he was sent to. That is what most of these Pentecostal churches do not know.

The Bible says my people perish because of lack of knowledge.

You said prayers can avert the impending doom. Does it mean people should visit your church for spiritual solutions?

No, not like that. When you came in, did you see any visitation time?

All what we are saying is that if the Lord sent us to the nation, we must deliver the message. I thank God what I will eat till kingdom come has been provided by Him. When He calls you, definitely He will cater for your needs.

As a prophet of God, you have a covenant with Him and He is going to be with you till the end. When you follow God’s instructions, He will surely bless you. What gains will I be looking for? Is it national awards? I have them in excesses. My position is higher than the president’s, therefore I don’t need all these so-called awards.

I have done a lot, not only in Nigeria alone, but all over the world. Recently, I received a letter from Buckingham palace; they acknowledged our book of prophesy. I got another one from Israeli government. So, I do not need man’s commendation but that of God and if you are doing His work, you are blessed. I have a house and a vehicle. What else am l looking for?

There was a time you warned Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State against his aides that they will foment trouble. It came to pass. Will the governor win a second term?

The APC should be very careful in Ogun State. Otherwise, it will lose the state. The crisis in the state is a manmade problem and they have to work on it well, otherwise it will cost APC the governorship of the state the same way it did PDP in 2011.

What is the idea behind the Veteran Welfare Group, an NGO you identify with?

Though, it is a non-governmental organisation, we use it as a vehicle to get to the needy, particularly the widows, orphans and the less privileged.

God is the brain behind it. To run such an NGO with millions of naira and commitment every year is divine.

What is the outlook for 2015?

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be watchful so that they will not be pressurised to change the date of the election. Certainly, election will be conducted in 2015, but not in every place. There will be more bomb scares. There will be lots of kidnappings. That is why I am using this medium to appeal to all Nigerians irrespective of their religion to fast and pray in the first 15 days of January 2015, in order to save the country from the impending doom. A lot of things are going to happen in INEC and Jonathan will sack more ministers. The Petroleum minister will face a tough probe and they will want her out by all means, likewise the Director General of the Stock of Exchange, Mrs. Aruma Oteh.

The House of Representatives will not rest until the two of them are sent packing. Let the All Progressive Congress (APC) be very careful in Rivers State, otherwise the party will lose the state. The people that the governor thought are behind him will shock him. It is a warning from the Lord, not from a human being. This is just a simple advice from God Almighty.

Though a prominent cleric, many still don’t know you. Who is Primate Elijah Ayodele?

I believe so much in things that are natural, I don’t believe in people deceiving themselves. I come from a humble family in Ekiti, with The Apostolic Church background. In my youthful time, l attended a lot of churches - Anglican, Methodist and a host of others. I was a servant in the Catholic Church I believe in the efficacy of prayer and hard work, unity and creativity.

I so much believe in God’s direction.

I don’t go to parties because l don’t know how to dance. But like King David, l can dance for hours in the presence of God. I love gospel music especially those that are inspirational.

Have goods to ferry from Osun to Lagos?

Aregbesola will move them for free Osun State Commissioner for Commerce, Co-operatives and Empowerment, Ismaila Jayeoba-Alagbada spoke to SEUN AKIOYE on the plans of the government to stimulate commerce by moving goods from Osun to Lagos free of charge

Y

OU are the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Co-operative and Empowerment, that is a lot of sectors put together, how do you manage to oversee all If you look at the four departments, they are into one because what they want to achieve is to empower our people, industry will employ people, they will earn income and they will be empowered, when you produce, those people that will sell those goods in the market are empowered. When you look at the co-operatives sector, by the time they gather and pull their resources together, they will be able to get more rather than as individuals. They will form a small scale industry, so indirectly they have been empowered and the cardinal aim of this Ministry is to create jobs.

So how much of that has been created?

When you look at commerce, it is germane in any economy. You know this state used to be the second commercial centre after Lagos in the 1960s. That is why you see the likes of Leventis, PZ here. They were here because Osogbo is a major station of Nigeria Railway Corporation so moving their products from Lagos was very easy. People from neighbouring states just come to Osogbo to purchase their goods from all these multinationals. But in the 1980s all these disappeared, our railway system was not working; the infrastructural level at the state was zero, nothing to attract investors. Commercial activities were at zero level, they used to call this state the civil servants’ state.

Now, how do you want to attract people to come and trade here?

How do you bring people here?

Commerce is all about people.

Look at Dubai, what do they have there? Because of the infrastructure in Dubai, people are attracted to that country and it is the same thing Ogbeni is doing in the state of Osun.

Shortly after Ogbeni assumed office, he began moving passengers from Lagos to Osogbo during the festive periods. People have lost confidence in the railway system. Soon Ogbeni is going is to start moving goods from Osogbo to Lagos and from Lagos to Osogbo, so that the people can sell at wholesale price and earn their money so they can be encouraged to go back and farm.

Are you saying the ultimate goal of the governor in providing free rail transport is actually commercial?

Yes How is that possible?

If we see people today with their farm produce, we are ready to transport it to Lagos and we will do it free of charge. We have been doing the publicity but the people don’t have enough to move by rail.

Ogbeni is ready; people should be encouraged to go back to the farm because this is more or less an agrarian state. But we have not seen any willing farmer.

Maybe if the farmers are empowered enough to produce larger quantity of farm produce They have been empowered.

From my ministry alone, we have

•Jayeoba-Alagbada spent almost N800 million to empower co-operative farmers in the state. This is the first time that the money will actually go to the farmers at co-operative level and we have seen the result. This is why when other states are complaining about food shortage, in Osun there is no food shortage. This would be the first time farmers will be encouraged to go back to the farm.

Now, I must confess to you, for those farmers producing cocoyam, we have set up an off-taker that will buy directly from the farmer and pay them in cash so the farmers can go back to the farms. We have empowered 332 youths to do this, and we have given them money.

So, where will the off-takers sell the cocoyam, locally or in other states?

What we are interested in is the turnover, our intention is to feed our children with cocoyam so these off-takers will just buy from the farmers and sell to the food vendors. So, the farmers will have the opportunity of having their cash in bulk and be encouraged to go back to farm. The same is for those who are producing maize. The question

of where to sell cannot arise every effort is to stimulate commerce.

There is the concept of life academy, what is it all about?

It is a place where people who want to take up skills can go. You know we have massive youth unemployment in the country and we don’t have qualified people to do these artisans work. Ogbeni is setting up an academy where all these skills will be available, it is a place where a retired permanent secretary can come and take up a skill because when you graduate and set up business, you will not be alone, you will take some people out of the employment market.

In fact by the time this academy comes up, it is going to be like an industrial revolution, and anytime from now it will be commissioned.

Let us go back to the train ride, how many people have you been able to ferry since the start of the project?

From December 2011, we have ferried 50,000 passengers What is the idea behind it?

During these festivals, there used to be traffic congestion on the road and people spend days on the road,

‘

Osun State will be the next state after Lagos. I know you will be shocked but look at it this way, we are bounded by six states, Abuja, Oyo, Kogi, Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo. So we are in the centre of activities, Ogbeni’s plan is to make this place a hub of all activities, by that time Osogbo will be the place, everyone would come to.

‘

Ogbeni said this must be reduced drastically. When you look at our integral action plan, you will see majority of our people have lost contact with their home. Anytime they want to come home, they will discover that it is not feasible because of the cost. The governor said he must move his people and I must confess since December 2011, the accident on Lagos –Ibadan Expressway has gone down, we discovered that many people who have not visited their homes in the last ten years are coming home now and they are happy with the development that is going on in the state.

Some people did not believe that concept can happen and continue.

Many people have lost confidence in the railway system but that confidence has been restored. When Ogbeni said people should move their goods to Lagos, people were skeptical but when they saw that the train could move people, they changed their minds. So, the confidence is back, the concept is there now, the trains are back, in a day three trains will move. If we are able to rebuild our railway, it will reduce the strain on our roads and make them more durable. That is what they do in developed economies.

Let me also say that those who come home during the festive periods have increased the commercial activities in the state. When they come, they must spend money, instead of buying their rams in Lagos, they buy in Osun. The pure water and drink sellers also benefit because of the large number of people coming in. All that we are doing is to stimulate commerce, look at the cargo airport that we are building, it is going to be the best in the country because it will have a 3.5 kilometer runway, and this will decongest Lagos, and imagine what would happen when people start to land their cargo here in Osun. The commercial activities in the state are on the increase, we have rebuilt the railway station to be the best in the country, it is the best in the country now.

Moving people from Lagos here must have cost a lot of money, so how much does it cost the state each year transporting the people?

When you look at the cost, it hasn’t been much, even with the publicity.

If you look at the initial cost you will not get to where you are going. But I must tell you reasonably it is not much. It is worth it.

How many times does the train move?

We don’t have fixed times it depends on the number of passengers waiting. It can be two times or more.

Now looking at all these laudable projects, where do you see Osun State when all these are done?

By the special Grace of God, by the time they are actualised, Osun State will be the next state after Lagos. I know you will be shocked but look at it this way, we are bounded by six states, Abuja, Oyo, Kogi, Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo. So we are in the centre of activities, Ogbeni’s plan is to make this place a hub of all activities, by that time Osogbo will be the place, everyone would come to.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT Ona Onibode of Igboho, Abdulrasheed Adetoyese Anikulapo Jaiyeola, Jaiyeola III, has many things in common with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, in an encounter with GBENGA ADERANTI, he talks about the uniqueness of the story of Igboho, his bond with Oyo people and the three monarchs in the town

H

IS large palace and surroundings are akin to what you see in the Alaafin of Oyo’s palace. Beside the palace are the market and the ancient mosque and the new central mosque. There is also a dilapidated mud house, where one of the previous Alaafin’s 71 queens once resided.

He shares many things in common with the present Alaafin of Oyo - the oratory, the knowledge of Yoruba history and knack for details. He would not say anything without giving you prove.

He marshals his points with evidence and talked with authority.

While he clamours for Igboho to be one, he laments that some people are bent on not making the town peaceful because of their conducts and intrigues. According to him, some people have tried to rewrite the history of Igboho to cause disaffection among the peace loving people of the town.

Attempt to thwart the peace of the town, according to him did not start recently. The first manifestation of the problem was in the 1930, when one Alepata decided to erect his own pseudocourt outside the one being presided over by the then Ona Onibode and other associate judges of Igboho Native Court in Onibode’s palace. But, this was challenged through a petition written by the Associate Judges to the then District Officer through then Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Ladigbolu, on July 26, 1938. Unfortunately, the District Officer, who did not know the import of what the then Alepata did treated the petition with levity even to the displeasure of the Alaafin.

Probably, if the District Officer had nipped the problems in the bud then, Igboho would not have been in the crisis it is right now.

In the petition the judges complained: ”That the Adegbata (Alepata), one of the judges in Igboho native courts, who is by far a junior member of the court in comparison with the Oke the Onibode, has since three years ago been making efforts to rival Oke Onibode as resident of the Native Court.

“That Adegbata (Alepata) has arrogated to himself rights and

•Oba Jaiyeola

•Ona Onibode's palace when it was under construction

Things ‘ll straighten up in Igboho, says Ona Onibode privileges, which formerly belonged to Oke-Onibode, an instance of which is the fact that monies intended for the monthly remuneration of the judges of their native court, which used to be paid to Oke Onibode for distribution among the judges, are now being handed to Adegbata (Alepata) who pays his brother judge.”

Oba Abdulrashed said the new court was allowed to stay, which gave tacit legitimacy to the then Alepata, thus the beginning of the problems in Igboholand.

He is sad that many, who should have known better have jettisoned the history of the town and rather have tried to write their own history. According to him, no other monarch is mentioned in Igboho, except Onibode.

It was only Onibode that was mentioned along with Timi of Ede, Atawoja of Osogbo in ‘The history of the Yoruba’ by Samuel Johnson. Samuel Johnson is an authority on Yoruba history.

On Page 75 of ‘The history of the Yoruba’ by Samuel Johnson, the author wrote: ‘Every town, village or hamlet is under responsible head, either a provincial ‘king’ or a ‘bale’. In every case, the title is hereditary. Therefore, such heads are invariably the founders or descendants of the founder of their towns.

“The provincial kings are styled the lords of their towns or districts; and from there, they take their titles... There are few exceptions to this rule, where the first ruler had a distinctive name or title before he became the head of the town or district e.g.... Onibode of Igboho.”

Aside the palace of Onibode sit-

ting on a vast land befitting a paramount king in Yoruba land, the large old market which was associated with the Alaafin is just beside Onibode’s palace. According to Onibode, although some other monarchs have established mosques and markets beside their palaces; this has not eroded the fact that the first mosque in Igboho is beside the Onibode palace, a thing which was a fad among the paramount Yoruba monarchs when Islam was first introduced to the Yoruba people.

Onibode’s palace is where Bebe festival an annual festival of Alaafin and his queens is being celebrated. Bebe is one of those cultures left behind when the last Alaafin to rule from Igboho left his 71 queens with Onibode. He challenged any other traditional ruler in the town to prove that

they have any link with Alaafin who founded the town.

While blaming politicians and some elite of the town, who have chosen to play politics with tradition for the current supremacy battle among the three monarchs in the town, he said things would not have degenerated so badly if not for the absence of Ona Onibode for a very long time and when they had opportunity to have one, he was too old to challenge the shenanigan that was going on then. “As nature abhors vacuum, and the act of governance does not wait for anyone, it was for that reason that the government decided to endorse a monarch as the chairman of traditional rulers in the area.”

The vacuum created by the inability to fill the vacant post of Ona Onibode made other mon-

‘

To show the seriousness of choosing the present Ona Onibode, the then governor of Oyo State, Chief Alao-Akala, kingmakers, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner for Local Government, the permanent secretary and the SSG all gathered at the government house Ibadan, to supervise and witness the selection process. “It was a serious matter that kind of attention is given only to a paramount ruler in Yorubaland

‘

archs in the town to have an edge over Ona Onibode. And to make the matter worse, the other contenders always have a hand in who becomes the Ona Onibode.

“They did everything possible to frustrate the family to produce Onibode that would challenge both Alepata and Onigboho,” Oba Jaiyeola said.

“Because of the crisis within the Ona Onibode, several attempts had been made in order not to allow Onibode to exist in the town again. Many of them are now bringing out falsified stories and documents to legalise their positions. Things degenerated badly because there was no time any of the previous Onibode bothered to challenge those parading themselves as paramount ruler in the town. And the time we tried to challenge them legally, there was no Onibode at that time, so we had no case.”

According to him, “Even in 1982 when the Commission of Inquiry was set up to determine the paramount ruler in Igboho land, it was only Ona Onibode that was referred to as Oba in the paper. That was the time of the late Chief Bola Ige who was the governor of the state.

“The Aare, who was a chief in Igboho when asked how many Alepata that had been installed, mentioned four. Onokimo also said the same thing. They are all the chiefs of Alepata. Even the Alepata agreed that it was only four Alepata that had assumed the throne since the creation of the town.

“Unfortunately for them, Igboho has been in existence since the middle of 15th century. It was Alaafin that founded Igboho in the

middle of the 15th century. It was in 1549, when Alaafin was in exile that he founded Igboho; he did not meet any town in Igboho.

Though Alepata, during the 1982 inquiry, said there had been only four Alepatas since the creation of Igboho, but today, their stories have

changed; they have added more names by claiming that 15 Alepatas had ruled in Igboho.”

According to Jaiyeola, the then Ona Onibode proved that it was Ona Onibode that Alaafin left the town for when he was returning to Oyo.

To show that there is affinity between Alaafin and Ona Onibode, the Alaafin of Oyo on December 24, 2009, installed Abdulrasheed Jaiyeola as the Ona Onibode of Igboholand.

“I was installed on December 24, by the Alaafin. Many people

took pictures with me without knowing their motive. I was embarrassed when I saw my picture in the newspaper that I was being installed by another person and not Alaafin.”

To show the seriousness of choosing the present Ona Onibode, the then governor of Oyo State, Chief Alao-Akala, kingmakers, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner for Local Government, the permanent secretary and the SSG all gathered at the government house Ibadan, to supervise and witness the selection process. “It was a serious matter that kind of attention is given only to a paramount ruler in Yorubaland.”

While tracing the genesis of Igboholand, Oba Jaiyeola said it was Alaafin Egungun Oju that founded Igboho. “Alaafin stopped at many places during the Fulani war, but he never said he founded a town where he stopped briefly or met people. He met Igboho as a thick forest.”

He said Onibode had nothing to do with collection of levies at the border because it never existed them. The Alaafin that founded Igboho met Onibode in a town called Onibode which was coined from ‘Omo ti mo pade ni bode be’, which later became Ona Onibode.

“The name Igboho was coined from an encounter with two birds

by Alaafin. According to history, while Alaafin was resting under a tree, two birds were fighting on top of a tree. The two fell and still continued their fight. Alaafin felt it was strange and he consulted his Babalawo. The Babalawo said it was a good omen and that was the place they must settle. The two birds were Oyo and Igbo and from their names Oyo Igboho was coined as the name of the new settlement. That was how Oyo Igboho came about.

“It was the fifth Alaafin in Igboho who wanted to return to the original home of his forefathers that handed Igboho to Onibode as a fulfillment of the promise he made when he first met Ona Onibode. Alepata during that time was a hunter, he

would occasionally come to the town to kill bush meat for Alaafin and sell some. He was living in the forest. The last Alaafin spent four years in Igboho, and when he was leaving he asked after the man he met at Ibode when he was coming to Igboho. He had promised to handover the town to him because he was the son of Onikoyi, a prince. The prince left Ikoyi because he could not become king. His mother was Osarewa Osakin, the daughter of Alaafin.

Oba Jaiyeola said ‘Elegboho’ did not come to the scene until more than 60 years after the Alaafin had established Igboho .

That was the time of the last Alaafin in Igboho, that was Alaafin Tella.

Oba Jaiyeola said, Alaafin had nothing to do with Onigboho. He said Boni, one of Alaafin’s powerful hunters and Alepata followed Alaafin to Oyo, but returned three years later because they felt Igboho was convenient for them. ”With the permission of Alaafin, they were given different places to stay outside the town by Ona Onibode but today some of them have left their original homes and now stay in town.

“For Onigboho, he came to Igboho after Boni returned from Oyo. It was Boni that brought him from the mountain, he was with Boni and Boni gave his daughter to Onigboho to marry. He gave birth to a boy, and Boni gave the new baby his tribal mark, the second born was allowed to be given Onigboho’s tribal mark.

“It was Boni that used to bring him (Onigboho) to the palace of Onibode it was not as if he was a chief.”

Ona Onibode Jaiyeola assured that the supremacy battle between the three royal fathers would soon be sorted out.

But until a final solution is found to the problem of who is the real paramount ruler of Igboho, the problem will continue to fester like an untreated sore, the Supreme Court ruling on the matter notwithstanding.

Alaafin’s son battles incumbent for Oyo Reps seat

B

ARELY seven months to the National Assembly elections, the battle of who picks the ticket to represent Oyo Federal Constituency in the lower chamber in the All Progressives Congress (APC) is getting hotter, with a son of the Alaafin of Oyo gaining the upper hand.

Oyo Federal Constituency consists of four local governments namely, Afijio, Atiba, Oyo-East and Oyo-West.

The contest is between the incumbent Honourable Kamil Akinlabi, who is serving his second term in office and Prince Hakeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is the current caretaker chairman, Atiba Local Government.

Within the constituency chapter of the party and even the oppositions, Prince Adeyemi is daily turning into a formidable force ahead of the race not because of his link to the palace and the rumour that his father could swing the votes in his favour but his passion for the

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

grassroots which cuts across all the four council areas.

Besides, there is no ward in the constituency that has not benefitted from the unprecedented gestures of the monarch’s son, in terms of assistance to indigent pupils, provision of non-refundable funds to farmers, provision of potable water supply, development of young talents in soccer and empowerment of over 7,000 in vocational skills.

Chances of the monarch’s son to make a reasonable impact in the lower chamber in Abuja got a boost at the just concluded wards and local governments’ congresses of the party respectively.

At the congresses witnessed by APC National Monitoring Team leader, who is also former commissioner in Lagos State, Honourable Lanre Balogun, security agencies and the Independent National Elec-

•The monarch (middle) inaugurating the classrooms. Beside him is his son, Hakeem toral Commission as observers, candidates loyal to Prince Adeyemi faction cleared majority of the seats, including the delegates.

At both Wards 8 and 9 in the Atiba council area where there was chaos, the monarch’s son floored his closest rival, Kamil, who is from ward 8. Prince Adeyemi is from ward 3.

There were allegations of rigging

levied against Prince Adeyemi’s faction, but these were dismissed by both national and state monitoring teams, security agencies as well as INEC officials who unanimously affirmed the successful conduct of elections in eight of the ten wards in Atiba.

In Oyo-East, having agreed to settle for harmonisation, faction

sympathetic to Prince Adeyemi, led by the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu had over seventy-percent of wards and local party executives.

Commenting on the outcome of the congresses, Balogun expressed satisfaction on the impressive turnout of party members and orderly conduct of the congresses.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

Afe Babalola Foundation to give N5 million W to outstanding farmers in Ekiti

ITH effect from May 1, 2015, the Afe Babalola Foundation (ABF), in conjunction with the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) will be organising an annual agricultural exhibition where deserving, innovative and successful farmers will go home with N5 million each year.

The legal icon and foremost educationist, Afe Babalola (SAN) said the annual event which will start from his native Ekiti State would see the Best Farmer at the state level getting N1 million while other outstanding farmers in each of the state’s 16 local government areas will be presented with N250,000 each.

Babalola spoke during his investiture as Africa Man of the Year in Food Security 2014 by the Forum for International Green Sustainability (FIGS) a not-for-profit body at the weekend.

Winners at the state and local government levels must have at least two hectares of farmland, one for annual crops and the other for permanent crops or in the alternative excel in animal production, Babalola said, while explaining the prerequisites for the award.

This way, Babalola believes the country will retrace her steps to the pre-oil era in Nigeria when there was abundance of food, gainful employment and reduction in criminality.

Legal icon wins Man of the Year Award in Food Security

By Adegunle Olugbamila

His words: “In the pre-oil era in Nigeria, there was abundance of food items. No one lacked food.

Many people were gainfully employed. But with the advent of oil which some people cynically dubbed oil doom, scarcity of food, poverty and unemployment as well as inclination towards crime crept into the fabrics of the Nigerian nation to the disadvantage and consternation of all.

“Because of this condemnable abandonment of agriculture, the groundnut pyramids of the North, the cocoa and perm kernel of the West, the rubber of the Mid-West and the coal and palm oil of the East have gone into oblivion, at best into obscurity,” he added.

The frontline lawyer therefore called on all Nigerians, no matter their callings, to return to the farm to checkmate the prevalence of hunger, unemployment and insecurity in the country.

Babalola said though they may not produce in commercial quantity; yet it is incumbent on all pro-

S

MILE came the way of many residents of Ajah, a Lagos suburb, when Rotary Club of the Victoria Garden City (VGC) donated medical materials to the Ajah Primary Health Centre and Sangotedo Primary Health Centre at the weekend.

The VGC Rotary President, Mrs. Victoria Kuteyi-Ogundemuren said the gesture is to assist the needy who cannot afford the rising medical bill in hospitals.

Presenting the material to the jubilant residents, who came to witness the donation at Ajah Primary Healthcare Centre, the Rotary president said gesture would complement the efforts of the Lagos State Government.

Kuteyi-Ogundemuren explained that Rotary International is an organization that is concerned about the wellbeing of the people. “In Rotary we have about three major areas of focus which include maternal and child welfare. I want to say it has become our burden to assist in our own little ways.”

She added that the VGC Rotary Club took cognizance of what government is doing and urged other non-governmental organizations to support the noble efforts.

She said: “That is why we are not just donating drugs only but medical equipment for these communities. Rotary is a community based club.

“We are giving out gloves to help prevent the coming in contact with diseases, we are donating mosquito nets, we are providing blood tonic for pregnant women, malaria tablets, cough syrups and other basic health need for children,” she added.

She noted that the club had enlightened the people not to pay for the drugs. According to her, the health management staff has assured that the drugs will reach the people free of charge.

“The people are not to pay for it and should be supplied free to them.

Rotary is a non-governmental organization and it is rendering services to the public free of charge. We are equally educating the beneficiaries that the drug they are getting is free.

fessionals to at least produce what their families would eat.

The elder statesman equally advised the nation’s universities to look in the direction of impacting their host communities in character and functional education in addition to their excelling in learning and research.

He stressed that it was his fervent belief in reformatory education

that prompted his establishment ABUAD in 2010, with ABUAD Agricultural Enterprise Centre sitting on an 1,000-hectres which boasts an array of tree such as mango, teak, gmelina, and a Moringa Factory worth over N1 billion, in addition to banana, cassava and Mushroom farm, as well as arable crops among others.

Speaking earlier, FIGS’ National

‘

In the pre-oil era in Nigeria, there was abundance of food items. No one lacked food. Many people were gainfully employed. But with the advent of oil which some people cynically dubbed oil doom, scarcity of food, poverty and unemployment as well as inclination towards crime crept into the fabrics of the Nigerian nation to the disadvantage and consternation of all

‘

Programme Coordinator and Regional Representative of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Caleb Osasona, said Babalola was considered worthy of the award because of his exploits in food security, job creation, and other investment over the years into his ABUAD Enterprise Farm.

Osasona said Babalola was picked for the Award after satisfying the seven key criteria namely: Integrity, project & asset transparency, infrastructure & deployment of technology, job creation window with emphasis on host community, use of local content, domestic, export potential index and lastly, long term sustainability.

FIGS is a non-governmental organisation with Tax Exempt Status in the United Kingdom, with a mandate to bridge the gap of extreme hunger and poverty in every home in Africa by preaching the gospel of ‘one crop at a time’. It was inaugurated in Nigeria as a Regional Chapter Abuja in 2006 with 52 mentors and over 1,000 volunteers in the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

•Members of Rotary Club with beneficiaries at Sangotedo Primary Health Centre

Rotary donates free medical aid to needy

By Musa Odoshimokhe

“We just left Ajah Primary Health Care Centre we made the people to know that what we are giving them is free. The people who administer the drugs are professionals they will not tamper with the original plans.

We have a list of what we give to them, where they have similar things ours should be given to them for free. I am a nurse myself and I believe that my colleagues are very responsible and professionals, they will utilse what we donate judiciously to the benefit of the people of the community.

“Some people thought we are here to sell drug but we told them that the

drugs are for free and also we let them know that the drug should be strictly applied to those who need it.

When the people are healthy the community will make progress, because health is wealth.

“Every year we donate drugs to the health centers. I must say that government is really trying I think this is one of the main achievement of the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration. On can see that since them the government is on top of the medical practice in Lagos State, I want to encourage them to keep doing what they are doing. We can see that the environment is clean the sanitation level is on the high side. The information about health is reaching the people, government

hospitals are now being improved, there is less need for people to go to private hospitals. I will advise the people to always seek medical attention instead of going to quacks at the risk of their lives. Some people take drugs that they don’t know the level of the medicinal properties. The campaign that people should not take unwanted drug is winning and gaining momentum. What we have spent so far on the drugs we donated is almost N1 million at the two health centers.” She said.

Responding on the behalf of the Eti Osa East Local Council Development Area, the Apex Chief Officer, Mrs Olubunmi Yusuf said the gesture came at a time the people are facing

challenges on the rising medical bills in hospital.

She said: “I want to say that what Rotary has done, is like they really want to embarrass us with their donation. By this, they have shown they are concerned about the welfare of the people.

“The drugs and other medical facilities they donated will be separated from our own supplies. This will ensure that things are not mixed up; we will ensure they get to the beneficiaries for free.

“We have patients here that cannot afford their drugs, so what the club donates will take care of most people in this category. Some people cannot even afford drugs at reduced prices,” Yusuf said.

‘

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

UI VC urged not to truncate selection of successor From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

T

HE immediate past ProChancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Ibadan, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has expressed concern on the selection of next Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, calling on the incumbent, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole not to do anything that will truncate the process.

The selection process of a new Vice Chancellor, it was learnt will soon begin.

He asked him (Prof. Adewole) not to avenge what was done to him about four years ago, by attempting to truncate the selection process of his successor.

Olanipekun, a legal luminary in whose tenure Adewole was appointed the VC of the institution in 2010, gave the charge during his remark as the chairman of the 60th birthday celebration of the VC held at the International Conference Centre, UI, Ibadan.

He described Adewole as a very brilliant scholar and seasoned administrator par excellence, who emerged tops in all the screening exercises conducted for candidates in 2010, before he was appointed by the Council of the institution.

Olanipekun, while recalling how several attempts were made by some fifth columnists, who later wrote petitions, to truncate the selection process under his chairmanship of the Governing Council, said he stood his ground because of all the aspirants, Adewole was the best then.

He told Adewole to “let UI be UI. It is greater than any individual; UI is bigger than you and me. Don’t avenge all the injustices meted to you. Don’t grudge anybody, don’t be partial, don’t truncate the process; don’t sabotage the process. The battle is over. You are what you are by the grace of God. Support the council in choosing your successor.“ The legal luminary described Adewole as a “cat not only with nine lives, but one with 18 lives, who surmounted all the travails and conspiratorial petitions hatched against him by his traducers.”

“Everybody scored Adewole highest of all the candidates. He came tops in all the screenings and that was why he sailed through at last,” he added.

He then charged the VC to the Book of Psalms, chapter 90, last verse, where it is written that God should teach us how to count our days...”, while welcoming him to the ‘camp of the real elders’.

Many dignitaries present on the occasion showered encomiums on Adewole, a seasoned gyneacologist. Among them were the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by his Commissioner for Health, Lagos State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola, represented

by Otunba Fatai Oluganbe, Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Prof. B.A Adetiloye, Emeritus Professor Olu Akinkugbe, Prof.

Adeniyi Gbadegesin (VC, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso), the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade represented by Oba Dr. Olusanya Dosunmu, Prof.

Tekena Tamuno, Prof. Ayo Banjo, Chief Adebayo Akande of the Ibadan private radio station, Splash FM, and Prof. Oladipo Ladapo, among others.

SOUTHWEST REPORT

I

T appears your relationship with Governor Olusegun Mimiko has gone sour considering your recent criticisms of the government.

If that is the way people viewed it, so be it. I am a chieftain of Labour Party in Ondo State and that is the party in power. LP as a party is beyond individuals in the party.

As a member of the party you are not bigger than the party. Governor Mimiko became the governor on the platform of the party. If his government makes any mistake or does anything that could affect the party negatively or bring the name of the party into disrepute, it is the duty of the party leaders to call him to order.

The LP government under the leadership of Governor Mimiko has failed to transform the state and perform its statutory responsibilities to the people particularly to the oil producing communities.

This has been my grudge with the governor. My curiosity to know how the N48 billion oil derivation accrued to Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), since the inception of Mimiko’s government was spent has been the major issue between us.

As a chieftain of LP, do you think it is proper for you to criticise a government controlled by your party (LP)?

About two weeks ago, I was on a TV programme in Lagos along with representatives of other political parties, that was few days after the inconclusive Ilaje/Eseodo bye-election. I was there to represent LP while others also spoke for their respective parties. We were to review the inconclusive bye-election in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency and proffer possible solutions to avoid future occurrence of our past mistakes. During the programme, I admitted that the LP government in Ondo State has not done enough to justify the success of the party during the election or to seek for the people’s support during the election. I needed to say the truth in order to save the party from going into oblivion. The truth will always sound bitter in the ears of the evil doers and sycophants.

The challenge LP is facing in Ilaje/Ese-odo Federal Constituency today was as a result of the poor performance of the LP governance. As a patriotic Nigerian and a politician who doesn’t want to soil his name, I think I should not hesitate to say this anywhere, anytime that the LP-led government in the state has performed far below expectation.

But do you think you have taken a right step on this issue by going on air to criticise the governor?

I had met with the Governor on several occasions where I advised him to complete all the projects embarked upon by the late Agagu’s administration in the coastal area of the state before initiating new ones particularly the Igbokoda/Ugbonla road and other road projects in the coastal area but he turned deaf ears and rebuffed my pleas and rather treated my entreaties with disdain. He has seen the repercussion of the neglect of the area now. During the by-election, the people expressed their anger against our party (LP).

You petitioned the IGP that some people are after your life and that of your family members.

How serious is this allegation?

Immediately after my appearance on the Channel TV programme, I started receiving numerous threat calls from people I suspected to be agents of the state government and LP in the state. Even as at today, I

35

The problem we had during the by-election was engendered by the governor’s deceptive tendencies. How could the governor flag-off projects in an area he has neglected for over five years, few days to an election? The people knew he was doing that to cajole them in other to get their votes. The people are no fools

‘

•Enikuomehin

Mimiko has failed in Ondo, says LP chieftain Benson Enikuomehin, a lawyer and chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State has been at daggers drawn with the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko in recent times. The former representative of the state on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) spoke with DAMISI OJO on his grouse with the governor and x-rays the various challenges militating against the ruling party in the state. still received threat calls. As I am talking to you, I have relocated my family from Akure to another state.

This will not stop me from telling the truth. It is not everybody in the party that has the courage to walk up to the governor and say Mr. Governor you have not done well in so-so and so area. Forgetting that the party is bigger than any individual. Mimiko became the governor of Ondo State on the platform of LP. Whatever he does today, will tell on the party tomorrow. The LP government in Ondo State has not done well. The current administration in the state is worse than Agagu’s government.

You are a close confidant of the governor and a strong member of LP. Don’t you think that your outburst will have negative effect on your party?

During the last governorship election, I was the LP state returning officer. That tells you my relevance and status in the party. The righteous in the party are in support of my action because they want the party to grow and outlive Governor Mimiko but the sycophants do not.

The leadership of your party (LP) accused you of anti-party activities during the inconclusive by-election in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, you were also accused of working for the PDP. What is your take on this?

What is anti-party? If they accused me of anti-party which means the Governor himself is guilty of the same offence. Governor Mimiko is a chieftain of LP in Ondo State. But in Abuja he claims

to be a PDP member. Everybody knows this. Is that not anti-party?

Who is deceiving who? I am a chieftain of LP and if they accuse me because of my constructive criticism of Mimiko’s government, they can suspend or expel me from the party, then it will be another phase of “war” or battle.

The problem we had during the by-election was engendered by the governor’s deceptive tendencies.

How could the governor flag-off projects in an area he has neglected for over five years, few days to an election? The people knew he was doing that to cajole them in other to get their votes. The people are no fools. I am from that area, so I know what I am saying. Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Governments are the economic pillars of Ondo State.

The two councils generate billions of naira to the state coffers on a monthly basis. What has Mimiko government done with this money?

The Ondo State government said your attack on Mimiko’s government is a ploy by you to seek political relevance.

That is not correct. You see the government in Ondo State has inflicted wounds on our party (LP) and we have invited doctors to treat the wounds. I am one of the resident doctors. For the wound to heal up on time, we need to clean it up thoroughly before applying any medication. We need to openup the wound and make it ready for proper treatment. Although it may be very painful, but we must endure it if we need quick positive result. I don’t know if you understand my parable.

Your party and INEC in Ondo State accused the Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro of hijacking ballot boxes during the by-election, the allegation INEC commissioner in the state, Akin Orebiyi later retracted. What is your stand on this?

The allegation was not true. It was borne out of Governor Mimiko’s desperation to manipulate and win the election at all cost. On the day of the election, I was at Obe-Enikanselu unit in Ugbo ward, I never saw Obanikoro or heard of his presence in any part of the two councils. It is not good for somebody to make flippant statement which you cannot substantiate.

The LP has already filed a suit to compel INEC to declare its candidate, Kolade Akinjo as winner of the inconclusive byelection and INEC has suspended the supplementary election because of the injunction.

What is your reaction to this?

It is just a panicky measure by the ruling Labour Party. Its Leaders are afraid of partaking in the supplementary poll because they are no more popular in the area.

In 2010, our party won the byelection into the State House of Assembly because of our popularity then, but now the party is no more in the minds of the people and they are afraid of being defeated. As a lawyer, I am sure that no matter how long, the supplementary election will come up and the popular party in the area will win.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

36

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Alhaji Saheed Yusuf Alaran

•The TB Centre

Tuberculosis Centre brings relief to Iseyin

Tuberculosis, a deadly and contagious disease that has been ravaging the people of Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State for years now may be eradicated soon following the setting up of a Standard Tuberculosis Centre (STC), by the council’s administration in partnership with a foreign foundation, OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports.

F

OR the people of Iseyin Local Government Area in Oyo State, their long wait for a cure for a strange disease that has been ravaging their community for years now is almost over.

Not a few lives had been lost to this disease that had seemingly defied detection until recently when public health officers from the local government during a routine public health campaign found out that the strange ailment that had struck down a lot of people was indeed Tuberculosis.

The health campaign which led to the detection of TB in the area was ordered by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Saheed Yusuf Alaran and the over 300, 000 residents of the agrarian community are excited and grateful to their chairman and his party the All Progressives Congress (APC).

And following the discovery, the council has set up a Standard Tuberculosis Centre (STC) for the treatment o the disease, a development seen as a milestone in the lives of the people of Iseyin town and its environs.

The setting up of the centre is in addition to the other modest achievements recorded by the Alaran’s administration in the council in the areas of health, infrastructural development, education, agriculture, sports and empowerment of the

people Support for the centre is coming from Damien Foundation, the global organisation at the fore front of the fight against the deadly disease.

The organisation was contacted by the council chairman for help immediately it was discovered that Tuberculosis was present in the community. And the help has been coming in the form of support and needed motivation to ensure that the disease is completely eradicated in the community.

The TB centre, which is seen as the pride of the community, is sitting on a two plots of land, with beds, and other hospital wares in place.

According to Alaran, other major equipments which are to be installed are being expected from foundation which has given its nod to uplift the clinic to a major resource centre in the country.

A cross section of the community was ever grateful to the chairman for detecting the cause of illness and deaths and for constructing a Centre for the treatment of the contagious disease in the community.

Though there is no data that could accurately give the number of those infected by the disease, but it was learnt that there was a staggering figure of victims in the community who suffer from the pangs of the disease.

The elated Caretaker Chairman, who expressed optimism that the TB

centre would be a turning point for residents of the area related how the disease was discovered “It was in the course of diagnosing that we discovered that a lot of people are going about with the disease, and we have as a result ascertained that that (TB) is what we are battling with.

“So many people not only in Iseyin, are having the disease, but are unaware that they have Tuberculosis.

But once with the help of our medical personnel we were able to discover the disease on time then we knew where to start the fight from.

“You know Iseyin is made up of people that are permanently resident here and people who are here to do their business. The number of Fulani Bororo in our midst is high, there was a day I was at that clinic, I met ten Fulani with that disease.

“They are all suffering from that disease and this is possible because they are all wanderers. They move from one place to another very often.

“The fact that we discovered cases of Tuberculosis here, does not mean that Iseyin is a Tuberculosis infected Local Government, but that our medical officers were able to detect this on time .

“Tuberculosis is everywhere and what is dangerous is not being able to detect the disease on time. And that is why I said we decided to put up the centre because we are expect-

ing a lot of other supporters, perhaps that will encourage the Damien Foundation to bring the state of the art equipment here from the global level and equip the place .

“In fact, the clinic will become a resource centre not only for Iseyin, not only for Oyo State, but other states. Then, we are addressing an important health related issues.”

Tuberculosis, according the local government boss, is a disease often difficult or impossible to cure without medical help, hence the need for experienced doctors and state of the art equipment to diagnose and cure the disease.

While speaking glowingly about his achievements in the last two and half years, in road construction, health, education, agriculture and skill acquisition, Alhaji Alaran expressed his determination to eradicate the deadly disease within a short time, adding that a healthy people is a wealthy people.

“It is good we have people with insight put in position of authority, that it will be good for the people. I want to say that we have been having local government administrators in the past, but this one will forever be remembered in the history of Iseyin Local Government because he went further to touch people’s lives, he saved lives by this modest achievement in the area of health,” a resident of Iseyin, Alhaji Isiaka

Abdulfatai said.

A medical expert, Dr. Areola Adekola, who spoke on the disease classified TB into different types, including TB of the lungs, skin or lymph nodes, describing Tuberculosis of the lungs as very contagious.

“Tuberculosis of the lungs is a chronic, contagious disease that anyone can get. But it most often strikes people between 15 -35 years of age, especially those who are weak, poorly nourished or those who stay with someone who has the disease.

“Most frequent symptom or signs of TB are chronic cough, especially just after getting up from the bed, and in serious or advanced cases, coughing up blood. It comes with mild fever in the afternoon and sweating at night.

“There may be pain in the chest or upper back, and chronic loss of weight and increasing weakness.

Again, a person with black skin tends to become lighter in complexion,” Dr. Adekola said.

While admitting that TB of the lungs can also affect any part of the body, the physician advised if any of the signs given above was noticed, “then take the person to the health centre specially designated for the disease at once for confirmation of the disease by tuberculin testing, sputum or chest X-ray.”

able for residents in the area.

It took the intervention of the men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), who persuaded the youth to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters instead of taking the laws into their hands before the situation could be curtailed.

One of the youth leaders, Edward

Akeju lamented that the government of the day abandoned them to face infrastructural deprivations as if they are not part of the larger society.

He sent a signal to Ondo State government and Akure South Local Council that the protest would remain persistent until they proffer solutions to their sufferings.

Ondo communities protest dearth of infrastructures A

PPARENTLY fed up with the discomfort of total neglect by successive governments in Ondo State, youths from Iyange and Okeogba communities in Akure South Local Government area of the state have trooped out to express their grievances.

They particularly protested the incessant power failure and bad road linking their communities to other parts of Akure, the state capital.

The irate youths in their hundreds recently blocked all the major roads linking the communities to the main town and prevented free flow of traffic for hours.

Apart from blocking the road to vehicular movement, the youth sat on the major road linking the communities to prevent any resident of the communities from using their vehicles for several hours the protest lasted.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Armed with different placards, the youth said the government should intervene in the plight of their communities by providing social amenities for them, wondering whether they were not part of the state. They decried the neglect of the communities by the government.

Many residents who had wanted to drive their cars to their places of work had to forcefully park their vehicles along the road and trekked several kilometers to their offices.

Commercial motorcyclists benefitting from the disruption in vehicular movement made brisk business by carrying passengers from one short distance to another at exorbitant prices.

Residents who could not afford to trek long distances had to return home for the day.

Many people who wanted to take alternative routes were frustrated as the youth blocked all the link roads in the communities.

For hours, social and commercial activities were paralysed in the communities as the youth prevented everybody from transacting their businesses.

According to them, the over 20,000 residents of the area have literally been cut off from the rest of the world because of bad roads, lack of potable water and incessant power failure.

They pleaded with government to provide social amenities for them or else they would make life unbear-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

PenCom explains new Police PFA

T

HE National Pension Commission (PenCom) has explained the rationale behind the establishment of the NPF Pensions Limited, a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) recently granted an Approval-in-Principle by the Commission.

PenCom also reiterated that the N4 trillion pension asset is safe.

This is coming on the heels of arguments trailing the establishment of the new NPF Pensions Limited by stakeholders.

Head, Communication Unit, Emeka Onuora, who made this known in a statement, said there is lack of understanding of the circumstances surrounding the establishment of NPF Pensions Limited.

He said contrary to insinuations by some stakeholders that the Federal Government has granted approval to the Nigeria Police to pull out from the Contributory Pension Scheme, the Nigeria Police Force are still under the CPS by virtue of Section 1 of the Pension Reform Act, 2004.

He said the Whitepaper recently issued by the Federal Government on the Report of the Orasanye Committee on the Rationalisation of Federal Government Institutions, clearly indicated that the Federal Government has accepted the

•Says N4tr assets safe Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

recommendation that, with the exception of the Military which has already been granted exemption, no Federal Government Institution, or Force should be exempted from the CPS. He said: “It would be recalled that following the enactment of the Pension Reform (Amendment) Act 2011, which exempted the personnel of the Military and State Security Services from the CPS, the Nigeria Police and other agencies agitated for exemption from the Scheme.

“However, the Federal Government decided after careful consideration of the submission made by the Nigeria Police, that the Police personnel should remain under the CPS and that the Nigeria Police Force should seek administrative solutions to the grievances of their personnel within the framework of the Scheme.

“Accordingly, after extensive consultations with the Commission, the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force decided to incorporate

a limited liability company (NPF Pensions Limited) and apply to the Commission for license to operate as a Pension Fund Administrator exclusively for the Nigeria Police personnel in order to address their peculiar concerns”.

Onuora explained that following a rigorous and thorough review of that application, the NPF Pensions Limited was found to have satisfied all the normal stringent Approval-In-Principle conditions without any concessions.

He said the Commission consequently granted the NPF Pensions Limited an Approval-in-Principle for a license to operate as a PFA. “It is pertinent to note that the NPF Pensions Limited, which is incorporated as a Private Limited Liability Company, will be managed independently by professionals who must satisfy the fit and proper persons due diligence requirements and approved by the Commission in line with the Guidelines for Appointment to Board and Top Management Positions of PFAs and PFCs. Furthermore, although the NPF

PenOp begins campaign on workers’ right to RSA

T

HE Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), has kicked off a campaign programme to boost employers and employees awareness on the need to open Retirement Savings Account (RSA).

The campaign, which commenced with a rally at the May Day celebration at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, was a follow up to seminars and interactive sessions held with employers and employees.

The Secretary, PenOp, Susan Oranye, who made this known, said the theme for the campaign, ‘Every worker deserves an RSA,’ was instructive and urged workers to leverage on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to secure their future.

She said the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and pension operators, are working hard to tackle the problem of non-remittance of monthly pensions by employers.

She stressed that the Contributory Pension Scheme remains one of the best things to have happened in country in recent years, adding that the scheme has instilled blighter future for workers.

She noted that the scheme was introduced to eradicate the ugly sights where workers queue, cry and beg for their pension, stressing that the new scheme is transparent, fully funded, safe and should be embraced by very worker.

She said: “PenOp is here to honour and support Nigerian workers, which is what the workers’ day is all about.

The underlying concern for all pension fund administrators is for the

O

Pensions Limited will be exclusively for police personnel, every police officer will, in line with section 11(2) of the PRA 2004, be at liberty to transfer to another PFA of his/her choice as soon as the transfer window is opened by the Commission.

“In order to ensure the smooth take-off of the NPF Pensions Limited, the Commission has developed an Operational Framework that will guide the reassignment of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and transfer of records of all Nigeria Police contributors to the NPF Pensions Limited, which would be spread over an 18 month period.”

The Commission has engaged and would continue to engage other licensed operators and stakeholders regarding the modalities of reassignment of PINs and transfer of records of officers and men of the Nigeria Police, with a view to ensuring a smooth exercise for the benefit of the pension industry.

Onuora noted that the issue of threat to pension assets does not arise under the Contributory Pension Scheme because the management and custody of pension assets are respectively undertaken by separate licensed operators, namely

•Acting D_G, PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu

the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), under the strict supervision of the Commission.

Accordingly, the NPF Pensions Limited will operate like any other licensed PFA where the pension assets under its management will be held in custody by licensed PFCs under the supervision of the Commission.

workers, to prepare them for when they would not be able to work again.

“Workers are indeed working hard, but they should also understand that after work, they still have bills to pay and how to pay these bills should be planned now that they are in active service. We are calling on workers who are yet to embrace the contributory pension scheme to do so now.”

She said the pension industry has done exceedingly well, given the level of awareness, adding that since the scheme started, about N24 .6 billion has been paid to over 84,000 retirees.

“This is a new dispensation; it is not like the old scheme where people line up, cry and beg for their money.

The new scheme is really working and focused on workers. It is transparent, fully funded and safe. Hence, every worker should embrace it, as it provides decent living for retirees,” she said.

“We have been educating them on the need to understand that the funds are for their employees and that they should also consider the system as a corporate social responsibility which helps in boosting the morale of workers.

“When employers provide secured future for their employees through pension, they will be happy to give their best, which will raise the bottom-line of the employer. This is why all employers of labour, both in public and private sector must support their staff to open an RSA with any PFA of their choice so they can benefit when they retire”. She said the industry has come up with names of

defaulters and is working on their level of compliance.

Head, Risk and Compliance, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Idu Okwuosa, said the event provided an opportunity for PenOp to let workers know how important it is to have a retirement savings account.

She added that as at February, the pension assets stood at about N4 trillion from about 5.9 million contribu-

tors from the 20 Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) operating in Nigeria.

She said: “The pension asset under the contributory scheme is projected to peak at about N4.3 trillion by end of December 2014 from projected 6.2 million contributors.The growth rate of industry contributions nationwide is about $2 billion annually which is over N300 billion apart from market returns.

Under the contributory pension scheme, employers deduct 7.5 per cent of individual workers monthly salary and contribute at least the same amount which is credited into the workers’ Retirement Savings Account in any of the PFAs chosen by individual workers. The PFA manages the accumulated funds, which is under the custody of the PFC chosen by the PFA, she noted.

ince, according to the 2014-15 budget released on Sunday.

Ontario said it’s forging ahead with a public plan after the federal government decided against enlarging the CPP. More than 35 per cent of households won’t have sufficient savings to maintain similar living standards in their retirement, Ontario Finance Ministry studies show, while

seniors will account for 24 per cent of the province’s population by 2035, up from 15 percent now.

“Unless we take action, future generations of retirees will be left with a lower standard of living,” Finance Minister Charles Sousa said, according to the text of the budget speech.

“Since the federal government won’t lead, Ontario will lead by de-

veloping a made-in-Ontario solution.”

The province plans to introduce the program in 2017 with an initial target of three million employees, taking in annual contributions of about C$3.5 billion ($3.2 billion), which would be invested. The program could be integrated into the CPP at a later date. Those participating in a comparable workplace

program would not be required to enroll.

“There’s always been a longstanding concern about people in the workforce who don’t have a plan,” Mary Webb, senior economist at Bank of Nova Scotia said in the budget lock-up. “It’s very hard for households to save. The government is focused on the middle.”

•PenOp members on parade during the Workers’ Day in Lagos.

Ontario pension plans to double retirement income, budget

NTARIO will create a provincial pension plan designed to double retirement income as savings fail to keep up with the swelling ranks of seniors in Canada’s largest province.

According to Bloomberg reports, the proposed Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, modeled on the federal Canada Pension Plan, would be the first of its kind by any prov-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

38

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Nigerians are looking for businesses they can start with little capital. DANIEL ESSIET presents businesses they can start with N100,000 or more.

Businesses that require little start-up capital

T

HERE are businesses that with as little as N100,000 one can lift off the ground. A range of these enterprises are suitable for the unemployed who can source up to N300,000 to begin. Here is a list of them

Making and selling crafts

Making and selling crafts is a business one can start with little capital. It includes fabric, yarn, and thread crafts. There is a big market for beautiful hand-made sewing, knitting and creative products for people who enjoy the simple pleasure of old fashioned craft.

The kits are cheap and easy to put together. It involves cutting and hand-sewing tools. These include pins and needles, scissors, glue, stuffing, sequins, ribbon and patterns with step-by-step instructions. All that is required is imagination and creativivity.

Products can be made and sold on a customised, made-to-order basis.

To start small, one needs a sewing machine and materials to make fabulous and exciting projects. There are fabrics and yarns in the market as well as hundreds of digital products and craft books packed with idea to help new entrants.

An important ancillary to promoting any arts and crafts business, is setting a reasonable price that the market can absorb. This process starts in the trenches - that is - with controlling one’s raw material costs.

As in any other service business, one needs skills to churn out quality products at a price that customers can afford, while still making enough money to cover business and personal expenses.

agri-business.The domestic rabbit is a prolific breeder, and produces large quantities of tasty meat. Rabbits provide meat and other products, and can be quickly sold for cash or turned into nutritious meals when needed.

One needs a doe (female) and a buck (male) to start. Once the kindling begins, the colony increases rapidly. One doe is capable of yielding about 40 rabbits a year. If one starts the business, having borrowed the initial rabbits, within half a year, one can return live rabbits of the same age. Rabbits produce litters of six to 10 offspring after a gestation of only 30 days.

The rate of production is faster than that of pigs, goat or sheep.

Fish farming

Fish farming has become a good source of additional income for farmers when done in the right way.

It requires a lot of technical knowledge, which farmers can only acquire through proper training and correct information from the right sources before they can start.

All one needs is a space in the backyard, or ready-made tanks.

Required fingerlings sell for between N10 to N20.

Then feed them for about six months, then sell from between N200 to N1,500 per kilogramme depending on weight and size. The type of fish to be produced depends on the market, climate and whether it is actually possible to grow it in fish farm settings.

Snail farming

Snail meat is a safe and nutritious delicacy. Anyone can start snail farming and make profit within six months. It is very cheap to rear. The profit in snail farming is encouraging because each snail can

Food business

The food business is super-hot.

Growing need for event managers have created a booming interest in the food industry. One needn’t own a restaurant, or hot bar to get into the food business. The business can be started right at home, or at the kitchen table. The food industry is vast and includes every type of enterprise. It’s also an industry heavy with regulatory burdens. One must learn inside out before one even takes the first step.

However, it is an industry in which many entrepreneurs flourish. Unlike most other business opportunities, street food selling offers individuals a chance to start their own business with reasonably little investment. There are very few restrictions, low overheads and little, if any specialist knowledge, skills or experience.

One advantage of street-food hawker, is that in most cases, one will be in the enviable position of being able to ‘move-on’ should a particular pitch prove to be unsuccessful.

People will always need to eat and drink, andtoday’s busy lifestyle often means that many are either unwilling, or unable to cater for themselves, turning rather to fast food or ready-prepared meals.

On the whole, starting any business is no easy task, and becoming a food entrepreneur is a special challenge.

One will have to prepare oneself for the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed in food business.

Rabbit rearing

Rabbit farming is a lucrative

•A crafts shop

produce at least 100 eggs in a year.

The best period to commence snail farming is the rainy season.

One can start with about 50 – 60 snails to have a good knowledge of how snail breeding works.

Snails are sold in bunches of 20 pieces each and price depends on the size- the bigger ones are sold for between N1, 800 and N3, 000 per bunch. It is better to buy the big ones because they can hatch after about 35 days on location.

About N10, 000 should get a new entrant into the business.

Ice block production

The good thing about this business is that one can start on a small scale from the comfort of the room.

To start, one needs a freezer, or preferably an ice-block making ma-

chine; a generator that can effectively power the freezer or machine; a water source and nylon bags.

This business thrives well in areas where there is incessant power outages, and also in over-populated places such as motor parks, market places, schools, commercial and business areas. The ice block business is a volume business; the more blocks one sells, the more money one make.

Plantain chips

Plantain chips production is a money spinner because it is a wellloved snacks .

It requires very little capital to set up.

With a start-up capital of less than N20,000, one can generate

income of at least N10, 000 daily if one is able to produce 1000 packets of plantain chips.

The equipment one needs include frying pan, plantain cutter or table knife, nylon sealing machine, gas burner or kerosene stove and a weighing scale.

The raw materials include unripe plantain, vegetable oil, table salt, sugar, packaging nylons and printed labels After removing the skin, unripe fruit can be sliced (1 or 2 mm thick) and fried in oil to produce chips.

If the chips are made from sweeter fruits, they are called ‘Banana chips.’ They can also be sliced vertically to create a variation known as plantain strips.The market prefers labeled chips.

The more one produces,the more money one makes.

How we made it, by young entrepreneurs At a seminar in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, young entreprenuers revealed the secrets of their success. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

•Ekah

W

HEN Aniekan James Ekah, Chief Executive, Wetinhappen.com.ng, uploaded his first material to his blog in 2009, he never have imagined what would follow. Today, the blog has many followers in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.

His blog compete with traditional media, offering a range in tone and coverage. Ekah is one in a new breed of entrepreneurs - and along with fellow bloggers, online shop owners, and app developers, he is proving that the internet is big business.

He is considered one of the nation’s most promising entrepreneurs, thanks to his online presence that has tapped high demand for Nigerian movies.

He addressed the Afterschool Peer Mentoring Project, “Prep2Grad

Symposium”, held in Calabar ,the Cross River State capital.

The event , which held at the CES Auditorium, University of Calabar, was attended by many students.

The symposium sought to inspire and equip young people, engaging them to plan for life after their graduation.

The event provided a spring board for young Nigerians who are about graduating from secondary schools and universities to learn from their peers who have accomplished it in their chosen fields.

Ekah knew he was going to do his own thing, because even when he was working, he had an ambition.

“Every great brand begins with an idea; that is how I began my blog; seven years down the line, I am happy I made that decision, because it did pay off in all ramifications,”he said.

Even with the proliferation of ‘How to make your blog pay’ stories, social media platforms, and clever online marketing and web analytics tools, creating a profitable blog is no meaan feat.

The blog represents a substantial part of his income (his other money comes from books as well as magazine, online and corporate writing,) but his blog has created more career opportunities for him. Other journalists often call him due to his expertise in reporting events in Akwa Ibom State.

The blog has become Ekah’s brand, a chance to expose him and

his writing to a global audience.

And it’s not just Ekah alone, other online entrepreneurs are also using the online world to promote their brand.

Reaching this level of success has not been easy for him. The strategy he uses is to get a good grasp of what his audience likes. That has helped him to build a solid readership base which is vital to any successful blogger.

According to him, trust is the foundation of his business. From day one he believed he had established trust among his readers.

He encouraged the youth to be prepared to take a risk, learning how to have confidence, faith in themselves, and a willingness to jump in entrepreneurship.

As an information technology entrepreneur, he has been involved in numerous IT-related projects and has been an outstanding youth personality in the state.

He is the brain behind the Usem Akwa Ibom Project on Facebook-an online project that creates awareness on the use of Akwa Ibom languages on the Internet which is celebrated yearly to commemorate the State’s creation anniversary every year.

By dint of hardwork, he was selected to represent Akwa Ibom at the 2008 Nigeria Youth Stakeholders Forum in Nigeria.

Another speaker was the Chief Executive, Laffhouse Entertainment, Awade Friday, one of the few young leaders in Cross River State

who are doing well in entertainment blogging.

He said: “If you are in search of a job and you are not willing to work for free, you need to rethink your strategies; my popularity and value grew from doing free shows”.

Chief Executive, Lizzy’s Beauty Touch, Cross River State, Lizzy Ekpenyong, said : “Passion is a great separator; where others follow and fail, your passion will keep you through the storms; before you set out on your career journey, find your passion first”.

Chief Executive,UK Sally Resources, Cross River State, Ukemeobong Silas: “I have engaged in a lot of craft works in the creative industry; the most outstanding is my woolworks; even when it was less fashionable for a young person, I persevered.”

Executive Director, Kids and Teens Resource Centre, Ekiti State, Mary Falana said :”I found my feet during my National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) days that I was passionate about working with young people. I stayed on the path and at the moment, we run one of the best safe spaces for teens and kids in the South western Nigeria.

Executive Director, Brave Heart Initiative, Edo State, Priscila Usiobaifo, said: “Beyond finding your passion, you need to have a plan, share that plan with your significant others, probably a mentor and seek guidance; implement and review; you will be glad you did.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

40

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

How to make wealth BOOK REVIEW Author: Brian Sher Publisher: Prima Publishing Reviewer: Goke Ilesanmi

GOKE ILESANMI

A

YORUBA adage says anybody that does not know where and how his or her mates got wealth will just pursue wealth aimlessly until he or she will die. To prevent such tragic or aimless pursuit of wealth, this book tagged “What Rich People Know & Desperately Want to Keep Secret” has been written to offer necessary guide on how rich people do it.

It is written by Brian Sher, who bagged a degree in Marketing from the University of New South Wales. Sher’s subsequent business travels overseas sparked his interest in consultancy. He says most people dream of being rich. Sher adds that a relative few set off on a different journey, a journey so challenging and demanding, yet so exciting that it brings new life and new meaning. He says in the end, many of these dreams are also shattered as a result of lack of knowledge of what rich people know.

This book has six parts of 44 chapters. Part one is christened “The basics of success”, and contains four chapters. Chapter one is interrogatively titled: “What are riches, and what do rich people do?” According to Sher here, nearly everyone in life wants to make more money and the truth, however, is that being truly rich in life is not just about having more money but striving for balance in all aspects of your life.

Chapter two examines your first step on the road to riches. Here, Sher says in everything we do, we have to consider where we

are coming from, what business conditions are now and what we have to know before we begin.

In chapters three and four, Sher discusses why more businesses fail than ever succeed and four critical advantages your competitors can never have.

Part two is conceptually summarised as “You”, and covers 14 chapters, that is, chapters five to 18. Chapter five is based on the starting point for all riches. Here, the author says one thing he discovered early in his business career is that there is no point in reinventing the wheel. Sher stresses that for this reason, you must learn all you can from successful people, in the form of reading their books, learning about their lives, talking to them, etc. He expatiates that as a result of his studying successful people very well, he has been lucky enough to discover many of the habits they have in common.

The author says the richest and the most successful people are the most-rounded people. Sher educates that he has found out that most successful people have 36 personal qualities, some of which are: practising perfectly to make perfect; having an open mind; flexibility; focusing on continuous self-improvement; dreaming big dreams; having a clear sense of direction; setting goals; becoming self-employed, etc.

In chapters six to 18, Sher identifies education as the only one shortcut to success; stresses the need for you to dream big and be unique or be nothing at all. He advises you to ask for help, adding that you will be surprised at what will happen. Sher says you need something far more valuable than money before you get rich. He stresses that passion is the secret weapon of the rich, adding that rich people feel alive and exhilarated because of risk. Sher advises you to take responsibility and take charge. He says you should move fast or get out of the way, adding that you should always be self-employed.

Part three is tagged “Your marketing”, and

contains eight chapters, that is, chapters 19 to 26. Chapter 19 is titled: “The machine that drives your business”. According to Sher here, marketing is the second critical area of your business and the machine that drives your business.

In chapters 20 to 26, this author defines marketing and reflects on the number one reason why most people never get rich. Sher also examines concepts such as the death of market share; making it easy for customers to buy; how advertising can kill your business; 50 per cent of something being better than 100 per cent of nothing, etc.

Part four is conceptually summarised as “Your people”, and contains five chapters, that is, chapters 27 to 31. In chapter 27 based on how to get your employees to fall in love with your company, Sher says he has always stressed that your people are your greatest asset and one of the four critical ways you can gain a competitive advantage. In his words, “No one … can compete with individuals who

actually enjoy their work, who have fun with customers, and who actually care about customers.”

In chapters 28 to 31, Sher examines the concepts of how to hire the right people; getting good people, then holding on like Hell; frequent use of all your resources, including your entire brain pool; and the redundancy of one person if two people think the same way.

Part five is generically christened “Your systems”, and contains nine chapters, that is, chapters 32 to 40. Chapter 32 is entitled “Why systems are so important”. “Systems are one of the four competitive advantages you have … Drawing on your experience, learning from trial and error, or using meticulous planning, you can use systems to maximise your efficiency and minimise waste,” submits Sher.

In chapters 33 to 40, this author examines concepts, such as how to make the complex seem easy and sell your business quickly and easily; leverage as a word that makes people millionaires; focusing on money-making activities and delegating to others; tendency for problems to happen once; how to measure performance; the need for you not to gamble your profits away; the need for everyone to know your business, etc.

Part six is conceptually woven together as “Things to remember”, and contains four chapters, that is, chapters 41 to 44. Chapter 41 is based on the need for you to realise that growing too quickly could mean getting too big for your boots. According to Sher here, “Although it’s fun and exciting to grow, growing too fast can also kill you …”

In chapters 42 to 44, this author X-rays concepts, such as the possibility of the word Trust to be a four-letter word; the need not to go it alone; and the impossibility of creating successful people.

The ideas offered in this book are very creative, effective and pervasive. Stylistically, this book is a success. Sher includes boxed messages where he radiates powerful messages and recapitulates his major gist in every chapter. The use of black and grey colours on the outer cover of the book reinforces the subject matter. Black is for ignorance and grey for knowledge because “grey matter”means “intelligence” or “brain”.

However, Sher should have used the coordinating conjunction “And” instead of the symbol “&” in the book’s title. Generally, this book is fantastic. If you want to get rich through knowledge of the secret of getting rich, you need to read this book.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Managing your projects through effective communication

P

ROJECT management is the process of guiding a project from its beginning through its performance to its closure.

It includes three basic operations such as planning, organising and controlling. Performing these activities successfully requires information, communication and commitment.

The job of a project manager is very taxing (not “tasking”, please). The project manager coordinates technically specialised professionals to achieve a common goal. In spite of his or her own work experience, his or her ability to identify and resolve sensitive organisational and interpersonal issues will go a long way in determining his or her success.

Results Successful organisations create projects that produce desired results in established time frames with assigned resources. As a result, businesses are increasingly driven to find individuals who can excel in this project-oriented environment. All projects begin with an idea and when an idea is conceived, your project has entered the conception stage.

Though project management tends to be process-driven and unexciting, it is where results happen, and therefore project information needs to be professionally managed as part of that process. Consequently, we need to communicate effectively about (1) our own communication plans and to work on (2) communicating effectively about operational projects.

Annex Communication is very critical to coordinating as well as keeping team members and stakeholders informed to be able to realise the objectives of a project. In short, many projects are unsuccessful as a result of lack of

By Goke Ilesanmi

a communication plan. It is surprising that in spite of this reality, many project managers do not see the need to communicate the process of their projects. This is worsened by the project management literature, which often places communication down the priority list.

Three main stages A typical project management framework has three main stages, that is, Project Proposal, Project Management and Project Completion. Often, communication is not accorded prominence in stages 1 and 2 while it may even be left out in the third stage where the sale of the project completion to stakeholders should be happening. To have a successful project management, communication needs to be formally planned and deployed at almost every one of the many stages and their sections.

Difficulty areas One of the difficulties with projects is that team members communicate information to others and they tend to assume that everyone involved in the project has that information as well. Therefore, project communication should be planned to ensure all the relevant people are carried along. When a project starts, the project manager should plan the communication activities that are needed. Usually the project manager decides what to send clients.

The problem with this is that the project manager may not have consulted with the clients to find out the communication they want in terms of content and timing. In view of this, the project manager should meet with

the clients to agree on the content and timing of reporting. This will enable him or her to develop a communication plan that can be sent to all stakeholders (e.g., clients, team members and senior management), containing the agreed information and the channels and timing that will apply.

Developing Matrix Having met with the project customers, the project manager can meet with the project team members and other stakeholders to discuss communication planning. The meeting can be used for (1) developing a matrix of the communication requirements of the project and (2) a matrix of the project roles of the relevant people and the various reports they should receive.

Planning All project meetings should have a written agenda prepared by the project manager.

The agenda can be written on a PowerPoint slide and kept on a screen visible to the team.

If there is no written agenda, the meeting will definitely lose focus and structure, and is certain to waste time. When the team members meet together for the first time, the project manager should break the ice by introducing him- or herself with a little background information on his or her credentials and experience. All the other people should be asked to do the same.

Addition Kim Harrison, a public relations expert says a sample agenda for the first meeting of the group is: Introductions; Meeting purpose and goals; Development of communication requirements matrix; Development of roles

report matrix; Communication tools selection; Development of communication plan; Meeting deadline, if needed; and Next meeting. Harrison educates that for the development of a matrix of the communication requirements of different stakeholders, on the vertical axis, write the name or job title of the person, and then along the horizontal axis write down the names of the same people.

Last note For the development of a matrix of the various reports that stakeholders and project team members should receive, you just note down on the vertical axis the name of each person. Then on the horizontal axis write the names of the several reports. For instance, some reports may be prepared on demand for key stakeholders; other reports would be prepared daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly. It is a simple matter to check the respective boxes for each stakeholder and note the content that should be contained in each report for that person.

PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details. Till we meet next Wednesday.

•GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/ CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Certified Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

POLITICS

WEDNESDAY MAY 7, 2014

43

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

NATIONAL CONFERENCE Federalism is on trial in Nigeria. There are doubts that the National Conference will correct the lopsided federal structure. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the implications of the warped arrangement for national development and stability.

Can National Conference restore true federalism?

D ELEGATES at the National Conference are moving towards a con-sen sus on the issue of devolution of powers. The National Conference Committee on Power Devolution unanimously has agreed on a new revenue sharing arrangement, which would allocate more resources to the states. According to the co-Chairman of the committee and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, the committee agreed to slash federal revenue to 42.5 per cent, from 52.5 per cent, to pave the way to increase the allocations to states and local governments.

This is an attempt to tackle the major problem in the present constitutional arrangement, which is the over-centralisation of authority in the centre within the context of a political order that emphasises optimum sharing of power between the central government and the federating units. A federal constitution is always a compromise between the need or the desire for union and the rights and responsibilities of the states forming the union.

Being a complex plural society, with 170 million people, divided into over 250 ethnic groups and nationalities and over 700 linguistic groups, Nigeria can only continue to exist as a nation on the basis of a federal system of government in the true sense of the word. In the opinion of many observers, the current structure of the country’s federation, which concentrates much power at the centre, is more or less a unitary system of government masquerading as a federal structure. To revert to true federalism, they say, the federal arrangement must be devoid of all the structural and institutional deformities and encumbrances foisted on it by the former British colonial master and by a devastating and prolonged military rule. In a true federal set up, the powers and responsibilities of the centre and the federating units or states must be equal and coordinate. The way things are now, states and local governments take directives from the Federal Government.

The lopsided relationship between the centre and the federating units makes it imperative for the ongoing National Conference to work out a new power sharing arrangement that would put the country back on the path to true federalism.

A political scientist, Dr. Okey Obiora said the success of any federal system of government has to do with how powers are shared between the central government and the federating units. If there is concentration of power at the centre, as it obtains today, the states would remain mere appendages. In this kind of set up, the system is unable to impact positively on the citizenry. “This is the tragedy of Nigeria’s federal system,” he noted.

Obiora emphasised that equilibrium must be struck in such a way that the centre will not be too weak to the point of threatening the unity of the country nor too strong to the point of emasculating the component units. He observed that unlike most federal systems, the Nigerian federal structure is characterised by a fundamental distortion that enables a very powerful centre to garner to itself responsibilities that are better discharged by the states by virtue of their relative closeness to the people and their problem.

Obiora enumerates the implications of the warped structure thus: “It calls to question Nigeria’s claim to being a federation in that what obtains now is akin to a unitary system. Secondly, because of its enormous powers, including the allocation of huge resources, the centre is considered very attractive by the political class, a fact that promotes bitter struggle all the time for political offices at stake. Most of Nigeria’s problems are about who controls Abuja.

“It is not only the political class that finds the centre very attractive, bureaucrats also feed fat from the system because the states cannot effectively carry out responsibilities at the local level.

If these responsibilities are devolved to the local level, states and local governments become the pivot of politics and development. The federal character syndrome would be less pronounced.

• A cross-session of delegates at the conference.

“The concentration of resources at the centre has created a dependency syndrome, by eroding the independence of the states and the healthy competitive spirit required for real development within their sphere of influence. This is why Nigeria’s federalism is sometimes described as “feeding bottle” federalism.”

Public Affairs analyst Dr Michael Egbosiuba agreed with Obiora’s position and opined that over concentration of power at the federal level as it is in Nigeria today is not the best way to achieve the much needed development. He said decentralisation of power from federal government to state and local governments is the way to go.

Egbosiuba justified his call for new power sharing formula by saying that the government at the centre is too far away from the people and cannot possibly cover the whole country in an effective manner. He added that there is an inbuilt limitation on what a government so far away from the people can achieve.

According to him, this is why the Federal Government has not been able to make the desired impact in service delivery and infrastructural development in the country. He cited the security situation in the country as a proof that centralisation of power at the federal level is not working. He observed that federal law enforcement agencies are not effective because they are far removed from the people.

“If the state and local governments were allowed to set up their own police force, rampant bombings and killings going on in the country would have stopped because the security apparatus at the local level would be more conversant with the criminals and their hideouts.

Through joint efforts with the local police the criminals would have been rounded up. Local people are not comfortable in reporting suspects to federal police,” he added.

Obiora stated that under the exclusive legislative list, the Federal Government’s powers include, among others, maintenance of federal roads, prison, police, trade, marriage, issuing driver’s license and controlling traffic on federal roads. Added to these, according to him, are 30 items contained on the concurrent list. This leg-

islative arrangement needs to be reviewed, and the powers given to the Federal Government drastically pruned down to allow residual powers to reside in the states. The United States Constitution places much emphasis on state rights, just as it was with the Macpherson Constitution of Nigeria. This is easy to justify since most of the activities in a federation occur in the units, he said.

He went further: “Ideally, all matters concerning education, health, social welfare, public works, agriculture, water resources, marriage, driver’s licence, trade, prisons should be reserved for the states while basic and fundamental subjects which are normally handled by federations such as defence, currency, customs and excise, posts and telegraphs should be left for the Federal Government to handle.

“Responsibilities of the Federal Government on matters reserved for the states should be on general policy and coordination only. Where concurrent jurisdiction is allowed, the Federal Government should use mandate system to enable states discharge some of their responsibilities on its behalf. This, indeed, is the basis for development, as well as strengthening of cooperative federalism in the future as opposed to symmetrical pattern of relationship which the present arrangements portend.

He said the general insecurity in the country and the inability of the police to arrest the trend have created a fertile ground for agitation for the creation of state police. He stressed the need to decentralise the police and eventually bring them under the jurisdiction of state governments.

But this does not preclude the existence of a federal police to handle specialised and universal responsibilities, Obiora argued and noted that it is a contradiction to describe the governor of a state as the chief security officer of the state when he does not have control over the police contingent in the state.

Egbosuiba frowned at the 68 items in the Exclusive List of the constitution where only federal government can exercise power. To him, items such as water, education, healthcare, natural resources, good roads and electricity can be best delivered by the state and local governments.

‘The lopsided relationship between the centre and the federating units makes it imperative for the National Conference to work out a new power sharing arrangement that would put the country back on the path of true federalism’

According to him, the socio-economic index has shown that the Federal Government has made limited impact in service delivery and infrastructural development.

Former External Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi has described the period between 1954 and 1966 as the golden years of Nigerian federalism. Akinyemi, currently serving as deputy chairman of the National Conference said the political environment then can best be described as competitive federalism. He recalled that the founding fathers of Nigeria, particularly the leaders of the country’s three regions after independence, namely Sir Ahmadu Bello, premier of Northern Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Western Region), Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Eastern Region) and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first and only Prime Minister of Nigeria, did not compete to become the richest African through the looting of the public treasury.

He noted that the competition among them was to see whose region would become the best in the country. Policies and development in the regions were closely monitored in almost eaglelike fashion by each premier to ensure that his region was not left behind.

The 1959 Constitution, otherwise known as Independence Constitution, he said, made provisions for the concretisation of competitive federalism. In the constitution there were 44 items on the Exclusive Legislative list and 28 on the Concurrent list.

Apart from the listing of these items, Akinyemi pointed out that each region had its own constitution, its own coat of arms and its agent-general in London. Besides, each region allowed its local government authorities to have its own local police force. He said the Independence Constitution was the best compromise possible under the prevailing circumstance and compared it with the 1999 Constitution in terms of the legislative lists.

“Only one item “Archives” was transferred from the 1959 exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list of 1999. No item was transferred from the 1959 exclusive list to the 1999 reserved list.

Out of the 28 items on the 1959 Concurrent List, 16 items -- which translates to roughly 57 per cent - were lost to the 1999 Exclusive List. Some of these items are: arms and ammunition, bankruptcy and insolvency, census, commercial and industrial monopolies, drugs and poisons, finger prints, identification and criminal records, •Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MAY 7, 2014

POLITICS EKITI POLITICS

F

ROM 2007 to 2010, former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni and his successor Dr. Kayode Fayemi were political enemies. The war scholar and pro-democracy activist believed that Oni was a beneficiary of rigging. He also said that his name should be deleted from the list of past governors because he was an interloper.

Oni was deposed by the Court of Appeal, which found him guilty of malpractices. That was after three years of legal fireworks at the tribunal and Court of Appeal.

Tension enveloped the state known as the Fountain of Knowledge for the three-year period the legal battle lasted. Some fell in the electoral tussle.

Many suffered bruises. The PDP, for instance, insisted that the State House belonged to the conservative bloc. But the progressives objected, saying that electoral terrorism would not stand.

On the pages of newspapers, Oni and Fayemi and their supporters traded words. Oni said that Fayemi was suffering from delusion, adding that his desire to rule was a figment of imagination. The then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate threatened fire and brimstone. He said Oni was living a photocopy lifestyle, a vague reference to his career days as an employee of the Rank Zerox Company.

But, today, the duo of Oni and Fayemi have put the past behind them. Both of them have agreed to work together to combat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the poll on June 21.

Oni, a member of the “e-eleven”, a group of Ekiti patriots, had a good rapport with Fayemi in the past. Both of them had also identified with the ACD, a political association which was used as a decoy before the Action Congress (AC) was registered by the progressives. They went their separate ways, following the registration of the defunct AC. There must be something working for Fayemi. During the re-rerun, former Governor Ayo Fayose, now the PDP flag bearer, had teamed up with him against Oni, the candidate of his party. Now, Oni has teamed up with Fayemi against Fayose.

The former governor, who welcomed Fayemi to his residence in Ifaki-Ekiti, said that the future of Ekiti is more important than personal interest.

“We are erecting a new platform to

• Fayemi (third right) his deputy, Prof. Adelabu (second right), Erelu Fayemi (first right), Hon. Olatunbosun (first left), Oni, Awe and Hon. Karunwi Oladapo at Ifaki-Ekiti on Monday.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

No permanent foe in politics

By Emmanuel Oladesu

view the future and for us, the future is the only important thing that we have to see and defer to. Yes, there are past, but I urge all of us to let the past remain in the past. All sentiments, all prejudice must remain in the past. All decisions, all hopes are going to be about the future,” Oni said.

The former governor extolled Fayemi’s virtue, saying he has tried his best for the state. He said: “We must ask ourselves who is in a better position to give Ekiti a better future, the kind of future that we want. This is why we are doing this. If you are an Ekiti person, ask yourself who is in a better position to bequeath your children a better future.

“Tomorrow is greater than today and yesterday. Let us look at our future. I am not talking (about) perfection. I know God is the only one who is perfect. We must not focus on per-

sonal interests. Let us think about the future of our children. Tomorrow has started today.”

Oni said Fayemi had done well, despite the limited resources available to the state. He prayed to God to give him victory at the poll.

He said: “The Almighty God will grant you honour beyond your projection. This venture will succeed. Your tenure will be a huge success,” the former governor prayed.

Governor Fayemi was accompanied by his deputy, Professor Dupe Adelabu, and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi. He described Oni’s defection as a lesson that leadership is about sacrifice and foresight.

Describing Oni as a true leader, Fayemi said the former governor chose to stand on the side of the people, even though it was not materially beneficial to him.

“What my ‘egbon’ has demonstrated today is that he is a true leader. The

Group cautions against monetary enticement

A

S the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State draws nearer, a NonGovern-mental Organisation (NGO) has called on the electorate in the state to vote with their conscience and not to be swayed by monetary enticement from politicians.

The President, Rights Monitoring Group, RMG, Comrade Olufemi Aduwo told journalists at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos that in a bid for the state not to lose its progress track, the electorate should eschew political affiliation in deciding who to vote for in the forthcoming election.

Aduwo alleged that some moneybags without enterprises have started camping in the state, strategising on how to rig the forthcoming election and urged the electorate to be vigilant of their environment.

He emphasised that it is pertinent for the electorate to vote for the best candidate with good track records, a noble character and virtue, as well as the most brazenly determined to genuinely change the fortune of the state.

He said: “They should know that they are the ultimate authority to decide who would govern them and manage their commonwealth very effectively. This becomes necessary in order that the state may not lose the track of its ever respected progressive inclinations to politics. It is important to stress here again that party affiliation should not count for the People of Ekiti as they file out to decide the

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

direction, which the state political power will go in the coming governorship election.

“Already, indications are rife that some multi billionaires without enterprise have started camping in Ekiti and pitching tent with rabble-rousing politicians, while attempting to educate the already informed people on who they should elect as governor, come June. From intelligence reports,

Monies are being shared to the most vulnerable voters amid whispers that some billions had been budgeted for the election at the instance of moneybags.

“Ekiti people, we believe, know too well that a heavy investment by the strange billionaires on Ekiti governorship election amounts to an attempt to mortgaging the future of the state for individuals who had no blood link with any part of the state.

ruling party is still in government. He could make demands, but for him, he has demonstrated that he is a man of honour from the Land of Honour, and I know that God will always bless his ways. He has followed his conscience.

He has followed his conviction. He has demonstrated that character is important to our value system. We have done everything to follow in those footsteps as Ekiti sons and daughters,” Fayemi said.

Fayemi said the coming election may not necessarily be about performance as his performance is not in doubt, adding that the election is a decision between right and wrong, light and darkness.

“His Excellency, Segun Oni has led the way. He has lit the candle. The rest of us who are his followers owe it a

‘Violence may mar Ekiti poll’

T

HE Centre for Rights and Grassroots Initiative (CRGI) has expressed worry over the violence in Ekiti State, ahead of the governorship elec-tion.

The group said that the campaigns have been characterised by thuggery and arson, which have affected the peace of the state.

The leader of the group, Mr. Nelson Ekunjumi, urged the electorate to be vigilant, pointing out that those orchestrating the violence harbour a hidden agenda.

He said: “ We recognise that a pe-

Taming the ‘federal might’ •Continued from page 43

labour, regulation of the legal and medical professions, national monuments, national parks, prisons, quarantine, registration of business names, traffic on federal roads,water and power.

“Furthermore, the states lost seven items from the 1959 reserved list to the 1999 exclusive list. The items are evidence, fishing and fisheries, public holidays, regulation of political parties, stamp duties , taxation of incomes, profits and capital gains, trade and commerce. Under the 1999 constitution, the states lost the power of the original regions to have diplomatic representations in London, the states lost the power to appoint judges without interference of the National Judicial Council, the states lost the right to have their

own constitutions, their own coat of arms and the local governments lost the right to have their own police. All these rights they had under the 1959 Constitution.”

A constitutional lawyer, Abubakar Idris has advocated a radical devolution of power from the states to the local governments being the tier of government closest to the people. He said for the fact that every constitutional arrangement including 1999 Constitution recognises the place local government occupies in the affairs of the people, they should have institutional and financial powers to initiate, determine and implement projects to complement activities of the state and Federal Governments in their areas.

Idris, however, contended that no rigid rules can be laid down as to

duty to start lighting the candle in all the 16 local governments in the state.”

The governor urged APC members not to regard the hitherto PDP members who defected alongside Segun Oni as new members, but as equal members of a big family.

“This family is not APC or the new PDP. This party is called Ekiti Progress,” said Fayemi.

Other party leaders at Oni’s residence were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Taiwo Olatunbosun, Former Commissioner Kayode Babade, former members of Ekiti House of Assembly, Lai Oke, Femi Adeleye, commissioners in the Oni administration, Abiodun Bamiteko, Mrs. Iyabo Babatunde, former Special Adviser,Policy and Strategy, Mr. Ben Oguntuase, Mrs. Motunde DayoFajuyi, amongst others.

what functions should be devolved to local governments. He said a new arrangement must put in place resilient and indefeasible safety valve, strong enough to contain the domineering role of the states from encroaching on the little space conceded to the local government.

He is of the view that creation of local government should be left to the states which should determine the number appropriate for their needs. They should also generate the resources for their sustenance, and thus render the provision of Section 7(6) of the 1999 Constitution obsolete in line with the decision of the Supreme Court that the 1999 Constitution intends that everything relating to local government be in the province of the state government rather than in that of government of the federation.

riod of campaign in a democratic process represents a window opportunity for aspirants to endear themselves to the hearts of the electorate for votes by reeling out their manifesto rather than what obtains presently whereby there have been pockets of violence which have resulted in injuries, damage to private and public properties and a blur on our sensibilities.

“We are hereby using this medium to admonish the electorate to be extra vigilant since it is the watchword for democracy and reject at the polls, aspirants who believe that the only way to gain public attention is to unleash violence on the people rather than engaging in issues driven campaign. We also want to enjoin them to report any security threatening acts or action to the security agencies”.

Urging the security agents to show commitment, he said they should resist undue political influence and maintain neutrality during the electioneering.

Ekunjumi said the statement credited to the Vice President Namadi Sambo on the election was reckless, adding out that Ekiti cannot be a war front.

He enjoined the electoral commission to conduct a credible poll to avoid chaos and crisis in the state. TEkujumi added: “we want to enjoin them to keep watch over the activities of the political parties and aspirants in this period of campaign and take necessary actions in consonance with the Electoral law to bring any defaulting party to book for breach of the Act. The time has come now for the INEC to be effective as a dog that bites rather than its toga of a toothless bulldog”.

45

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MAY 7, 2014

POLITICS

IN this piece, Luke Adegoke examines the implication of the ab-sence of a zonal executive committee for the Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the party’s preparation for next year’s general elections.

When will Southwest PDP T hold its congress?

T

HAT the Peoples’ Democratic Party in the Southwest has no elected zonal executive committee to direct the affairs of the party in the region is no longer news.

The circumstances leading to this started in March 2012 during the zonal congress held under the chairmanship of the erstwhile National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo. Before the congress, the Ogun State Chapter of the party had gone to court because the leadership of the zone then, refused to recognise the Mr Bayo Dayo led executive which has just been elected a week earlier.

Because of this, the Ogun chapter went to court and got an injunction against the congress for shutting the gates against their delegates. In spite of the injunction, the congress was held. The congress produced the Segun Oni-led zonal executive. It was on this basis that the court ruled in May 2012 that the congress was null and void because it was held against its injunction.

This generated a crisis for the Segun Oni-led executive, which appealed against the ruling, but because of the crisis of confidence that the ruling generated for the Oni led exco in particular and in order to resolve all outstanding judgements against the party, the National Working Committee decided to respect the court ruling to set-up a Caretaker Committee that shall remain in place until a fresh congress is held and new Zonal Executive elected.

The Caretaker Committee was led

by Chief Ishola Filani, a lawyer, who steered the affairs of the party from February to August 2013 when some members of the committee resigned in order to contest the elections at the scheduled zonal congress.

The congress has since been rescheduled and postponed severally leading to a big vacuum in the structure of the party in the zone, while all other zones have their executive committees in place only the Southwest has no executive committee.

The congress was initially scheduled to hold in August 24, 2013, but it was rescheduled to November 9, 2013 it was again postponed and rescheduled for 12 and later April 14, 2014 until it was cancelled again till a yet to be announced date. Although the basis for the last postponement was against the backdrop of the first Nyanyan bomb blast, the significance of the postponement is however lost when Mr. President was in Kano the following day to receive Alhaji Shekarau and his teeming supporters into the party, and later a visit to Ibadan to celebrate with the Olubadan on the occasion of his centenary birthday celebrations. It should be noted that it is this same Ibadan that the Congress should have been held the day following his visit!

What are the legal implications of these postponements for the party in the Southwest in particular and the nation at large?

The zone is faced with two elections in Ekiti and Osun states (June and August 2014 respectively). Normally the zonal screening should have been done in the Southwest with the zonal secretary as automatic secretary of the Screening committee, but with the absence of a zonal exco, the National has been doing the work of the zone which ought not be so.

The zonal executive should have been in the vanguard of the on-going campaigns in Ekiti and Osun states, but because of the lacuna caused by the postponements, this is not the case.

The zonal executive is the rudder for steering the ship of the party in

• Mu’azu

the zone, but because of the lack of an elected exco, the zone can be said to be rudderless. If there is any zone that needs a firm zonal exco, it is the Southwest. if there is any zone that needs extra ordinary attention and care it is the Southwest because by the nature of the Yorubas, they play a vital role in the politics of Nigeria. Five states in the West has been won twice over by the PDP. The PDP did not lose these states as a electoral defeat but through the backroom of the courts. If the National body had come to the aid of the party in the SW during this trial period, the situation would have been different for our party.

Today, the party is planning a midterm convention to ratify the position of the National Chairman Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu who replaced Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. To achieve this, precedent must be avoided, because the party should remember that the Southwest zonal congress was nullified by a law court because delegates from Ogun were not allowed to vote. So also there are some statutory Convention members who were supposed to be so elected at the zonal congress: the Zonal Working Committee members and the National Ex-officio members from the Southwest will be shut out of the convention for no fault of theirs but for the fact that the National Working Committee (NWC) has not deemed it necessary to conduct a zonal congress that will automatically secure a place for such officers as delegates to the convention. Failure to elect these officers in place shall render the convention a nullity.

The legal implication arising from the above scenario is that any aggrieved member of the party in the Southwest can go to court to secure an injunction against the party from holding the national convention in the first instance.

The position of the National Secretary is even a more precarious situation, because any other aspirant(s) from Osun his home state where the position is zoned, can contest against him in the national convention of the party.

The case of the National Secretary is

‘The zonal executive should have been in the vanguard of the on-going campaigns in Ekiti and Osun states, but because of the lacuna caused by the postponements, this is not the case’

that he has merely been nominated by the Southwest subject to a confirmation by the national convention. The issues arising there from are: •The leadership of the Southwest is not supporting him, particularly leaders from Osun State who see him as usurping the position of a notable son of the state.

• While the constitution stipulates a nomination by the Southwest congress, which congress has a standard delegation as prescribed by the constitution, his own nomination is however by an extra ordinary congress that has no stipulated delegates • Congresses have specific purposes for which they are convened, but an extra ordinary congress is not a legal way to nominate a National officer of the party more especially when the person is the National Secretary.

• Information reaching us says that some leaders were willing to go to the courts to challenge the extra ordinary congress, but were prevailed upon by some legal minds who explained to the aggrieved people that the fact that he was nominated by the congress rightly or wrongly does not stop anyone from contesting against him in the convention.

• The judgment of the Court of Appeal setting aside the judgement of the High Court which removed Oyinlola as National Secretary means that he is still the National Secretary, notwithstanding that the PDP has not adhered to the judgement.

• The appeal by the PDP and the cross appeal by Oyinlola serves as a stay even where the stay does not stop Oladipo from performing the duties of the National Secretary, it serves as a stay for the election of any new National Secretary at any mini or major convention.

Apart from all the above, the party should learn from the error of the Southwest chapter which shut the door against some delegates and was nullified by a law court. It will be unfair for such fate to befall the party’s national convention. Thus it will be better if the Southwest congress is conducted before any convention to prevent the calamity that will befall the party in the event of nullification by the court.

The implication of all these for the party in the Southwest ahead of the 2015 general elections are enormous: It is a fact that the non availability of the Southwest zonal executive, is affecting the campaigns of the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections, if by any means the party loses Ekiti and or Osun states, it will reinforce the strength of the opposition party in the Southwest. All must be done to prevent this more importantly when the incumbents are APC Governors who are willing to dangle anything possible for them to win in the June and August gubernatorial elections.

The previous elections were contested by regional parties against a truly national party, the PDP, the scenario today is that the country now has an opposition party with national spread too, thus the party cannot afford to toy with the Southwest. Whatever the party must do to ensure that the zonal executive is put in place must be done so that it can provide leadership for the Southwest zone.

Finally it is my belief that the NWC of the party must look at issues objectively to ensure that the congress is conducted. While there will always be pockets of grievances in the party, action must be taken to conduct the zonal congress and a sitting zonal executive should be able to resolve all matters/ fallouts arising from the congress.

The NWC has no choice in this matter since no other care-taker committee can be put in place in the prevailing circumstance.

2015: Abaribe promises to protect Abia’s interest

By Emmanuel Oladesu

HE Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has promised to protect the interest of the three senatorial districts, if elected as the governor in the next year’s election.

He described as baseless the rumour that the emergence of the next governor from the Ukwa-Ngwa axis would lead to the seizure of the property belonging to non-indigenes in Aba. Abaribe told party supporters in Umuahia, the state capital, that he would promote the culture of fairness and equity. The senator is in Abia Central Zone to consult with party leaders and community elders on his ambition.

He hailed Governor Theodore Orji for effectively laying a solid foundation for economic growth, which his focused successor would build upon after the election.

Abaribe was received by former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, a member of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission, Senator Chris Adighije, former state Chairman of the PDP Chief Tony Ukasoanya, wife of former Head of State Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, members of the House of Assembly and other party chieftains from the zone.

The governorship aspirant said that it is morally, spiritually and legally reprehensible to seize the property of any Nigerian wherever the person resides.

He said: The rumour is as naïve and foolish as its authors. Abia people are one.

The people have tirelessly worked and toiled all through their lives to develop the town of Aba and have been intensely attached to its steady development.

“It is therefore, a case of a barefaced wicked propaganda to insinuate that, in Abia, a section will suddenly wake up and declare fellow citizens persona nongrata on account of having assumed the office of a governor. It is the height of illiteracy by the authors of such hate propaganda. It will never happen in Abia.”

Abaribe lamented that Abia is receiving a small allocation from the Federation Account, unlike its neighbours.

He said: “Abia has a low income because it produces about only three percent of the national oil output, but we must tap from those who have. What we have to do is to create the enabling environment for business to thrive.

“We have the human capacity, which must be deployed to our advantage. We must look forward and be able to do and promote those innovative ideas we are known for, if we must turn adversity to advantage.”

Abaribe, who was the deputy governor, added: “I am here to present myself as a qualified Abia son, who is experienced, prepared and ready to provide purposeful service as the governor of the state come 2015.”

Senator Adighije assured that the zone would support Abaribe’s aspiration.

He prayed that God will see him through, if he has the genuine intention to serve the people.

The Chairman of the PDP in Umuahia North Council, Chief Amaechi, told Senator Abaribe that the people were behind his aspiration to offer service to the state.

Also, the Abia Central Chairman of the PDP, Chief Onuigbo Akimbod, assured that a level playing field will be provided for the aspirants.

A chieftain, Solomon Adaelu, who spoke on behalf of the commissioners, commended Abaribe for setting the pace in consulting with different zones, adding that the move will make other aspirants not take the electorate for granted.

Hon, Chidi Nwosu, who spoke on behalf of the members of the House of Assembly, extolled Abaribe’s sterling qualities and assured that Abia Central would make their voice known when the time comes at the primaries.

Abaribe thanked them for the spontaneous •Abaribe enthusiasm, love, solidarity and support.

UPN to contest next year’s poll

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HE leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, has said that the new party will present candidates for the next year’s elections.

He said that the party will provide free education up to university level.

Fasehun, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, denied insinuations that the party, founded originally in 1978 by the Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, had been resuscitated to give the Peoples Democratic Party and President Goodluck Jonathan a foothold in the Southwest.

He said: “If we had wanted to be an appendage of PDP, we would have joined PDP without bothering to go through the hassle of forming and processing the registration of a party. We will contest every position available at the local government, state and federal level, including the Presidency.”

Fasehun blasted chieftains of the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), whom he accused of being behind insinuations that the UPN was a lapdog of Jonathan and PDP. He commended UPN members and supporters nationwide for exercising patience and courage in the face of “the intimidating challenge of an unduly prolonged registration exercise.”

The party began processing its registration in April 2013, with INEC publicly announcing its approval on April 17 this year.

According to Fasehun, the delay became more alarming because UPN had aspirants keen on contesting the governorship elections in Ekiti State, slated for June 2014, and Osun State, fixed for August 2014.

Disruption of Akure carnival ‘political’

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GROUP, Owo Youth Coalition, has flayed the alleged disruption of the youth carnival in Akure by suspected government agents, saying that it was political.

The group said in a statement by its Director of Planning and Strategym Obanoyen Abiola, that the disruption was unconstitutional.

He said: The ideals of youth coalition across the state is based on social development, capacity building, mind re-engineering and psychological rebirth of its members. Also, our activities are not politically driven and devoid of ethnoreligious sentiment.

“Therefore, the disruption is capable on throwing the state into pandemonium. The cancellation pretends a bad signal to other youth groups. We will always mobilise our members to resist the.

“We strongly solidarise with the leadership of the Akure Youth Coalition in their long way to freedom”.

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The pain and horror of the killing of some University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) students referred to as ‘Aluu Four’ were brought home when the literati and scholars gathered in Lagos to celebrate a literature doyenne, Prof Akachi AdimoraEzeigbo, at the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)Vintage Wine and Flesh Blends, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

X-raying a literary amazon

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HEY came protesting. Teenagersboys and girls. They raised their voices and placards to protest the 2012 carnage that took place in Aluu, a Rivers State community.

“It was a day dream died/Faith withered in the furnace of unbelief… Adieu, oh hapless victims of Aluu…” they chanted.

It was no protest rally but the performance of the poem Season of Carnage from the collection Dancing Masks written by seasoned writer Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo.

There were mixed emotions as the kids, from four secondary schools, took turns to give theatrical interpretation of the poem on stage. Their reaction was not far-fetched. It was weeks after several bombings and killings in the northern part of the country.

Emotions were high.While fueling audience’s emotion, the diverse interpretations and costumes added spice to the poem’s preoccupation. The poetic lines, which the poet said was borne out of the hideousness of the act, and the theatrics not only re-enacted the scenes, but also called for firm action against such inhuman acts.

The Lagos City College’s performance, which was the most expressive of the four schools that included National College, Gbagada; Ikosi Senior High School and Gretech Educational Foundation, clinched the first place position.

The teen-actors with budding passion for literature, were the “Fresh Blends” while the poet was the “Vintage Wine”, explained the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Branch, Mrs Femi Onileagbon.

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•Ezeigbo (third left) with hubby (second left) and ANA Lagos executives

LITERATURE She was one woman wearing many hats. She is a prolific writer, with over 50 publications, including 14 books and numerous journal articles. She is one of Lantern books award-winning authors, who has won diverse literary prizes such as the NLNG Prize for Literature Prize and ANA prizes for Prose Fiction and Women Writing; and has judged several others.

Her achievements are not limited to the literary front alone. She is an English Language professor and was the head of department of English at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where the event was held. In the home-front, Adimora-Ezeigbo is also a success as wife, mother and grandmother. She was there with her hubby Prof Christain Ezeigbo, their children and granddaughter, bright Chinemenma.

And on the traditional front, she is a chief with thetitle Ugonwanyi Edemede Ndi Igbo.

With a large portfolio of accomplishments that serves as inspiration for the young and for her contributions to the advancement of the course of Literature, Onileagbon said,Adimora-Ezeigbo earned a spotlight at the Second Vintage Wine and Fresh Blends.

The event was organised in conjunction with Literamed Publications Nigeria Limited, who

donated books and prizes to the schools.

According to the ANA Lagos Chair, the programme aims at creating a mentorship environment for new and budding writers. “It invites the best of established literary figures, publishers and political figures (Vintage Wine), whose experiences and life paths have the weight to influence positively the creative development of new, young or aspiring writers (Fresh Blends) with the aim to nurture them.

This edition we chose to celebrate Prof Adimora-Ezeigbo and work with Literamed Publications Nigeria Limited that has published and promoted scholarship for 45 years.”

Impressed by the efforts of the teen-actors, Adimora-Ezeigbo, who started literary voyage early as a member of Debating and Dramatic Society where she wrote her first play, encouraged the children to keep at their passion, saying she started many years ago like them. She advised parents and schools to encourage the budding talents in their wards, saying: “Encourage your children to imbibe the culture of reading and writing early. Schools should identify talents in their wards and begin to nurture them”.

To her quiet mien are her vocal and activist sides that came alive during the interactive session with the reporter and a representative of Literamed Publications Nigeria Limited, Ms Busayo Sawyerr (Editor-in-Charge). To Ms

Writers tackle touchy National issues

ET against the background of the ongoing National Conference, it was more than a coincidence that the last edition of the Guest Writer Session, of the Abuja Writers’ Forum (AWF), took on touchy national issues.

Zainab Sule got proceedings going with one of her new singles, Fire Down Below. It was a good teaser to set the mood for an encounter with fun and excitement and it was evident her performance was enthralling as the audience sat transfixed, gazes locked at her like the future depended on their picking out every word of her lines and guitar strumming.

A situation that would repeat itself when she came back in between the writers to run through a couple of her songs.

The sobering highpoint of the evening came when multiple award-winning journalist, read from his book, Home Away From Home. He described the book in a recent interview as “my offering to making Nigeria a great nation as some of the ones I have visited.” Though the book is solely about the history of the Ogbomoso people in Jos, the scope turns out to be far beyond that. It actually tells the sorry story of the collapse of the inter-ethnic harmony that existed among Nigerians who had lived together in peace for so many years.

The book chronicles the arrival of Ogbomoso people in Jos, their settlement there over the centuries, the peace, love and unity they enjoyed as they lived, did business and mingled with the indigenes other settlertribes.

However, tribal and religious differences

From Elvis Iyorngurum

LITERATURE suddenly crept into the picture and turned erstwhile friends, neighbours and brothers into sworn enemies. He recalled that in his days as a little child in Jos, his family, a Christian family bonded so well with their Muslim neighbours that they’d sometimes follow them to the mosque and the friends would also follow them to church. Oyegbile decried that such a scenario is impossible in the city today, with the incessant religious and tribal fights that have erupted over the years, claiming thousands of lives and reducing the city into a theatre of violence.

According to him, his father got to Jos before the amalgamation in 1914 that gave birth to Nigeria. At the time he left Ogbomoso, the father, he said, was too young to pay tax. He settled in Jos, worked there for decades and paid his taxes to the Plateau State government.

By the time he returned to Ogbomoso, he was too old to pay any taxes. In spite of his father’s loyalty and long sojourn in Plateau State, however, Oyegbile said if he needed a scholarship, he’d have to go and apply for it in Oyo State! This, he said, often makes him wonder if indeed we are ready to live as one nation.

He did not only paint a picture of the grim situation, he also proffered solutions to the strained relations between Nigeria’s ethnic and religious groups. He advised that citizens be educated on the gains of peaceful co-existence;

recommended the prosecution of criminals who are caught in the act of sectional aggression and the development of the right political will by our leaders, towards mending the broken relations among the various divides of the Nigerian people.

The audience had earlier savoured poems from Iruesiri Samson Kukogho’s debut collection What Can Words Do? Samson said of the title of his collection, that he derived it from the importance that words play in our daily lives as humans. “I have seen words start and also end wars; words have broken marriages and mended broken hearts,” he said. The question of what words can do, he said, is to bring to the consciousness of the reader, the importance of the words we speak and is one that everyone should ask themselves often so as to guard their choice of words when they speak to others as they have the potential to hurt and heal, give life and also kill.

From the themes Samson explores in the poems in his collection, it is obvious that he is motivated by true-life experiences and is also driven to add his voice to issues of social justice and the general enhancement of society. His voice rails against rape, violence against women and social disorders. His passion for the family institution is also clearly depicted.

“Society is being torn apart because families are collapsing,” he lamented. The poet emphasized that the more we lose the family, the more we lose our society and called for a show of concern by all citizens and especially •Continued on page 49

Sawyerr’s observation of low quality of manuscripts being a reason behind fall in the number of works by budding writers published Literamed, the author advised to them not to lose faith but to engage the services of book editors.

Adimora-Ezeigbo “the advocate” kicked against destructive criticism that seeks to damage the writer, observing that “sometimes critics can damage writers”. She opined that Nigeria has an abundance of destructive criticisms that are highly subjective. “I would wish we have more of the constructive criticism. Some so-called critics would begin to attack the writer instead of the book. Critics should look at the good and bad things about a book,”she said.

Her novels promote African culture and cultural tolerance; the school of feminism that accommodates men. In a world that is often said to be ruled by men, the author canvassed for negotiation and cooperation between the sexes, while throwing her weight behind what she calls “Snail-sense feminism”. She said: “The Snail-sense feminism is based on the Igbo cultural belief that advocates that men and women should negotiate and work together. The snail negotiates and dialogues with its environment and other objects around it. I think that is what African women are and should be doing.

“Some described it as an accommodative stand. Feminism is culture-based and is constrained by our social and cultural beliefs. In Africa, we believe we have to work with the men to move the society forward. If you watch women who are successful, it is not through aggression but through negotiation. You have to work together with the men. If you notice the home that is successful, it is where the man and woman work together.”

Her novels often promote women empowerment with female lead characters with strong personalities, who wield influence and cause positive change.

Coming from a background of strong and independent women, she hammered on the importance of women empowerment, saying it is the inspiration behind her advocacy.

No doubt, African cultures are patriarchy and women are often at the disadvantage, however, Adimora-Ezeigbo said,the continent still prides itself of men who support and believes in the progress of their wives and daughters.

“My husband is that kind of man. When we are talking about the best woman activist, encouraging women, he is Number One. Right from home, all the women in my family were strong, independent women, who are empowered. I grew up in a background of strong women. My two grandmothers were strong, independent women, who believe in the empowering of women. We were encouraged to be strong and independent. My parents empowered me and that is what I believe and encourage. And I am blessed to have a husband that also believes and encourages it,” she said.

And how does it feel have a wife with such a lofty portfolio, Prof Christian Ezeigbo was asked. Hear him: “If you are lucky to have somebody who is successful, the least you can do is to encourage that person to the utmost because your joy and that person’s joy will multiply.”

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Seoul: The living soul of Asia

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ENULTIMATE weekend I was in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, on the invitation of the Korea Foundation as a guest of the foundation and the Korean government.

The visit which was under the auspices of the Korea Foundation invitation programme for prominent and distinguished guests in culture for the year, had invitation extended to 11 countries, including Nigeria. Other countries represented at the event were the Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, Panama, the People’s Republic China, United Arab Emirates, the People’s Republic Bangladesh, Guatemala, Israel, and Iran. One or two persons represented each country, I represented Nigeria at the event, and incidentally the only African delegate to the event.

The invitation for eminent and distinguished persons in culture is the brain child of Korea Foundation. Since its establishment in 1991 by Korea, the Foundation has been promoting mutual understanding, interaction, cooperation and friendship between the good peoples of Korea and other nations through various educative and highly informative international exchange programs.

Within the scope of these events, the Foundation invites prominent individuals from abroad who have distinguished themselves in various professional fields to visit Korea and have the opportunity to meet with their Korean counterparts, share knowledge and expertise, network and seek future meaningful and enduring collaborative initiatives, and familiarise themselves with Korean culture and society.

The week long visit to Korea was an eye opener to me, as I saw a people and country determined and resolved in their quest to develop by providing necessary infrastructure, giving meaning to the lives of its citizenry and determined to influence and make positive impact in the world space.

Right from Seoul Incheon International Airport on arrival, I had a fresh breath in my interaction with warm and very friendly Koreans. The airport is extremely beautiful and one of the best in the world that I have had the opportunity to see. Without the fear of sounding immodest, I have seen an airport too many all over the world, so I can be as assertive as I am trying to. The structure, neatness, security, workability of facilities and courteous ground staff at the airport were out of this world, and simply put were incredibly charming and inviting. What I saw at the airport on arrival and the impression I left there with actually prepared me for the great places and persons I visited and met while in Seoul, the beautiful and captivating city of Korea……In short, Korea is alive and

• From left: Ogbechie and Ko Hakchan From Hilary Ogbechie

TRAVELOGUE moving in a positive direction.

The invitation program for distinguished guests in culture to Korea entailed visits by delegates to very important and notable art and culture institutions, interaction with practitioners in the arts and related fields, lectures and selected tours. Institutions visited by delegates included the Korean Broadcasting Service, Seoul Arts Center, the Korean Folk Village, Korean National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organsation(UNESCO), the National Museum of Korea, Namsan Park-N Seoul Tower, the National Theatre of Korea, the Digital Media City (DMC), the Arts Council of Korea, the Korea Foundation Cultural Centre, the World Cup Stadium and the Palace at Hanok Village amongst others.

The visits to the Korean Broadcasting Service (KBS) and Korean Foundation were another eye opener as they revealed how Korea, deliberately using the platform of arts and culture attracted and captured the world’s attention to its culture and made it irresistible to all. At these venues, the delegates were given a lecture on the Korean Wave of globalisation and cultural exchange as exemplified in Winter Sonata, a Korean drama which has changed the view of many of Korea in South East Asia in particular and the world in general, and Gangnam Style by Psy. Winter Sonata added value of 4 billion USD to the Korean economy in the first year. An estimated figure of over 1.9 billion You Tube view (the most ever) was enjoyed by Gangnam Style by Psy all over the world. The Korean Wave which started from Korean drama is now reaching new shores and expanding to K-pop, thanks to the internet. You Tube has facilitated the consumption and distribution of the contents which enabled people to watch TV programs on the very next day of their broadcast in Korea. In this way, the Korean Wave is expanding from Asia to the whole

2015 elections test for Nigeria, says US envoy

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NITED States Ambassador James Entwistle has said the 2015 elections will be a test for Nigeria. He urged politicians, the media and Nigerians to pledge “that they will not advocate, support or condone violence before, during and after the elections.”

Entwistle made the plea during his visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The visit was part of his tour of the North ”to interact with the people, learn more about the security issues in the region, and to share the United States’ wishes for peaceful elections, good governance, development and a better future for Nigeria,” according to a statement.

He visited Governor Gabriel Suswan and met religious and community leaders. He also called on the Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University, and interacted with students.

At these meetings, Entwistle emphasised the importance of U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship, in terms of trade and economics, democracy issues, partnering on shared security, and advancing access for all Nigerians to education and health resourcesHe said the US will lend its support to Nigeria’s efforts, but will not dictate to Nigeria.He said: “Nigeria has great potential.

By Evelyn Osagie

Your diversity should be a source of strength, not strive. People must learn to tolerate and get along with each other. Across the globe, history has shown that countries that make progress are those whose communities live in peace with each other.”

He said with the North’s strong tradition of inter-faith cooperation, the US will support efforts aimed at promoting tolerance, and assist both government and civil society to promote transparency and accountability, strengthen media, and support national and local elections.

He also toured two US Government-supported projects on health and agriculturein Markurdi.

He learned about the successes of USAID’s technical support on HIV/AIDS to the General Hospital, North Bank, Makurdi; in addition to the progress and growth of the rice value chain being promoted by the MIKAP rice mill that is working through USAID’s MARKETS project, to stimulate commercial production and processing of rice in Benue State.As part of his tours in the Middle Belt, the ambassador will also visit Nasarawa and Plateau states.

world.

The visit by the delegates to the National Museum of Korea, apart from it being situated in a large expanse of land and a magnificent building was refreshingly inspiring, informative and educative. The museum has 11galleries filled with more than 1,400 precious works donated to the National Museum of Korea by various benefactors from the world. Five rooms displayed around 830 art works and cultural objects gathered from Asia, featuring pieces that reflect the universal aspects of Asian culture while simultaneously representing the unique characteristics of each country. Seven rooms displayed 710 finest specimens of Buddhist culture, metal arts and ceramics.

The Digital Media City (DMC) is a state-ofthe-art digital media entertainment cluster, which is located in Sangom-dong on a large expense of land. The Digital Media City is another Hollywood, California in the making in Asia, as it is planned to be the next business and entertainment hub of the world. It will greatly contribute to Korea’s positioning in the knowledge-based market of the 21st century through its advance IT, human resources and entertainment capacities already demonstrated in the global phenomenon called Korean Wave.

The Korean Folk Village simply put is the conscious transfer of ancient Korea into modernity, a perfect blend of the very old and new in terms of culture and architecture. A typical village of the Joseon period has been created on a 245-acre site regarded as a propitious location according to the principles of Feng Shui, with a river flowing in front of it and a mountain behind it. With 260 traditional Korean houses which have been relocated from the various regions of Korea, exhibition space and, performance arena. It is indeed the re-enactment of the ancient way of life of Korea. The Korean Folk Village was a delight and beauty to behold and speaks volume about the positive fusion of ancient and modern in the cultural evolution of Korea. It provides an opportunity for Korean children to experience and learn the culture of their ancestors first hand;

and equally promote traditional Korean culture to both domestic and international visitors.

The Seoul Arts Center is an architectural masterpiece and an imposing structure. With its stylish architecture in the shape of a gat (a traditional Korean hat made of bamboo and house chair). The Opera house opened in 1993 to become the first culture complex in the country.

Across six floors, the Opera House is equipped with plenty of space and top-notch facilities for performers and workers.

This article will be termed incomplete by many without the mention of “Arirang” and “Soju” as they occupy very prominent positions in Korean culture. Arirang is a quintessential Korean Folk song that is loved by Koreans living all over the world. Hundred of variations of the song have been sung over the generations. The flexibility of the lyrics have allowed “Arirang” to transcend time, by offering a powerful sense of freedom and self-expression to the singer. Although the song is quite easy to learn, it is far from simple, as it embodies the soul, spirit and culture of Korea.

In December 2012, UNESCO inscribed “Arirang” on the Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming the song’s status as an intangible cultural asset of the entire world.

To anyone visiting Korea, the average Korean will always inquire if you had tasted “Soju” at lunch or dinner. Soju is a traditional distilled drink made from rice, it is unique with a distinct flavour of its own that so quickly captures the hearts of consumers. Koreans love Soju and are very proud of its quality as they affirm that it is the best drink in the world. The Koreans equally have a unique drinking habit. Drinking alone is quite a rare sight in Korea. Drinking customs in Korea are very passionate and in groups, as if it is to prove the notion that alcohol can strengthen the collective spirit, bonding and solidarity. This is how the distinctive Korean custom of after-work get–together drinking sessions got started. Can a Korean really do without Soju?

On the slope of Mt. Namsan are the Namsan Park and the Seoul Tower, a landmark which offers an unobstructed panoramic view of Seoul as a city. The tower located in the heart of Seoul, houses an observatory from where you can see Seoul in its entirety, and the space is consciously bringing art and technology together. From the observatory, any visitor can behold and savour the beauty and the very alluring architecture and landscape of Seoul.

Indeed, Seoul is beautiful, captivating and a city everyone should visit in a life time.

In all, my Korean experience was thrilling and rewarding as I developed a network of accomplished art and culture practitioners, ready for meaningful and beneficial collaborations to involving parties. I now know more about the Korean culture and its very widely acknowledged successful approach for reaching and influencing other parts of the world. I can safely say that the Korea Foundation public diplomacy initiatives of helping develop expertise while building solid foundation of cooperation and friendship is working very well and worthy of emulation by others especially those from the developing countries.

• Ogbechie is with the National Council for Arts and Culture, Abuja.

Writers on touchy national issues •Continued from page 48 parents whom he advised not to let the proper upbringing of their children and the responsibility to show them love and care, suffer because of the search for daily bread.

Later while responding to questions, Samson expressed his gratitude to his father whom he said had a tremendous positive influence on his reading culture. He said his father was a very rigid man and forced him to read a lot of books from his well-stocked library and though it was quite a burden for him as a child, he is grateful today because it laid the foundation for his present appreciation for the literary arts, his writing prowess and the quality of his intellect.

After the writers did their bit, Zainab Sule took her turn with a set of enthralling songs.

The UniJos graduate of Mathematics and web designer proved why she is referred to as Nigeria’s queen of soft rock. After he performance, a member of the audience sought to know how long she took to perfect her handling of the guitar. She said she started playing the instrument in 2001 when she was a student at the University of Jos. She said she did

a lot of online study on how to play the guitar which has paid off with her ability today.

Zainab’s sounds have been referred to as a “mixture of Tracy Chapman and Avril Lavigne, mixed with a touch of soul”. A collection of beauty and talent, when she is not writing songs, or on some musical tour somewhere, she works as a consultant to some major companies under her company name and alter ego, Pishon Designs.

Maiden graduates of the AWF Creative Writing Workshop Advanced Set collected their certificates, while some members of the audience won free books from a raffle-draw, and the three guests were given mementoes.

The Guest Writer Session, which started in June 2008, holds at the prestigious Nanet Suites located at the Central Business District in Abuja, and runs from 4-7pm on the last Saturday of every month. The Abuja Writers’ Forum is a community of writers and book lovers. The forum creates opportunities for writers to develop their skills, helps in promoting and celebrating established and upcoming writers and also developing the book culture among Nigerians. Activities of the forum are free and open to members of the public.

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Do these buses fit mega city like Lagos?

•Photo: Isaac Ayodele Jimoh

In your Sokoto series launched in Lagos

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HEN one hears “Beyond the distant clouds”, one’s mind could travel way back to the 1990s when the television series, ‘Behind the Clouds’ was aired on NTA or it could be a book of poems.

But, it is none of the above.

Although according to the author, Ngozi Omolaiye, the intial name was ‘Beyond the clouds’ later, she added ‘distant’ to differentiate it from ‘Behind the Clouds’.

Omolaiye launched her debut novel, “Beyond the distant clouds” at the Lagos Resource Centre on Victorial Island,Lagos. The event was attended by the Managing Director, Mansard Insurance, Tosin Runsewe, Chief launcher, Mr George Thorpe and Managing Consultant, Market Space, Mr Tokunbo Adesanya and other special guests,former colleagues, friends and family.

Published by Author House, “Beyond the distant clouds” is a new relationship novel and the first in the In your Sokoto series, takes readers through a journey in the l ives of multiple individuals as they dance through the world of love.

In the book, readers are invited to watch a marriage go sour. A pure relationship becomes tainted and endless futile search for “the one”.

When a lady is caught in the middle of the couples’s woe, a tragic event occurs that changes the couple’s life forever.

“I see a lot of relationships going wrong around me and most times, the solutions to the problems are near to people. This inspired me to write a series of five books with the same theme but different characters and stories,” Omolaiye said. She provides her own, personal perspective at the novel’s conclusion as well as discussion questions.

In the review by Kirkus Reviews, the novel s a dramatic story of a love triangle that delves into the darker parts of the human heart. It offers a cautionary tale about people acting on impulse and refusing to confront their weakness. The complications of love and loyalty run deep in this rich story set in Lagos,Nigeria.

The three characters at the core of the storyDonald; his wife, Shirley; and his dear friend and potential love interest, Tife shares intense ties, as well as the power to destroy one another. Donald struggles to hold on to his marriage despite Shirley’s frequent absences and flimsy excuses. His work life is similarly fraught with tension, as the oil company he works for fails to find new resources. Shirley leaves him on his own for a long period of time with only Tife to assist with the children.

Although, Donald is like a brother to Tife because he took care of her when she lost her family. Donald’s platonic and tender love for

By Chinasa Ekekwe.

Tife soon shifts into something much more romantic, and he eventually tilts the balance of their relationship and his marriage with a stolen kiss. As Donald and Tife’s connection deepens, its revealed that Shirley’s trips is actually related to spiritual explorations. Shirley, Donald and Tife’s saga, told in a straightforward manner is an honest look at how selfishness can be toxic to happiness.

Over the course of the story, each character faces a tough choice, and the consequencies of his or her actions which serves as instructive lessons on how to approach life’s challenges.

Indeed, this work is more than just an engaging read,it is also a thought-provoking and instructive moral lesson.

According to Ngozi, at the book presentation, which the host of the day, Cordelia Okpei of Metro FM, turned to a talk show, Omolaiye started writing the book in 2006 and stopped.

Later on, she gave herself a deadline of three weeks and she was done with the book. During that three weeks, she had people pressurising her to finish the book.

Omolaiye said the ‘Sokoto’ in the name of the series means that a lot of people are in relationships and they keep going to look for solutions to their problems in distant places when the answers are within them. She said what you go looking for in Sokoto is right there in your ‘Sokoto’.

“So, ‘Beyond the Distant Clouds’ is the first of its series of Five books. I have four more to go. The idea of “In your ‘Sokoto’ series” is that I want to make people know that things are not as complicated as it seems but quite easy.

People just tend to complicate matters”.She said.

Omolaiye said the journey of writing the book required hard work and discipline especially these days when one have the option to be an independent publisher and so, the book is a self-published effort.

Omolaiye said one of the challenges she faced was what is called ‘writer’s block’ when at a certain point, she ran out of ideas. “What I do at this time is that I talk to people I can trust that will not steal my ideas.Another challenge is finding time to write after work and also making out time for the family”.She said.

Omolaiye attended the Federal Government College,Calabar. There, she wrote for the Press Club and got a literary award for “best literary student”. Later on, she went to the University of Jos to start up her purpose in life and that is writing. After school, she decided to pursue a carrer that would give her the opportunity to write which led her to corporate communications and marketing.

‘My life and River Nun’ •Continued from page 17 He asked: “How can we say we are wasted, if we produce the literature we are celebrating today?” But, he observed that there is a dysfunctionality now, which Prof.

Wole Soyinka described as a waste.

On whether poetry can serve as tool for a social change, he said:”Poetry doesn’t change a politician. Today, politics is for contesting elections even four years ahead. Every child knows our problems. Politicians spend their time and energies on winning elections. You can write all the poems, it will not change them”.

Clark recalled that during his school days, Nigeria heavily subsidised those who went to school. But, that “we were trained to be in civil service and not in politics”. According to him, Nigeria had no oil then, but proceeds from oil palm were well spent. Nigeria has money, but not well managed. And it is in the hands of the wrong hands… If I had joined the military, I would have been dead now. What is going for the west is that politicians there went to school, and are able to manage the military”.

He stressed that the British colonial government did not hand over Nigeria to those who wanted independence, noting that Nigerians who also fought for independence

have been forgotten by Nigerians and “they were in Lagos and Calabar”.

“Only a hollow crown was given to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. If political power was handed over to the varsity graduates of the University College, Ibadan and others, we would have been greater. Unfortunately, they were drafted unto civil service. It is the political class that got the power in the darkeners. Those in public service were distinguished Nigerians”.

He urged young writers and poets to do their apprenticeship and know the language well. Clark also described poetry as the highest point of any language (both written and spoken), but however expressed worries about the qualities of content.

“What worries me about poetry today is that I don’t think many practitioners take their academics seriously; be it Queens English or Warri pigin. Don’t forget the syllabus… the poet is a poet; he delivers his works for the public to enjoy… There are new voices around, and am not disillusioned by all poets of today. Not everybody that says he is a poet is a poet. I am for a thousand flowers blooming but, let them be well fed from the soil”.

On his strong passion for writing, even at 80, Clark said; “Sometimes I write a dozen versions of poems a day before I am happy.

I am not an entertainer”.

Five writers make Caine Prize shortlist

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HE chair of judges, Caine Prize for African Writing, award-winning author Jackie Kay has announced the shortlist of writers for this year’s prize. They include South African writer, Diane Awerbuck, (Cabin Fever),Efemia Chela (Ghana/Zambia), Feast, Famine and Potluck, Tendai Huchu (Zimbabwe), The Intervention in Open Road Review,Billy Kahora (Kenya) The Gorilla’s Apprentice, and Okwiri Oduor (Kenya) Feast, Famine and Potluck.

Jackie Kay described the shortlist as, “compelling, lyrical, thought-provoking and engaging. From a daughter’s unusual way of grieving for her father, to a memorable swim with a grandmother, a young boy’s fascination with a gorilla’s conversation, a dramatic faux family meeting, to a woman who is forced to sell her eggs, the subjects are as diverse as they are entertaining.”

She added, “the standard of entries was exceptionally high so much so that it was actually very difficult for the judges to whittle it down to a shortlist of only five stories. We

were heartened by how many entrants were drawn to explorations of a gay narrative. What a golden age for the African short story, and how exciting to see real originality - with so many writers bringing something different to the form.”

The shortlisted writers will read from their work at the Royal Over-Seas League on Thursday, July 10 at 7pm and at the Southbank Centre, on Sunday, July 13 at 5pm. On Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 the shortlisted writers will also take part in the Africa Writes Festival at The British Library, organised by ASAUK and the Royal African Society. The winner of the £10,000 prize is to be announced at a celebratory dinner at the Bodleian Library, Oxford, on Monday 14 July.

Nobel Prize winner and Patron of the Caine Prize Prof Wole Soyinka has said that to commemorate fifteen years of the Caine Prize this year, £500 will be awarded to each shortlisted writer.

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BUSINESS EXTRA

CBN seeks constitutional backing for Sovereign Wealth Fund

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria ( CBN) yesterday asked the National Conference to provide constitutional backing for the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

The apex bank highlighted the necessity for the country to save for the rainy day.

The bank also said there was need for the creation of the office of Accountant-General for Federal Government which would be separate from the existing office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF).

Acting Governor of the apex, Dr. Serah Alade, who made the demand while the National Conference Committee on Public Finance, invited her for a chat, noted that it was necessary to in-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

vest for the future.

Alade was represented at the briefing by the bank’s Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau.

Alade said: “Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund was intended to replace the Excess Crude Account (ECA) in order to provide long term savings for economic stabilisation, infrastructural development and generational equity.

“The ECA has been criticised as a mere arrangement based on a memorandum of understanding among the three tiers of government, thus necessitating the need for a constitutional backing

for the SWF to provide for a stable long term saving to address the country’s infrastructure challenges, provide stabilization fund against the volatilities in oil prices/revenues and ensure generational equity.

“This has been the basis of continuous demand to draw to meet budget shortfalls in the form of argumentation.

It is thus, imperative to give constitutional impetus to the SWF established by the Federal Government.

“We can no longer afford to continue to live from hand to mouth. Public sector savings have become the norm for resource-rich, resourcedependent economies and Nigeria should not be an exception. We must save for today and for future genera-

• From left: Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Unity Bank, Mr Henry Semenitari Chairman, Alhaji Lamis S Dikko and Company Secretary, Mrs. Aisha Abraham at Unity Bank’s Completion Board Meeting for its capital raising exercise which took place at Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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Gas supply to power sector to hit 250mmscf/d by end of 650mmscf/d by this year. There is a lot go-

O boost power supply, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is working to increase gas supply to thermal power stations by 250 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) to 650mmscf/d before end of this year.

Its Group Managing Director, Andrew Yakubu, disclosed this while declaring open the Nigerian pavilion at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States.

Yakubu said the government is making efforts to address the problem of gas supply to the power sector on sustainable basis and ensure actualization of the gas revolution agenda to maximise the full benefits of the gas resources for the country. He said remarkable progress has been made in gas production for domestic use explaining that in the past four to five years, only 300mmscf/d was available for domestic use, which has currently jumped

•NNPC raps Japanese firm for PH refinery’s TAM From Emeka Ugwuanyi, (Houston, US)

to I.5 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d).

He also said the provisions in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) when passed into law will tremendously advance benefits expected from gas for the citizens.

He said: “The essence of the PIB was to improve government’s take, fiscal regime, and jump in gas obligation.

“There has been tremendous progress in gas production for domestic use. It was 300mmscf/d four to five years ago and now it is I.5bscf/d. This in any global standard is impressive and we intend to continue to build on that.

“NNPC is also the largest producer of gas for domestic use. We currently produce over 400mmscf/d and plans are under way to increase it

ing on in terms of gas investment and particularly in gas to power and the minister is driving us not only to sustain this but to surpass it.”

The NNPC chief also explained the government’s efforts at reducing dependence on imported petroleum products by improving output from local refineries. He said the corporation is still in discussion with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of Port Harcourt Refinery, Japanese Japling Corporation (JJC) to come to Nigeria and carry out the turnaround maintenance (TAM) of the refinery.

“Turnaround maintenance is not a ceremonial snapshot.

It is our duty on annual basis to maintain and operate our plants. TAM is scheduled for certain interventions that will require total shut down of the plant. We have scheduled TAM for Port Harcourt refinery and a lot has happened in the refinery’s turnaround initiative. “

No airport will be shut for WEF, says govt

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O airport will be shut during the ongoing World Economic Forum, the Federal Government said yesterday.

Coordinating General Manager, Corporate Communications for Aviation Parastatals, Mr Yakubu Dati, said none of the 22 airports managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), will be closed to passenger traffic and other activities by airport users.

A statement he endorsed read: “The management of the Federal Airports Au-

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

thority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to inform the general public, especially air passengers and other airport users, that government’s directive closing all schools and public offices in Abuja between May 7th and 9th, 2014 for the World Economic Forum does not affect operations at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja and all other airports in the country.

“Normal flight operations will continue to take place at

all airports, as scheduled, throughout the period of the forum. We are constrained to issue this release in view of possible misconception in some quarters that the Abuja Airport, being a public utility, is affected by the closure order.

We also wish to assure all passengers and other airport users that adequate security and operational arrangements have been put in place at all our airports to ensure hitch-free passenger facilitation during and after the World Economic Forum.”

tions.

“The consequences of operating the federation account as zero account could be mitigated by creating savings for the future generation, enhancing macroeconomic management, and improving economic planning.

“Therefore, it is necessary to entrench the excess crude account which can be managed and invested by the CBN. In addition, the SWF could be included in the constitution.”

The CBN boss warned that the lack of appropriate constitutional mandate to create the SWF, poses operational

challenges, which has been the basis for legal contests by the sub-national governments.

She said: “Our position is that there are rational and emotional sides. Rational side is that everybody saves.

“Life is an investment that you have to have. On the emotional side, government should provide the structures to help the private sector.

Government cannot employ everybody. May be we need to downsize. May be, the issue is still debatable.”

Chairman of the committee, Senator Adamu Aliero

noted that though SWF policy was not yet in the constitution, it was still necessary to save.

He said: “It is true that there is no constitutional provision for the SWF, but we have to save for the rainy day. We will recommend to the main body the importance of including it in the constitution.

There is a suit now challenging the constitutionality of the SWF. We have to save for the rainy day. Your recommendations are in tandem with the recommendations we received from other revenue agencies.”

Dangote Cement splashes N1.25b bonus The Dangote Cement boss N appreciation of its cus on distributors then tomers’ patronage in the used the occasion to for-

I

previous year, the management of Dangote Cement Plc has rewarded its distributors financially with bonuses amounting to N1.25 billion It was a naira rain for distributors of the firm as each and every one of the distributors at a forum in Lagos went home with mouth-watering reward for keeping faith with the company and its product.

Each of the distributors was presented with a cheque. The highest bonus of N62 million went to Chinedu & Son Investment Nigeria Limited, as the Number One Customer for year 2013.

Meanwhile, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has been given seven Kenyan oil fields for exploration, Kenya’s Chamber of Commerce has said.

PM News reports that the decision was finalised during a meeting held in Abuja which was attended by both Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

According to the report, Kenya offered Nigerian investors 46 newly discovered oil blocs during a visit from President Jonathan in September last year.

Kenya and Nigeria signed an agreement to increase trade and business between the two countries last year.

• Group gets seven Kenyan oil blocs

Speaking on the N1.25billion bonus, Dangote had earlier said the firm sold 13.3m tons of the product last year, a feat he said was attained through patronage of the distributors.

He said the payment of the bonus was to celebrate the distributors for their unflinching loyalty and commitment to Dangote Cement which remained the best in spite of intense competition in the industry.

Dangote said: “We could not have achieved this enviable feat without your immense contributions. That is why we have gathered here to show you our sincere appreciation.

I am delighted to note that during the year you have finetuned your sales and marketing strategies to remain on top of the game, as the excellent results we posted for last year demonstrate, and this has allowed us to remain in our leading position.” must be innovative. The future belongs to those that are creative and innovative in their approach to doing business. Forward-looking organizations constantly seek innovative ways of doing things in order to stay ahead of the pack.”

mally introduce the Company’s new grade of cement— the 42.5 grade popularly known as Dangote Cement 3X, Big Boss or Big Oga, describing it as a demonstration of the Company’s commitment to its customers.

“It is a demonstration of our commitment to excellence. It is also a demonstration of our commitment to quality. The 3X stands for ‘extra strength,’ ‘extra yield’ and ‘extra life,’ and it is the product of many years of research and development.

We believe in going the ‘extra’ mile for you, our distributors and customers, the end users.

“Very soon, we will introduce another higher grade brand of 52.5 cement. The 42.5 grade and 52.5 grade will serve different purposes and will give consumers more options”, he explained.

In his own address of welcome, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Devakumar Edwin thanked the distributors for their loyalty to Dangote cement brand pointing out that they must have seen that they have made a mistake for choosing to do business with the company He promised that the cement Company would continue to show appreciation to them and urged them to strive to sell more Dangote cement this year and they would also be rewarded more saying; one good turn deserves another.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 06-05-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 06-05-14

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EQUITIES

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High-cap stocks rally equities to marginal gain

IGERIAN equities witnessed a subtle recovery yesterday as bullish transactions on some highly capitalised stocks rallied the overall market position to a marginal gain of 0.08 per cent.

Against the background of 0.34 per cent decline during the first trading session on Monday, upwardly transactions on large-cap stocks helped to add N11 billion to overall market capitalisation of quoted equities.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities had dropped by N43 billion on Monday.

The common value-based index that benchmark pricing trend at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), inched up to 38,480.07 points from its opening

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

index of 38,447.89 points. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities also rose slightly from N12.657 trillion to close at N12.668 trillion.

The slight bullish run moderated the depressed year-to-date market outlook with current average yearto-date return at -6.89 per cent.

While there were more gainers than losers at 27 to 20, the overall market direction was largely due to gains recorded by leading stocks such as SEPLAT Production and Development Company, Nestle Nigeria, Total Nigeria, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, UAC of Nigeria (UACN), Guinness Nigeria and Unilever Nigeria Plc.

NSE appoints Afrinvest designated adviser to emerging companies

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has appointed Afrinvest Securities Limited as a Designated Adviser (DA) to listed companies on the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM), the second board for emerging small and medium companies.

As a designated adviser, Afrinvest would assist prospective small and medium companies seeking listing on ASeM by providing them with professional advice during the application process and also serve as professional and impartial guide in respect of capital market rules and operations.

Afrinvest is also expected to provides advice on an on-going basis to ensure that the company satisfies the ASeM board requirements for initial and continued membership while ensuring that the company has addressed and met the disclosure requirements set forth in the ASeM rules.

Besides, the designated adviser will assist the company’s management and board to discern vital information that ought to be disclosed to investors.

“We are excited about this opportunity as it creates an avenue for Afrinvest to contribute its expertise to the growth of this segment of the market,” Afrinvest stated on confirmation of the appointment.

The ASeM is a specialized board of the NSE for emerging small and mid-sized companies with high growth potential. ASeM provides the opportunity for these companies to raise long term capital at relatively low cost from the capital market while creating opportunities for growth and institutionalization of companies listed on the board. There are currently nine companies listed on the ASeM board.

There is no limit to the amount of capital a company can raise on ASeM, as long as it is in line with other regulatory requirements,

such as those of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CA C) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Earlier, the NSE had selected Capital Asset Limited and 13 other stockbroking firms as Designated Advisers (DA). The other designated advisers included ARM Securities Limited, BGL Securities Limited, Cardinal Stone Securities Limited, EDC Securities Limited, Fidelity Securities Limited, and FSDH Securities Limited. Others were Investment One Stockbrokers International, Magnartis Finance & Investment Limited, Marina Securities Stockbroking Services, Morgan Capital Securities Limited, Partnership Investment Company Limited, Primera Africa Securities Limited and UBA Stockbrokers Limited.

Head, broker dealer regulation, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Olufemi Shobanjo said the designated advisers were selected because of their expertise on corporate finance and investment, indepth knowledge of capital market rules and operations and intimate acquaintance with disclosure, listing and post listing requirements of the NSE. According to him, the designated advisers, which were also cleared by the SEC, went through a rigorous process that delved into their compliance history, transaction profile and track record of subject matter experts presented by the firms.

Shobanjo said designated advisers will be required for all companies listed on the ASeM board to ensure compliance with all the listing and post listing requirements of the alternative board.

He noted that the NSE had received and processed applications from more than 20 stockbrokers for consideration as designated advisers.

SEPLAT, the first and only upstream company on the NSE, led the rally with a gain of N30.96 to close at N662.99. Nestle Nigeria, NSE’s highest priced stock, followed with a gain of N10 to close at N1, 080.

Total Nigeria placed third with a gain of N2.50 to close at N152.50.

Lafarge Wapco rallied N2.02 to close at N110.02. UACN rose by N1.75 to close at N57. Okomu Oil Palm added 99 kobo to close at N34.94. Guinness Nigeria gathered 82 kobo to close at N176.02. National Salt Company of Nigeria chalked up 37 kobo to close at N11.83. Ashaka Cement rose by 25 kobo to N19 while Unilever Nigeria added 24 kobo to close at N48.25 per share.

On the downside, Seven-Up Bottling Company led the losers with a drop of N4.50 to close at N85.50.

UACN Property Development Company dropped by N1.10 to close at N23. Nigerian Breweries declined by 69 kobo to close at N148.72. Dangote Cement dwindled by 59 kobo to N225.92. Stanbic IBTC Holdings lost 40 kobo to close at N22.60. Guaranty Trust Bank slipped by 30 kobo to close at N26.50 while Fidson Healthcare dropped by 13 kobo to N2.49 per share.

Market turnover was above average as investors staked N4.63 billion on 511.32 million shares in 5,214 deals. The financial services sector remained the most active sector ac-

counting for 450.43 million shares worth N2.40 billion in 2,941 deals.

On stock by stock basis, African Alliance Insurance was the most active stock with a turnover of 155.98 million shares valued at N77.99 million in four deals. Market analysts said the deals on African Alliance were cross deals, implying internal portfolio adjustment by a large investor or a transfer on previously arranged deals between some investors. Access Bank was the second most active stock with a turnover of 52.97 million shares valued at N481.23 million in 328 deals. United Bank for Africa placed third with 41.38 million shares valued at N280.28 million in 223 deals.

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had distributed N1 billion annually as cash dividends for the 2011 and 2012, the board is recommending N100 million payout for the 2013 business year.

While shareholders had received a dividend per share of N1 in 2011 and 2012, they will now receive a dividend per share of 10 kobo.

Many analysts described the slash in payout as beyond expectation, a feeling that has haunted the market consideration of the palm oil company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Presco’s share price closed yesterday at N37.05 as against its 52week high of N48.58 per share.

Analysts have also raised concerns about the timing of the rights issue, noting that the performance of the company is a disincentive to shareholders and could limit the participation of the minority retail shareholders in the rights issue.

If approved at the general meeting, Sa Siat nv, which holds 60 per cent majority equity stake in Presco, will provide nearly two-thirds of the rights funds. Presco has 10,000 shareholders with the largest group of

shareholders holding small units within the range of 1000 to 10,000 shares.

The decline in dividend payout partly reflected the downturn in the operations of the company. Key extracts of the audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that net profit dropped by 62 per cent from N3.49 billion to N1.34 billion. Profit before tax had dwindled from N3.88 billion to N2.33 billion. Operating profit declined from N4.19 billion to N2.72 billion. Gross profit slumped to N4.62 billion in 2013 as against N5.24 billion in 2012. Aggregate turnover dropped to N8.49 billion in 2013 compared with N11.25 billion recorded in 2012.

Presco primarily engages in the development of oil palm plantations, palm oil milling, palm kernel processing and vegetable oil refining.

The main products of the company included refined bleached and deodorized palm oil, palm olein, palm stearin, palm fatty acid distillate, palm kernel oil (crude and refined) and palm kernel cake.

Presco seeks N3.5b rights issue as net profit dips by 62%

RESCO Plc plans to raise about N3.5 billion from existing shareholders as the palm oil plantation and processing company struggled with significant decline in profit.

The board of directors of Presco is expected to table a proposal for new equity issue before the shareholders at the forthcoming annual general meeting while the directors are also expected to brace up for explanation on the 62 per cent drop in net profit and 90 per cent slash in cash dividend.

The audited report of the company, obtained ahead of the general meeting, indicated that the board would be rooting for a rights issue of 100 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each on the basis of one new share for every 10 shares held as at the qualification date.

The board indicated that the rights would be offered at N35 per share, barely N2 above the current market value of the company.

Directors of the company have also recommended 90 per cent reduction in cash dividend. While the company

Buffett shifts to large acquisitions

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ARREN Buffett pressed the case at Berkshire Hathaway Inc’s annual meeting for why takeovers make more sense for the company than the stock picks that propelled growth for decades.

The billionaire told thousands of shareholders at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska that he and business partner Charles Munger are focused on acquiring large companies to create “more enduring” value.

“What really we want to do at our present size and scope, and with the objectives we’ve got for our shareholders, is we want to buy big businesses with good managements at reasonable prices and then try to build them over time,’’ said Buffett, Berkshire’s chairman and chief execu-

tive officer. “It’s a different sort of build-up of value” than investing in stocks, he added. “We’ve moved into phase two.”

Buffett, 83, transformed Berkshire over the past half century from a textile maker into the world’s fifth-largest company by market value. In his first decades as chief executive, he focused on using premiums from insurance units to buy stocks. That strategy evolved, and now the company derives most of its earnings from operating businesses in industries from energy and manufacturing to transportation and retail.

“He became famous as a stock picker, and that reputation still dominates in the public image,” said Lawrence Cunningham, a professor at George Washington University and author of the forthcoming book

“Berkshire Beyond Buffett.” He was “very good at doing that, but that has not been the definition or content of Berkshire” in recent years.

Less than 20 percent of Berkshire’s earnings came from investment income at insurance businesses in 2013.

That compares with about half in 1988, according to the company’s annual reports.

First-quarter net income slipped 3.8 per cent to $4.71 billion from a year earlier on worse underwriting results at insurance subsidiaries, the company said May 2. Profit climbed 15 percent at Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which purchased a Nevada utility in December and announced a deal May 1 to buy SNC-Lavalin Group Inc’s AltaLink for about $2.9 billion to expand in electricity transmission in western Canada.

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NEWS

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Four remanded for killing

N Oredo Magistrate’s Court in Edo State has remanded four persons in prison custody for allegedly stabbing a man, Kelly Edobor, to death.

Edobor was said to have been stabbed in the head with a broken bottle.

Emmanuel Esiekpe (22), Osazee Alfred (18), Precious Anthony (17) and Rotimi Igiebo (21) were arraigned for conspiring to commit felony and murder.

Police Prosecutor Sylvester Omor told the court that the offence was committed on March 10 at Zabayo Street in

•Mum, daughter held for ‘kidnap’

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Benin City.

The offences contravened sections 516 and 320(1) of the Criminal Code and the accused, if convicted, are liable to 14 years in jail or death.

They pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mike Osayi, directed that the case file be duplicated and a copy sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. He adjourned the matter till May 26.

Also yesterday, a 47-year-

old woman, Magdalene Ohenhen and her daughter, Grace (23) were arraigned for allegedly abducting a 19year-old girl.

They were charged for conspiracy to commit felony and unlawful abduction.

The offence was committed on March 22 at Noghahase Str, off First East Circular Road, Benin.

Omor told the court that the accused abducted Precious Ogiefa from her house without her parents’ consent.

’Don’t manipulate VC’s emergence’

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ORMER Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has warned the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Isaac Adewole and the Governing Council to desist from influencing the emergence of another VC in 2015.

According to him, a good governing council and its management should not impose a vice-chancellor on the university .

The legal luminary spoke at Adewole’s 60th birthday celebration, held at the International Conference Centre, UI, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

“Neither you (Prof Adewole) nor the governing council should sabotage the exercise of choosing your successor.

“University of Ibadan is a great institution that needs to

He said the accused capitalised on the girl’s health challenges to kidnap her.

They are liable to seven years imprisonment if convicted.

Omor said it was the victim’s father, Paul Ogiefa, who lodged a report with the police.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Osayi granted the accused bail of N300, 000 each and a surety.

The case was adjourned till May 15.

•UI VC launches NGO for women From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

follow due process in selecting its leaders, because we set the pace and others follow,” he said Olanipekun recalled that when he was the pro-chancellor, there was controversy before Adewole’s emergence but he insisted that the best candidate emerged.

“I told them I was ready to resign if the Federal Government interferes in the selection and go against my judgment.

“I believe in due process and any attempt to play politics with the selection will jeopardise the progress of the institution and lead to the emergence of a dull VC.” In his congratulatory speech, Olanipekun described

the VC as a man of integrity and high standard.

“His record over the years speaks for him as a gentleman of gentlemen and a scholar of high esteem. ” The battle field has ended for you and please at 60 don’t hold any grudge against anybody because you are still going higher in life.

“You need to move closer to God and serve him in truth and spirit,” he said.

The VC launched a Non Government Organisation, Isaac Folorunso Adewole Foundation (IFAF).

IFAF intends to promote women’s health focusing on cervical cancer prevention and its management at the facility, community and national level.

10 arrested for cattle rustling, homicide

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HE police in Gombe State paraded yesterday two suspected cattle rustlers and seven others for culpable homicide.

The suspects were said to have killed the cattle owner and made away with six.

Police spokesman Fawaje Atajiri said the cattle rustling suspects were arrested at Kulani in Balanga Local Government Area.

He said the seven others

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

were arrested at Dukku and Dadin Kowa in Dukku and Yamaltu-Deba local government areas.

Atajiri said: “We are not living in a jungle; we are living in a society where the law guides people to live together in peace.

“A situation where people take the law into their hands is not good at all,” he said.

Police recover two rifles in Kano

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From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

WO rifles were recovered in a dustbin yesterday by the police in Kano State. The recovery followed a tip-off by the public.

Police spokesman Magaji Musa Majiya thanked the public for the information and cooperation.

“The command is particularly happy with the information, which led to the recovery of two rifles found in a dustbin,” he said.

‘WASSCE on-going in Abuja’

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•Olanipekun

Adewole said IFAF will offer high quality, humane and selfless services in areas of advocacy, development of accessible cervical cancer prevention programmes, capacity building for young and committed medical personnel.

Niger to revive grazing reserves From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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HE Niger State government is to conduct census of Fulani in the state and re-activate 23 of its abandoned grazing reserves.

The decision followed the report of a committee investigating clashes between farmers and cattle herdsmen.

The committee, in its report, said only two of the state’s 25 reserves were functioning.

A member of the committee and Commissioner for Agriculture Ibrahim Ahmed Matane said the committee recommended the education of pastorialists on “how to live peacefully with farmers in the various communities they find themselves”.

He also said the committee recommended the “enumeration of Fulani, determine where they are and what they are doing” so that government can adequately take care of their interest to achieve peace in the state.

Matane said “a white paper committee” has been set by the executive council.

The commissioner said 56,000 hectares of land has been sourced for Dangote Farms on the request of the Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Aliko Dangote, when he visited Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

The land runs across three local governments and covers 26 communities.

Buffers will be created within the farmland areas.

UPILS in the Federal C a pi t a l T er r i t or y (FCT) writing the May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will not be affected by the closure of public offices and schools.

The Federal Government ordered the closure because of the World Economic Forum, which begins today and ends on Friday.

The Secretary for Education, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Kabir Usman, said:

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

“Like those on essential services, the pupils are free to move unhindered to their examination centres.

“They are however advised to wear their uniforms and carry their identity cards at all times.

“Public and private schools are also advised to convey their pupils from designated points to the examination centres.”

The statement advised parents and pupils to contact the head teachers for further details.

Windstorm victims get N44 m relief

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From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

HE Gombe State government presented yesterday relief materials worth N44 million to 2,261 windstorm victims in four local governments.

Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, Arab Rukuje said: “About 2, 261 people were reported to have been affected and the government graciously approved the provision of relief materials to them.

He said each household would get two bundles of iron roofing sheets and two bags of cements.

Head of Department, Education and Social Development, Billiri Local Government Area, Ibrahim Puma, who spoke on behalf of the four councils, thanked the government for the gesture and the quick response.

He said the materials will be distributed judiciously.

Maduka for burial

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HE remains of a Lagos businessman, Anthony Chuks Maduka, will be buried on Saturday. Maduka died last month at 51.

A Christian wake was held last Friday at his Lagos residence in Shasa, Alimosho Local Government Area.

There will be a lying–instate at the late Robert Obiadana Maduka’s compound in Agbadani Village, Nri, Anaocha area of Anambra State.

A requiem mass at St. Mary’s Eucharistic Parish, Nri, will precede the funeral. An outing service will hold on Sunday.

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•The late Maduka

The late Maduka is survived by his wife, Angela, children, mother, brothers and sisters.

Otunba Osibogun for burial

HE remains of the late Otunba Olufunminiyi Adekunle Osibogun, who died on April 27, will be interred on June 6.

There will be a wake on June 5 at the Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The funeral service will hold at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Italupe, Ijebu Ode. Reception follows immediately.

He is survived by a wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, among who are the Chairman of Space FM, Ibadan and WTS Broadcasting, Lagos, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MAY 7, 2014

57

NEWS

Corps member killed in Calabar

Gunshots at Edo Assembly

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

•Leadership change looms

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CORPS member has been killed in a clash between Adadama community in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State and its Amagu neighbours in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The victim, identified as Ename, was the daughter of a traditional ruler in Adadama.

A commercial motorcyclist was also killed; an unidentified woman, who was shot, is in the hospital.

The communities have been bickering over boundary marks.

An eyewitness said Ename was visiting her parents and was on her way to her place of primary assignment when she was killed.

“She was on her way to Itigidi in Abi Local Government on a commercial motorcycle when men suspected to be from Ikwo accosted her.

From Osagie Otabor and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

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UNSHOTS were heard yesterday in the Edo State House of Assembly , causing lawm a k ers a n d w o rk e rs t o scamper for safety.

The shots were accidental discharge from the rifle of a police orderly attached to an unidentified lawmaker.

It was gathered that the policeman was trying to hang his rifle and open the door for his principal at the same time.

The lawmakers, however, adjourned till next week.

An eyewitness said: “We were in our office when we heard the shots.

“Some said they were fired by the police but others said it was thugs who had laid siege to the Assembly since Monday.”

Suspected thugs were seen within the premises on Monday, following rumours of a possible leadership change, after the resignation of a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Sources said Speaker Uyi Igbe is rallying support to save his job.

Sources named lawmakers likely to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to include Friday Ogierhiakhi, Patrick Aisowieren, Jude IseIdehen, Abdulrasaq Momoh, Johnson Oghuma, Patrick Osayimen, Deputy Speaker, Festus Ebea and Victor Edoror.

The source said the IzeIyamu group is looking for one more l a w m a k e r t o make PDP majority in the House.

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•President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election campaign rice

Kidnappers free two Nigerians •Whereabouts of Dutch nationals unknown T HE two Nigerians, who were kidnapped on Sunday along with three Dutch citizens in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have been freed.

There is no news on the whereabouts of their Dutch friends.

Sunny Ofehe, the leader of the visiting humanitarian Dutch group and Femi Soewu, a journalist, were kidnapped along with Marianne Hendrick Vox, Erhard Leffers and Jandries Groenenedij.

Ofehe, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hope for Niger Delta Campaign, who spoke in Warri, Delta State, yesterday, said there was no ransom demand.

He said the kidnappers’ action will send wrong signals to the international community.

Reliving his ordeal, Ofehe

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

said the three Dutch nationals were taken to a different location.

His words: “Soewu and I were blindfolded till we were released. The kidnappers threatened to kill us if we remain in the Niger Delta. But I can’t leave my colleagues here.

“It was a terrible experience. I can’t even remember all that happened. It was like a movie scene.

“I recall that we had done everything we came there to do. We had inspected the hospitals. We were well received by the community.

As we left the jetty, we started hearing gunshots.

“They shot at the engine of our speedboats and barked orders ‘put your

heads down, lie down’.

“One of the attackers screamed: ‘Where are the white people? Where are the white men?’

“They dragged them into the first boat we saw. I raised my head and tried to ask what was happening, the next speed boat came and they pushed me in.

“Soewu, who also came from the Netherlands, was pushed into the second speedboat.

“His cameras were seized.

The speedboats went in opposite directions.”

Ofehe said he didn’t see any need for escorts because this was not the first time, he would visit the community.

“This is not the first time we would visit the community. I have never seen any

Gunmen kill man, daughter in Edo

FORTY five-year-old man, Kingsley Osarinmwian and his sixyear-old daughter, Osarugue, have been killed by gunmen.

Osarinmwian and his family returned from Italy for his traditional marriage.

He was killed on May 2, two days to the wedding.

His niece, Dorcas Efosa, said the gunmen scaled the fence and came into the apartment, pointing guns at them.

She said the victim was shot immediately he was sighted and the gunmen de-

•UNICAL lecturer shot From Osagie Otabor, Benin and Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

manded for money.

Efosa said Osarinmwian’s wife threw the money at the gunmen but they shot the little girl as they were leaving.

She said the girl died instantly; the father died on the way to the hospital.

Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo confirmed the killing and said investigation has begun.

Also in Calabar, the Cross

River State capital, gunmen shot yesterday a lecturer in the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

The lecturer was shot in his office in the Department of Microbiology.

The gunmen walked into the lecturer’s office and shot him in the stomach.

An eyewitness said he saw two men rush out of the man’s office and disappeared in the ensuing confusion.

“I just heard a bang and two men came out of the office

with guns and the next thing people were running, the men disappeared.”

As at press time, the lecturer was still undergoing surgery.

“We are still conducting investigations and cannot talk now,” an official said.

Two robbers to die by hanging From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

A Rivers APC raises alarm on CP’s transfer T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has raised the alarm on the plot by the Presidency to transfer the Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin.

Ogunsakin was transferred to the state in February.

The APC Chairman, Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said: “We have been informed that arrangements have been concluded by the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to redeploy CP Ogunsakin.

“We will resist the transfer through every legal

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

means available to us.

“We need peace in Rivers State and the Commissioner of Police has demonstrated that he is a thorough police officer.

“We do not need another Joseph Mbu to take us back to the terrible route we survived by the grace of God.” The party congratulated Governor Rotimi Amaechi for winning the 2014 Best Governor on Security in Nigeria Award.

It said: “This is an award well deserved, considering

the governor’s giant strides in the area of security.

“The Port Harcourt that Amaechi inherited was more like a jungle, where the fittest determined the fate of lesser animals.

“The once glamorous city was ranked among the four most dangerous cities in the world.

“For Amaechi to have rescued Rivers State from militancy shows that he is ahead of his peers. The award is justified.”

The APC urged the Federal Government to understudy Amaechi and learn from his methods and tactics.

DELTA State High Court has condemned to death by hanging a member of a vigilance group, Ebikeme Igangan and a welder, Ovwigho Udjor, for robbing a shop manager in Warri of valuables and cash worth over N3 million.

The court found them guilt of conspiracy, robbery and rape.

The prosecution said the two accused persons with three others at large, on December 19, 2010 at Shell, Ogunu robbed a manager of a popular shop inside the Shell Yard.

The robbers also raped a corps member, a cousin of the victim.

The accused persons were arrested by police officers with the assistance of youths in the area.

reason why I should go with escorts, knowing we were coming to help the youths.

“I didn’t expect any attack from a community we were going to help. It is rather unfortunate. We passed a couple of Joint Task Force (JTF) checkpoints; so I figured it was safe to move around.

“There has been no contact; no demand for ransom. This is sending a wrong signal to the international community.

“This incident makes our job very difficult. It will be hard to get another team to visit Africa for humanitarian support.”

When asked about his move, he said: “We want to leave here for another location because when we were released we were told to leave the Niger Delta; otherwise they would find and kill us.

“I have assured everyone back in the Netherlands that I won’t return home, until we are complete, I owe my colleagues that much.”

Insurgency: Expert advises Jonathan From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to convey meeting of Nigerian past heads of governments with a view to proferring solution to the problems confronting the country.

Dr Ibraheem Saka Ominiwe, the President, Educational Legacy College, who gave this advise yesterday in Ibadan while addressing journalist, said this became necessary considering the effects of these problems on the country’s socio-economic development.

He added that:”Jonathan should immediately call his predecessors to a meeting where the problems would be discussed and solution profer before it is too late.

“As the adage goes, where there are elders in a town that, such town will never go astray, a stitch in time saves nine,” Speaking on the issue of abducted school girls, he said “if you train a female girl, you had trained a nation. It is in this light that I plead with them, to please release these students safely; for the sake of God and Humanity. Two wrongs can never make a right.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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NEWS Doctor arrested for ‘child trafficking’ in Anambra

MICHAEL OTEDOLA (1926-2014) Jonathan commiserates with Lagosians, Otedola family

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RESIDENt Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with Lagosians, the Otedola family on the death of former Lagos State governor, Sir Michael Otedola.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, reads: “On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Governor Babatunde Fashola, the government and people of Lagos State on the passing away of

•’Arms dealer’, three suspected kidnappers arrested •Three-year-old girl rescued from 13year-old girl From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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HE Anambra State Police Command has arrested a doctor, Daniel Ikebuilo, from Umunnachi in Dunukofia Local Government Area, for alleged child trafficking.

Also arrested by men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led by James Nwafor, were three suspected kidnappers and a man the police called a “notorious arms dealer”, Onyebuchi Obiekezie.

The suspected arms dealer, police spokesperson, Emeka Chukwuemeka, told reporters yesterday in Awka, the state capital, had been in the business for a long time.

The three suspected kidnappers - Obi Kenechukwu, Ejike Akosa and Anthony Ofoke were said to have abducted a woman in Ebenebe, in Awka North Local Government Area.

Speaking with reporters yesterday at the SARS office in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, the doctor denied involvement in child trafficking.

He, however, admitted that he was arrested in 2010 by the police on the same offence and charged to court, but was discharged.

Ikebuilo said he ran a home, which was approved by the state social welfare, adding that five children had been adopted from the home.

The suspect said he discharged a patient in his hospital (Nkemefuna Hospital) in December 2013.

The doctor said two weeks after, he was arrested and brought to SARS office without any offence.

But the police said anytime a woman gave birth and became unconscious, the doctor would sell the baby to somebody else.

The police alleged that Ikebuilo would tell the woman, when she regained consciousness, that she lost the baby.

The police also alleged that the doctor sponsored some girls to become pregnant, adding that after delivery, he would compensate them and sell the babies to those looking for children.

On the suspected kidnappers, Chukwuemeka said the command had been trailing them for a long time.

The police spokesman said the long surveillance ended fruitfully yesterday.

He said: “This is what we are doing in making sure that Anambra State is rid of criminals. It is also the main focal point of Governor Willie

former governor, Sir Michael Otedola.”

Jonathancommiserated with members of Otedola’s immediate family and his relatives, friends and former political associates.

“The President joins them in mourning the very distinguished politician, elder statesman and philanthropist who served as Governor of Lagos State between 1992 and 1993 with commendable courage, wisdom and fortitude.”

Otedola lived an exemplary life, says Mark

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ENATE President David Mark extolled yesterday the virtues of the former Lagos State governor, the late Sir Michael Otedola.

The Senate President said the late governor lived his life in the service of humanity.

Mark, in a condolence message to the family of the deceased, the government and people of Lagos State, said Otedola was a model for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Senate President said: “His •Obiekezie (left) with the suspected kidnappers...yesterday Obiano’s administration. We are working together.”

Some of the items recovered from Obikezie and the suspected kidnappers included pump action guns, one DBSG, 15 cartridges.

Others are: 10 rounds of 7.62 mm, 10 magazines, three AK47 riffles, one Brownie pistol and an air riffle.

The command also arrested Fidelis Okonkwo for alleged possession of a handset belonging to a missing person Emmanuel Udemba.

Udemba was allegedly kidnapped in 2012 and had not been seen since.

Before Okonkwo was arrested, the police alleged that he had sold the phone belonging to Udemba to a girl, who was also arrested by the police.

An Onitsha-based electrician was arrested by the command for allegedly specialising in dismantling tracking devices fitted in vehicles for armed robbers.

•The recovered arms by police in Awka...yesterday As a result, five vehicles had been recovered, while dis- in the custody of the 13-yearmantled tracking devices were old girl and a woman for a recovered by the police. month and a day.

Also, a three-year-old girl, But the woman denied who get missing for a month, knowledge of the business beCynthia Nkemdilim Okoye, tween the girl and the small was found. girl.

The child was allegedly Mr and Mrs Okoye said abducted by a 13-year-old girl, the only reason their child was who was said to be working for alive was that nobody agreed an unnamed young man. The to buy her. man reportedly used the child They also described the to make money by dancing. incident as the Lord’s doing.

The parents of the small Police spokesman girl, Mr. Raymond and Mrs. Chukwuemeka told reporters Patricia Okoye, told reporters that investigations were ongoyesterday that their child was ing on the cases.

•Ikebuilo...yesterday

Abia Assembly member dead

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From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

HE Abia State House of Assembly has announced the death of one of its members, Iheasimuo Nwogu.

The late lawmaker represented Aba South.

The Assembly declared a week of mourning for the late member.

It also said all activities during the mourning period have been suspended to enable the lawmakers mourn their departed colleague well.

Nwogu died on March 28; he will be buried on May 22.

Addressing reporters at the Assembly’s monthly media briefing, the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Allwell Asiforo Okere said the House would honour Nwogu with the suspension of all activities.

Mimiko’s wife’s mother dies at 75

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From Damisi Ojo, Akure

RS Felicia Modupe Adeniyi, a retired teacher, community leader and mother of Ondo State Governor’s wife, Mrs Olukemi Mimiko, is dead.

The late Adeniyi, nee Akindutire, died yesterday in Ondo town after a brief illness. She was 75.

A statement by the family said: ”Our mother left this side of the divide earlier today after a brief illness. She was a loving mother, an adorable wife and a caring community leader.

“We miss her love, her care, her counsel and her prayers already. We are however comforted by the fact that she has gone for a deserved rest in the bossom of her saviour,” Governor Olusegun Mimiko and top Ondo sons and daughters were among early callers at the Adeniyi home in Arigbabola, Ondo town.

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From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

(Otedola’s) lifestyle was exemplary. He devoted himself to humanity, particularly to Lagos State and its people.”

The statement added: “Mark consoled with the immediate family of late Sir Otedola for the huge loss. He urged the family to uphold the sanctity of selfless service the deceased lived for.

“The Senate President recalled the diligence displayed by the late Sir Otedola as a teacher, reporter, even as an Editor and tasked every Nigerian to emulate his virtues.”

Otedola: Lagos Speaker commiserates with family

AGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has commiserated with the family of former governor Michael Otedola.

The former governor died on Monday.

He was 87.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, the Speaker said: “The news of the death of Chief Michael Otedola, former governor of Lagos State, was received with shock by my family and I, as well as all my fellow legislators in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“Though Sir Otedola is bidding the world goodbye at the ripe age of 87, it is most regrettable that he left us at this time, when we hoped that he would still be with us for a longer period to keep drinking from his wealth of experience as a

By Oziegbe Okoeki

highly patriotic statesman.”

Ikuforiji said it was pertinent to note that the late Otedola was a statesman and a lover of peace.

He said: “It is very sad indeed to lose a great soul like Sir Otedola at this time. We are, however, grateful to Almighty God for preserving the late Sir Otedola till the time of his passage.

“I, on behalf of my family, my fellow legislators, the management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, commiserate with the family of Sir Otedola, of Odoragushen, Epe, Lagos.

“May Almighty God grant his peaceful soul eternal bliss.

May He also grant all members of the family he left behind the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”

His demise is a big loss, says Abe

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HE Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Magnus Abe, has said the demise of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa is a huge loss not only to the legal profession but also to the nation.

Abe, who condoled with the family of the retired Supreme Court judge, noted that Justice Oputa was a legal luminary, an embodiment of knowledge, a philosopher and patriot who interpreted

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the laws of the land conscientiously.

“We have lost an ambassador of the legal profession, whose ideal and contributions to the development of our law as a lawyer, author, teacher and judge were legendary,” Abe said.

The senator hailed the late jurist for the courage he displayed when he was the chairman of the celebrated Oputa panel during the twilight of military government.

Kalu grieves

FORMER Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed shock over the demise of former Supreme Court judge, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, last Sunday.

The former governor reflected on the eminent jurist’s life and man’s limited time on earth and how each person will one day be lowered underside the earth forever.

Kalu described the death of Justice Oputa as one of “death’s errors and betrayals”.

By Odimegwu Onwumere

He added: “The news of the death of Pa Oputa came to me overseas, when I was in one of my joyful moods. I was immediately thrown aback, shouting: ‘This is one of death’s errors and betrayals’.”

The former governor said he was consoled by the fact that the late jurist established a great relationship with the living, adding that death could not close this.

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NEWS Jonathan accepts U.S. offer to join girls rescue battle Continued from page 4

•Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Hon. Wale Oshun (left); Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Lateef Raji, Personal Assistant on Print Media to Governor Fashola, Mr. Mac Durugbo; Industrialist Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; representative of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mr. Segun Ayobolu and Special Adviser, Media to Governor Fashola, Mr. Hakeem Bello, at the presentation of a book: Four Years with the Actualiser by the author Mr Durugbo in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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Military working hard to rescue Chibok girls

ESTERDAY’s protest took another dimension when the ‘bring back our girls’ group matched on the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, demanding an audience with Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

The Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group tabled a number of demands before the Chief of Defence Staff.

The group demanded constant information flow from the Defence Headquarters on efforts being made to rescue the girls.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

The BBOG rejected the decision of the DHQ to cede information management on the rescue operations to the Borno State Government, saying that the it was not in a position to provide the required information on military operations.

Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, who stood in for the Chief of Defence Staff, assured the protesters that their demands would be forwarded to the appropriate quarters for consideration.

His words: “We are assuring that the Nigerian Military is committed and the best will be done to bring back our girls safe and alive. Keep supporting us and keep praying along, we will get result very soon” Former minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili advised the military to work harder and bring back the girls alive.

She said: “we are asking that we want our girls back. One thing is that we want to be part of the conversation on our security. One of the key points is to have a communication

flow on the rescue mission. We will assist the officers and men of the military to achieve this cause. We need a very strong military. We need a capable military. Today’s kind of war is no longer the conventional war. This is the kind of war were you do not know the enemy. We will continue with our advocacy while we wait for them to bring back our girl.

When our girls are brought back we will celebrate our military.”

She said peaceful protests would continue until the girls are rescued alive.

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support and logistics to Nigerian investigators. Carney is calling the April 15 mass abduction from a school “an outrage and a tragedy”.

The leader of Islamist extremist organisation, Boko Haram, says he’s keeping the girls as slaves and threating to sell them. Carney called Boko

fact that this sad incident has attracted global outrage.

This is a clear testimony to the fact that humanity can come together and stand as one against evil, no matter how it is presented.

“This is the time when we must dwell together beyond all political, religious or regional divide against our common enemy. We must remain vigilant and be ready to assist security agencies and authorities at all time.

“We must keep supporting the families whom for seeking education for their daughters are undergoing untold pains at this moment. Let me assure the families and our dear daughters that in conjunction with international community that government will do everything possible to get our girls back.

“We share your pain and suffering and are with you in prayers. We urge you to cooperate with the investigations in spite of your understandably difficult situation. We employ you to remain strong.”

The President also reassured all Nigerians and guests including delegates to the World Economic Forum, of a safe and conducive atmosphere.

Committee Chairman Brig.-General Ibrahim A. Sabo advised Jonathan not to be stampeded into taking any action capable of further endangering the lives of the abducted girls.

He said: “We are not unmindful of the tantrums and invectives on your person and our committee by ignorant people. Such people are neither soundly patriotic nor intelligently selfish, they dwell on the theory of the aircraft and marriage.”

The committee is to .liaise with the Borno State Government and establish the circumstances leading to the School remaining open for boarding students when other schools were closed; .with relevant authorities and the parents of the missing girls to establish the actual number and identities of the girls abducted; and .interface with the security services and Borno State Government to ascertain

Continued from page 4

how many of the missing girls have returned”.

The committee is to mobilise the surrounding communities and the general public on citizen support for a rescue strategy and operation.” It was also articulate a framework for a multi-stakeholder action for the rescue of the missing girls.

The committee is also expected to advise the government on any matter incidental to the terms of reference.

The Committee gave reason for the absence of the three Borno State representatives at yesterday’s inauguration.

A statement by the spokesman for the committee, Mr. Kingsley Osadolor, reads: “The Committee took cognisance of the absence of

the three representatives of Borno State Government during the committee’s inauguration at State House, Abuja.

“The committee contacted the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, who explained that he had been away, but promised to send the nominated representatives to the next plenary of the Presidential Committee.

“The Committee has broken into clusters of workgroups to immediately gather and sift facts already in the public domain, and within the knowledge of appropriate agencies, with a view to ascertaining gaps, which will assist the Committee in the next stages of its fact-finding mission.”

Continued from page 4

man, GE, Hong Kong SAR. For Nigeria, participants will highlight a vision for the health system by 2030 aiming to provide universal health coverage by building on the National Health Bill 2014. They will elaborate a package of high-impact “leapfrogging” initiatives

and align stakeholders to cooperate in delivering this vision.

Nigeria has approximately just 14% of the number of doctors per capita of OECD countries. To catch up, Nigeria would need approximately 12 times as many doctors by 2030 at US$51 bil-

Haram a group of terrorists with “heinous and malicious intent”.

Carney says President Barack Obama is receiving regular updates from national security advisers who are closely monitoring the situation.

•Obama

Jonathan: military operations’ll continue till girls are rescued Continued from page 4

Northern elders, two others may reach out to sect of the government to save the girls from being killed; and the local and international pressure to rescue the girls.

“The disposition of Northern elders has so far indicated that they are opposed to the use of force.”

The source explained that the three groups were being courted by the government to liaise with the Boko Haram leadership to set the girls free.

The source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, said the affected groups are Northern elders/leaders; some insurgents in detention; and influential Islamic clerics in the North.

The source added: “The statement by Boko Haram leader Shekau was a coded message that he will not kill these girls. So, he has left a window or possibility for negotiation or bargain.

“This is why these three groups are pushing for either monetary bargain with Boko Haram or release of some detained insurgents in exchange for some of the abducted girls, but a major challenge is that ransom to insurgents is a crime in our anti-terrorism law.

“If the options are acceptable to the government, these groups might meet with a team from the insur-

‘Obama getting regular briefing on girls’

HE White House said yesterday the United States is doing what it can to help find and free nearly 300 Nigerian girls kidnapped by Islamic extremists.

White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters on Monday the U.S. assistance includes counterterrorism

the market” and “marry them off”, referring to them as “slaves”.

“We condemn the violent abduction of these girls, reportedly at gunpoint from their school in Chibok in Borno State in North-Eastern Nigeria.

“We warn the perpetrators that there is an absolute prohibition against slavery and sexual slavery in international law. These can, under certain circumstances, constitute crimes against humanity. The girls must be immediately returned, unharmed, to their families.”

Along with seven others, she said she had sent a letter to Jonathan on the need to rescue the girls.

The statement added: “The High Commissioner has contacted the President of Nigeria and urged the government to ensure that it spares no effort to ensure the safe return of the girls to their homes and communities.

“In a letter signed by Navi Pillay, along with the Executive Director of UN Women, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Special Representative of

the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, the four African UN women leaders reminded the Nigerian Government of its legal responsibility to ensure that girls and boys have the fundamental rights to education and to be protected from violence, persecution and intimidation.

“As the High Commissioner said during her visit to Nigeria earlier this year, the actions of Boko Haram have grown increasingly monstrous. The group has targeted some people simply because of their religion or professional occupation – and in this case, simply because the girls were enrolled in school.

“We urge the authorities to take all necessary measures, consistent with human rights, to protect their people from these violations and crimes.

“It is particularly important that the local state authorities and the federal government cooperate fully.

“Failure to undertake effective measures that are within the authorities’ means to protect people is a violation of human rights. However, States assisting Nigeria in its counter-terrorism operations should also ensure that they stay within the remits of international law.”

gents at a neutral ground to negotiate.

“Everyone is saying that the insurgents will agree to hold talks with the three groups on the fate of the abducted girls.”

The source added: “The three groups are reaching out but there is still not a response from the insurgents.”

There were indications that the Boko Haram leader might make the sect’s position known in a new video.

The source, who is central to the peace option, said: “We expect that Shekau may make Boko Haram’s position clear.”

Jonathan met with a delegation of Northeast Forum for Unity and Development, led by former Finance Minister Adamu Ciroma at the Presidential Villa.

There was no official statement on the meeting which lasted for about an hour.

Members of the delegation also did not speak to reporters on the issues discussed.

Among the delegates yesterday were former Minister of Education, Prof. Jibril Aminu, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe, Senator Abdul Ningi, Minister of Women Affairs, Zainab Maina, Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil and Hon. Mohammed Kumalia.

Focus on jobs as World Economic Forum opens in Abuja

rity, African Union, and President, Femmes Africa Solidarité, Switzerland; Jabu A. Mabuza, Chairman, Telkom Group, South Africa; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, India; and John Rice, Vice-Chair-

lion. According to Robert Greenhill, Managing Director, Chief Business Officer and Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum, this is not a sustainable option and that higher investments do not necessarily translate into better health outcomes.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

61

NEWS

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Fayemi mourns Lagos ex-Governor Otedola

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has mourned the death of former Lagos State Governor Michael Otedola.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said Otedola was an uncommon politician who served the people without expecting anything in return.

•From left: Rear Admiral Ayankpele; Rear Admiral Akinwale; Chief of Administration Rear Admiral Aikhomu; Rear Admiral L.O.N. Iwuoha and Rear Admiral Afolayan at the opening of the Health Week...yesterday.

PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

Navy conducts free medical screening

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HE Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday conducted free medical screening for the public to increase awareness on pertinent health issues.

The screening, which was part of the 2014 NN Health Week, was conducted at the NNS Quorra Parade Ground in Apapa, Lagos.

People were screened for high blood pressure; blood sugar, HIV, Malaria parasite, Typhoid and Body Mass Index (BMI).

Declaring the two-day event open, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, who was represented by the Chief of Project Monitoring, Implantation and Evaluation, Rear Admi-

Konga wins most Innovative Retail brand awards

By Tonia ‘Diyan

H

ISTORY was made two days ago when Konga.com picked up this year’s Lagos chamber of commerce and industry award for most innovative and impactful brand in the retail trade sector, beating out Shoprite, Addide and Jumia.

Konga.com, Nigeria’s largest marketplace is said to have won the award haven contributed immensely to the development of commerce and industry in the country. Gabriel Gab-Umoden, Head of marketing, Konga.com who picked up the award on behalf of the company said “On behalf of Konga.com CEO, Sim Shagaya and the entire team, we wish to thank the LCCI for this honour. In such a short time we have been able to take great strides in making retail more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians and we promise to continue to innovate and not rest on our oars. We also congratulate the other nominees in this category as they are all truly great companies” The venue was the Muson centre, in Lagos and the theme was “Celebrating Excellence”.

In attendance were former ministers, state commissioners for commerce, captains of industry and journalists.

Also, at the event, the Konga Workers day mega-sale, an initiative by the Konga team to make retail more affordable by slashing prices across different categories was announced to run till May 9th.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

ral J.A. Akinwale said the annual exercise provides an interface with other stakeholders in order for the force to enhance its capacity building initiative for better handling of issues confronting efficient medical service delivery.

Tagged “effective and efficient healthcare delivery in the NN: challenges and prospects”, Jibrin said without healthy personnel, the force cannot optimally discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

While reiterating the navy’s commitment to transform the quality and standard of health services in all its medical facilities, Jibrin said the NN Hospital in Calabar would soon be completed and opened for use.

At the event were the Flag

Officers Commanding (FOCs) Western Naval Command (WNC) and Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Admirals Sanmi Alade and Goddy Ayankpele respectively; Director of Science, Walter Reed Programme, Gen. O.S. Njoku (rtd.); former Director, Naval Medical Services, Surgeon Commodore B.A. Sanni (rtd.); Commandant, Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, Gen. R.N. Nkado; Director, Nigerian AirForce Hospital, Ikeja, Air Commodore S.M. Shinkafi and Commandant, NNS Quorra, Commodore A.M. Adeboyega.

Speaking to newsmen after the event, Director of the Naval Medical Services Rear Admiral A. B. Afolayan said the navy was concerned with the mental health of its personnel adding that consultants have been drafted to

check and monitor naval personnel to ensure those suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome are catered for.

“We insist that our personnel who go for operations and missions are thoroughly debriefed and monitored when they return because most times, some of them manifest post traumatic distress syndrome.

“Already, we have engaged the services of some consultants to help access the level of mental state of personnel and those who have question marks on the result of the findings of the consultants would be monitored.

He described Otedola as a humble politician who was accessible to his people who needed his assistance, support and counsel.

Fayemi noted that Otedola brought maturity and experience to governance during his tenure as Lagos State Chief Executive between January 1992 and November 1993.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

62

FOREIGN NEWS

Egypt bans Mubarak party leaders from elections

A

N Egyptian court yesterday banned leaders of the country's former ruling party under ousted President Hosni Mubarak from running in any elections, a vague ruling that could bar former officials of that regime from returning to politics for the time being.

The ban comes as Egypt prepares for presidential elections later this month. Former military chief Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who removed Mubarak's successor, the Islamist Mohammed Morsi -- is poised to win the vote.

The Cairo Court for Urgent Matters ruled that leaders of Mubarak's National Democratic Party cannot run in any presidential, parliamentary or local city council elections. The ruling is binding until a higher tribunal issues a final verdict on the matter, and it is highly likely that a higher court will overturn it because it violates a principle of equal political rights granted by the constitu-

•Sisi

tion.

It did not however define what constituted being a party leader, making it hard for the coming election committee to implement it. A previous court case attempting to ban NDP members from politics for a period was shot down by the constitutional court.

While the NDP was disbanded and its offices shut down in 2011, months after an uprising toppled the autocratic Mubar-

ak, its members could still run in elections. Some formed new parties, struck alliances with existing parties or ran as independents in the last parliamentary elections, in 2011.

No date has been set yet for parliamentary elections. However, experts fear that in the absence of strong liberal-leaning parties and the boycott of Islamists, there is room in the coming parliament for former members of Mubarak's regime to secure seats.

The court ruling comes a day after el-Sissi gave the first TV interview of his campaign, saying that under his rule, Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood will make no comeback.

El-Sissi's comments gave a stark signal of his intention to eliminate the 86-year-old Brotherhood as both a political and ideological force in the country. The group faces an unprecedented popular resentment, following its meteoric rise and fall from power over the past three years.

Ukraine: 30 pro-Russian insurgents killed

U

KRAINE’s Interior Minister said yesterday that 30 pro-Russian insurgents were killed during operations to expunge anti-government forces in and near a city in the east, while the Kiev authorities attempted to reassert control over the southern region of Odessa by appointing a new governor there.

Arsen Avakov said on his Facebook page Tuesday that four government troops also died and 20 were injured during fighting in Slovyansk.

Gunbattles took place at various positions around the city Monday in what has proven

the most ambitious government effort to date to quell unrest in the mainly Russian-speaking east.

Avakov said Monday that pro-Russia forces in Slovyansk, a city of 125,000, were deploying large-caliber weapons and mortars in the region and there were injured on both sides. Government troops were facing about 800 insurgents, he said.

In Donetsk, a major city some 120 kilometers south of Slovyansk, international flights from the local airport were suspended yesterday. The airport said on its website that the cancellations followed a government order.

Iran, others join UN human rights panel

D

ESPITE their human rights records, the United Nations has elected the Islamic Republic of Iran, Cuba, Sudan and several other repressive regimes to influential committees charged with promoting human rights.

Human rights activists see this as a major setback in their campaign to end abuse and to create open and healthy societies.

The Economic and Social Council, a U.N. body based in New York, elected Iran to a fouryear term on its Commission on the Status of Women, the world’s top intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting women’s rights. Tehran also won a seat on the 19-nation Committee on NGOs (non-government organizations), a position that enables Tehran to champion and silence human rights organisations, depending on their views.

The move prompted U.S.

Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power to tweet: “Yet again Iran ran unopposed & was “elected” to Commission on Status of Women. Given record on women’s & human rights, this is an outrage.”

Tehran shot back with a harsh rebuke against Power. “The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects the baseless accusations raised” by the U.S. Ambassador, Iran wrote in a statement sent to Fox News. “In the past decades,” Iran has “routinely adopted effective and constructive approach in relation to all multilateral issues within the framework of the UN as well as its bilateral relationship with other states [sic],” it said.

The Iranian government’s statement goes on to praise the country, claiming civil society and thousands of NGOs in Iran are “actively pursuing their goals in different areas such as

South Sudan rebel leader ‘will do best’ to attend peace talksm - Ki-moon

S

ECRETARY-GENERAL Ban Ki-moon said yesterday South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar had been invited to Ethiopia for peace talks and would “try his best” to go by the end of the week.

Ban, the second world leader to visit Juba in less than a week to mediate between the warring sides, said he was told by Machar that his remote location could prevent him reaching Addis Ababa

by May 9, when he and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir had been asked to arrive.

“I expect the prime minister (of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn) will facilitate dialogue between the two leaders,” Ban told a news conference in Juba, after saying Kiir had confirmed his readiness to meet Machar.

An advisor to Desalegn also said Machar had given his word to the prime minister that he would attend.

“He is 100 percent willing to come to Addis to discuss issues of peace, including talks with President Salva Kiir,” Getachew Reda told Reuters.

social, economic, environmental, women and human rights…Iran’s active presence in UN bodies will…serve the attainment of non-governmental organization objectives.”

“It is a black day for human rights,” said Hillel Neuer with UN Watch, a U.N. watchdog based in Geneva. Neuer called Iran’s appointments ludicrous.

“Last Thursday the Iranian regime beat up and broke the bones of some 30 dissidents in the notorious Evin prison,” he said.

Israel transfers Palestinian funds

P

ALESTINIAN public sector workers received their salaries yesterday, Palestinian officials said, in a sign that Israel had backed down from a threat to impose sanctions as peace talks began to collapse last month.

Israel had said on April 10 it would withhold funds after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signed a series of international human rights conventions he hoped would allow Palestinians to eventually challenge Israel at the United Nations, which recognized Palestine as a non-member state in 2012.

U.S.-backed Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations ended on April 29 with no breakthrough.

Palestinian officials said the payment reflected Israel’s decision to transfer more than $100 million in customs duties it collects on goods headed to Palestinian-run areas through border crossings it controls.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

63

SPORT EXTRA 2014 WORLD CUP

FG sets target for Eagles

T

•Robin van Persie rifles home Manchester United's third goal

Man Utd spanks Hull City 3—1 A brace from debut striker James Wilson saw United take all three points in United's final home game of the season, as they beat Hull City 3-1.

Robin van Persie added a third after Matty Fryatt had pulled one back for the visitors. The academy product got onto the end of Marouane Fellaini's

N

header after a deep free kick from Adnan Januzaj.

The Belgian winger had looked dangerous in the first half and had two penalty appeals turned down, the first after a strong challenge from Maynor Figueroa and then an apparent handball from the Honduran.

Shinji Kagawa shot over early on and Tom Lawrence came close

with a deflected dipping effort.

Hull broke with Ahmed Elmohamady but he couldn't find a man in amber with his cross from the right. Into the second half and United were still on top and after 63 it was 2-0. Fellaini's shot from close range was blocked and Wilson volleyed home with ease.

Two minutes later a screamer

from Fryatt made it 2-1. The visitors had chances to draw level but they couldn't find that all-important second goal.

Van Persie made sure of the points with four minutes remaining as he smashed home following a neat ball from Ryan Giggs, on what may be his last appearance in United colours at Old Trafford.

Bash Ali fights NEXIM bank over N150m

IGERIA'S boxing champion, Bash Ali and his team yesterday barricaded the Corporate headquarters of Nigeria-Export Import Bank (NEXIM) over failure by the bank to provide N150 million to facilitate the hosting of Bash

•Bash Ali

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja Ali's Guinness book of World record fight project.

Bash Ali and his team had arrived at the bank in a convoy to keep a scheduled appointment with the NEXIM Managing Director, Mr. Robert Orya. However, the Orya was enraged by the large crowd that accompanied Ali to NEXIM Unhappy by this development, Orya told Ali to ask his team to wait outside while he (Ali) could come in for the meeting. Ali insisted on going to the meeting with his team which met with a stiff objection from Orya.

Orya's objection and Ali's insistence degenerated to hot exchange of words as Nigeria's acclaimed boxer hauled unprintable verbal abuse at the NEXIM boss in the presence of police men drafted to the scene to prevent total breakdown of law and order.

Ali said NEXIM bank along with other corporate organisations were members of Local

Organising Committee (LOC) inaugurated January 14 this year by the Minister of sports/ chairman National Sports Commission to realise Bash Ali's dream of making it into the Guinness Book of World Record title fight to be held in Nigeria.

An angry Ali told journalists yesterday that: "Orya who was and still a member of LOC set up by President Goodluck Jonathan has refused to do what he is supposed to do four months into the inauguration.

He claimed he doesn't have the mandate of Mr. President. We have called several meetings where he showed up and some other times he sent a representative. I got here and he said I should show him a copy of mandate from Mr President".

On his part, Orya said the bank cannot give Bash Ali N150million because the bank is not set up to dole out money to support sports. He said he had been receiving abusive text messages from Ali's boys which he drew his attention to.

According to Orya, "I have been receiving all sorts of abusive text messages from his men. The chap said am under obligation to give them money. Am not a member of LOC but a member of staff, Mr.Kadiri Suleima was mandated to represent the bank. It got to a stage last year that Bash Ali stormed here with large crowd saying the federal government asked his committee to take N150 million from NEXIM bank.

Funding of sports is not the mandate of the bank. If a Nigerian engaged in sports and as a government agency we want to support, there is a level to which we can support under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). We don't have an obligation to support Bash Ali".

Orya said the nomination of the bank as member of LOC was not a directive but a solicitation and leaves the institution with a choice to decline giving N150 million.

BOKO HARAM

B

Release Chibok girls, Okagbare pleads

LESSING Okagbare has called for the release of 276 students kidnapped from their school in Chibok on April 14.

More than 50 of the girls managed to escape from the militants but 223 girls are still being held.

The Delta state born athlete who won 100m race at the2014 Jamaica International Invitational at the weekend, powered home in 11.19 seconds to win ahead of Jamaican pair

of Olympian Kerron Stewart, who clocked 11.32 seconds and Carrie Russell, 11.46 seconds inside the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Speaking from her US base on Tuesday, Okagbare said, “I’m soliciting for the release of the abducted girls who need to reunite with their families. I can imagine the pains their families are going through but we need peace as a nation. We all need peace to survive and we all need peace to excel as a

country.”

For about three weeks now, the nation was greeted with the gory news that female students writing their final exams at Government Secondary School (GSS), Chibok in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno state were abducted by the dreaded Boko Haram. The students were drawn from schools in Ashigashiya, Izge, Lassa and Warabe.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the Jamaica International

Invitational which was held in Kingston on Saturday night includes 2013 triple world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who won the women’s 200m in 22.53, .08 better than U.S. champion Kimberlyn Duncan.

Jeneba Tarmoh was third in 22.69.

Justin Gatlin' won his first 100m of the season in 10.11secs ahead of the Jamaican duo of Andrew Fisher (10.21) and Nesta Carter (10.22).

HE Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo, on Tuesday said that the target set for the Super Eagles at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was to win the title.

Danagogo made the assertion in Abuja when he was decorated by the Nigeria Supporters Club as one of its patrons. The minister said he was misquoted in some sections of the media that the semi-final stage was the target set for the Super Eagles. ``I have been misquoted in some sections of the media that the target for the Super Eagles is semi-finals, but that is the minimum target. We expect the Super Eagles to go to Brazil and bring back the cup,’’ Danagogo said.

Danagogo, who is also the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, urged the Nigeria Supporters Club to give the team the needed support to succeed. ``You have to galvanise and mobilise your members to support the Super Eagles to achieve this feat and we are really counting on you. We at the NSC have seen the commitment, love and dedication of the Nigerian Supporters Club and we appreciate you for that. This is because sports is a unifying factor that boosts the image of this country, so, we want you to continue with that spirit and to also redouble your zeal,’’ he said.

Danagogo told club officials that the N50 million that President Goodluck Jonathan promised the club would be given to the club next week. ``Ever since I assumed office, I have seen the commitment and dedication of the President to sports and this is manifested in the N50 million he promised to your club. Right now, the processing of the money is ongoing. If you do not get the money before the end of this week because of the holiday in Abuja, you will get it latest by next week,’’ the minister said.

Earlier, the President-General

of the Nigeria Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo, said it was necessary to decorate the minister as a patron before the World Cup begins in June.

Ladipo said the minister needed to be decorated as one of the club’s patron because President Jonathan had decorated as the Grand Patron. ``This is because as the Grand Patron, he might not be physically present with us at the World Cup, but we are hopeful that the minister will be with us in person over there. And he will give us the support we need,’’ Ladipo said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, was also decorated as a patron of the FCT Chapter of the club.

Also, the NSC DirectorGeneral, Gbenga Elegbeleye, was presented a medal of merit for fostering good relationship between the club and the NSC. NAN reports that the Super Eagles are in Group F at the Mundial scheduled for June 12 to July 13.

They have been grouped alongside Argentina, BosniaHerzegovina and Iran.

•Danagogo

2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

SABC to provide free-to-air coverage

G

LASGOW 2014 on Tuesday announced that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will provide free-to-air coverage of the 2014 Commonwealth Games to the Southern African territory.

The announcement is contained in the weekly publication of major upcoming Games, ``Inside the Games’’.

According to the publication, SABC will provide at least 100 hours of conventional coverage with extensive news and highlight on SABC 2 and Radio 2000 as part of the deal.

The firm has also secured broadcast rights to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The SABC's Acting Chief Operations Officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, claimed the deal would allow South Africans across the country the opportunity to watch their favourite athletes in action in Glasgow. ``As a public service broadcaster, we are pleased that we have managed to secure the broadcast rights for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as we serve

the needs of sport-loving fans in our country. ``We will utilise our 18 radio stations, broadcasting in 11 official languages and we have also dedicated one of our television channels, SABC 2, to be the home of the Commonwealth Games,’’ said Motsoeneng.

South African-based subscription broadcaster, SuperSport was named as the exclusive pay-television rights holder for Glasgow 2014 across Sub-Saharan Africa, in a deal that also includes rights for internet and mobile.

The sale of broadcast right packages worldwide was a part of Glasgow 2014's commercial programme which aimed at raising around N27.8 billion in revenue through licencing, merchandising, sponsorship and ticketing.

Glasgow 2014 broadcast deals already in place with the BBC in the U.K., Network Ten in Australia, TAJ TV in India and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.

In March, they announced CBC/Radio Canada as its broadcast partner in North America.

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9 NO.2841

‘Perhaps, the time has now come for the President to embark on a general house cleaning in order to save him from consistent embarrassment and save the poor, innocent Nigerians who are daily being gruesomely massacred from avoidable deaths’ DELE AGEKAMEH

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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ETIRED Admiral Murtala Nyako has been reaping the whirlwind for sowing the wind of controversy by his recent claim that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has been hiding under war against Boko Haram to commit genocide against the North. He made his claim in a letter dated April 16 to his 18 counterparts in the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum. The letter, entitled: “On-going full-scale genocide in Northern Nigeria,” sought the support of his counterparts to stop the alleged genocide.

Instead of support, Nyako, a former Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, a former Navy chief, first military governor of Niger State and currently serving out his second term as a civilian governor of his native Adamawa State, has been suffering from splendid isolation – indeed, worse.

The chairman of the NSGF, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has dismissed his claim as baseless. Another governor, Abia’s Theodore Orji, has said there was “unanimous condemnation of the memo” by the expanded security meeting of governors, service chiefs and other senior government officials summoned by the president last week. Not least of all, virtually all his colleagues have maintained an apparently embarrassed silence over his call for their support.

Probably the harshest criticism of the governor, however, has been Senate President David Mark’s brief but strongly worded opening remarks at the resumption of the Upper Chambers on April 29. Mark, speaking against the background of the suspected Boko Haram Easter bombing of the Nyanya motor park on the outskirts of Abuja which claimed many lives and the kidnapping of over 200 secondary school girls from Chibok in Borno State, did not name names.

But when he said speaking along partisan lines over the fight against Boko Haram is “condemnable and totally unacceptable” and that “We should not sell the truth to serve the hour,” it was pretty obvious who he had in mind.

Outside government circles, there has been a near universal condemnation of the governor by the newspaper commentariat.

For example, The Nation (April 24) condemned his letter as “divisive and opportunistic.” Sunday Trust (April 27) denounced his stance as “dangerous” while The Guardian (May 5) said his language “was indecorous and inappropriate” for his high office.

It also dismissed his assertions as “wild and unguarded,” without the backing of any evidence.

As for the country’s leading newspaper pundits, as far as I know, only Adamu Adamu, the must-read Friday columnist of Daily Trust, has so far written to unequivocally support the governor in a two-part piece on April 25 and May 2.

RIPPLES

NIGERIA’S PROBLEM IS TEMPORARY -C LERIC

Hmm, it’s now over TWO DECADES and you say it’s TEMPORARY?

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

As we crucify Nyako...

•Nyako

I completely share the sentiments of those who have condemned Nyako’s use of such gutter language as “bullshit” and strong words like “evil-minded” in his letter to describe the presidency, even if it fits the description. As The Guardian said, certain language usages are simply unbecoming of certain office holders.

I also completely agree with the newspaper that, in so far as the governor’s frustration with the Federal Government’s obvious mishandling of the Boko Haram insurgency is understandable, his letter should have been addressed to Nigerians instead of only to his “fellow Governors and Citizens of the North.”

The theatre of Boko Haram’s terrorism may be the North, more specifically the North-East, but the scourge has since transmogrified into a Nigerian problem which has claimed the lives and limbs of Nigerians from all parts of the country.

However, while we condemn the governor for his language, sensationalism and sectionalism, we must accept that his allegations are not completely baseless.

First, there was this online interview Sunday Trust had with Jomo Gbomo, the spokesman of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) nearly five years ago and which the newspaper published in its edition of June 21, 2009. In the half-page interview, Gbomo threatened MEND would extend its war from the creeks to the North.

“Due to the fact that the (Northern) elite,” he said, “are taking us for fools and the majority of soldiers (fighting us are) from the North, the time has come when brothers have to go to war. In the end there will be mutual respect and true federalism will be mutually beneficial to all of us.”

In the end, Gbomo’s war against the North did not materialise because President Umaru Yar’adua, a Northern aristocrat if ever there was one, anticipated it through a policy of amnesty for the militants, most notably Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, and Mujahid Asari Dokubo.

As fate would have it, Yar’adua died before he could implement his policy. He was succeeded by his Vice, Goodluck Jonathan, first as acting president and eventually on his own steam following the 2011 presidential elections. This was against stiff opposition from much of the North which felt cheated out of the period Yar’adua would have spent as president if he had not died.

MEND is said to be no more, but some of its leaders today are part of the kitchen cabinet of President Jonathan. As such they have become powerful and rich beyond their wildest imagination through government patronage. And they are unlikely to have forgotten how things were before the amnesty.

Naturally they, and other beneficiaries of the current dispensation, would hate to lose their new-found power and wealth. As such they are likely to do anything to retain it. It is obvious that the greatest threat to doing so is from sections of the North with more than enough votes to deny their patron another term in a free and fair election.

These beneficiaries of the current dispensation obviously have the motive to take the battle for power to the “enemy” territory. More importantly, their stupendous wealth has given them the means. It therefore does not sound as outrageous as Nyako’s critics believe for the man to conclude that some people in authority or having its ears are hiding under the war against Boko Haram terrorism to “deal” with the “enemy.”

If this sounds like stretching logic to an absurd conclusion, consider the president’s

HARDBALL

E

XPEDITION Maiduguri is not a movie; at least not yet. It’s not a stage play either and neither is it a musical nor a block-buster novel. It is neither of these but you may derive some fascination from the fact that it might just as well turn out to be any of these. Yes, Expedition, with no less a progenitor than the first woman of the land, has the fluid potency of stirring up an epic creative work in any genre of your picking; Hardball conjectures.

Why, all the elements are so conjugated in this theme that all you need do is just to sit down and bend over his keyboard. Here are some teasers: Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State is currently in the news (worldwide) as the headquarters of the leading terrorist group in Africa - the rampaging Boko Haram.

This group’s influence, power and glory are on current global ascendancy. They raised the ante of their dastardly operations when midApril they herded away over two hundred nubile school girls into the thick forests in the Northeast fringes where Nigeria shares borders with Cameroon and Chad. If you think such large number of little damsels held under the foul breath of forest thugs and miscreants for weeks is not enough material for

Expedition Maiduguri, by Dame Jonathan an opus, fair enough.

But what about combining the above scenario with the idea of the first wife raising a brigade of some well-fed, voluptuous women in the land on a rescue mission to the forests of Borno? This is what Hardball has given the above working title: Expedition Maiduguri. Of course you can carve more creative titles of your own can’t you?

Apparently enraged by the ineffectuality of the military-cum-security combo combing the Sambisa forest, the First Lady over the weekend started a move of her own in this single-minded mission to free the girls.

In a highly publicised (and give it to her, the most novel) initiative so far in this search and rescue pastime, our daring Dame summoned some ‘big women’ to a roundtable and they summoned some gov-

response to a question during his Media Chat of last Monday about the seeming ineffectiveness of his handling of the Boko Haram insurrection all these years. “Things,” he said dismissively, “are not getting worse.

The situation is calming, for now there is a low vibe. We have been able to suppress it reasonably well”.

Clearly, a president who will sound so complacent when over 1,500 people have been killed so far this year – more than all the casualties in the first four years of the war on Boko Haram – is either criminally negligent of his responsibility or, at the least, does not give a damn about the pain a section of the country is going through because he seems to think its leaders, if not its people, don’t like him.

Worse still, consider his response to the April 15 mass kidnapping of secondary school girls from Chibok. Instead of taking responsibility for dealing with the incident, the president has allowed his rather overweening wife, Dame Patience, and several of his sidekicks, to create the impression that the authorities did not believe there was any kidnapping in the first place; that it was all the handiwork of the enemies of his administration hell bent on painting it as incompetent, heartless and indifferent.

Second, if Governor Nyako went overboard in his allegations, he merely took his cue from the president. Two years or so ago the president claimed, without giving any shred of evidence, that his government was infiltrated with Boko Haram agents all the way to the presidency. Since then several of his close aides, including Reno Omokri, his special assistant on social media, and the director-general of the State Security Services, have attempted to frame several prominent Northerners, notably the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria turned whistleblower, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and even more ridiculously retired Colonel Dangiwa Umar, one of his staunchest supporters in the country, as financiers of Boko Haram.

None of these aides have received as much as a rap on the knuckles even though their attempts have been exposed for what they were – frame-ups. Predictably this has fuelled widespread belief that the president is more interested in making political mileage out of the Boko Haram insurgency than in ending it.

Governor Nyako may have overdone himself in accusing the president of committing genocide against the North, but the best way to expose the governor’s claim for the hyperbole that it mostly was is to see it as a wake-up call to go beyond using essentially military means to solve a problem which requires sincere dialogue as well if it is to be overcome.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above ernment officials, including the head of the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

This is the body that organised the exam the girls were supposedly writing at the time they were circumscribed. It was this WAEC man who displayed on the television the names and photos of the girls. He also explained how come the girls had to write their exams in a dangerous and highly volatile zone.

Touched, or shall we say, moved by this fresh stream of information and of course inspired by the now viral protesting, our gallant Dame has threatened to take to the streets too and launch protests of her own. Not in the safe cities of Lagos, Abuja and London, but right in the war zones of Maiduguri. She harangued the Borno State governor and of course must have wrong-footed the security team by charging into it like a bull in china shop. In her blustery and indignation, she forgot that her husband was the number one, chief responsible officer and commander in chief of all the forces in the land.

With a boast that she had never embarked on any venture that failed, would our Dame override every protocol and embark on this Expedition? You can bet that Hardball will be on top of it for you.

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