The Nation October 01, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Saudi ends Hajj row with Nigeria

Kidnappers kill Lagos businessman NEWS

Page 60

NEWS

•Airlift of pilgrims resumes Page 2

•Police detain two suspects

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VOL. 7, NO. 2265 MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

ONDO 2012

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•Adefarati’s son campaigns for ACN in Akoko •AND •Akeredolu: we won’t neglect rural areas MORE ON PAGES •Coalition faults PDP Campaign Committee 4&5

NIGERIA AT 52

Jonathan: I alone can’t solve Nigeria’s problems

SEE ALSO PAGES 8-12

President to watch ceremony at Villa Those behind Boko Haram, by Oritsejafor

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HE President yesterday pleaded with Nigerians for support, saying he alone cannot solve Nigeria’s problems.

To him, the problems, which the country would eventually overcome, are temporary.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Dr. Jonathan spoke at the 52nd independence anniversary interdenominational church service in Abuja. The theme of the service was: “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal”.

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Ayo

at all levels is collective. One per‘Leadership son cannot change a nation. Agreed the leader matters, but he cannot change things alone ’

Oritsejafor delivered the sermon.

Vice President Namadi Sambo and other top government officials, who are Muslims, attended an Islamic prayer session for Nigeria at 52 last Friday.

The President will today watch a ceremonial change of guards by the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards at the State House in Abuja.

The Vice President, Senate President David Mark, House

of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Chief Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, former heads of state and members of the Diplomatic Corps are expected to join him.

The anniversary celebration will be low key - for the second year running.

The last time the country celebrated her independence anniversary with fanfare was in 2010, when she turned 50. But it was marred by a twin bomb blasts that rocked Abuja. The

blast went off a few metres from the Eagle Square, venue of the ceremony. Many people died.

President Jonathan said the low key celebration was to allow for an elaborate celebration of the centenary anniversary of Nigeria’s amalgamation in 2014.

Dr. Jonathan is optimistic that with all hands on deck, Nigeria, like the old Jerusalem, will be rebuilt as it was the case in the days of Nehemiah, who reContinued on page 2

•Dr. Jonathan...yesterday

Two killed in Boko Haram ‘factory’ battle •Sect guns down two policemen From Tony Akowe, Kaduna and Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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LL was tense yesterday in Zaria, Kaduna State as security operatives stormed a suspected Boko Haram hideout.

Residents of the university town woke up to sounds of gunshots as security men and members of the sect slugged it out in Gaskiya.

Two members of the sect were killed.

But in Minna, the Niger State capital, two policemen were shot dead by people believed to be members of the Boko Haram (western education is a sin).

It was learnt that a combined team of the military, the police and the State Security Service (SSS) raided the house in the Gaskiya new layout, following intelligence reports that it was being used to manufacture bombs.

Sources in Zaria said residents of the area were restricted by soldiers while the gun battle lasted.

Two sect members and others were injured.

Continued on page 2

•WALKING TO LIVE: A crowd of Osun indigenes who joined the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and members of the State Executive Council in the monthly Walk-to-Live exercise, which covered five kilometres at Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the State…at the weekend. Story on Page 57

•DELTA COMMISSIONER KIDNAPPED P59 •GOMBE ISSUES N20B BOND P58

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

NEWS Two killed as security men storm Boko Haram ‘factory’ Continued from page 1

Some arrests were also made by the security operatives.

The source said the leader of the group, identified as Hussaini Mohammed, escaped before the operation, leaving his wife and other members behind.

The raid followed report that the sect was planning to attack some churches in Zaria yesterday.

Another source said on arrival at the area at about 2.00am for the joint operation, the security operatives evacuated residents of the neigbouring households to safer places before engaging the suspected sect members in the gun battle.

About seven houses were said to have been affected by the exchange of fire.

Traffic to Gaskiya, which houses a campus of the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, were diverted to other routes.

At about 9.00am, there was an explosion, which caused panic among residents, a

source said. Another said the bomb was detonated by men of the anti-bomb squad at the Magume Junction, linking Gaskiya layout to the major road.

Kaduna State Police Commissioner Mr. Adefemi Adenaike said the situation had been brought under control, adding: “It is a joint military, police and SSS operation that we started on Thursday. Some suspected members were traced to that area and we discovered that they were manufacturing this Improvised Explosive Device (IED) there.

“We eventually stormed the place this morning (Sunday) at about 2am and that was the cause of the explosion. Some guns, vehicles and IED making materials were recovered. I can’t give you any number now because I want them to be brought to Kaduna. But there is no cause for alarm. They died; we are ok. The uniform services are ok, but they died.”

Army spokesman Captain Ibrahim Abdullahi said the security agents acted on a tip-off

that the sect was planning a major suicide operation in Zaria, Kaduna and Suleja to coincide with the independence anniversary. The joint operation, he said, was to stop them.

He said they discovered heavily loaded explosives in a warehouse for the production of Improvised Explosive Devices, adding that controlled detonation had to be carried out by Army Engineers so as to save the residents of the area.

Besides, said Captain Abdullahi, it was to stop the planning and execution of destructive, criminal and deadly activities of the sect.

In Minna, two policemen - a Sergeant and a Constable - were shot dead by hoodlums suspected to be members of Boko Haram at the weekend.

Six months ago, five policemen were killed in a similar situation at Maje Police Post in Minna.

According to an eye witness, gunmen attacked the policemen at Kpakungun Roundabout, a few metres from the Kpakungun Divisional Police Head-

quarter at about 8:25 pm.

It was gathered that the gunmen, who came in a black Golf car, shot two of the three policemen who were on surveillance and went away with their guns.

It was gathered that the gunmen dropped two of their members a few metres to the surveillance point while others in the car drove towards the policemen, who stopped the vehicle for checking.

The constable, who stopped the car for checking, was shot by one of the gunmen in the car.

The sergeant, who was with him was shot by one of the gunmen on foot, who had earlier been dropped by his colleagues.

The gunmen carted away the guns of the slain policemen and started shooting in the air to scare people away as the third Police officer beat a retreat.

The attack on the police led to the restriction of motorcycle movement in Minna from 7pm till 7am.

Police spokesman Pius Edobor said they were on the trail of the hoodlums.

Saudi ends Hajj row with Nigeria

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HE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ended the week-long diplomatic row with Nigeria over Muharams (male guardians ) for female pilgrims.

The softening of Saudi’s position led to the airlift of 1, 079 pilgrims yesterday by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON).

The Federal Government delegation, to be led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives,Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal might still go to Saudi Arabia to smoothen ties between the two nations.

Head of the Media Unit of NAHCON, Mallam Mana Uba, said yesterday that “Saudi Arabia has been receptive in the last 12 hours.”

Uba said:”We believe the challenge has been amicably resolved because Saudi authorities have been receptive in the last 12 hours. We can say that the two nations have mutually addressed the challenge.

“So far, we have been able to airlift on Sunday about 1,079 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia who were allowed normal entry into that country. None of them has been stopped.

“For instance, Kabo Air( Flight No. 1083) departed to Jeddah at 7.17 hours with 529 pilgrims from Kogi State. These pilgrims have safely landed and allowed into Saudi Arabia.

“Also, Max Air’s Flight No.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

NR 105 departed to Jeddah at 16.35 hours with 550 pilgrims from Zamfara.

Niger State’s 461 and Kaduna’s 496 pilgrims have also been airlifted.

“In all, we have airlifted 28, 892 pilgrims through 57flights.

We are positive that we will be able to meet the October 20 deadline when King Abdulazeez International Airport in Jeddah and Madina Airport will be closed (today).”

Responding to a question, Uba added: “Pilgrims from Lagos, Adamawa, Niger, and Sokoto will be airlifted on Monday.”

In spite of the end of the row, the Federal Government delegation, to be led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, might still go to Saudi Arabia to smoothen ties between the two nations.

A government source said: “The delegation will still go ahead to meet with Saudi Arabian government for high-level talks on how to avert such a diplomatic row in future.

“The Saudi Government is finalising modalities for these talks , which is why the delegation is yet to leave.

“As a matter of fact, the Speaker is in Lagos ahead of green light from Saudi Arabia for the trip.”

I’m hale, hearty, says Dickson

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•President Jonathan (right) with Senate President Mark and Pastor Oritsejafor (left) at the service...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson was in high spirits yesterday, fresh from a trip abroad.

He blamed his rumoured illhealth on detractors, saying he was never hospitalised contrary to speculations that he was admitted in the hospital.

Dickson arrived at the state capital from Abuja aboard a helicopter that touched down at the Government House helipad at about 6pm.

Returning to the warm embrace of top government offcials incluidng his deputy, John Jonah, Dickson, however, said he went through a

mere medical check-up due to the stress he went through before and after he became governor.

He said: “ I was never hospitalised. Never hospitalised”, Dickson said.

“But you know, as usual, when you do this type of hectic thing, every year, every summer, most times when I travel out, we do regular checks, which is, you just do your sugar level....all those type of normal tests.

“Any time you travel, you just take advantage to do those things. I was never hospitalised, never in any hospital at all.”

I alone can’t solve Nigeria’s problems, says Jonathan Continued from page 1

built the gate of Jerusalem with support.

He said the nation possesses many Nehemiahs in the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council, the judiciary, the educational and private sectors, who God can use to rebuild the country.

“Leadership at all levels is collective. One person cannot change a nation. Agreed the leader matters, but he cannot change things alone. All of us Nigerians must work together to rebuild our nation. Our men and women will change things in this country. There are so many Nehemiahs in the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council, our judiciary, our teachers, businessmen and women and I believe God will use these Nehemiahs to rebuild the country.

“I can say again that Nigeria will succeed. With your cooperation, we shall succeed.”

The President noted for the umpteenth time, that his administration has sanitised the electoral process, adding that corruption will soon be gone for good.

On corruption, he said the Transparency International the global monitor - admitted in its latest rating that Nigeria is second to America in com-

Mark, Tambuwal, Tinubu to Nigerians: don’t despair

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RESIDENT of the Senate David Mark yesterday said in spite of the economic and socio-political challenges facing the country, only the resolve and willingness of Nigerians to confront the issues headlong will get the nation out of the woods.

Mark spoke in his goodwill message to mark the nation’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

He said: “Nobody is coming from the moon or the space to solve our problems for us. The challenge is that we must put behind us such mundane issues as ethnic or religious differences and come together as one people to tackle our problems.”

In a statement by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja, Mark said: “If we look inwards and do the right things in conformity with our laws and customs, we can adequately find solutions to our problems.

“God has blessed the nation with enough human and material resources, we mitment to fighting corruption.

Taking solace in the ranking, which he admitted was different from the usual rating, the President said: “God willing, we shall overcome it”.

On the economic environment, he said at least 249 new companies according to the Manufacturers of Nigeria, have been set up. We shall continue to work hard to create jobs for

have all it takes to truly attain our giant status economically and politically.

“All we need do is to harness our resources and potentials for good.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal urged Nigerians to look to the future with optimism.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said Nigerians must work assiduously to promote peace, unity and democracy.

The Speaker urged the people to isolate and expose those obstacles that hamper the attainment of peace, development, and progress of the nation.

According to him, the last few years have been challenging to the people. He admonished all citizens do away with those attitudes, language, and dispositions that have prevented the country from attaining its full potentials.

Tambuwal reiterated the commitment of the House of Representatives to up-

our people,” Jonathan said.

The President, who also spoke on the efforts towards a stable power supply, vowed not to rest until electricity is stabilised.

“I want to assure Nigerians we will not sleep until we stablise power in this country,” he said.

While also flagging off the one year prayer project, the

hold the ideals of a united Nigeria which shall take its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged Nigerians to seize the 52nd independence anniversary to refocus on their country and rededicate themselves to its development.

In a statement yesterday the former Lagos State Governor said: “Nigeria, our dear country, could be passing through a very difficult time now. But these are not problems we cannot collectively solve, if we all put our minds to them.”

Tinubu said one of the burning challenges is that of a constitution to make Nigeria a true federation and correct all the structural imbalances that have resulted in mutual distrust and slowed down economic growth and prosperity.

president said prayer helped Americans to determine the direction of their country and can do same for Nigeria.

In his sermon entitled: “God still answers prayers,” Pastor Oritsejafor called on those in the position of authority to turn from their wicked ways.

He said: “Boko Haram is a terrorist organisation. The activities of Boko Haram are not

Continued on page 57

fuelled by poverty, but by a religious fundamentalist ideology. Boko Haram is being funded from within by people who desire to use them to create political space for themselves and funded from without by those who want to see Nigeria divided along religious-ethnic lines. “ Boko Haram is also sustained by media apologist who feed the unsuspecting public

with politically incorrect halftruths.”

He noted that as a nation, as a people, “if we are serious about getting answers to our national prayers, we must, as a matter of urgency, turn from our wicked ways.” “Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,” he said.

Pastor Ortisejafor described as wickedness that Nigeria, according to the Centre for Management Development, spends N1.6 trillion on generators annually while a good number of Nigerians only see electricity cables without having electricity.

He also noted that lots of beautiful homes dot the landscape of our major cities while many Nigerians do not have a place to lay their heads; adding that lots of people are surrounded by so much water and yet have no clean pipe borne, water to drink.

Continued on page 57

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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NEWS ONDO 2012

‘LP’s allegation of ACN disbursing N2.5m for voter’s cards baseless’ HE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) has described as baseless and fallacious, a statement credited to the Labour Party (LP) that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has disbursed N2.5 million to each ward to buy voter’s cards.

According to a statement by the Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy of the ACO, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, the ACN would not spend such an amount to buy voter’s cards because the party enjoys the support of the people.

He said the party would instead spend money to provide logistics for members for the house-tohouse campaign to sensitise the people to reject the LP administration that is out to pauperise them.

“If it is true, according to the LP, to buy an indigene with N5,000 to N10,000, it shows how bad the level of poverty the LP government has subjected the people to and how much value they place on the people.

“For us at ACO, we believe that it is the Mimiko administration that has such money to throw around. Having received over N600 billion in the past three years with nothing to show for it but cosmetic projects, with the N65 billion fraud at the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Area Commission (OSOPADEC), N1.5 billion doom-dome, N1.5 billion tomato paste industry,

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ACN leader threatens to protest members’ attacks

which were all abandoned, they must have siphoned the money with the aim of using it to prosecute elections.

“ACN did not buy voter’s cards in Oyo, Ogun and Edo states to win elections. We will win in Ondo State by the grace of God and the resolve of the people to reject unemployment, deception and tokenism which are the stock in trade of the LP administration led

by Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

“We appeal to the indigenes to vote Mimiko out on October 20 to pave the way for genuine and sustainable development, which Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) will give,” ACO said.

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•A cross section of the panelists.

Stop using money to buy votes, INEC warns politicians A HEAD of the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the weekend warned politicians to desist from using money to get votes from the electorate.

The electoral body said it is a serious offence for the electorate to sell their voter’s cards or votes during the election.

Speaking at a voter-education sensitisation forum in Akure, the Akure South Local Government Electoral Officer, Mr. Surajudeen Rahman, said INEC is determined to conduct a free and fair poll by ensuring that the people’s votes

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

count.

He said: “Avoid election-rigging, fraud and confusion. Don’t bribe or accept bribe during the poll. It’s a crime. Don’t vote more than once. It’s an offence to do so.

Don’t sell your voter’s cards.

Don’t sell your votes. Don’t sell your right.”

Rahman urged politicians to embrace peace during and after the election, stressing that INEC

could only conduct a credible poll when politicians abide by the rules.

His words: “Let us work for the peace of the state. Let’s walk on the path of peace. Let us talk peace.

Let’s promote a peaceful election.

INEC is putting all its cards face up on the table. We will keep our affairs open and transparent.

“Election day is not a day to settle old or fresh scores. Election is about choosing a candidate of our choice. We appeal to you to allow

our workers do their work at the polling units. We must allow the peace that prevails on the election day prevail after the announcement of the results.

“Respect and support freedom of opinion and expression. Give to others as much freedom as you want for yourself. Enjoy your freedom to vote and allow others do the same. After voting, wait for the final result of the election.

INEC is the only body responsible for announcing the final results.”

Rahman enjoined the electorate to come out en masse on the election day and vote for the candidates of their choice.

Adefarati’s son campaigns for ACN in Akoko

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

HE National Youth Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Miriki Ebikibina, at the weekend threatened to mobilise youths to protest alleged attacks on the party’s supporters by suspected Labour Party (LP) hoodlums, if the security agencies fail to checkmate the ruling party’s alleged violent activities.

He challenged Commissioner of Police Danladi Mshelbwala to protect the lives and property of the people during and after the election.

Ebikibina alleged that the activities of the security agents showed that the police boss was being controlled by the present administration.

He decried the alleged harassment of the coordinator of the physically-challenged people in the state, Miss Arise Folashade, by the ruling LP for leading her group in support of the ACN candidate.

Ebikibina, who spoke in Akure, described as abnormal, the alleged activities of the Governor Olusegun Mimiko government to intimidate and clamp down on the opposition through the instrumentality of security operatives.

According to him, “besides the fact that prominent party members in the state, including the Chairman, Secretary, Women’s Leader and others have been pencilled down to be arrested and caged, it is worrisome, sad and unfortunate that the life of the coordinator of the physically-challenged in the state is threatened because she led her group to the ACN and expressed the neglect of the physically-challenged by the LP administration.”

•Chairman, Africa Independent Television (AIT), Chief Raymond Dokpesi (left) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, after the governorship debate in Akure at the weekend.

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ON of the former Governor of Ondo State, the late Adebayo Adefarati, Otunba Adegoyega Adefarati, at the weekend surprised the people of Akungba-Akoko when he toured the 22 polling units at Akungba and donated an unspecified amount.

The move, according to political observers, has dwindled the fortune of the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Akoko South West where the incumbent Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi hails from.

He thanked them for the support they have given him since he came into politics.

Adefarati said he visited them

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

to appreciate their support for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its governorship candidate, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

According to him, no political party could compete with the ACN in the area, stressing that the good work of the late Adekunle Ajasin and his father would remain a reference point in the area and the state.

An ACN chieftain and lawyer, Tolu Babaleye, said: “We are the party to beat in the coming election because ACN is the only par-

ty in Nigeria that has programmes that have impacted on the lives of Nigerians.

An ACN elder and traditional chief, Alhaji Yekini Yussuf, said Akungba would be grateful to Adefarati for uplifting the name of the town.

He said the politician, who contested for a seat in the House of Representatives in the last election, is maintaining and building on the good reputation of his late father.

Yussuf said Adefarati is a politician in touch with the grassroots, adding that he never discriminates

on the basis of religion.

He said: “We are still talking about his generosity during the last Eid-il Fitr and then this latest gesture.”

Yussuf said Akeredolu would emerge victorious in the October 20 election.

He added: “I know that Akeredolu will poll over 90 per cent votes in Akungba. He will win in the local government areas in Ondo Northern Senatorial District.”

Present at the event were Akungba elite and opinion leaders including Mr. Seinde Mise, Ojo Mise and Sola Adejoro, who said Akungba votes were for ACN.

Oke urges electorate to be vigilant

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, at the weekend promised to give a new lease of life to the people of the riverine communities in Ilaje and Ese -Odo, if given the mandate to rule the state.

Oke, who was given a rousing welcome in Ilaje Local Government, said he would use the fund meant for the State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to develop the area.

He said the Olokola Free Trade Zone and Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG), meant to provide jobs for the people of the state would come on stream if he is given the opportunity to rule.

According to him, the building of the Igbokoda/Ayetoro Road

‘We have a unique economic agenda designed to provide solution to the economic problems confronting the state’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

would be completed, while the construction of the road that linked the community to the site of the free trade zone would also be completed during his tenure.

Oke warned the people against selling their voter’s cards to politicians bent on manipulating the

votes to get undue advantage during the poll.

He said although a lot of money would be given to them to buy their conscience during the election, it would not be in their interest to sell their votes and suffer in the next four years.

The PDP governorship standard bearer said his experience as a public office holder would be used to govern the state.

He said he would win the election because the people of the state knew him and his economic blueprint would earn him victory.

He said: “By the grace of God and the support of the people, I am the next governor of Ondo State. The indigenes and residents know me and my running mate, Saka Lawal.

“We have a unique economic

agenda designed to provide solution to the economic problems confronting the state, caused by improper management of the resources. We must salvage this state together because of the coming generation.

“We are confident that our economic agenda will earn us the mandate of our people.”

Oke, the former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, said the youth must support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the votes of the people count.

He said politicians must support any effort that would guarantee free and fair election, adding that this becomes imperative because of the moves of a particular party to rig the election.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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NEWS ONDO 2012 Coalition faults composition of Ondo PDP committee From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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•Some of the participants at the debate.

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

Sambo, Tinubu, Akande storm Ondo tomorrow From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Sambo

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EADERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN] led by its National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as other bigwigs including Chief Segun Osoba, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Alhaji Lam Adesina and the National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mo-

hammed, among others will tomorrow be in Ikare Akoko, for a big rally tagged: “Redemption Rally.”

Vice-President Namadi Sambo and other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party[PDP] are also billed for Akure for the party’s mega rally.

The Director-General of the Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation, Dare Bada, said the essence of the rally was to show the seriousness of the party in winning the forthcoming election.

Other notable PDP leaders expected at the rally, according to him, are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President David Mark, Nation-

al Chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, PDP governors and other leaders of the party across the country.

Bada said the rally would be used to clear the air on the speculation that the national leadership of the PDP would support another party’s candidate against its own governorship standard bearer.

Spokesman for the Redemption of the ACN, Ademola Adetula, said the rallies would be held tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday.

He said they would be held in the three senatorial districts namely, Ikare Akoko (Ondo North) tomorrow, Ondo (Ondo Central) on Wednesday and Ore

(Ondo South) on Thursday.

According to him, the rallies would be the biggest in the history of the state.

Adetula said it would enable the governorship candidate of the party, Rotimi Akeredolu [SAN], to inform the people of his development-oriented programmes.

He urged them to troop out en masse to welcome the party’s standard bearer in the forthcoming election, Akeredolu and his running mate, Paul Akintelure, at the rallies, assuring that measures had been put in place to forestall breach of security.

Other leaders expected at the rallies are ACN governors, national and state lawmakers and state and national leaders.

ACN govt ‘ll not neglect rural areas, says Akeredolu

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has reiterated his commitment to develop the rural areas.

He urged the Ilaje people not to relent in their push for power shift at the poll this month.

Akeredolu sympathised with the oil producing communities for the dearth of social infrastructure in the area in the last four years. He promised to stop the neglect “of the goose that lays

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

the golden egg.”

The ACN governorship candidate whose campaign train was at the riverine communities at the weekend, was welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic supporters.

Many followers of the ruling Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had defected to the ACN, received brooms and the party’s flags from the ACN leader and pledged their support.

Accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Paul Akintelure, the Campaign Director, Tayo Alasoadura, Women Leader, Erelu Modupe Johnson and Chief Olu Taurose, the ACN standard bearer visited Ugbo, Amoye, Obenla, Upete, Ayetoro, Urunna and Ogbonla.

“You voted for Chief Obafemi Awolowo and you did not regret it. You voted for Chief Adekunle Ajasin and you did not regret it. You voted for Chief Adebayo Adefarati and you did not regret it. Vote for me on October 20 and

‘Mimiko’s remark at debate unfortunate’ NATIONAL officer of the Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), Mr. Bright Ojubuyi, yesterday decried a statement credited to Governor Olusegun Mimiko during Friday’s governorship debate in Akure.

He quoted Mimiko as saying he would continue to do what he had been doing for the past three and a half years, which many people had been criticising.

Ojubuyi said: “Ondo State under Governor Mimiko has

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From Damisi Ojo, Akure

witnessed massive fraud, deceit, misplaced priorities, huge debt, mass unemployment, dearth of infrastructure, among others.

“Mimiko, instead of telling the people his manifestos, said he will improve on what he has been doing. What this implies is that his administration will continue borrowing money and he will use the next four years to service debts.”

He described Mimiko’s

statement as embarrassing, stressing that he has nothing good for the masses.

He alleged that the debate has exposed his antics and the bad programmes he has for the citizenry.

The NDYM officer urged the electorate to reject Mimiko at the polls on October 20.

He canvassed support for the Peoples Democratic Party’s [PDP’s] candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, who, according to him, possessed leadership qualities.

I assure you, you will not regret it,” Akeredolu told the crowd at Igbokoda.

He paid tributes to traditional rulers, community elders and grassroots leaders who he said have maintained an abiding faith in the cause of freedom for all and made life abundant since the days of Awolowo.

He said their dream of repositioning Ilaje and Ondo State would be realised by the ACN. The lawyer said it was sad that no road had been built and rehabilitated in the neglected Ilaje communities, despite the huge money made from natural deposits by the government.

He described the marginalisation as a wicked act by those who have closed their eyes to pity, assuring that relief was at hand.

Akeredolu said: “We have a new crop of selfless, patriotic and dedicated leaders who are compassionate.

They have embraced the transformation of their states and region with a passion. Gone are the days of avarice and graft in the Southwest. There is much work to do. No sacrifice is too much to make for our people; our fathers and mothers, our youths, our farmers, our petty traders, our artisans and peasants.”

S Vice-President Namadi Sambo is expected to begin the mega rallies of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State tomorrow, a group in the party, the PDP Coalition for Positive Change, yesterday sought the inclusion of some people in the National Campaign Committee of the party.

The group said the list released by the National Working Committee (NWC), headed by Sambo, did not reflect the interests of the party in the state.

The group, through its central and southern district coordinators, Dele Akinnawo and Chief Steven Ogbaro, said the campaign committee was a welcome development, but the absence of some members was unfair.

They said the omission of the names of the former Chairman of the party, Dr. Tayo Dairo, former Minister of Defence, Prince Tokunbo Kayode (SAN) and the Director-General of the Olusola Oke Campaign Committee, Dr. Dare Bada was not good.

According to the group, the lopsidedness in the composition of the campaign committee was a justification of its allegation that some leaders of the party were not being carried along in the affairs of the party.

Akinnawo said the inclusion of some people who are known sympathisers of the opposition parties in the committee showed that PDP was not ready to reward commitment and hard work.

His words: “What are the criteria for the composition? We believe that leaders of the party that are committed should have been considered for membership.

“One wonders why leaders such as Prince Kayode, a financial member of the party with unquestionable loyalty should be left out of the membership. Only last week, Oke lauded this leader for his commitment to the party’s success.

“Dr. Dairo is also one person whose name is missing on the list. This was a man who paid the political sacrifice by resigning his position as the state chairman of the party to end the crisis that rocked the party. Why should his name be left out?”

The group said Bada should have been co-opted into the committee so that there would be a synergy between the national and state campaign committees.

It added that names of some members who were being persuaded to participate in the campaigns should be removed so that committed members who were ready to work would be given the opportunity.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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NEWS NIGERIA AT 50

52 years on, the gold Today, Nigeria is 52. Blessed with several mineral resources, the country has, to the disappointment of many, built its economy only on crude oil, leaving other potential goldmines, including agriculture, to waste away, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

O

RE, a town in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, was the seat of the Bitumen Implementation Committee.

Some years ago, the committee was disbanded when the nation decided to ‘close’ the chapter on the attempt to explore this black gold from which some other nations make fortunes.

The office complex in Ore is now a reminder of failed attempts to tap this natural resource, which is in abundance in the Sunshine State.

Gone are those days when Nigeria was the world’s largest producer of columbite and sixth largest producer of tin. The sector collapsed in the seventies.

Not a few are looking forward to the day when the country will start drawing fortunes from its over 27 bil-

lion oil equivalent of bitumen, 2.7 trillion tons of limestone, about three billion tons of Iron-ore and 1.4 billion tons of coal.

With these deposits, Nigeria is one of the richest in solid minerals in the world. Sadly though, most of the 40 minerals are largely untapped. At best, they are tapped illegally on small scale mining level. The sector’s contribution to the GDP last year was a meagre 0.4 percent.

Concerned by the state of exploration of mineral resources, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) recently urged the Ondo State government to ensure its abundant mineral resources are tapped.

The President, NAPE, Afe Mayowa, spoke during a visit to

Governor Olusegun Mimiko. He said the Geological Survey of Nigeria has identified 11 solid minerals in the state. Only three -- bitumen, coal and limestone -- are categorised as Federal Governments strategic minerals for development.

Others that remain underutilised, according to the survey, are: kaolin, gemstone, gypsium, feldspar, granite, clay, glass-sand, and dimension stones. They are left for illegal miners to feed fat on. But, the illegal mining of these resources has not been without consequences. Recently, Doctors without Borders said lead poisoning has, in the last two years, killed over 400 children in Zamfara State as a result of the dust released by illegal gold miners breaking open rocks.

The untapped resources •Bitumen •Limestone •Gemstone •Feldspar •Clay •Dimension •Marble • Zinc • Tentalite • Magnsite • Lignite • Gypsium • Amethyst • Beryes

•Coal •Kaolin •Gypsium •Granite •Glass-sand stones •Cassiterite •Dolemite • Bentonite • Uranium • Phosphate • Uranium • Iron-ore • Diatomite

As Solid Minerals Minister, Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili produced the first blueprint for the exploitation of 34 solid metals. The blueprint, which

• Tatium • Syenite • Butytes • Sapphire • Kyonite • Silhnite • Mica • Topaz • Prrochinre • Copper • Talc.

• Colubite • Berly • Tourmaline • Quartz • Haliodor • Chalcopyrite • Barytes • Belconite • Wolfam • Bismuth • Fluoride • Molybdenite • Banxuite • Potash • Flakes

was done with the support of the World Bank in 2004, was to drive the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project (SMMRP), with the objectives of:

NITEL…so long, too long If the history of Nigeria’s 52 years as a nation is written, one company that is bound to have a prime slot is the Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL). Unfortunately, the last decade for the organisation has been a sad chapter, writes LEKE SALAUDEEN

T

HE unsuccessful attempts by the Federal Government to privatise or liquidate the Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) and its mobile arm in the past 10 years are worrisome. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) made five attempts. All of them crashed. As a last resort, the National Commission on Privatisation (NCP) opted for “Guided Liquidation” as strategy for the privatisation of the national telecom firm.

NCP, which formulates policy guidelines for BPE and approves the privatisation of government companies, said the liquidation approach was arrived at in view of the huge liabilities of both companies and in the absence of viable financial alternative presented by the management of NITEL/Mtel.

But, the National Assembly has kicked against the new approach and ordered BPE to stay action on liquidating NITEL/Mtell. The decision has thrown BPE into a state of confusion over what to do with NITEL/Mtel privatisation.

Chairman Senate Committee on Privatisation Senator Gbenga Obadara (ACN Ogun Central) told The Nation that: “We say no to liquidation because it is against the national interest. The guided liquidation approach adopted by NCP was meant to dispose NITEL at a give away price.

“We stopped them because they failed to tell us the present value of NITEL and its sister company M-tel.

If they know the debt of the company, they should be able to tell us its worth,”Obadara said.

According to him the Senate decision was borne out of the way and manner NCP sold NECOM House, Lagos, against Presidential directive on May 16, 2007. The edifice was sold for four billion naira (N4bn}.

This amount did not worth the land,

the structure and the facilities therein. The transaction was shrouded in controversy.

Obadara blamed government agencies for the failure of NITEL, saying they refused to pay their bills after using the company services.

“The Federal Government is responsible for the insolvency of the company. NITEL has shrunk to a fraction of its worth as new private sector entrants have snapped up market share and deployed new technology while its equipment deteriorated due to disuse and poor maintenance.

“The Senate won’t authorise the going forward of this liquidation. To start with, the concept of ‘guided liquidation’ seems suspect. Liquidation takes place when a company is severely indebted and can no longer earn or borrow the funds to finance its operations and pay its debts. The sole aim of liquidation is to recover as much as possible, from selling the assets of the companies to pay debts,” Obadara explained.

The House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation has ruled out guided liquidation approach in disposing NITEL assets.

Chairman of the committee Mrs. Khadijat Bukar- Ibrahim said, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, that” though our final report is not ready but we have told NCP to forget guided liquidation.”

Defending the privatisation approach before the Senate committee, Chairman NCP Technical Committee Atedo Peterside explained that liquidation is to successfully privatise NITEL for the benefits of both the investor and the Federal Government. According to him, liquidation means that someone can buy off the company and be protected from the creditors.

“Liquidation is making it attractive to be able to sell NITEL without

•Mrs. Ibrahim

•Obadara

•Mrs. Onagoruwa

the risk. Nobody is willing to invest in a business with such huge debt burden, but liquidation will make it attractive and competitive, that is the only way you can get investors to come in”.

Obadara believes liquidation is not the answer. The Senate, he said is considering contracting out the management of NITEL or giving it out through concession. But before doing this, the whole entity would be evaluated, we will know the worth of NITEL through asset probing or auditing. It is after these steps have been taken that we can know who owe NITEL and who the company owes.

Peterside disclosed that NITEL at the moment is being owed

N35billion, while the company is indebted to the Federal Government to the tune of N178 billion. Details of the debt given include N179 billion owed Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and others. The liabilities also include N65.2 billion indebtedness to equipment vendors, N81 billion bank claims and N24 billion for others. He also told the committee that Federal Government was paying N600 million to NITEL workers for doing nothing.

Experts have spoken in favour of privatisation or liquidation of NITEL. The president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON),

Mr Lanre Ajayi told our correspondent that the a new auction process should be the next thing for NITEL. The immediate past president of ATCON, Mr Titi Omo-Ettu, said the major value in the embattled national telecom firm is its First National Operator (FNO) Licence it is holding and a component of assets and liabilities which are figures that have to be computed by technical minds. He noted that the FNO status has not changed very significantly while other assets of NITEL and liabilities have run almost to zero. According to him in 2008, NITEL was evaluated at $2.2 billion for 100 per cent sale.

NITEL’s value today is not less than $1.8 billion, Omo-Ettu said. He explained that the major changes that

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

7

NEWS NIGERIA AT 50

mines remain dormant ‘

Not a few are looking forward to the day when the country will start drawing fortunes from its over 27 billion oil equivalent of bitumen, 2.7 trillion tons of limestone, about three billion tons of Iron-ore and 1.4 billion tons of coal

‘

•Jonathan increasing government technical and institutional capacity; managing the solid mineral sector in a sustainable way; and creating a basis for nonfarm rural re-

newal through the development of artisanal and small scale mining.

Through the SMMRP, the postOlusegun Obasanjo era has seen the

establishment of the legal and institutional framework to make the sector attractive to global players.

The Mineral and Mining Act 2007,

Mining Regulations 2011, Minerals and Mining Policy 2008 and the establishment of the Mining Cadastre Office are steps that have been taken through the SMMRP. Thanks to the World Bank, the Federal Government has strengthened the Nigeria Geological Agency. The country has also completed airborne geophysical coverage. Also, not less than 16,000 mining grants have been processed. No less than 50 investors from Australia, Canada and China are embarking on exploration activities around the country.

But analysts believe there is need to fund the projects through sustainable means, such as the National Resources Fund.

In April, while signing the “Roadmap for the Development of the Solid metals Sector”, President Goodluck Jonathan reiterated his commitment to “the diversification of our economy away from over-dependence on oil as the principal revenue source.”

He promised to develop an industry-wide capacity building programmes for both small and medium scale mining companies, “with the aim of entrenching sustainability

How to salvage NITEL, by expert President of the Association of Telecommunication Companies (ATCON) Mr Lanre Ajayi has advised the government to sell NITEL to avoid a collapse of the company. In this interview, Ajayi examines the issues responsible for the unending privatisation process. He spoke with LEKE SALAUDEEN. Excerpts: Why do you think several attempts by the government to sell NITEL were unsuccessful?

My suspicion is that the assets of the company are lower than the liability. When the liability is huge, nobody wants to buy. NITEL equipments are obsolete. The workforce are not updated in technical skills because they don’t have opportunities in attending trainings, nobody want to inherit such a workforce.

Meanwhile, NITEL has shrunk to a fraction of its worth as new private sector entrants have taken over the large chunk of the market and deployed new technology while its equipment have deteriorated due to disuse and poor maintenance.

Beside, government wants to make money from the sale of the telecommunications firm and this has continued to drag the fortunes of the company behind. The bid price of NITEL is extremely high. It’s also too large for one telecoms player to buy.

Again, the previous attempts were unsuccessful because of the time lag before the government contact reserved bidder. When contacted, the reserve bidders were not allowed to review the bid they already quoted several months ago, during which assets of NITEL would have also deteriorated. To be specific such delay cannot be blamed on the BPE but on the Presidential Committee that the BPE reports to.

National Assembly has stopped Bureau of Public Enterprise from liquidating NITEL assets. What do you think is the best approach?

The more the sale of NITEL is delayed’ the more worthless its assets become. Its assets have been seriously eroded. NITEL’s submarine cable, the South Atlantic Terminal (SAT-3), perhaps its most valuable asset, is no longer the sole undersea cable in Nigeria.

Bette-r maintained and higher capacity undersea cables have been laid by Main One and Globacom.

MTN’s cable may be operative in Nigeria by next January.

But the Senate is contemplating contracting out NITEL’s management through concession. What’s your view? count since 2008 and now were the coming of Etisalat and the two submarine fibres- Main One and Glo 1. They will cause some depreciation, but not significantly as to make it worthless. First National Operator Licence is a huge asset for those who can use it to good effect. That is the value. NITEL as a brand will no longer fly and whoever buys the licence must not do any other thing than to use it as FNO.

We have tried the concession formula before. It is not a new concept to NITEL. It has been tried and failed. I do n’t know what we stand to gain from that. Remember, the Federal government under President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Pentascope of Netherlands as management contractor, charged with revamping the company for the privatisation process. The Pentascope experiment was a failure.

The Dutch firm left NITEL worse than it met it. The truth is that NITEL has lost monopoly of telecommunications market and its equipment are obsolete to compete effectively with the private sector that have financial muscle and modern equipment that have changed the face of the industry.

Guided liquidation assumes that an investor exists somewhere that is willing to invest in repairing and upgrading NITEL’s facility and take a bet on successfully competing for customers with the four entrenched mobile telephone operators. The ultimate objectives of privatising infrastructure companies ought to be reducing government’s financial burden and improving the capacity of the enterprises to provide critical services that will make Nigerians more economically active and productive.

Do you think NITEL can be attractive to buyers in its present form given the state of its facility?

NITEL as an entity is not attractive because of the •Ajayi obsolete equipment and excruciating debts. But there are some infrastructures like spectrum which pears more reasonable than having high bids from is a valuable asset that may attract investors. But unknown entities that cannot finance the purchase. the BPE must be transparent in selling the facility. This option ensures access to companies who can inBPE must separate the hidden liabilities from as- vest in providing services and generating employsets. It should advertise the assets to be sold so that ment.

There has also been an often mistaken desire to sell a prospective buyer would know the total value infrastructure companies to Nigerians. What the counwhat he wants to buy.

Are there lessons to be learnt from the unsuc- try needs are buyers who can invest and efficiently run NITEL and create jobs. Part of the problems of cessful attempts to privatise NITEL? Government’s desire to sell NITEL at a high value NITEL is influential Nigerians that hurriedly cobbled is counterproductive. Selling to reputable and ex- together companies which submitted grossly overperienced companies at a seemingly low price ap- valued bids that they eventually fail to see through.

“We should not be thinking that NITEL still exists except in law and on paper, but the FNO it is holding and wasting is the key value that should make meaning to us. Whoever buys the licence would re-brand the FNO and set at business. Hopefully BPE would have set the conditions which must not be flouted”.

The telecommunications expert is worried about the long time it has

taken government to sell NITEL and cautioned BPE against doing anything that could ridicule the FNO, insisting that if the sale is not handled professionally, it will lead to monopoly of the license, which he said would devalue the nation’s First National Carrier. Omo-Ettu advised BPE to auction the licence and allow the best bidder to buy NITEL.

His position perhaps makes sense when juxtaposed with the fact that even in its present form, the Federal Government has realised over N101 billion from the company.

Director-General of BPE, MrS. Bolanle Onagoruwa, revealed this fact at the opening of a two-day investigative hearing on the activities of Mtel/NITEL’s management board, status of its investment as

in the exploitation of all mineral resources”.

He foresaw a situation whereby the sector would contribute “at least 5 percent to the nation’s GDP by 2015" and create “about three million direct and indirect jobs”.

But how possible is this, with the sector’s low funding by the Federal Government? Perhaps, it is relying on foreign help. Minister of Mines and Steel Development Musa Sada recently received a delegation from North Korea.

After the meeting, he said: “We have the natural resources and we are asking investors to come in with their funds and skills to be able to help in exploiting these resources. One of the major issues that we have to face is job creation. As basic as the industry is, anybody, even if you didn’t go to school, operate some of the machines. We are targeting job creation through the use of basic technology.”

He said North Korea has a lot of technical competence in mining solid minerals, especially the manipulation of stones for various purposes.

Until these efforts yield dividends, it is not morning yet on the mining field. well as revenue generation from ongoing services rendered to other telecommunication companies in Nigeria held by the House Joint Committee on privatisation, finance, communications, public procurement and information technology.

The BPE boss noted that National Council on Privatisation (NCP) is favourably disposed to adopting “guided liquidation” against the injection of $1 billion for the re-activation of the two telecoms companies as alternatives.

Onagoruwa argued that the debt profile of the public parastatal stood at N354 billion. But IIlyasu-Sa’ab put the total debt profile at N182 billion of which NITEL owed N79 billion while Mtel owed N103 billion.

She disclosed that $3,668,561.70 was generated from Sat-3 submarine cable, $2,855,091.81 remitted in the domiciliary account, $521,990 generated from British Telecoms, $290,230 from cable and wireless services while $1,249.84 was realised from interest.

According to her, the companies liabilities include N65,227,595,681 on equipment vendors; N81,711,196,994 on bank claims; N183,403,439,256 for government agencies and N24,504,836,126 for others.

She added that Federal Government raised N68,248,884,000 through Debt Management Office, DMO, to offset outstanding salaries totalling N54.2 billion, leaving a debt profile at N122,448,884,000 with Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON. Khadijat Ibrahim, chairperson of the committee and her colleagues in the joint committee, queried BPE over the N172 billion differential in the debt profile compiled by both parties.

Ibrahim said: “I see no reason why the Federal Government cannot put money into NITEL and Mtel and resuscitate them.”

What is the way forward now that the Senate has halted further action on the liquidation move?

BPE spokesman Chukwuma Nwoko said the bureau is awaiting directives from NCP on the way forward regarding privatisation of NITEL/Mtel.

‘

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

8

NEWS NIGERIA @ 52 Constitution amendment ‘ll address challenges, says Ekweremadu

D

•Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi (second right), Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev Felix Femi Ajakaye (right); House of Assembly Speaker Dr Adewale Omirin and his wife Chioma at a thanksgiving service to mark the nation’s anniversary and the 16th anniversary of the state at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Cathedral, Agere, Ado-Ekiti...yesterday.

EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has assured Nigerians that the on-going Constitution amendment would address the challenges facing the nation.

Ekweremadu, who spoke in a goodwill message to mark the nation’s 52nd Independence Anniversary also urged Nigerians to support the project.

On the setbacks suffered by the nation in its post-independence history, Ekweremadu regretted that “some basic constitutional frameworks laid by the founding fathers to engender a peaceful, united and prosperous nation had been gravely distorted.”

But he assured the people that the National Assembly was poised to re-engineer the 1999 Constitution to restore the nation on the path of true and irreversible greatness.

He said the national public hearing on Constitution review would hold on October 11 and 12 in Abuja.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

He listed issues for consideration to include devolution of powers among the tiers of government, fiscal federalism, state creation, the Police, local government system, rotation of executive offices, residency and indigene provisions, immunity clause, recognition of the six geo-political zones as well as Executive and Judicial reforms.

These, he said, were informed by the memoranda submitted by Nigerians to the committee.

He urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the public hearing and the amendment process to speak on the way forward for the nation.

Ekweremadu enjoined leaders and the citizenry to “invest total political will, patriotism, altruism, and fairmindedness in the ongoing project to make Nigeria a better place for this and future generations.”

Yakowa, ACF seek support for govt initiatives •Former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan (second right); Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (second left); his deputy Prince Segun Adesegun (left); Amosun’s wife Olufunso and Ogun State House Speaker Suraj Ishola Adekunbi at the Cathedral of St. Peter’s Ake, Abeokuta...yesterday.

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (left); his wife Roli, Deputy Governor Amos Utuama; Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator James Manager at an Inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Divine-Way Baptist Church, Asaba...yesterday.

K

ADUNA State Governor Patrick Yakowa and the pan northern sociocultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), yesterday called on Nigerians to support government initiatives at national transformation.

Yakowa, in a message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Reuben Buhari, said even though the nation was passing through lots of challenges, there is cause to celebrate as the nation aspire to be among the greatest on earth.

He said: “While it is true that we are yet to attain our potentials as a nation, we however remain grateful to God for endowing and positioning our country and state for greatness. Let us remain optimistic of the fact

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

that achieving greatness and being at par with other advanced nations is a realistic and workable project that requires the efforts of all.”

The ACF said: “The Independence is worth celebrating, precisely because despite the challenges posed by insecurity and socio economic development brought about by our collective inability to manage the socio economy for desired performance, most Nigerians are determined to remain together in one united Nigeria and reverse the trends for common good of not only the present Nigerians but of generations to come’’.

Okorocha greets Nigerians

I

MO State Govenror Rochas Okorocha yesterday congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigerians on the nation’s 52nd Independence anniversary. In a statement by his Special Assistant Ebere Uzoukwa, Okorocha said:. “As patriots, we should always strive to promote those values that unite us as a people in the face of the challenges that have continued to threaten our unity.

“This again calls for sober reflection and rediscovery of the vision of our forefathers who collectively laboured for our Independence many years ago. We should keep hope alive believing strongly in the Nigerian project’’, Okorocha said.

Don’t be daunted by challenges, Ikuforiji tells Nigerians •Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (left); his wife Odochi, Deputy Governor Sir Emeka Ananaba and his wife Lady Nene at an Inter-denominational service at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia...yesterday.

Amaechi urges patience, cooperation

R

IVERS State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has urged residents to remain patient and co-operate with his administration to facilitate development.

Speaking at an Inter-denominational church service to mark the nation’s 52nd Independence anniversary at the Christ Church in Port Harcourt, Amaechi said the

progress made by his administration so far was by the grace of God, as well as the support and understanding of well-meaning people.

Amaechi said he had directed the executive council to liaise with the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government to allocate the completed new layout market to traders.

According to him,the

government has begun the deduction of the Social Contributory levy established by law to meet the demands and well-being of the people, stating that his administration would give account of how the funds were spent to justify the commitment of his administration to transparency and good governance.

“We have started deduc-

tion of the Social Contributory levy, this is to enable gthe overnment provide those basic things that the people need and I want you to demand an explanation and this is the reason I ask the Chief of Staff of Government House to call for town hall meetings across the 23 local government councils, we must ensure transparency and good governance.”

A

S Nigerians celebrate 52nd Independence anniversary today, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has advised citizens not to be daunted by the numerous challenges facing the country but to thank God for being alive to witness this anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji said: ‘’As we all mark our nation’s 52nd Independence anniversary today, I, on behalf of myself, family, my colleagues in the House, the entire management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, felicitates with all Nigerians, at

By Oziegbe Okoeki

home and abroad, for being alive to witness yet another independence anniversary of our great country.”

“Notwithstanding the numerous challenges that face our country today, I urge all fellow Nigerians not to focus their attention only on the negative. We all should also give thanks to the Almighty God for keeping us all together as one country to this day.

We must also not fail to look back and remind ourselves of our nation’s past successes in order for us to work out how best to rescue our nation from the daunting challenges it currently face”, Ikuforiji said.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

NIGERIA AT 52 PROLOGUE

•President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), his wife, Patience and Vice President Sambo cutting Nigeria’s 51st anniversary cake ... last year.

•The late Yar ‘Adua being sworn into office in 2007

Tragedy of a groping nation T

HERE is probably something about the foundation of Nigeria that continues to haunt its march to maturity. Prior to the October 1,1960 lowering of the Union Jack, the symbol of subjugation to British suzerainty, controversy had marked the process all the way.

First was the dispute over who moved the motion for the nation’s attainment of freedom. It is popularly credited to the late Chief Anthony Enahoro who, in 1953, moved the historic motion in the House of Representatives. He proposed that the country should become self-governing by 1956. However, some scholars and historians have queried the credit since Enahoro’s motion was just to bring self government, not full independence. Besides, even when no one could question the historic import of the proposal within the context of 1953, it was not carried and thus failed to usher in independence.

Then came the Remi Fani-Kayode motion in 1957. The son of that legendary figure, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has of recent made strident efforts to call attention to the fact that his father’s motion succeeded and eventually led to the 1960 independence.

But then, there was a third. In May 1960, the man who later became the Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa-Belewa, formally moved that the British transfer power to Nigerian leaders.

That came after series of constitutional conferences and an agreement by leaders of the political parties and regions. It heralded the activities of October 1, that year.

The First Republic Only the deep and discerning could have perceived from the wording of the first national anthem that there was fire on the mountain.

Nigeria we hail thee, the anthem said and went on to acknowledge that it is our dear native land.

But the next line suggested that it is a land of disparate people who may not easily become a nation by the mere lowering of the British flag.

It announced, “though tribe and tongue may differ…” It was an indication that there could be trouble going forward and it did not take long before the differences manifested and led to tension in the system.

Within two years, the sore had turned to cancer. Two major political parties had drawn the battle line. The Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) that controlled the Northern region and in power at the centre, decided to finish off the Action Group (AG), led by the methodical Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The instruments of state came in handy as weapons for the ruling party.

A crisis was provoked in the AG and Awolowo, the Leader of Opposition in the federal Parliament, had to battle for his political life. Challenged by the Premier of the Western Region,

By Bolade Omonijo, Group Political Editor

Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola who was also his deputy, Awolowo’s administrative acumen was put to test. Akintola, backed by the NPC, was at the same time hauled before the Coker Commission of Inquiry and sent to the Justice George Shodeinde Sowemimo court to answer charges of treasonable felony.

The more Awolowo was buffeted by the NPCNNDP alliance, the more the Nigerian state tottered and the deep knew that it was a question of time before the boat capsized. The eventual jailing of Awolowo, census of 1963, federal election of 1964 and Western parliamentary crisis of 1965 exposed the immaturity of the political class and their utter lack of grace. It was no surprise when the military seized the occasion on January 15, 1966 to take over power.

For 13 years, an unprepared and ill-trained military, lacking in the necessary experience, sought to tend the political machine. Again, the result was predictable. One counter coup, one other successful coup d’etat, a failed putsch, a civil war, another failed census and one riveting purge of the public service took the toll on the health of the country. By October 1, 1979 when the military rolled back the tanks to the barracks, the tremors had weakened the foundation of the country.

Shagari’s Second Republic Alhaji Aliyu Usman Shehu Shagari was a man of modest ambition. He had looked forward to being a Senator in the Second Republic, but was persuaded by the lords of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to try his hands at managing affairs as the Chief Executive and first Executive President. He contested against five more qualified Nigerians who were, however, made to fail the electoral test to pave the way for the man from Shagari village. The reluctant President could not manage the affairs of a troubled country. It took only 27 months for the experiment to fail.

Once again, the civilians kissed the dust as the military made a show of power with Gen. Buhari, then a barefaced dictator assuming con-

trol of the reins of power on December 31, 1983.

A palace coup in August 1985 brought Buhari’s Chief of Army Staff, an ever-smiling General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida who later accepted that he was an “evil genius”, to power as he toyed with the fate of the distressed country.

Thrice, he altered plans to transfer power to elected leaders and reneged. Eventually, when he held a presidential election, he fell to his own antics as resistance to his game led to his unceremonious exit from power on August 26, 1993. A selected Chief Ernest Shonekan was served power ala carte and pretended to be the Head of an Interim Government until a more determined and invidious General Sani Abacha shoved him aside on November 17. Abacha continued the broken military service and was succeeded on death by General Abdulsalami Abubakar in June 1998. In nine months, General Abdulsalami was out of the scene, leaving a constitution that was more of a labyrinth.

The Fourth Republic There is a Third Republic, but was there a Third Republic? This remains a puzzle. Could there have been a republic without a constitution and an elected leadership at the centre?

Another question. On May 29, 1999, the military handed over to a former military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, as the new President.

In 13 years, election has become the mode of recruiting leaders, but democracy is yet to take roots. Three Presidents have been elected. First to take power was Obasanjo who remained in power for eight years. He started as a reluctant leader and was forced to yield place to Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua on May 29, 2007. Yar ‘Adua died prematurely to grant opportunity to the first President of Southsouth descent, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

The history of the Fourth Republic is potmarked by crises. A major constitutional crisis first ensued with the power game nearly consuming Vice President Atiku Abubakar who chose to enlist the support of the courts to save his career. He won, but the President continued to subjugate the Office of the Vice President. In

‘The future is as cloudy as the past. The overriding question is, has the political class learnt enough lessons to keep the military at bay, promote a healthier polity and mobilise support for the quest for development? Failed or failing, whither Nigeria? The task of keeping Nigeria out of the list of failed African states is for all. It is beyond leaders and politicians who have proved that they are only good at sharing a shrinking cake’

the National Assembly, the banana peel led to a flurry of activities that led to the fall of a succession of Senate President. From Evans Enwerem to Chuba Okadigbo and Anyim Pius Anyim, three presiding officers graced the leader’s seat in the upper legislative chamber at the centre. The instability was certainly not good for lawmaking.

Adolphous Wabara started the journey in 2003, but soon lost control and was replaced by a more popular Ken Nnamani who held sway in the second stanza of the Obasanjo tenure because he had learnt lessons from his predecessors, but he had an overbearing and unfriendly President to contend with.

The House of Representatives had been more relatively stable. Except for the sudden change of Salisu Buhari, who was found to have forged the certificates by which he was elected, the presiding officers had little trouble holding on.

Whereas Obasanjo took exception to the Ghali Na’Aba administration, he could not effect a removal. Between 2003 and 2007, it was the turn of Aminu Masari who had a chummy relationship with the President. The post-Obasanjo years, however, saw Patricia Etteh imposed by the departing President. She lasted only five months before falling out of power, and was replaced by Dimeji Bankole. The current Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal has continually been threatened with removal by an unimpressed executive since the preferred candidate of the presidency and ruling party fell to popular forces that installed Tambuwal.

Could anyone have forgotten the crisis that attended the illness, power tussle and death of Umaru Yar’Adua? What about the strife in the PDP? There is danger ahead. What would happen in the run-up to 2015? What would happen if President Jonathan decides to seek another term? Is he constitutionally empowered to do so in view of the constitutional provision that anyone who has been elected twice is barred from contesting? Having been sworn in twice, what is the position of the law? More importantly, would the North accept another spell of being kept out of the powerful seat? What would become of the attempt to alter the structure of the country to cede more powers to the federating units? What is the place of the local governments as the tier of government closer to the people?

The future is as cloudy as the past. The overriding question is, has the political class learnt enough lessons to keep the military at bay, promote a healthier polity and mobilise support for the quest for development?

Failed or failing, whither Nigeria? The task of keeping Nigeria out of the list of failed African states is for all. It is beyond leaders and politicians who have proved that they are only good at sharing a shrinking cake.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

10

POLITICS NIGERIA AT 52 Premised on the plethora of problems that have militated against Nigeria since independence MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE examines people’s fear over the seeming failure of the country.

Nigeria: Failed or failing?

C

ONTRARY to popular expec tations, 52 years after independence, the worrisome fate of Nigeria has remained negatively outstanding in most political discourse. And the fear often expressed is whether the nation is failing or has failed outright.

Sadly, such fear is not unfounded as there abound manifest cases of social inequalities, religious intolerance, ethnic chauvinism, economic downturn and political instability among others.

Those who have written off Nigeria as a failed state are quick to opine that the country is far from attaining nationhood because the ideal qualities of a nation had not been met when it was hurriedly put together to suit the interest of its colonial masters.

To worsen matters, members of each of the over 250 ethnic nationalities in the country whip up ethnic sentiments in their interactions, thus further threatening the oneness of the polity. So is also the recent ranking rating by Fund for Peace International which listed Nigeria among the 60 most failed countries in the world.

With Somalia, a state notorious for sea piracy on the lead, Nigeria ranked 14th on the table and was closely followed by Yemen and Burma, one of the most repressive countries of the world.

A failed state according to the Fund for Peace International is one that has lost of control of its territory or lacks legitimate authority to make collective decisions; unable to provide public services, grapples with high crime rate, extreme political corruption, impenetrable and ineffective bureaucracy, judicial ineffectiveness and military interference in politics.

Buttressing the assertion that Nigeria falls into the category of failed state Mr. Olasupo Ojo, former president of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) explained that the entity called Nigeria is a failed project which the state had maintained at very grave cost.

He said: “Nigeria is a failed project and can conveniently be called a failed state. Government has continued to dissipate energy on this failed project without recourse to how to solve the lingering problems facing the country.

And this is the height of stupidity and hypocrisy from those who run the affairs of the country.

“The case of Nigeria is like a moving vehicle which has run short of fuel; instead of halting its journey, it keeps accelerating in the hope of running into a fuel station that is not anywhere in sight.

Things definitely don’t work that way and I am sure government will later discover its foolhardiness.”

Ojo maintained that any nation which fails to reflect deeply on how it can achieve stability in terms of economic growth of the •Continued on page 11

52 years after many African nations achieved their independence, successive founding fathers, reports Deputy political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU.

I

N the march of democracy and nation-building, African countries are birds of a feather. Ethnic tensions, religious acrimonies, leadership crises and poverty, which gripped them since independence 52 years ago, have continued to abort their dream of national cohesion and prosperity.

Military rule, under which many of them fret for decades, has left permanent scars of self-destruction, delusion and wasted hope and expectation.

Credible democratic institutions and signs of good governance are still scarce and relative political stability has not catapulted the poor nationstates into the envisage horizon of progress.

What do African states that gained independence from European interlopers have in common? If they are not sliding into the failed state status, judging by Western indices, it is doubtful if they are not assailed by circumstances of history that has reduced them into fragile nations. It is a precarious situation, for state fragility is a stepping stone to state failure. Unhealthy competition for state power and resources, large-scale corruption which has made government the greatest corrupter of society, infrastructural decay, weak democratic institutions, ethnicity, and disarticulated constitutions have set landmines for them in their difficult journey to a perilous future.

The colonial hangover and legacy have also shaped the response of the countries to emerging social, economic and political challenges. Not only have the freed countries leaned on their colonial masters for economic reasons, they have also been manipulated by the former colonial overlords in international politics. The manifestations are the advanced countries inclinations to sign defense pacts with former colonies, threats of withdrawal of aids, and promotion of divide and rule by taking sides in domestic politics of former colonies.

At home, the ethnic struggle and class competition for state power manifested in military coups. The military had positioned itself as the alternative force to reckon with, following ear-

A

T 52, Nigerian patriots cannot but speak truth to Nigerian power?

Why is Nigeria a failure and a failing state? Why has Nigeria remained a national and global embarrassment as its huge national endowments (human and natural) cannot be reconciled with the status of its socio-economic and political achievements?

Why is it that the sixth or eight largest exporter of crude petroleum, with huge petro-dollars, remains part of the 10 poorest nations, with some of the worst statistics in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Human Living Index (HLI)? Why is the existing reality of the Nigerian State still revealing that the more petroleum dollars it earns, the worse the economic misery, deprivation and poverty of the people remain?

Why is it that most Nigerian Public Officers and Officials (both military and civilian) have not exhibited honour and integrity in public offices, to the extent that their greatest numbers are usually devotees at the altar of inordinate power, rapacious greed and selfish interest? The list of politically exposed persons – Governors and Ministers and members of National Assembly, whose criminal prosecution have been stalled through undue influence on the Judiciary, remains a national disgrace.

Why is the Nigerian state ever a lie to itself in that while it proclaims to be running a Federalism, it is in truth and practice crippled as a unitary and centralized state? And why is it that Nigeria exports what it does not have

Africa: Five decades lier successful putsch in Egypt and Sudan. In fact, in Nigeria, political leaders in the north encouraged young people to embrace soldiering as a career, with the hope that the region would still have a strong bargaining power, if kith and kin were dominant in the Armed Forces. The development of the military was perceived through ethnic lenses, for what emerged, especially after the first coup of 1966, was not a national army but a divided military busy defending ethnic positions.

Between January and December 1960, independence days broke in 17 sub-Sahara African nations, including 14 former French colonies. It was an eventful year characterised by the lowering of the Union Jack in British West Africa. The rise to independence was the culmination of a chain of events from the World War 11 years. It was a long process. After the war, African nationalists who were eager to take over from the colonial masters evolved pro-independence movements which mounted pressures on the colonial powers to honour their promises to implement a phased independence process.

African countries that achieved independence in that year were Algeria, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, Senegal, Sierra-Leone, Ivory Coast, Upper Volta, Togo, Dahomey (Republic of Benin), Nigeria, Cameroun, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, Central African Republic, Congo Leopoldville, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho.

However, before 1960, Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia and South Africa, which was under apartheid rule, were free.

They were not role models to those trying frantically to put off the colonial yoke. Egypt, for example lacked the experience of a durable democratic rule. Ethiopia had no experience of the

By Ayo Opadokun

and imports what it has (e.g. free and fair election, and petroleum respectively)?

Why is government office so lucrative to the extent that the political jobbers and political contractors are willing to do anything and everything (including murder and assassination) and contrives falsehood so as to be awarded electoral victory? Their awarded elections have always empowered them to have unhindered access to state and national fund and resources, which they loot, misapply, misuse, and corruptly appropriate for their personal and group purposes.

Why is Nigerian politics the most lucrative globally and why do our politicians earn even much more than political office holders in the USA and in most states in the European Union earn? Our ruling elite have expanded the base of government with too many departments and posts, yet Nigerians experience very little productive governance? By the current statistics, Nigeria now spends about 80% of its total earning to run the political bureaucracy. This overbloated public service as well as highlevel corruption leads to underdevelopment. The USA, with the biggest economy in the world, is being run with less than 25 secretaries (ministers). In the First Republic, Chief Obafemi Awolowo ran the Western Region (now broken into eight states) with 14 Ministers and 14 Parliamentary Secretaries.

Again, why is it that Nigerian rulers carry on business as usual and yet

•Paul-Biya

• Kigame

colonial rage, but its stable leadership for decades exhibited subtle dictatorial tendencies. Liberia had the advantage of the same stability, until Tolbert was murdered by Samuel Doe. Ironically, the same former colonies had to play great roles in the war against minority rule in South Africa, many years after they achieved independence.

The tragedy of the dark continent is that, more than half century of independence has been devoted to prolonged crises of leadership and nationbuilding. “Africa remains the world’s poorest continent, and it suffers from high rate of illiteracy and disease, including AIDS, which has ravaged many nations in southern Africa”, noted British political analyst, Michael Mines in his work’ ‘1960: Africa’s year of freedom’. It is an understatement.

African population is increasing and there are resources to meet its needs, but mismanagement is the bane in many poor countries. State capitals are

show piece of emerging civilisation, but rural areas are like slums; without electricity, good roads, water, medical facilities and basic conveniences.

African university graduates flood the cities in search of ever elusive jobs, no thanks to the collapse of industrialisation drive. Now, many of them are also not insulated from insecurity.

What is more worrisome is that Nigeria, which was rated highly as a future medium-ranking world power, dampened the hope.

Its characterisation as the giant of Africa mocks the reality on ground. Assessed against indices of development, the most populous black nation on earth has emasculated itself. Its pride is its human and natural endowment and not their translation into improved wellbeing.

But there are cheery news. The prospects and potentialities have not vanished. Putting this into perspective, Dorina Bakoe, an official of the United

Nigeria at 52: they expect different results? Also, why is the Nigerian state so contemptuous of its citizens, with our leaders usually rejecting the popular wish and demand of the greatest majority for their selfish agenda? When will the popular wish of the electorates become the guiding signals of public policies? For example, the Nigerian state continues to shun the clamour of the greatest majority of our people in the last quarter of a century for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference to discuss and resolve the National Question and thereby repackage the lopsided national structure, which is the main reason for our retardation, stunted growth and development.

Why is the Nigerian state refusing to change course when it has long found out that Lord Lugard’s 1914 forceful coupling together of many ethnic nationalities christened Nigeria by his mistress is not sustainable and has deepened mutual suspicion, mutual hatred and mutual animosity, thereby making the forceful union a failed project?

Why are our political office holders pretentiously behaving as if they can continue to force their unity agenda when the reality is that there are deep cultural, traditional, religious and customary differences between and among the many ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, differences that have led to our very deplorable socio-economic and political condi-

•Opadokun

tions?

Why is it that our leaders’ hypocrisy about our “forced unity” daily manifests in variety of different choices, preferences, and perspectives? For example, is it not a fact that while some ethnic nationalities are willing to spend their fortunes on their children to acquire quality Western education, some others have cynical regard for it? In fact, there are at least a dozen core northern states that have imposed Sharia law, thereby

11

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

POLITICS NIGERIA AT 52 administrations have repeatedly found it difficult to realise the vision of the

of snail-like walk

•Yoweri-Museveni

States-based Institute of Peace, submitted that African countries have moved beyond the legacy of colonialism, adding that, while there are some formidable challenges, there are also positive trends.

Civil societies have not relented in the pursuit of good governance in Africa. Building strong institutions have been acknowledged as part of the framework for development, although the will and capacity must still be mustered. One of the countries on this path of revatalisation is Ghana, which is gradually restoring public confidence in governance. Electricity is now stable in Ghana, and this is critical to the growth of both formal and informal sectors. According to its new leader, President John Mahama, there is a campaign against theft and graft and accountability is being promoted.

In Mozambique, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is growing. After many years of dictatorship, Mali was proving to be a resilient democracy until

the recent time when its army disrupted civil rule once again. War-torn Rwanda, despite its misfortune of ethnic rivalries, has not ceased to be a foreign investment haven, South Africa has moved on as a model of stable democracy and free market economy.

Africa’s over-reliance on foreign aid, instead of attracting foreign investment is an obstacle. Foreign aid may not translate into direct growth in the economy; neither does it give jobs to the jobless. Echoing this burdensome reality, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame said Africa needed to encourage private investment, stressing that, in the end, that is what is going to decide the future of the continent. What he did not add was the conditions that made investment to thrive. Wars, internal crises, lack of social infrastructure, huge debt, high cost of business operations, high bank interests, and insecurity often scare away investors who turn to saner economic climates for investment.

Historically, there was no assumption of tempestuous rush to independence by the far flung former colonies, although armed campaigns were obvious in few countries, especially Algeria and parts of Congo. It was relatively easier for French West Africa to fast-track the independence process. In 1944, French President General de Gaulle declared in Brazzaville that it was time for France to take “the road to a new era”. Thus, in 1946, the French colonial empire was replaced by the French Union, which later became the French Community in 1958.

Around the same time, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Ghana and Guinea won their independence.

On January 1, 1960, Cameroun, a former German colony divided between France and Britain in 1918, acquired its independence, aided by armed movements. When the United Nations announced the end of French control, French Cameroun proclaimed its independence in 1959. The follow-

Matters arising

• The late Azikiwe

subjecting people of other faiths to be forcefully governed by Islamic legal system. To further highlight our incredible national contradictions, the BOKO HARAM phenomenon has descended upon us. The violent group has declared that it will only lay down arms whenever the Nigerian state decides to adopt Islam nationally.

BOKO HARAM followers don’t want to be governed by our Western-style constitution, Western-style government, Western-style civilization and

Western-style education. Period.

On another level, why are members of the Nigerian elite swimming in vain glory, annually spending over N500 billion on their wards’ education overseas and in neighboring Ghana? Why is it that the ruling political elite conspired to under-fund education so that the quality and quantity of education in our country in recent times has been on the slide?

It is to our national shame that since the United Nations Education and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) prescribed to member nations that they should spend 26% of their national budgets on education in the 70s, successive Nigerian Governments have never spent up to 10% on the sector.

In fact, it got so ridiculously low that education at a point received three percent of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s budget. The result is the current deception being called education as offered by Nigerian government. Many Nigerian graduates are unemployable and a significant number cannot even write a presentable Letter of Application. Our government is devoting a measly amount of resources to education, perhaps their children are not beneficiaries of public education.

Equally true is that in the last five years, the results from WAEC and NECO have revealed that less than 30% of school leavers (many of them eyeing admission into tertiary institutions) score a pass in the manda-

ing year, the southern part of the country under the British control merged with the north. On May 5, 1960, Ahmadou Ahidjo became the country’s first elected President. The circumstance of independence had altered the native map of Africa, with consequences for strained relations between Cameroun and Nigeria as reflected in the fight over the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula by the two countries.

On April 27, former German colony which was subsequently under French and British authorities since World War 1 became free. The part of the country administered by the French had a status of “associated territory” in the French Union established in 1946. The country became an autonomous republic within the French Union by the referendum of 1956. In February 1958, victory for the Togolese Unity Committee, a nationalist movement, in legislative elections heralded independence. However, tragedy befell the young, small country barely three years after independence when its first President, Sylvanus Olympio, a vibrant politician, was killed in January 1963 by soldiers. Thus, civilian rule was short-lived, right from the onset.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, June 20 was the date with history.

Patrick Lumumba was in charge in Leopoldville, where riots had broken out in 1959, making Belgian authorities to call nationalists to Brussels to map out a withdrawal plan. Later, the country was re-named Zaire under the strong man, Mobutu Sese Seko.

Somalia had independence on July 1. Somaliland became the Somali Republic. It raced into a turbulent future, transformed into a country of guns, blood, tears and pains. Its refugees are burden to its neighbours . Development came to a standstill in the face of massive blood letting, making investors to shun the hitherto promising country. It is curious that feuding leadtory English and Mathematics. Our tertiary institutions too have not delivered on their core values. I don’t know of any of them that is using its theoretical and applied research to radically change old crude methods of doing anything e.g. agriculture. An individual private engineering firm in Lagos has radically packaged a technology that makes it possible to pound yam within 45 seconds. The old method of pounding yam that takes a great amount of sweat and energy has been revolutionized.

Furthermore, can our ruling elite explain why Nigeria sits pertly in the Third World class, whilst nations like Malaysia, Singapore and India (our old 1960s classmates in the development agenda) have grown so well that they are today rubbing shoulders with Western nations? One interesting example to illustrate one’s agony is this. The Nigerian Defence Industry (DICON) was set up the same year with the India Defence Industry. The Indian institution has been producing about two-thirds of its army’s domestic weapons requirement, and even selling to interested foreign buyers. Meanwhile, its Nigerian counterpart (until recently when it had Gen. T.Y. Danjuma and Brigadier-Gen. Buba Marwa supervising its operations) succeeded in only producing salt and furniture, with no remarkable production of weapons.

How can we explain the disparity DICON and its Indian equivalent?

At 52, Nigeria and her political office holders must provide honest responses to the numerous WHYs above if we are ready to turn the page

ers have survived and intensified the conflicts by diverting state resources to war mongering, instead of yielding to an agenda of peace in national interest.

On August 1, Dahomey, renamed Benin Republic, gained independence.

The forerunner was the referendum of September 28, 1958. President Hubert Mapa was its first leader. But the country has had a tumultuous political history since independence. It has practiced both presidential and parliamentary system, recycled old leaders and organised a successful national conference. But it is one of the poorest in Africa. When Nigeria closed its borders along Seme-Badagry Road, the economy of the country nearly collapsed in two weeks.

Niger became independence two days after Benin became independent.

In 1974, Humani, its first President, was overthrown in a military coup.

Upper Volta, renamed Burkina Faso, won independence on August 5. In 1984, a patriotic soldier, Thomas Sankara, was in the saddle. He was assassinated in 1987.

Ivory Coast has a different story. In June of 1960, its pro-French leader, President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, proclaimed independence. But he maintained close ties between Abidjan and Paris. It was one of the most prosperous West African nations.

Chad became independence on August 11 and its Prime Minister, Franpolis Tombalaye, became President. However, the country became deteriorated rapidly into civil war between the Muslim North and the Christian-majority south.

On October 1, Nigeria, a federation of three regions, achieved independence. Its population was put at 34 million. At infancy, it was considered as the giant of Africa. But deep ethnic and religious divisions have prevented the development of a national outlook required for nation-building. For over 30 years, it was politically unstable. It survived a devastating civil war foisted on it by competing military interest, aided by forces of tribalism.

Now, civil rule is in place, but the dividends of democracy are still beyond reach. in order to reclaim our country. As far as some of us are concerned, the most important reason for our national failure has to do with its structure. The current lopsided national structure has created a dubious ruling elite, a class that has usurped the Nigerian commonwealth, while reducing other citizens to beggars and spectators. The fact of our national history reveals that Nigerian security leadership has been monopolized by a particular section of the country to the disadvantage of others. This reality, perhaps, can be the explanation for the fact that there remain highly lucrative categories of public offices that are preserved for some sections of the country.

Whichever side of the argument you may be on, it may be much more than cynicism for anyone to deny the fact that our 52-year old forcefully delivered baby became deformed before its sixth birthday. Little wonder that our country is always treading the path of opposites like a crab, with no end to its zigzag journey?

The impact of corruption on our socio-economic and political life has been very negative. A very significant portion of appropriated money ends up in private pockets. Rampant corruption is evidenced in innumerable abandoned projects, wasteful white elephant projects that the promoters never wanted to completely execute from the beginning.

Nigerian leaders have deliberately refused to establish comparable medical centres of excellence in Nigeria for the care of the majority. But our •Continued on page 12

Nigeria: Failed or failing?

•Continued from page 10

people and tackling corruption headlong has failed the people.

Such a state, he said, is not anything better than Somalia where there is no known government.

The growing incident of terrorism which has rocked the country to its foundation has not helped the precarious situation. It is quite obvious that life in the northern part of the country has been made hellish for the people with government in total confusion as to how to handle the situation. With hundreds of deaths recorded at regular intervals, government has been struggling to reject attempt in certain quarters to tag it terrorist state.

Former Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Frank Kokori, described the country as a crawling nation which needs to be helped back to its feet.

He took a swipe on the leadership of the country for letting the people down by its inaction and lack of focus.

He said: “The leaders have let the people down; they have killed the hope of the ordinary people who have invested so much in the country. At independence, the expectation was quite great but with the passage of time, those who probably don’t know the true meaning of leadership came on board and messed up the dream.”

Kokori recalled that in the 70s, countries like China and India were so backward that Nigerians who travelled to those places knew that Nigeria was far better. He added: “When some families in Nigeria where already using coloured television, some of the richest families in China and India could only boast black-and-white television.”

He wondered why things had gone so bad for Nigeria which was a standard-bearer for Africa. “It was the pride of the continent and Africans were all proud of it. Not only that it could compete in sporting and other social activities but led the crusade to rescue the continent from imperialists’ claws,” he further said.

Kokori further stressed that while Nigeria was fast receding into backwardness, its contemporaries like Malaysia and Singapore, were marching forward steadily because of their clear vision to succeed. He said: “It unfortunate that Nigeria was competing with France, Britain and Germany in the 70s with great hopes and expectation but today, we are nowhere near them because of the endemic cases of corruption in the land.”

“It is really a shame that we are now far behind these countries. A government that is not committed to fighting corruption is certainly not going to make any headway.

There is corruption in all strata of our activities - judiciary, police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and what have you. Government should wake up to its responsibilities.”

It was generally agreed that if the country must move out of the situation it is today, the authorities must not be seen to be encouraging corruption. The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and other the anti-graft bodies, observers believe, must be allowed to operate freely without having to be swayed by the body language of those who set it up.

Analysts believe that in most of the high-profile cases being handled by the commissions, it is •Continued on page 12

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

POLITICS NIGERIA AT 52

Nigeria since independence

Nigeria at 52: Matters arising •Continued from page 11

privileged few spend fortunes to take care of their medical needs abroad, sometimes ferried our abroad in air ambulances. It’s not a secret that some poor Nigerians today die because they cannot afford 500naira to buy their necessary drugs. The nouveau riche patronize qualitative medical centres in the Middle East, Great Britain, the United States of America and others, while a large pool of their highest class in government enjoy free medical care in Germany courtesy of Julius Berger.

Again, the fact that our country at 52 lacks basic social services, like power supply, good road networks and functional railway, is a painful reminder of the reality that we have been governed mostly by a succession of opportunists and perverts.

We remember that on January 1, instant, the Nigerian state announced another hike in petroleum prices. The spurious reason the central government gave was that fuel subsidy was unsustainable and that it was negatively impacting on the national budget and finance.

Nigerians, in a rare display of public anger and disapproval, organized civil protests to vent their disgust and discontent with President Jonathan’s Greek Gift on New Year Day. The Nigerian Labour movement and civil societies united to make open statement, asking government to revert to the old 65 naira per litre or face civil action. Government, the president, his economic team organized several propaganda public relations and talk shows to attempt to convince Nigerians, but they failed abysmally.

When the Labour/Civil Society street action commenced, the protest took on a life of its own, it became very popular and significantly successful to the extent that local and global communities became interested in the civil societies’ rare determination to reject an obnoxious public policy.

For a week, the various strata of the Nigerian public thronged the centres of the public campaign against the price hike. Nigerians steadfastly displayed their opposition until the leadership of the Labour/Civil Societies committed a blunder by suspending the campaign at the weekend to enable protesters “refill and re-strategize.”

The Nigerian state typically and forcefully drafted a contingent of soldiers and mobile policemen to occupy both the venue of the campaign (Gani Fawehinmi’s Park) in Lagos and the road leading to the venue.

That President Jonathan misused the state apparatus of coercion to prevent Nigerians from resuming their protests is illustrative of what civilian dictators are capable of doing to enforce their oppressive policies on their citizens.

President Jonathan current’s inappropriate statement that the people protesting his anti-people’s price hike were sponsored by his political enemies and exposed him to ridicule and showed that he is significantly disconnected from the people he governs.

The Nigerian Parliament, particularly the House of Representatives took up the gauntlet by conducting a public hearing on the so called unsustainable subsidy on petroleum. The revelations contained in the report of Honourable Farouk Lawan’s ad hoc committee were very spectacular. And readers will remember that they included among others, that:(i) Many oil marketers falsified their records. Quite a number of them claimed subsidies for PMS they did not import, or in excess of the quantity they claimed to have imported. (ii) Many business men and women who had nothing to do with the petroleum business were sponsored and approved by friends and associates of the PDP in power. (iii) Nigerians were being raped and forced to pay for a non-existent subsidy. (iv) Nigerians were being asked to pay for demurrage due to criminal neglect and gross deficiencies of government services. And more.

Nigerians expected the Jonathan Presidency to officially apologize to Nigerians for imposing a punitive policy on them on a very spurious claims of subsidy when in fact, the former N65 itself was comparably higher than what citizens of other oil exporting countries are paying for their domestic oil usage.

The expected policy government should have adopted was to reverse the unjust 97 naira price hike to the old price of 65 naira. When it does this, then this government will be truly legitimate, and recognized as governing in the public interest.

To make matters much more worrisome, the Nigerian government is busy implementing the favourable recommendations of Chief Aig-Imokhuede, the ACCESS BANK PLC’s Chief Executive Officer. One wonders why the Jonathan Presidency is regularly and typically tactless and miscalculating in its choice of people saddled with one job or the other. Is it that the presidency is unaware that some oil marketers with huge subsidy claims are ACCESS BANK Customers? How can the CEO of such a bank find faults with its customers indicted by the Farouk Committee?

I believe that President Jonathan is wrong to imagine that the multi-dimensional cases of inequality before the law, the fact that many nationalities have limitations for their national aspirations while some are even permanently disempowered have long been settled. There is no opportunity yet for democratic discussion and resolutions of the many cases of mutual mistrust and suspicion that can convince many nationalities that they are co-owners and joint inheritors of the national wealth.

That is why it happened that even though Nigeria earned enormous petrol dollars because of the crises in the Middle East, yet Nigerians’ living condition, since the period of Obasanjo’s presidency, has quickly deteriorated. It’s a fact that Obasanjo grudgingly gave a minimum wage, but that was just a small fraction of the huge petroleum dollars the country earned at that time. You will also remember that Obasanjo failed to build any refinery during his time. And because he based domestic consumption of refined petroleum on importation, he regularly hiked prices depending on the prices at the international price levels.

The USA remains the largest market globally. If the government of the USA decided to inject 20 billion USD into any of its national social services, be it, on education, health, road, power supply etc, the impact will be visible to Americans and visitors. Why must you sustain this wicked structure that only benefits a tiny cabal and their collaborators? Mr. President, seize the initiative now to dismantle the perverted structure that has held Nigeria down, painfully making it an embarrassment to the Black Race whose destiny has been placed in Nigeria’s care for progress and development.

What Nigerian leaders must appreciate is the certainty of the unalterable laws of life, part of which is the legal maxim that: You cannot build something on nothing. Nigeria remains in peril because of its artificial creation and forced existence. Perhaps the ruling elite and the preponderance of its middle class, who are mostly fun seekers and pleasure lovers, will turn around for good – given the desperate state of Nigeria’s socio-economic and political outlook today. WE CERTAINLY CAN DO BETTER THAN WE ARE DOING NOW.

January 1960 May 1960

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October 1, 1960 January 15, 1966

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July 29, 1966 May 30, 1967 July 29, 1975 October 4, 1975 August 6, 1975

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February 3, 1976 February 7, 1976 Septemb 14, 1976 October 6, 1977

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Septem 21, 1978 July/August 1979 March 30, 1980 June 24, 1981 July 6, 1981

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May 18, 1982 April 1983 Decem 31, 1983 August 27, 1985 May 9, 1987 August 1987 October 1989 August 1991 August 1991 August 1992 April 1993

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June 12, 1993 June 23, 1993

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August 26, 1993 Nov 17, 1993

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May 28, 1994 June 27, 1994 June 27, 1995 May 11, 1996 October 1997 December 1997 May 1998 June 8, 1998 July 7, 1998 July 20, 1998 Febru 27, 1999 May 29, 1999

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May 29, 2003 May 29, 2007 February 2010 May 5, 2010 April 2011 May 29, 2011

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HOR passed motion demanding independence by October.

Metcalfe, first Speaker of House of Representatives, resigns; Jaja Wachukwu succeeds him.

Nigeria obtains independence First military coup, P. M. Northern and Western Premiers, ministers and high ranking military officers killed.

Counter coup, Gowon becomes Head of State.

FMG announces creation of twelve states.

Gowon’s regime toppled, Murtala Muhammed takes over as Head of State.

Constitution Drafting Committee headed by Chief FRA Williams, set up.

FMG inaugurates the Irikefe Panel to make recommendation on criteria for creating new states.

FMG creates seven additional states.

Decree establishing new Federal Capital Territory released.

CDC submits report.

Constituent Assembly inaugurated; members receive charge to review and fine- tune draft constitution.

FG lifts ban on political activities.

General elections to usher in the Second Republic held across the country.

J. S. Tarka dies in a London hospital.

Governor Balarabe Musa of Kaduna State impeached.

Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, national chairman of NPP, gives notice to termination of his party’s accord with the NPN. President Shagari grants pardon to Ojukwu.

Alhaji Aminu Kano passes on.

The military sacks the Shagari regime. Maj. Gen. Buhari assumes power.

Palace coup announced. Babangida replaces Buhari as Head of State.

Awo passes on.

Two new states, Akwa Ibom and Delta, created by FMG. FMG floats two political parties, SDP and NRC. Nigeria now has a 30 State structure as FMG creates nine additional states.

Governorship election in all the 30 states.

Abortive primaries to select presidential candidates for the two parties.

SDP, NRC hold primaries to elect presidential candidates. Chief M. K. O. Abiola emerges in the SDP, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa in the NRC. Presidential election held in all 30 states.

General Babangida annuls the election after it had become clear that Chief Abiola had own.

General Babangida steps aside; appoints Shonekan as successor.

Gen. Sani Abacha, ING’s Defence Secretary, sacks the Shonekan government; takes over.

Elections nationwide to elect members of Constitutional Conference.

Constitutional conference convenes.

Constitutional Conference submits report to FG. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe completes his earthly assignment. End of another era.

The Abacha regime creates six additional states.

Gen. Shehu Yar ‘Adua dies in prison.

All the political parties adopt Gen. Abacha as their presidential candidate.

Gen. Abacha dies. He is succeeded by, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Chief MKO Abiola dies in custody.

Gen. Abubakar announces exit date, lays out transition plan.

Presidential election, Obasanjo emerges president.

Gen. Obasanjo assumes office as second elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Obasanjo’s first term ends, earns another tenure.

Alhaji Umaru Yar -Adua sworn-in as Obasanjo’s successor.

Dr Jonathan sworn-in as Acting President.

Yar ‘Adua dies after prolonged illness; succeeded by Jonathan.

General elections nationwide.

Jonathan takes over as elected President.

Nigeria: Failed or failing?

•Continued from page 11

only in a few occasions that some people have been punished to the delight of Nigerians. Not even with the confessions of some of the bosses of the commissions who have remarked that their hands were tied because of signals from “above.”

It is believed there is no single nation of the world that makes progress when corruption permeates all aspect of people’s lives; when public officials seek office with the intention to steal from the people’s common wealth and when appointment to public office is greeted with celebration, forgetting that it is a call to serve.

China which was once faced with corruption challenges had to rise to the occasion by promulgating strident laws that has since made stealing of public funds a crime against the state, thus attracting heavy punishment. Today, it is among the best in the world because of the bold step it had to take to fight those who

were accustomed to stealing people’s money.

Festus Keyamo, activist Lagosbased lawyer, while condemning the setback experienced by the country, believes there is hope and the country can still be rescued. “I don’t want to say the country is a failed state; it is really facing serious challenges and can be rescued,” he said.

Those who say that the country can still get out of the woods remarked that its leaders must show good example and not the flagrant display of ill-gotten wealth which they have been using to torment the ordinary people.

Observers are of the opinion that the drive for better Nigeria must start with the conduct of free and fair election where the vote of everybody counts and that the people must be in the position to decide who they want and not a situation where some force themselves on the people.

A situation where the people cannot freely express their choice of

who they want as leaders, they also opine, is most inhuman and that they have perpetually impoverished the people through such policies that hardly encourage development.

With the failure of stable electricity, dysfunctional transport system, falling standard of education and the importation of all manners of inferior goods into the country, as observers further claim, Nigeria still has a long way to go.

Other things being equal, it is generally believed that hope is not completely lost, but that depends on the choice of leaders that emerge. It is perhaps high time the people’s votes counted and coupled with the ongoing plans to review the 1999 Constitution, it has been suggested that the exercise must be carried out urgently with a greater input from the people who have wallowed helplessly at the receiving end of misgovernance in the country.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

Kalu Uche tops score chart in Turkey

Pg. 18

Yakubu strikes again in China

Pg. 47

Sport Monday, October 1, 2012

PAGE 17

FIFA WOMEN'S U-17 WORLD CUP QUARTER FINAL

My girls are ready for France—Dedevbo •Sure of semi final spot •As team resumes training

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FTER going past Colombia in the last group match of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, coach of the Flamingoes, Nigeria's representatives, Peter Dedevbo has said that his girls are ready for the quarter final tie against France.

The Flamingoes on Saturday defeated Colombia 3-0 to book a place in the next stage of the competition in far away Azerbaijan.

Dedevbo said the team understands the technicalities of this stage and are ready to progress to the semi finals, as they resumed training yesterday.

“This is the knockout stage and my girls understand the technicalities when we

take on France. I want my girls to convert all the chances they create as this will be crucial. From this stage onwards we will play each match as it comes, one game at a time” he said.

Continuing, Peter said: “After the quarter final ouster in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010, this team has made tremendous progress and I’m particularly happy with my attackers’ performance who I believe will continue to give us the goals” Scorer of the brace against Colombia, Halimat Ayinde who was also in the 2010 squad assured that the hoodoo of that year has since been buried and the team is looking to get to the finals and win the

cup.“I am happy I scored those two goals against Colombia for my team. It’s every attackers delight to score goals. I’m equally grateful to God for helping me score the goals”.

“I am not afraid of France-yes we got eliminated at the quarter final stage at the last World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago but I believe in my self and the girls that we will make it into the semifinals this time.

We have come a long way and we are not going to look back” said Ayinde.

In her view, captain of the team, Victoria Aidelomon, who was part of the squad two years ago said that she was excited to have made it to the quarter finals again but she believes her team will qualify for the semis

at the expense of France.

“I’m excited we have once again qualified for the quarter finals. What happened two years ago is now history because I believe France is beatable. By the grace of God and the prayers and support of Nigerians both here and back home, I believe we will beat France” Aidelomon assured.

Meanwhile, there seems to be some jitter in the France camp as they were all eager to catch a glimpse of Halimat Ayinde (No14) who scored a brace against Colombia when the team was leaving the hotel for training.

The match is billed for October 4.

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NATIONSPORT MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL Ayila craves more action at Dynamo Kiev Ahli hits Lagos

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Kalu Uche tops score

October 2

UNSHINE STARS of Akure’s foe in the CAF Champions League, Al Ahli of Egypt will on October 2 arrive Lagos for this weekend's semi-final 1st leg game billed for the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Their traveling date was disclosed last Saturday night after the Egyptian league holders succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Smouha in their final warm-up game.

Although, details of their traveling arrangements were not revealed but it is expected that Mohamed Abou-Treika may make the trip.

The striker, who failed to inspire the Hossam Al-Badri side looked to have shaken off the ankle problem he had after he came on as a second half sub in the 2-1 defeat.

Meanwhile, Ahli will be forced to do without Mohmoud Hassan 'Trezeguet' for the game against Sunshine Stars as the teenage midfielder was handed an invitation to the Egyptian youth side that will battle Angola for a ticket to the 2013 African Youth Champiinship (AYC).

•Ayila

Martins tipped for Levante success

Oparanozie, Ordega sign Russian deal

chart in Turkey

•Oparanozie

•Ordega

Cologne looks up to Ujah for redemption

Betis: Igiebor needs time to adapt

Yakubu strikes again in China Kalu Uche

Women League Board hails Flamingoes

•Igiebor

Injured Oduamadi missing football

•Martins

NBC lifts Eko 2012 with over N100m sponsorship NIGERIA AT 52 INDEPENDENCE GOLF TOURNEY

Golf captain vows to whitewash Ghana From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

CCSF INTERNATIONAL TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIP

Cote d’Ivoire , Niger storm Nigeria

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Unbundling PHCN •Would the putative sale of five power generating plants ensure constant electricity?

F the deal is successfully consummated, the public till would bulge with N107 billion. That is the cumulative price the five preferred bidders are paying for five (out of 18) electricity generation plants hitherto owned by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), now being unbundled, under the power reforms process.

The five winning bids and their asking prices are: Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, (Transcorp): Ughelli Thermal Power Plant ($ 300million), Amperion Consortium: Geregu Power Plant ($ 132 million), CMEC/Eurafric: Sapele Thermal Plant ($ 201 million), Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited: Kainji Hydro Plant ($ 50.76 million, which met the reserved yearly rental fee, since the plant would not be sold outright) and North-South Power Company Limited: Shiroro Hydropower Plant ($23.6 million, annual fee for a 15-year concession).

So, whereas the thermal plants would be sold outright, provided the preferred bidders came up with the bid price within the stipulated period, winners of the hydro plants bid would be concessioners over a 15-year period. A sixth plant, the Afam Thermal Plant would require fresh bids, as none of the three bidders, said Atedo Peterside, chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) technical committee who supervised the bid process, could not meet the terms.

On the face of it, these putative sales are a welcome breakthrough, given the difficulties the power reforms process

I

has passed through, particularly from the labour unions and staff of the PHCN pushing for what they call just disengagement benefits.

Another thing to cheer is the claim by Mr. Peterside that officials of both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) observed the bids and could, according to him, testify to the integrity of the process, since they saw that whoever did not meet the requirements or even made late bids was turned down.

It is good Mr. Peterside is concerned about the integrity of the process. That is how it should be, for integrity is not only crucial for the successful sale of these plants, it would be key in the sale of the remaining 13 plants; as well as the eventual success of the power privatisation exercise. Perceived high integrity would drive inflow of foreign investment and give the power sector the jab in the arm it needs to power Nigeria into the era of uninterrupted power supply; and the resultant re-industrialisation that would give the Nigerian real sector a rebirth.

Still, doubts remain. Many a public utility had before been sold with fanfare, only for the preferred bidders to fail to come up with the cash to consummate the deal. A few too have been bought, only for the buyers to strip them of assets and move on. Though for every preferred bidder there is reserved one, what are guarantees that this latest process is free from these previous mishaps?

This question is pertinent because glo-

bal players in the power turf, like the US General Electric and others were absent at the bidding, despite its muchvaunted openness and transparency.

Which leads to the next bother: the companies that won the bids are linked to the political and economic elite, who have always swirled around the corridors of power, if not as outright politicians but as patrons of the ruling party and friends of the government in power. Are the sales then no more than a transfer of non-performing public utilities to cronies?

These are disturbing questions. But they can be loudly answered in the negative if the preferred bidders realise that the need for privatisation is the delivery of better services; and go ahead to provide just that. That is the sole way the exercise would turn a success.

‘Are the sales then no more than a transfer of non-performing public utilities to cronies? These are disturbing questions. But they can be loudly answered in the negative if the preferred bidders realise that the need for privatisation is the delivery of better services; and go ahead to provide just that. That is the sole way the exercise would turn a success’

Gas flare •It’s high time govt mustered the courage to stop it IGERIA’s status as a global leader in flaring of associated petroleum gas is probably as well known as its dithering, half-hearted attempts at ending the scourge generally known to be a source of global warming is legendary.

The picture of the humongous quantum of gas being flared was recently presented by The Guardian of the United Kingdom in its edition of May 31. According to the newspaper, the petroleum industry currently spews toxic orange flares – the equivalent of the UK’s annual gas use in every three months from its two million barrels daily oil output.

Quoting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the newspaper also reported that the Oil Majors – ExxonMobil, Shell and ChevronTexaco between them flared 23.5 billion cubic

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‘The issue goes beyond drawing more revenue into the government coffers; the imperative to save the environment for the incoming generations dictates that the nation does something about the practice – fast.

It seems about time the nation shed one out of its many notorious reputations – the one relating to the emission of toxic greenhouse gases’

feet of gas in January alone.

Noteworthy also is the report by this newspaper on September 24, quoting former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon as revealing that over 460 billion standard cubic feet of gas – which if processed and exported, could have fetched $2 billion – are also flared annually.

The persistence of the practice deemed “illegal” by the Federal Government since 1984, despite the stiff penalties can be explained by three factors. The first is inadequate penalty which explains the readiness of the oil companies to pay fines.

The second is the continuing neglect by the Federal Government to put in place policies to promote investment as well as encourage utilisation of the abundant gas – factors which explain the constant shifting of the deadlines for ending the flares.

The third factor is the absence of discipline and the inability of the Federal Government to muster the political will to push for an end to the practice 28 years after it first resolved to end it.

The issue certainly goes beyond Nigeria’s claims to having the seventh largest gas reserves in the world. As it is, the government continues to delight in showcasing the proven reserves of 187 trillion cubic metres, or even the so-called unproven reserve also estimated at 600 trillion cubic metres, and the illusion that it confers. While the government is at it, it pretends about the more pertinent challenge – the issue of converting the abundant endowment into wealth for the nation’s development.

Now, the imperative to end the flaring

of associated gas is one that can no longer wait. It remains unthinkable that a nation said to be in dire need of gas to fire its power plants, and for which domestic utilisation tends to zero, would settle for the wasteful path. Equally horrendous is that the practice, with its deleterious impacts on the environment, particularly on the flora and fauna, has been allowed to endure for so long.

The issue goes beyond drawing more revenue into the government coffers; the imperative to save the environment for the incoming generations dictates that the nation does something about the practice – fast. It seems about time the nation shed one out of its many notorious reputations – the one relating to the emission of toxic greenhouse gases.

As for claims that the in-coming Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would address the practice, such optimism is neither reassuring nor borne by the facts of our recent experience. While the passage of the bill may well be the beginning of the long, difficult road to change the face of the industry in terms of the attitude to gas investments, it would be simplistic to suggest that the desired changes are certain just on account of the PIB becoming law.

What we expect from government is to blaze the trail in gas development.

We expect to see more action in the area of greater partnership with investors in the provision of vital infrastructure to boost both domestic and industrial gas utilisation. We need upstream gas investments alright, particularly in the Liquefied Natural Gas sector; however, the nation’s long-term interest would be better served when investments are anchored on domestic self-sufficiency.

South Africa drifts under Jacob Zuma

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N the 18 years since the end of white minority rule, South Africa has rarely looked so shaky.

Mining, the bedrock of the old economy, is in

crisis as costs rise and commodity prices fall. Wildcat strikes are spreading across the industry and into other sectors. Companies are losing production, and the recognised unions, with which business was able to barter in the past, have lost influence over the labour force. Equally worrying, the political atmosphere is not only charged but increasingly poisonous. Opportunists such as Julius Malema, the disgraced former youth leader of the African National Congress, are exploiting a leadership vacuum to publicise the broader failures of the post-apartheid state and whip up support from the disenfranchised.

There is much that is great about South Africa, not least the peaceful transition from apartheid and the spirit of tolerance that has existed since. But Jacob Zuma, the president, has failed to grasp how this legacy is now under threat nor has he understood that the current crisis is a symptom of much deeper malaise. On Wednesday he addressed the UN General Assembly, and avoided the subject altogether. Back home he has failed to take charge and barely visited the mines. Instead he has put off dealing with the thornier issues until the ruling ANC policy conference in December. He assumes that the strikes will end with negotiation and compromise.

The immediate conundrum is not an easy one. After the massacre by police at Marikana of 34 striking mineworkers last month, Lonmin eventually bowed to public pressure and raised wages. It has succeeded in getting its platinum mines back in operation but at the cost of its profitability. Moreover, that concession has encouraged other miners to strike. There is no happy solution for an industry which is already operating on thin margins. If the mining houses cave in to workers’ wage demands, it will be at the cost of jobs. They will be forced to shut marginal mines. Yet if they tough it out, the strikes are liable to escalate and more production and possibly even lives will be lost.

The only other option is for the government to suppress the strikes by force. This is not a decision the ANC can take. So, a wage increase may be the only way. The problem is that the industry will be smaller and less competitive as a result.

Miners are already South Africa’s best-paid workers.

But by comparison with the ruling black elite they are paupers. It may be possible for the government and industry to win some breathing space by buying them and other workers off. But this will solve only a small part of the problem.

Restructuring the whole economy is the bigger and more important challenge. A small elite within the ANC has in effect bought into the apartheid economy it found in 1994. Remarkably, South Africa in terms of income distribution has become even more unequal since. What is needed to address that is much more than a debate about wages. Radical reforms to education, the labour market, business regulation and land ownership are needed to spur labour-intensive sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture. South Africa’s economy has grown on average by 3.6 per cent over the past decade. Even that pace of growth, far short of what is needed to absorb the legions of unemployed, is now faltering.

The necessary reforms will be painful. But deferring them, as the ANC is wont to do, is not an option if further unrest is to be avoided. When the party meets for its five-yearly congress, it will decide whether Mr Zuma is the man to chart the course. South Africa should be at the forefront of continental growth. But for too long the ANC has deferred the tough decisions.

That is why South Africa is now at a dangerous impasse.

– Financial Times

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: My attention has been drawn to many insinuations about the recent Leadership Governor of the year award won by Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Some people who are not happy over the awards for obvious reasons are saying all manner of funny things to denigrate the award.

For the avoidance of doubt, Leadership newspaper is one of the most credible in the country today. The award criteria is open, credible and independently verifiable. Fayemi was given the award because of what he has been able to do in just two years in office. He was nominated for the award when he was just one year in office but he has done a lot more since last year and this has confirmed he is the right choice.

He is the first Governor in Nigeria to sign into law, the Freedom of Information Bill, the bill against gender based violence and the social security bill where Ekiti elderly citizens receive N5, 000 naira monthly.

Despite the meagre resources of Ekiti State, and the debt of 42 billion inherited from the Oni’s administration, Fayemi is currently embarking on a massive transformation of the state capital through road construction, urban renewal, and provision of pipe-borne water, streetlights, traffic lights and the general beautification of the city.

The governor has also done a lot to improve the quality of education by renovating all schools in Ekiti State in two phases with the first phase almost concluded in just eight weeks; health care delivery in Ekiti is one of the best you can get in the country; many industries are being revived while the tourism potentials

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Still on the Governor of the Year award of Ekiti are being presented to the world with the complete transformation of the Ikogosi warm spring resort and the development of the tourism corridor of that area. He has completed many rural electrification projects which has brought light to a community that had been in darkness in the last 200 years.

No matter the laurels Governor Fayemi brings to Ekiti, some people who are very petty and envious

would dismiss such laurels for obvious reasons. Some want to be Governor in 2014 even though they are not qualified to be councillors, some want to come back as Governor after the mandate they stole was retrieved and despite wasting the time and resources of Ekiti State while their illegal reign lasted, yet some of the critics are mere attention seekers.

The Governor is not distracted by

the usual distractions and tantrums of frustrated politicians. They are afraid of their political future and fate because of the stupendous level of development that Governor Fayemi has brought to bear in Ekiti.

This is the dilemma and the lamentation of failed opposition politicians and their ragtag foot soldiers who would never see anything good about Governor Fayemi even if he wins the Nobel Prize.

Addressing the problems of the education sector

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IR: A recent report quoted the National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Professor Julius Okojie as stating that 60 percent or more of university lecturers are without PhD. What right to good quality of education does this give us the future leaders of this great country? In what ways does this prepare us for the future? I think it is time we start asking ourselves tough questions.

The earlier we as one people realise that we can’t heal what we refuse to confront, the earlier the journey to the rehabilitation of this once flourishing and bright sector.

It hurts to find that our educational

institutions especially our colleges and universities are behind international standards in technology, research, development amongst many other things.

Is there a solution to this problem putting the future of this country at a great risk? Personally, my answer is ‘yes’. But as one people, one nation, the decision depends on us. The moment we say ‘yes’, then we just unwrapped our determination to make things work for this precious sector. We will also be showing the zeal in laying a solid foundation in education for generations yet unborn.

What policies and structures are we to put in place to make this in-

tended transformation a reality?

Why don’t we take a journey into history and try to figure out what brought upon us this predicament and then proffer solutions to each of them.

Political instability will be the first thing that comes to mind. Since independence till the end of the military era in 1999, we have experienced gross political instability.

The ever recurring military succession and coups have affected our educational systems negatively.

We do not have long term ministers of education; they spend just a short period of time in office before being replaced. Usually, one comes on board and just decides to

Arise, My Compatriots!

IR: Nigeria, oh my Nigeria! A country so bless’d but, denied of her blessing. Nigeria, my belov’d; a country battered, not by its enemies but, by its own.

A country so rich in natural, human, economic resources yet, poor because of human wickedness.

A country, with the best seasons in the world, where Mother Nature concentrated to do some extra work.

A country so talked about by the world in envy! Nigeria, envied by peoples and nations of the world.

Ah! Naija! Who do’ it? Who inflicted you with these pains, sickness and misery?

How can you be so treated by your own, spat on, horsewhipped, dragged on the floor, condemned and crucified! Ah! My country, Nigeria, why?

Would we continue to allow us to be so pummeled by a tiny group?

Defecated on by this tiny cabal? No,

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Ekiti people are in for a good time and the Leadership Governor of the year award bestowed on the Governor is a challenge to do more. He is a workaholic, a serious minded fellow not given to frivolities and very thorough. Recently, he signed an agreement with SAMSUNG in South Korea to establish a computer academy in Ekiti State. The academy will be the first in West Africa and the third in Africa after South Africa and Egypt. Detractors may continue to say whatever pleases them but the masses of Ekiti people have realized who their true leader is. They have known the difference between interlopers and pretenders who ran Ekiti aground and a popularly elected governor who has restored the lost glory of Ekiti State.

• Hakeem Jamiu Ado-Ekiti.

we must stand up and fight.

Our ancestors must not be shamed and disgraced by this mindless tiny group.

The spirit of our founding fathers shall not be mocked at!

We must rise up and ask questions, rise and take up the challenge of rebuilding a battered nation.

Oh Nigeria! Is it not said that when the frog in front falls into a pit, others behind take caution!

Nigerian youth must rise up for the nation, to rebuild, reconstruct, now is the time.

Time for us to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the shining sunlight of racial justice.

We must rise to open the doors of opportunities, hope for all God’s creation in Nigeria.

We must rise to lift our country, NIGERIA from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of

brotherhood.

We must rise to kick away anarchy and doom, corruption and bad leadership, it is a challenge and we must achieve it.

Nigeria, the great masquerade of Africa, must be woken up from its slumbering and snoring, it must be rightly prepared to take its God given leadership position.

And, this is the duty of our youths, the ‘police and army’ of the nation.

Since our elders have failed, do we need to fail too? Tufia! We must transform our country.

How long shall we wait to get to the Promised Land? Promises of Nigerian politicians are promises of ‘419ers’.

Indeed, we must take up the gauntlet and move to compete with the Asian tigers, for they are not gods but, human with blood running in their veins.

Our country sickly position is not

making anyone smile, it brings out complains from even a mentally unbalanced person.

It has made a child of 13 years develop wrinkles like a 60-year old.

What shall we do? For after wet, comes dry season! After darkness, comes day.

What shall we do? Nigeria must flourish again, this land must be healed.

Healed from all curses, nemesis, ills, sins, mistakes, wickedness, misgovernance and bad leadership.

Nigeria, must indeed flourish again!

The green, white and green flag must fly again with confidence among nations, The Arise O’ Compatriots sang with every respect. The pledge read with sincerity.

Nigeria must be lifted again, away from the doldrums, for our nation must be resurrected.

• Uzodinma Nwaogbe Maitama – Abuja.

change everything according his or her taste without considering the changes and policies that the previous minister had kept in place and it goes on and on. To solve the problem of leadership instability is to prevent the future ministers of education and all other people from changing policies and structures that have been in place without necessary or important reason.

Another point that comes to mind is the inadequate fund provided to the higher institutions. And even the funds provided by the government are not channelled properly due to corruption and looting at every level. My solution to this problem might sound absurd, but if properly considered is worth a shot. Students in higher education institution should be billed heavily; in this way the public institutions will be able to run their institutions without waiting for grants and funds from the government. Government can come in by giving financial aids and scholarships to students in need or exceptionally gifted either in extracurricular activities or academics.

This way, the schools will have sufficient funds to run their programmes with the aid of modern research equipments and machinery. The institutions will also be able to send their lecturers abroad to gather more experiences and to upgrade their ways of doing things. As for the students who borrowed money to finance their education, they would be expected to pay back with very little interest charged as soon as they are employed. This is one sure way to enhance the quality of education.

• Oluwayemisi Joseph Egbeda, Lagos

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

COMMENTS

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or a while now, season of indepen dence anniversary in Nigeria has hardly qualified to be moment of celebration. Rather, it's been more of a period for frustrated citizens' lamentation of the lost glories of a nation destined for greatness. Every year now, we have been saying the same thing just because the country's level of rot continues to get deepened by day.

Over the years, the recompense of the devastation of Nigeria's opportunities and potentials has been a journey the downward way. The story has been that of a nation that ought to be going up higher but is being pulled down into the valley of miry clay by crass self-centeredness, gross corruption and inane unrighteousness. We have been experiencing increasing sophistication of crimes and criminalities at all levels.

As times and tide are universally changing, the impact is also reflecting on the local realms. While some countries like China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia that were formerly on the same crawling level with Nigeria are now sprouting and becoming globally relevant, situations and circumstances keep declining here with light hardly gleaming at the end of the dark channel.

The sterner stuff which Nigerians were supposedly typically made continues to wear out. Once upon a time, a classic Nigerian would confidently brag that this country is not a banana republic. The reality today would hardly compel a true patriot to stand on that platform. It is now being realized that quality could hardly emerge from unrefined heaps of dirt. The continuing emergence of unworthy leadership through making of wrong choice has transformed to the peoples' complacency, reversing the masses to eating from dustbins.

Today at 52, rather than addressing issues that are panacea to nation building, economic development and social progress that would impact positively on peoples' lives, we now expend much energy con-

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Nigeria? All must be well testing unproductive self-inflicted challenges that ordinarily would not have been contentious if fundamental leadership principles and procedures were followed.

From the garrison politics to politics of cabals, we now contend more with tenureship and internal terrorism that are driving off meaningful investments from a rapidly declining socio-economic profile. Pains and afflictions are being prolonged simply because violence and terrorism are being overtly endorsed due to the authority's non-punitive actions, with security machineries being overwhelmed by imposed sacred cows.

There is hardly candour in the land anymore; morality and earnestness have diminished. To the outsider, 419 has become the second name of Nigeria. At home, corruption, treachery and leadership mediocrity are being institutionalized, glorified and rewarded above integrity, true patriotism and diligence.

Of course, it is becoming easier to see why things are not working. Sadly, vital laws and traditional ethics of the land are being bastardized and abused with impunity. The once-cherished rule of law is being debased in progression - just as justice itself is being purchased and mort-

T is pertinent to remind ourselves at the outset that Nigeria is the prime product of British colonial adventure in Africa. It was constituted to abstract natural resources for the benefit of the British economy. As Sir Olanihun Ajayi has reminded us “As at 7 January 1897 there was no place or area or country called Nigeria. The country known and called Nigeria came into being in 1897 as a result of an article in the Times of 8 January 1897 by Flora Shaw pressing that the aggregate of all the towns and villages or the protectorate consisting of many ethnic nationalities should be called Nigeria. That aggregation of several empires, kingdoms, various nations and tribes constituted what is now known as Nigeria….”

That the seeds of economic disabilities and structural deformities between the regions carried over from the colonial to the present have proved a major constraint to the efforts at building a modern nation-state can be illustrated from different episodes of our national history.

This is not to say that the evident imbalances could not be redressed, given a patriotic, visionary and national leadership. But this has been lacking. In any case given over 50 years of co-evolution and co-existence of the nationalities new centres of equilibrium could have emerged to mould and drive new social forces in the direction of integration and harmonious coexistence. That this has not happened is the modern day dilemma that Nigerians and their friends must face.

Contemporary Nigeria is poised on a knifeedge. On the one hand are arrayed the forces of retrogression such as Boko Haram ready to drive the nation into the abyss never to rise again-sectarian conflicts with their attendant violence, divisiveness propelled by ethnic, religious or social inequalities and inequities. On the other hand are progressive forces pushing for economic and desirable social reforms. Indeed, the progressive institutionalisation of some of these reforms has led many outside observers such as Goldmann Sachs and the rating agencies to regard Nigeria as one of the emerging economic forces of the age of globalisation. If all goes well and Nigeria holds out, it has been said that the country may be unrecognisable in 5-7 years when compared with her dismal present. How can these contradictory visions of the Nigerian future emerge and co-exist from the same reality?

There is among the youth a sense of alienation, anomie and a brooding angst at what they regard as their betrayal by the post-independence generation of leaders particularly the military when they held sway in governance.

Nasir el Rufai has given a graphic account of this leadership and its failures. Given the unac-

gaged.

The militarily-imposed constitution ruling Nigeria today is far from being the true will and consensus of "we, the people." Intended changes are not even being allowed to be the genuine will of the people. Whenever the issue of National Sovereign Conference where the country's integrity could be restored is raised, enemies of progress will arise in pretence of love for the sustenance of unworking system.

Yet, in all these, this is certain: today might be rough. It might only be a passage to the nation's true greatness beyond political propaganda. This is because those God created as Nigerians cannot be bottled up forever. The potential to foam and bubble is implanted in the people. And if care is not taken, they could eventually erupt when driven to a tight corner where there seems to be no escape route. And if that is allowed to happen, automatic disruption might be the consequence.

Few weeks ago, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd) in an interview said that as much as he is for the oneness of this country, disintegration is also not impossible.

About a week ago, The Redeemed Chris-

tian Church of God organized a nationwide programme and declared a national day for praise and prayer.

During the session at our provincial level, a prayer point was raised for the destruction of those working for the disunity of Nigeria. I told the minister by my side of my reluctance to respond to such prayer. My motivation: if separation is the will of God for Nigeria, so be it. Afterall, the 1914 amalgamation was more with human motive to achieve colonial divide-and-rule stratagem. My mind explicated that the wipe-off of socialism and disintegration of erstwhile empires like USSR, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia has not ruined the people but has instead fortified them. Therefore, for our own country to remain one nation that will get out of its current darkness would be for the will of God to be done.

Pretenders of nationalism might not agree, especially as long as they are promoters and beneficiaries of the nation's malfunctions and failures.

Diversion of resources meant for the good of the people to the private pockets of the few privileged few would only be hailed by the unrighteous. But the truth is that God will not be on the side of those channeling His investment into unproductive asset. Why? His word says in Proverbs 14:34 that it is only righteousness that can exalt a nation as sin will remain "a reproach to any people."

The unity of Nigeria could only become meaningful when visionary and committed leadership is enthroned beyond ethnic or zoning considerations that have been enthroning mediocres upon a land blessed with enormous valuable human resources. The fact is that with all the wondrous God-given potentials, lack of good leadership has been crippling the nation and rendering the people to continue to suffer in the midst of plenty.

The journey to greatness and fulfill-

ment might be long. But as long as God is still in control, with His people intervening, all will surely turn well as the nation will still reach the destined height. The times may be tough and rough, the main consolation one cannot discountenance is the verity that hardship in the land is turning more Nigerians to God. And if only for the sake of the grace over the few righteous Nigerians, the lost glories of the nation is bound to resurface to shine again.

It does not matter whether we admit or not, only those who surrender their lives to their maker will fulfill the purpose of their existence here on earth. The unrighteous that are wickedly and immorally draining the goodness of the land persistently and appears to be shining now will end the same way Biblical Pharaoh got drowned because it is only the blessing of God that will not be accompanied with sorrow.

Let those who smuggled their ways to leadership position see their lifting as a result of grace and not through qualification by their own power or wisdom. Let them also know that the grace which one is not qualified for can only abound when one is living in uprightness and dedication to responsibility granted by opportunity.

A determined leader need not wait to depend on the people instead of focusing on the Almighty who promotes and enthrones. Hence, instead of passing blames of failure on opposition, a serious administration must be ready to carry the cans and be devoted to serving the people. Concentrating on issues that divert would only expand diversion and lead to further downturn.

The same way my revered General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye prayed in the popular ringtone, I align and proclaim on this occasion of solemn flag independence celebration that "Nigeria, evil men shall never rule you again." May God implant His fear in the heart of those in authority today and grant them wisdom for genuine transformation of this beleaguered nation.

Nigeria @52: Myths and realities of leadership, development and pluralism

By Professor Anya O. Anya, ceptably high unemployment rates, the sense of deprivation amongst the youth is to be expected but this comes at a time that there is a total collapse of our values. High rate of corruption in both the public and private sectors as recently sign-posted by both the pension and petroleum subsidy scams are prevalent. The 419 scam is, as they would say, old hat. The collapse of the educational system has been facilitated by the high rates of examination malpractices often encouraged and facilitated by parents, teachers and those who would normally have passed off as role models. The total discount of merit and scant regard for excellence are emblems of the new order. The worship of money and materialism is in contradistinction to the apparently high level of religious zealotry and showmanship. We are now in the era of wealth without work. Hypocrisy, insincerity and pretentious display of phoney values is the order of the day. So where will national redemption come from and how did we get here?

It has often been said by some of our leaders that there are settled issues in the Nigerian political economy. The truth is that there are no such settled issues for we have not sincerely and dispassionately looked at the problems of Nigerian nationhood except from the vantage point of how we can take advantage of one another to advance our personal or sectional interests. Nevertheless, it is fair to state that given the state of the global environment, breaking up Nigeria into whatever number of constituent sovereignties is not an option. Globalisation enforces mutual interaction in an interlinked matrix of economic entities. Nations separate only to cooperate in new economic formations.

That is the reality of our new world. Moving forward into the harmonious peaceful and united nation of our dreams enforces on us the duty to get rid of some shibboleths from the past that have dogged our every step in the journey to nationhood.

First and foremost we must re-establish and embrace the values of truth and justice as the unchanging foundations in the management of human affairs. There are some historical untruths that we as a nation must confront if we are to move forward together. In the documents British Documents at the End of Empire (BDEE) (ed. Martin Lynn) that I referred to earlier, there is irrefutable evidence that both the pre-inde-

pendence census and elections were manipulated to produce a pre-determined result favourable to a section. The demands of truth enforce on us the obligation to rectify these anomalies. Justice, however, enforces on us a corollary obligation – we owe the duty of care and fairness to all Nigerians. No part of Nigeria can be allowed to wallow in poverty even as some revel in affluence. It is the obligation of the Nigerian state to ensure fairness in the management and distribution of the resources of the nation to all parts and to all citizens. It is also the obligation of the nation to ensure fair rewards and incentives to honest labour, enterprise innovation and creativity and to create the environment that promotes these conditions. These are necessary conditions for peace and unity.

Secondly, we must re-admit merit and the pursuit of excellence as part of our national objectives. In a merit-driven national endeavour ideally recruitment to national leadership cannot be on the basis of a roster or quota but on the basis of knowledge, competence and overall national interest. In societies that embrace these values, the recruitment of leadership and training of leaders in a common environment where they can compete even as they share visions of the future.

In Nigeria, there is the anomalous presumption that Nigerian leadership must emerge from particular sections of the country. This position discounts the position that localised leadership can only project a local rather that a national vision of leadership. Nigeria, and particularly the North, has paid a heavy price for this anomaly. In the 52 years of Nigeria’s independent existence, the North has produced nine of the 13 leaders and they have been in charge of the government for nearly 40 years. In much of that time development in the North has markedly regressed. Indeed, the post-election violence of 2011 had indications that it was an uprising against the leadership. Thus, the dominance of the north in the politics of Nigeria has contributed markedly to the under-development of the North and by extension of Nigeria. In other words sectionally-driven leadership recruitment has not enhanced Nigerian development, has conferred no obvious advantage to the section of the leader except to individual benefactors.

In the effort to rebuild Nigeria, there is a

need for drastic restructuring and redesign of the architecture of the nation. We also need to reorganise the priorities of the nation such that the eradication of poverty and the creation of wealth will be pursued as necessary conditions for the rebuilding of the nation in an atmosphere of peace and unity. Towards this objective we need to focus on the immediate and/or expeditious solution of four problems• reconstituting leadership with a Pan-Nigerian vision • reconciling and managing our diversities • guaranteeing citizenship and citizen rights and • restoring and realigning our value system In the pursuit of these goals it is evident that we will need to cultivate a new mind set in tackling our problems. The challenge to put Nigeria on a fast track development needs priority attention being given to the hardware of infrastructure (power, transportation etc.) but also the software of our vanishing value system anchored on integrity, hard-work, entrepreneurship, thrift and sincerity. We must do away with the culture of impunity in governance and the entitlement complex that has put a wedge between different segments of our people. We must return compassion to one another and passion with vision to our leadership. The c-word corruption must be extirpated from our body politics.

We must not forget the challenge of our youth and women – by far the vast majority of our people. We must remember that over 60% of our population is under 30 while the gender parity between male and females suggest that releasing this explosive pent-up energy of our youths and women can guarantee us a quantum leap in our development trajectory. But the key is education. Given the release of this vast human capital, trained and skilled, the Chinese miracle that took precisely eleven short years can be upstaged. The missing link is leadership – a leadership that is well-educated, passionate and visionary. We must as a people pursue wealth with equity truth with compassion justice with fairness reconciliation with empathy • Excerpts of a paper delivered by Professor Anya, FAS, OFR, NNOM at the Cosmopolitan Women’s Club at 52 Independence lecture in Lagos.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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COMMENTS

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WAS preparing another topic for this column when it dawned on me by chance that today will mark 52 years of Nigeria as a sovereign independent (nation) country.

A couple of years past, such an event meant so many things to so many Nigerians. It was not only a period of reminiscences on our journey so far, but equally served as a platform for the renewal of hopes and aspirations on what the future holds for our collective as one country. It also served as a gauge for evaluating the progress if any, made in approximating those lofty promises our founding fathers hoped independence would usher in. It was no doubt, an event to look forward to especially given the enormous sacrifices our people have made to keep this country together through a 30- month civil war.

That such symbolic event was about to pass by without attracting the usual attention and sentiments associated with it in years past, may mean one or two things.

It could either be an indication of a gulf between these hopes and their fulfilment or that Nigerian unity has become an aberrant concept that bears no semblance with extant facts or both. Whichever one it is, the facts on the ground especially events of our recent past have shown that the concept of Nigerian unity is more than ever before being confronted by serious crisis of relevance. Mildly put, it is now facing the greatest challenge of relevance since independence in 1960.

I had in an article on this date last year titled “In fear at 51” drawn copious attention to the palpable fears that had overtaken Nigerians regarding the prospects of the country surviving the stress of corporate preservation and survival. The fears raised then which are still very relevant today were that Nigeria was fast drifting apart and that unless something urgent was done to remedy the situation, we may inevitably be heading to the precipice. To support the prediction then was the dissonance from the various ethnic groups questioning the basis of our continued existence as a nation. In that regard, one had in mind the discordant tunes from the resurging ethnic militias and militants that were competing with the federal authority for the loyalty of the citizens. As that was not enough, we were also confronted by the Boko Haram surge that raised ethnic and religious cleavages to very dangerous dimensions.

Apart from its threat to impose Islamic reli-

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Paradox of unity at 52 gion on the entire country, it matched it with action by hauling bombs in churches with a view to provoking a religious war. Through these bombings and selective killings, they also succeeded in making good their threat to force southerners out of the north. It was against the backdrop of such a foreboding scenario that the last independence was marked in the villa under great fear and trepidation.

At 50, the celebration was heralded by bomb blasts that left shock and awe in its trail.

Those who chose the Independence Day celebrations to levy violence on the nation knew what they were doing. They were making a remarkably poignant statement. And it is that they do not believe in whatever that date represents for us as a people. They seem to have been passing a vote of no confidence on our collective existence as a nation. For them, independence does not seem to mean much again. That is why they have to mock its anniversary by hauling bombs, injuring and killing those who dared to come out to celebrate.

Their objective was to change the face of that day to that of sorrow and mourning as against celebrations it rightly should be. They seem to be drawing attention to the fact that Nigerian unity has inevitably become a serious liability to the constituent units. They seem to be saying that instead of our shared experiences and close association over the years erecting a common bond of unity among the disparate peoples, they have further drawn us apart.

The issue has been so much so that today, questions are being raised regarding the prospects of Nigeria surviving as a country. Two former heads of state Obasanjo and Babangida

“ Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances,tochooseone’sownway”.

-Viktor Frankl (A survivor of the Nazi concentration camp)

T

ODAY, as Nigeria celebrates her 52nd Independence Day anniversary, the question I’d like to put to us as citizens of this dear country Nigeria is, “Aren’t we tired?”

Aren’t we tired of the tick tock frequency with which bombs are going off in our country? Aren’t we tired of seeing fellow Nigerians being killed for religious and political purposes?

Aren’t we tired of the perpetual fuel shortages? Aren’t we tired of the continuous threat of fuel subsidy removal? Aren’t we tired of the politics being played with the fuel subsidy report? Aren’t we tired of the brazen corruption in the oil sector? Aren’t we tired of over 40,000 people (i.e. over 100 people daily) dying on our roads every year? Aren’t we tired of the litany of air crashes? Aren’t we tired?

Aren’t we tired, fed up, exasperated with the Nigerian situation? How can things so simple become so complicated?

How can things so basic become so complex? And how can things so easy become so ridiculously hard?

Aren’t we tired of always complaining, criticizing, and grumbling about our country and doing basically nothing about it? Aren’t we tired of consistently blaming government for anything and everything that is wrong with our country? Aren’t we tried of forgetting that we, the people of Nigeria, are the government and are therefore responsible for the present situation?

Aren’t we tired of our children and youths not being able to get the quality education they deserve? Aren’t we tired of the mass failure of our students in their WAEC/NECO/GCE? Aren’t we tired of graduates of many years being unemployed for many more years, roaming the streets? Aren’t we tired of the fact that some of our children do not know what it is to have water flow from the taps in their homes? Aren’t we tired of parents panicking (every school year) for fear of not being able to pay their children’s school fees?

Aren’t we tired of the stock market scams? Aren’t we tired of the free fall of the naira over the years into the dungeon of despair? Aren’t we tired of the strangulating effects of IMF and World Bank policies? Aren’t we tired of the crushing burden of the foreign debts we are now accumulating?

Aren’t we tired of the chaos, confusion and catastrophe?

Aren’t we tired of all the crises – ethnic, religious, political – and the high price we pay for each one of them? Aren’t we tired of playing the blame game; of blaming the colonialist, the West, the military, our past leaders, the present government, the politicians etc., etc. – everybody but ourselves?

Aren’t we tired of the agents of today’s superpowers becoming prophets of doom by predicting the disintegration of Nigeria by 2015? Aren’t we tired of not taking responsibility for our destiny? Aren’t we tired of our bad image in the international community?

captured this dilemma succinctly in a recent joint statement when they said “a deeply worrying trend that is emerging from this terrible situation is that a pervasive cynicism is beginning to set in, so much so that millions of true Nigerian patriots are starting to question the platform upon which the unity of the country rests”.

They also admitted that a regime of fear and frustrations currently pervade the nation even as the hope to build a united and peaceful nation where all will find accommodation is increasingly eroding.

Babangida and Obasanjo recommended dialogue with the belligerent groups and what they called “grassroots engagement” as a way out.

The systemic dysfunctions the duo made references to are not entirely new. Perhaps, the only new thing in their intervention is the quarters it is emanating from. Before now, some people and sections of the country had given the impression that it is their bounden responsibility to wield the nation together irrespective of the cost of that on other constituents. For these people and the likes of Obasanjo and Babangida, Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable as everything even the most ignoble must be done to achieve that objective. Genuine feelings of the people requiring attention so that the task of national unity can progress unhindered were treated with utter disdain. The erroneous impression was given that national unity is an end rather than a means to general good, resulting in the scoffing at genuine feelings of discomfort, alienation and marginalization. The feeling we got then

was that all was well with us as a nation. National integration was not given the desired attention even as it holds the prospects for our survival as a corporate entity. It is one thing to recognize the desideratum of our continued unity and entirely a different kettle of fish to make the necessary sacrifices and cooperative accommodation that guarantee the success and survival of such a construct. Yes, the unity of the country is paramount. But unity per se is a means to an end and not an end onto itself. It is a means to the approximation of the collective good of the constituents. It is only relevant as long as it serves this common goal. The systemic stress the country is currently passing through is largely on account of years of neglect of those irreducible minimum that make for unity in diversity.

We have over the years failed to reckon that as a federation, the constituents ought to march in an ambience of accommodation, trust, equality and mutual respect. The questions which the frustrations of Obasanjo and Babangida as past leaders have thrown up are: what is it that has happened that led millions of patriotic Nigerians to lose hope in the platform on which the unity of the country was erected? When and at what point did these manifestations become visible to the point that they had to cry out? And what is to be done to renew and reinforce the confidence of these millions of patriots and non patriots in the unity of the country? These are the real issues to contend with as the country turns 52. And unless we admit and find realistic answers to them, the task of building a united nation may turn out a mirage.

At the root of it all, is the defective federal structure- a structure that has placed sections into undue disadvantage as the disproportionate resources at the disposal of the centre is appropriated and apportioned by those who have been opportune to capture state power. It is not surprising that as soon as power left that segment of the country, the so called millions of patriots began to question the basis for the unity of the country. What manner of patriots are these people really? And why is it only now they are coming to terms with the imperfections of our federal order? These are the real issues. We must therefore restructure this country such that no section is any longer in a position to lord it over others, dispensing state patronage and punishment at its whims and caprices. Only then, will the real patriots that will push further the frontiers of our national unity emerge.

Aren’t we tired?

By Olaboludele Simoyan Aren’t we tired of hearing worn-out excuses as the reasons for our country’s stagnation? Aren’t we tired of treading water and being reluctant to launch out into the deep sea of greatness? Aren’t we tired of a nation with great potential and nothing to show for it?

Aren’t we tired of people dying in our hospitals because they did not even have N1000 for treatment? Aren’t we tired of being stressed up and stressed out from spending untold hours in traffic especially in Lagos? Aren’t we tired of seeing mountains of refuse all over our urban centres?

Aren’t we tired of the scams and scandals in the pension funds? Aren’t we tired of pensioners dying because they had not been paid their pensions for months and years on end?

Aren’t we tired of seeing people who served this land being made to look like fools because they didn’t steal our money?

Aren’t we tired of people working hard to make a living in the heat of the day only to have little or nothing to show for it?

Aren’t we tired of PHCN not providing sufficient electricity? Aren’t we tired of the noise and air pollution of our generators? Aren’t we tired of the high price we pay to fuel our generators because PHCN struck?

Aren’t we tired of the number dropped calls we have daily on our GSM lines? Aren’t we tired of the bad network we experience almost every day? Aren’t we tired of the paying one of the highest tariff for making calls (and sending SMS) in the world?

Aren’t we tired of wearing second –hand clothes and shoes?

Aren’t we tired of driving tokunbo (secondhand) cars? Aren’t we tired of hearing stories of untold misery, hopelessness, doom and gloom?

Aren’t we tired of the irresponsibility in high and low places?

Aren’t we tired of the frivolity of men and women of ill-will and the irresponsiveness of men of goodwill? Aren’t we tired of evil men in our society playing Russian roulette with our destiny while the good men play safe, not wanting to get involved?

Aren’t we tired of our country being described as one of the most corrupt in the world? Aren’t we tired of the unscrupulous men being extremists in their deeds? Aren’t we tired of the spirit of moderation in the few good deeds of the noble men? Aren’t we tired of seeing the passion and the zeal of corrupt men as they embezzle our billions?

Aren’t we tired of the passivity and the apathy of men of integrity as they remain mute in times of moral crisis? Aren’t we tired of the bad men coming together aggressively to form the critical mass needed to allow evil to triumph in our soci-

ety? Aren’t we tired of the good men trying timidly to come together to form the needed critical mass that could give birth to a positive change?

Aren’t we tired of the wicked men’s well-established power blocs of oppression, repression and suppression? Aren’t we tired of looking for where the upright men hid their power blocs of liberty, freedom and emancipation?

Aren’t we tired of evil men violently perpetrating evil?

Aren’t we tired of good men sparingly sowing seeds of goodness? Aren’t we tired of us as a people not taking responsibility for our people, our country and our future? Aren’t we tired of not doing anything because we could only do so little?

Aren’t we tired of groping in the dark without any clear-cut vision?

Aren’t we tired of travelling all over the world – London, Paris, New York, Dubai – but not for one minute conceiving in our minds the possibility of having cities of greater status in our own country? Aren’t we tired of the special treatment we receive as citizens of this great country at international airports in other countries?

Aren’t we tired of waiting for Nigeria’s Messiah when, collectively, men of goodwill ought to be the Messiahs unto our people?

Aren’t we tired of not wanting to pay the price for a great new nation? Because whether we like it or not, sooner or later we will have to pay that price, and the later the higher; it’s just a question of time. Aren’t we tired of having our cup of endurance spilling over and not doing anything about it?

Aren’t we tired of everybody waiting for someone else to do something even though anyone could do it but no one has been willing to?

Aren’t we tired of the status quo and don’t we want to change it? Don’t we?

I sure hope you are tired, simply tired and ready to change the status quo! I dare to believe that together, we can CHANGE the status quo! I dare to believe in a GREAT NEW NIGERIA! Change only occurs when the cost of remaining the same is higher than the cost of CHANGE! Is the cost of remaining the same now higher than the cost of CHANGE? Is the cost of maintaining the status quo higher than the cost of CHANGING the status quo? Is the cost of you remaining an old Nigerian higher than the cost of becoming a NEW NIGERIAN? Is the cost of holding on to the old Nigeria higher than the cost of building the NEW NIGERIA of our dreams? Is it?

These are the questions we must NOW answer as individual Nigerian citizens and collectively as a nation. I end this by asking once more; “Aren’t we tired?”

• Simoyan, an author and activist writes from Lagos

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E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

ISSUES

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

JOBS

Will power roadmap bring sustainable light?

- P. 31

Tilling the land for a living - P. 37 Interbank rates fall as reserves hit $41.1b

News Briefing

Ekiti, others eye Benin DisCo

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THE battle for acquisition of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets slated for privatisation before end of the year is getting keener as states governments including Ekiti, Delta, Ondo and Edo States justified the need to own assets located in their areas.

- Page 26

NACCIMA blames Govt THE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the umbrella organisation for the Organised Private Sector (OPS) has said the Federal Government was responsible for most of the challenges facing the manufacturing sector.

- Page 26

PenCom seeks power to prosecute THE National Pension Commission (PenCom) is seeking approval of the Attorney General of the Federation to enable it institute criminal proceedings against employers that refuse to remit pension contributions.

- Page 33 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.560 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -11.9% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

• From left: Company Secretary, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Ms Tinu Awe; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema and President, NSE, Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the Exchange’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos on Friday..

PPMC not supplying us fuel, say marketers •DPR: They are on their own

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IL marketers have condemned lack of petroleum products supply to them by the Products and Pipeline Management Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The marketers bared their mind to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) during their annual general meeting with the oil industry regulator in Lagos and asked the DPR to intervene on the issue so that PPMC could supply products to them.

The marketers opened up on the issue when the DPR said it was worried over the alarming rate of abandoned filling stations in the country, accusing the independent marketers (IPMAN) as the culprit. It threatened to revoke the licence of any abandoned filling station, saying when the owner is ready to commence business, it would start afresh the process of recertification.

The marketers said nobody would like to invest millions of naira in a project and wilfully abandon it. They stressed that abandonment arises when there is no product to feed the filling station and appealed to DPR to intervene in the matter.

But the Operations Controller of DPR, Gbenga Koku, told The Nation that the marketers are on their own in terms of sourcing of petroleum products for their filling stations. He noted that the DPR’s terms of agreement with the marketers when they were being issued licences, did not include sourcing of products for them.

Koku, explained that the marketers, after being issued licences, go to the PPMC with the licence to seek allocation. There-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

fore, after they had entered into agreement with PPMC for products supply, the marketers would go and build another new station in order to use the licence to secure a fresh allocation, but currently, things don’t work like that. There are many private depots that sell products and besides, most of PPMC’s depots are not functional. Instead of the marketers buying from the private depots, they shut down their stations and wait for PPMC’s allocation, he stated.

Koku said: “This is business.

The marketers have license to run filling stations, and in the approval we give them to construct, it is written there that where they source their products from is not our business.

The marketer can go anywhere to get it. Before now, except for Lagos and few places, most marketers are dependent on PPMC to give them products from their depots.

“Currently most of the depots are not functioning. Previously, when we give them licence, they go to PPMC with their license and they will sign allocation agreement for certain quantity of products for certain period.

Based on this arrangement, the marketers go and build another filling station to use it as a platform to ask for an increment in the allocation from PPMC. “But we have moved beyond that because depots are springing up everywhere. For instance, if PPMC doesn’t give you, you can go to Folawiyo, Capital Oil or any other depot to get your products. You are not restricted to PPMC. PPMC is in business like the other companies and the marketers know exactly when these other depots

are bringing in the products and when they are not.

The reason PPMC was chosen as preferred source in that

arrangement is because PPMC, being an arm of NNPC, is the only one that own its own refinery.

HE interbank lending rates eased marginally last week to an average of 10.58 per cent, from 10.83 per cent penultimate week, as market liquidity was boosted by repayment of large funds in matured treasury bills, traders said.

The happened hours after foreign exchange reserves rose to more than 29-month high of $41.12 billion by Sept. 26, and were up 7.16 per cent monthon-month, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) latest figure showed last Friday.

This forex reserves have not been as high since April 19, 2010, when they stood at $41.16 billion.

Foreign reserves according to Reuters, are up from $38.37 billion on August 27 and from $34.39 billion a year ago.

Meanwhile, dealers said about N95 billion ($603.75 million) in maturing treasury bills hit the system last week, boosting liquidity.

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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

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

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Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

involvement of the states would help tackle such challenges, he added.

He said: “The BEDC is located in the troubled Niger Delta region, which is one of the most challenging environments in the world, with miles and miles of river, tributaries, quick sands and swamps; angry and restive youths and communities that require a strong local knowledge and government participation to have successful. The BEDC is very large, 57,000sq km with very large rural to urban ratio of rural 80 per cent and 20 per cent.

“We also came out as the most technically qualified consortium of all the bids for Benin. We are the only bidder in Benin with a technical partner who has experience of the size of the Benin DisCo, current operation of 50,000sq km, containing over 4800 villages and 450 towns.

“Our technical partner Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), was voted 2011 Gold medallist of utilities operations excellence in India and also named best Rural electricity distribution company for several years. Currently the company has the lowest Aggregated Technical and Commercial and Collection Loss (ATC & C Loss)

record in India, 6.6 per cent in 2010 and 10.12 per cent in 2011.”

He said that comparatively other firms that submitted bids for BEDC have no rural distribution experience and only operate in urban areas, which are less than one per cent of the size of Benin DisCo, 527sq km and 495sq km respectively.

He said that UGVCL, an Indian state owned firm has a customer base of 2,780,000; BEDC has 676,688, while the technical partners of other competitors for the asset, though from India, are private owned companies and have very low customer base.

Other investors that submitted bids for the Benin asset include Vigeo Power Consortium, Cable and Rods Company Nigeria Limited; Copper Belt Consortium; Rockson Engineering Company Limited; Rensmart Power Limited and Duncan Freeman Company/Draytom Energy Limited.

Besides, SEDC, Oyebode added, has clear transformational and social responsibility programme that have outlined definite performance improvement strategies to be implemented in 18 months after acquisition and beyond.

The company he said also seeks to create an environmentally friendly com-

12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

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

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

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

08.50 09.45 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

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

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08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

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

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

Ekiti, Delta, others make case for Benin Distribution Company

HE battle for acquisition of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets slated for privatisation before end of the year is getting keener as states governments including Ekiti, Delta, Ondo and Edo States justified the need to own assets located in their areas.

Representatives of the four states had urged the Federal Government through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to award the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to Southern Electricity Distribution Company – a consortium in which the four states have equity shares - as the preferred bidder.

At a stakeholders’ sensitisation forum organised by the states, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, stressed reasons the Federal Government should give the asset to the company owned by the four states.

He said the states made efforts to secure companies with world class technical and operational expertise that emerged the best technically qualified consortium.

Besides, he noted that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company is located in the Niger Delta region, which has security issue and very difficult terrain.

To get the best out of the privatisation,

08.00 18.00

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

•From left: Director, Skye Shelter Fund, Mr. Patrick Ilodianya; Chairman of the Fund, Mr. Kehinde DurosinmiEtti; and the Secretary to the Fund, Mrs Abimbola Izu, at the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Fund in Lagos on Wednesday...

NACCIMA blames govt for economic woes

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HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the umbrella organisation for the Organised Private Sector (OPS) has said the Federal Government was responsible for most of the challenges facing the manufacturing sector. The association blamed the government for the economic woes the country is currently facing.

Its President, Dr. Ademola Ajayi, said the government has not been able to provide the enabling environment that would encourage productive development, adding that without adequate infrastructure and access to funds, creation of jobs which is one of the priority areas would not be achieved.

Ajayi described emerging challenges to include rising insecurity, especially the Boko Haram insurgency and the

By Toba Agboola

new electricity tariff introduced by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and corruption.

He said the state of insecurity has reached an alarming stage that serious and concerted efforts must be made to provide solutions, adding that a proactive approach to security issues would guarantee a peaceful polity in which businesses would thrive and investors would be encouraged to come and invest.

He urged the citizenry to be security conscious, adding government should embrace technology in providing security.

“The time is virtually over for a security system that depends solely on men clutching guns and looking around. In advanced countries, including Israel and the Us, technology provides the

tool for security agents to work with. It is also important for all of us to be security conscious,” he stated.

Ajayi, also said the recent increase in electricity tariff should be revisited.

The NACCIMA boss decried the discrepancies, querying the parameters used in determining who the rich and the poor were, especially where they were lumped together in different social environment.

“For instance, an average man who happened to have secured a landed property in Ikoyi years back and built his house there among the rich, would the new tariff be fair to him? he queried.

He said although NACCIMA is not opposed to the new tariff, what needs to be done, he stated, is for PHCN to have floated a six-month pilot operating scheme for the new structure.

Aviation union flays automation of revenue collection N ATIONAL President, National Union of Air Transport Employees ( NUATE), Comrade Safiyanu Mohammed has said extortion, failure to meet extant business practices, double taxation, are part of the reasons the union is opposed to the proposed implementation of automation in revenue collection for aviation agencies.

The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, gave the directive on automation revenue collection last month.

However, the NUATE boss urged the minister against any attempt to implement the new revenue collection regime, which he argued is worse than previous attempts to contract revenue collection to private firms, including the Au-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

tomated Operations Management System ( AOMS), handled by Maevis Limited.

He said the union took the position following the failure of government to convince its leadership on the rationale for contracting revenue automation and collection to outsiders in the industry, despite the in house capacity in the agencies.

The affected agencies are the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA), Nigeria College of Aviation Technology ( NCAT) and the

Accident Investigation Bureau ( AIB), which has since been isolated due to protest.

Safiyanu, said thet union is not entirely opposed to every component of revenue automation in the agencies, if it is meant to block areas of revenue leakages .

He said : ’’The blocking of this leakages should not result in other leakages elsewhere whereby some people will be raking the revenues into their pockets.’’

He cited the example of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) , which is already collecting revenue in the form of over-flyers paid into the bank on behalf of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA), which attracts 1.55 per cent .

pany that prioritises employees’ health and safety.

Vigeo Power, which was the management operator for the National Pre-Payment Metering Programme (NPPMP) in the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) covering Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti States, also showcased competence. Its promoters including Vigeo Holdings Limited, Global Utilities Management Company Limited, African Finance Corporation; and its technical partners; TATA Power Delhi Distribution Limited, Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Limited (‘CESC’) and Global Utilities Management Company Limited (GUMCO), have been providing technical Services to Benin and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company.

They also know the terrains very well.

Vigeo Holdings Limited in the past 25 years have been operating in the oil and gas, power, shipping, steel, commercial and financial services and has track record, extensive client network and stable State-of-the-art infrastructure.

Its technical partner, North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL), a joint venture of the Tata Power Company Limited, has market capitalisation of approximately US$ 100 billion. Tata Power holds the majority stake (51 per cent) and control, with the balance 49 per cent equity stake being held by the Government of Delhi through its Holding Company, Delhi Power Company Limited (DPCL). The Company has a registered consumer base of 1.1 million across an area of 510 sq.km with a peak load of around 1250 MW. NDPL has reduced the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses in its licensed area from 53 per cent in July 2002 to 14.47 per cent at the end of March 2010.

The same applies to Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (India) Limited another of its technical partner. The Company holds a license to supply electricity in the cities of Kolkata and Howrah and in the adjoining areas. The Company is currently the only distributor of electricity within an area of 567 sq km.

In the year ended March 31, 2010, it sold electricity to approximately 2.38 million consumers including domestic, industrial and commercial users.

NIMASA introduces new levy

By Oluwakemi Dauda

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HE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has introduced a new Marine Environment (Sea Protection) Levy for various types of vessels coming to the nation’s seaports.

Sources at the agency told The Nation that a letter to that effect was signed in June, this year by its Director-General, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

The letter, investigation revealed, imposed the following levies: $ 1.25 per gross tonnage on vessels of 1001000 gross tonnage, $ 1.00 per gross tonnage for ships of 1,001-10,000 gross tonnage, $ 0.75 per gross tonnage for ships of 10,001- 100,000 gross tonnage, and $ 0.50 per tonnage for vessels of 100,001 gross tonnage and above.

For Nigerian-registered ships, the rate of the levy is N500 per gross tonnage for ships of 100- 1000 gross tonnage, N350 per gross tonnage for vessels of 1,001- 10,000 gross tonnage, N300 per gross tonnage for vessels of 10,001100,000 gross tonnage and N250 per gross tonnage for ships from 100,00 I gross tonnage and above.

The regulation, according to source, said the “rate of levy payable by an offshore installation and oil pipeline shall be (a) in ‘the case of an offshore oil installation that is producing. Processing, storing, or transferring oil, including buoys used for the loading and/or receiving of oil, NI5million, per annum: In the case of an offshore oil installation used or constructed for the purposes of exploring for oil, N10million for each oil well drilled by that installation, while in the case of an oil pipeline, N I, 500 per cubic metre of pipeline volume from the high water mark to the termination point offshore,” would be charged.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

MONEY LINK

FBN Capital backs CBN’s credit ban on debtors Stories by Collins Nweze

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HE decision taken by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to restrain debtors owing Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) from further access to credit is plausible, FBN Capital, an investment and research firm has said.

The CBN had in a circular issued last on September 17, barred banks from extending credit to more than 100 companies, which owed the AMCON. This, FBN Capital said, was relevant because the full list, published in the local media, includes some members of successful consortia bidding for power plants.

The investment firm said that AMCON, which acquired the debts under its bond exchanges, has suggested that the power sector bids will not be derailed as a result.

It said that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has already indicated that the preferred bidders for five power generation companies (GENCOs) for sale offered a total of N110 billion.

According to the report, a cursory look at the lists of successful bidding consortia reveals household names in the Nigerian banking, oil and gas, and conglomerate sectors as well as

one state government and a state owned Chinese electricity utility.

However, it observed that the preferred bids are still subject to due diligence by five public bodies and a final go-ahead by the NCP. They then have 15 business days after signing the appropriate concession agreement to pay 25 per cent of the total consideration.

It recalled the unsuccessful privatisation of NITEL where one approved bidder paid the deposit but failed to produce the balance while another failed to make any payments and so forfeited its bid. However, the firm insisted that the strength and

reputation of the consortia bidding for the GENCOs suggest this is an unlikely outcome.

“There have already been delays in the sale of the GENCOs and more may follow.

That said, we would stress that the process has attracted bids from consortia with technical expertise and financial clout.

The exercise was never fiscal in nature but was designed to deliver power to the population,” it said.

On the Excess Crude Account (ECA), it said the accounting treatment may still be affected by the dispute between the state governors and the Federal Government over ECA and the Sov-

Enterprise Bank celebrates Customer Service Week

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NTERPRISE Bank Limited (EBL) will join the rest of the world to mark the annual Customer Service Week themed “Be the One.” The bank said in a statement that the move was meant to appreciate its customers for their loyalty over the period.

The event, which is celebrated in the first week of October every year, according to a statement from the bank, is a unique period when service organisations and global agencies extol the patronage and loyalty virtues of their esteemed customers by introducing several unique and special activities to appreciate the customers.

As a way of making this year’s edition a memorable one for its customers, the

bank said it has lined up a number of activities to celebrate and appreciate them.

Some of the activities, which will be implemented during the period, include elaborate decoration of branches, complimentary candies, sweets, chocolates and branded writ-

its customers.

The statement added that this objective will be fully accomplished during the week because every staff has been primed to do no less than deliver the best during the period as is the Enterprise Bank tradition.

ing pens among others for walk-in-customers during the period.

The bank said that the Customer Service Week has again provided a good opportunity for every staff, unit, department, group and region of the bank to delight

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HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), is partnering with key stakeholders and institutions in the country to ensure that the Nigerian banking sector attains the highest level of professionalism.

A statement from the Institute said it would continue to partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to ensure

that bankers carry out their work diligently.

The institute also said that it was partnering with Unity Bank Plc and other government and private bodies within and outside the country with a view to taking the Institute and the banking profession to greater heights.

The President/Chairman of Council of the Institute, Mr. Segun Aina, stressed the need to partner with relevant stake-

holders on capacity building and training of staff in the banking industry as well as other sectors of the economy in order to enable the country realise her millennium goals aspiration. Mr. Aina stated this during the Institute’s dialogue with key stakeholders held in Abuja.

He encouraged EFCC, CBN and Unity Bank to engage the services of the CIBN Practice Licence holders and other

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 28-9-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

INTBREW DNMEYER UNILEVER NASCON AIRSERVICE LIVESTOCK NEIMETH TRANSCORP DANGEM JBERGER

11.80 0.97 40.11 5.50 2.07 1.54 1.10 1.10 118.00 26.59

T

O/PRICE 1.21 0.60 2.40 1.40 12.21 3.22 11.49 5.46 7.90 0.62

well experienced professional bankers for their consultancy services, debt recovery, forensic audit, training and other services.

He urged EFCC to support the establishment of Commercial Courts to fast-track cases involving banks and their customers as well as enforce the Dud Cheque offences Act to checkmate incidences of dud cheque crimes in banks.

estimates amid speculation a financial bailout will be sought.

The United States currency strengthened versus most of its 16 major counterparts after the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago Inc. said its business barometer fell for the first time in three years, signaling contraction. China’s yuan rose to the strongest versus the dollar since 1993.

“I’m skeptical the Spanish stress test results will be able to alleviate concerns about global growth,” Joe Manimbo, a market analyst in Washington at Western Union Business Solutions, a unit of Western Union Co (WU), said in a telephone interview. “But it can keep some firepower available for the bloc’s rescue fund, which can be viewed as a positive for the single currency.”

The 17-nation fell 0.5 per cent to $1.2851 after gaining as much as 0.4 per cent. It rose 0.1 per cent to 100.30 yen. The dollar added 0.6 percent to 78.05 yen.

C/PRICE

12.98 1.06 42.11 5.77 2.17 1.61 1.15 1.15 123.00 27.50

CHANGE

1.18 0.09 2.00 0.27 0.10 0.07 0.05 0.05 5.00 0.91

C/PRICE 1.09 0.57 2.28 1.33 11.60 3.06 10.92 5.19 7.51 0.59

CHANGE 0.12 0.03 0.12 0.07 0.61 0.16 0.57 0.27 0.39 0.03

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

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

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 28-9-12

SYMBOL FIDSON AIICO HONYFLOUR AGLEVENT OANDO VITAFOAM UAC-PROP MORISON UBN JAPAULOIL

HE euro fell against the dollar after United States purchasing managers data and consumer sentiment trailed forecasts, crimping demand for riskier assets.

Bloomberg report said the shared currency pared declines after a stress test showed Spanish banks have a combined capital shortfall of 59.3 billion euros ($76.3 billion), less than earlier

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

(BPE) suggested a figure of N200 billion in June, the N10 billion appears more plausible, given that bids for the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) will not be opened until 16 October.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Sanusi

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

•CBN Governor, Lamido

Euro falls against dollar

CIBN partners regulators, banks on professionalism

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

ereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

It said the governors are now arguing that signature bonuses and dividends from Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) should be paid into the federation account, adding that the governors may also broaden their demands as negotiations unfold.

Besides, the research firm noted that analysis of the draft 2013 budget has shown that only N10 billion earnings are targeted from asset sales.

The firm said that although the Bureau of Public Enterprises

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 125.13 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 116.60 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.77 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.10 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.93 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,717.91 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 10.45 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,652.66 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.96 116.90 0.74 1.10 0.91 1,713.62 9.94 1.33 1.80 8,411.80 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

29

MONEY MARKET REPORT

•Floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange

•Currencies

Bond yields slide on JP Morgan index listing

Y

IELD on Nigerian bonds have been dropping in recent months over plans to list the country’s debt in a JP Morgan government bond index. The listing is expected to be done today.

Dealers said yields on debt have plummeted more than 300 basis points since the mid-August, with yields falling by 20 to 30 basis points in the past week alone, reports from Reuters said.

Analysts expect inclusion in the index to continue driving sustained demand for Nigerian debt in the weeks ahead. “We expect yields to come down further as more offshore investors scramble for Nigeria’s bonds in the coming days,” one dealer said.

Drive for bonds is part of strategic moves by the Federal Government to access cheaper funds at the international market, to enable them fund infrastructure and other long-term projects.

Head Market Risk, Greenwich Trust Limited, Babatunde Obaniyi said government is adopting a new strategy in foreign direct investment because funds are cheaper at the international market. He said cost of funds in the country is very high, and such funds cannot finance infrastructure or support real sector businesses.

“For the Federal Government to approach international community to access funds, means they are confident about their financials. The steps will not only enhance their earnings in the long run, but means bigger returns for shareholders as they embark on super projects with the funds,” he said.

FBN Capital said in a research note that slowing inflation would also support Nigerian bonds. The consumer inflation rate eased to 11.7 per cent year-on-year in August from 12.8 per cent in July.

“Our expectation is that yields on naira debt instruments will move within a range in the days ahead. Further ahead, we see further legs on the rally in the FGN bond market, given the factor of the JP Morgan index in addition to improving inflation prospects,” FBN Capital said in the note on Friday.

Forex probes The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week said it had commenced full audit of all Naira Credit cards issued by local banks in the country. The audit, the apex bank said, will cover all transactions carried out in 2010 and 2011.

This became exigent after the banking watchdog commenced full implementation of its anti-money laundering /combating the financial terrorism (AML/CFT) risk-based supervision framework for banking transactions, which it issued in 2011.

In a circular signed by Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Batari Musa and addressed to all authorised requested that all authorised dealers should to urgently forward hard copies of their returns on forex transactions in respect of Naira denominated cards, showing the source of funds on a month by month basis for 2010 and 2011.

Batari said authorised dealers should provide information about banks used in facilitating the transactions, card funding source at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) and Interbank, month and year of transactions, card type, amount loaded in Naira, dollar equivalent and naira or dollar

By Collins Nweze

exchange rate.

In addition, the regulator requested for a soft copy of same information in the hard copies to be forwarded to designated address.

Finance houses It was also reported that approval from the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is delaying ongoing reforms in the finance houses subsector. An insider at the Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN) said pending issues such as withdrawal of licences of 47 finance houses whose liquidity were called into question in May, and funding for the subsector will be decided after the CBN board’s assent.

He said progress is being made now, unlike before when nothing was happening in the subsector. He said the reform is taking shape and may be concluded by year-end.

However, he said the CBN may withdraw licences of 47 finance houses whose liquidity were called into question in May. The apex bank had, given a 30-day notice to 47 closed or inactive finance companies to submit evidence of their existence and/ or operations, or lose their operating licences. The order had expired on Tuesday, April 18.

AMCON The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) last week explained why it gave a clean bill of health to one of the listed companies. A national daily had listed 113 companies and 419 directors/shareholders as debtors to the corporation, with a circular from the CBN directing banks not to extend further credit to the debtors.

Among those in the list are Femi Otedola, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, Sir Johnson ArumemiIkhide, former Power Minister, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Mrs Elizabeth Ebi and Dr Wale Babalakin, including their firms. Butbarely 24 hours after the list had been published; one of the companies listed on the debtors’ list was cleared by the corporation.

However, a statement from AMCON, confirmed that it forwarded the list of its debtors to the CBN and that at the date of transmission to the apex bank, the list was accurate. “Since then however, there have been changes to the debt positions of few debtors to AMCON due to restructuring and/or repayments,” the statement explained.

Deloitte Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) announced aggregate member firm revenues of $31.3 billion for the fiscal year ending 31 May 2012, marking the network’s highest revenue ever. In a statement, the firm said aggregate revenues grew 8.6 per cent, the strongest revenue increase since 2008.

Deloitte member firms experienced growth across all three major geographic regions, led by exceptional results generated in Asia Pacific, the Americas, and a number of developing markets, as well as across all business lines and industry sectors.

“Complexity, disruption, and speed of change are the new reality for our member firm clients, and for Deloitte’s own business.

Deloitte’s success this past year is the result of adapting business strategies to anticipate

client needs and address the changing requirements of a dynamic market,” DTTL Global CEO Barry Salzberg said.

Payment system The apex bank linked efficient payment system to financial and economic stability of the country.

Speaking yesterday at the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) meeting held in Lagos, CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation (FPRD), Chris Chukwu said the apex bank had put in place, measures aimed at achieving efficient payment system because of its relevance to the economy.

The banking watchdog has inaugurated National Payment System (NPS) , to ensure that transactions are completed at minimum risks and cost to the economy.

Chukwu, who was represented by Sebastine Barde, also of the CBN, said NPS has evolved from a rudimentary stage of trade by barter, to quest for a cashless banking system.

RenCap The Nigeria Capital Market would sustain more than seven per cent growth in next 20 years, the Global Chief Economist, Renaissance Capital London, Mr Charles Robertson, has said. He made this projection at one-day institutional investors’ clinic organised by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Renaissance Group in Lagos.

According to him, using the statistics in the last 20 to 30 years that has remained stable, the movement of the capital market growth can be likened to the economic growth of the country.

However, he attributed the projection to the new lessons from Euro Zone crisis which has compelled investors to move their investment to the ‘frontier economies’ such as Nigeria, Kenya, Mauritius, Ghana and Botswana.

FirstBank last week said it is giving Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) opportunity to grow their businesses. In a statement, the bank said although the sector has potentials to employ large portion of the population, lack of support from banks has derailed the sector’s vision.

It said the bank has progressively demonstrated that its product offering transcends the regular lending, deposits, trade and treasury products, to the development of financial solutions that enable business owners serve their clients efficiently. This ultimately empowers them to make informed financial decisions for sustained business success.

ICAN The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) said economic growth depends on professionals with sufficient exposure to leadership skills and ethics.

The President, Mr Doyin Owolabi spoke at the valedictory session in honour of a former president of the association, the late Chief Oluwole Adeosun in Lagos.

Emphasising the need for quality leadership, the ICAN president said Adeosun made enormous progress in achieving greater strategic success of the banks he managed. As a result, he said they played important role in the marketplace and demonstrate quality and inspire consumer confidence. He said Adeosun upheld the highest standards of performance that enable the banks he headed perform effectively.

CIBN The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) disclosed that certified bankers in the country are now qualified to work in other African countries. The institute said in a statement that a communique issued at the end of its Annual General Meeting called for an inter-country recognition and acceptance of qualifications and certificates of member countries. This it said, will encourage and promote mobility of labour as well as skills among banks in the continent.

It stated that the alliance would periodically conduct professional examination moderation exercises to strengthen examination policies, regulations, curricula and practices with a view to ensuring that quality standards and improvement in candidates’ performance are maintained and adhered to, at all times. According to the alliance, “a smooth implementation of the Staff exchange programme (SEP), which is aimed at, among other things, to enhance cross fertilisation of skills, bonding, mentoring among member Institutes’ personnel would be vigorously pursued”.

Bank to bank report Access Bank Plc last week announced an audited Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N30.07 billion for its half-year ended on June 30, 2012.

A statement from the bank said its Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by a 225 per cent to N26.13 billion compared with the N8.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2011.

Similarly, the bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose from N12.37 billion recorded for halfyear in 2011 to N30.07 billion in June, 2012, representing a 143 per cent growth over last year’s performance. Gross earnings rose by 103 per cent to N108.7 billion in relation to last year’s figure of N53.65 billion.

Standard Bank has said it will press ahead with plans to open another 30 branches in sub-Saharan Africa this year, aiming to cash in on booming loan and deposit growth even as the costs of such investment hit its bottom line.

Africa’s biggest bank by assets, Standard Bank is 20 per cent owned by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. It blamed a below-forecast nine per cent increase in first-half profit on costs of investment.

“It really has been growing rapidly and we’ve continued to invest, which is part of the reason for the cost growth that you’ve seen,” Chief Executive Jacko Maree told Reuters Insider, referring to its 16 operations across the continent.

Ecobank Nigeria has unveiled a Maritime Centre in Apapa designed to provide customised banking services to its maritime customers.

The centre according to the statement, also handles financing to the maritime sector.

Unveiling the branch, Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Aku said the Ecobank Maritime Centre will aid the provision of value added services to the bank’s customers in the maritime sector.

Aku noted that the Maritime Centre has a dedicated Collections and Payment Desk for maritime businesses. “Corporate customers, shipping agents, and general public would be able to make payments for their transactions in the comfortable lounges at the centre,” he said.

30

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

31

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

ISSUES

•Transmission facility

When President Goodluck Jonathan unveiled the power sector reform roadmap on August 3, 2010, it was seen as a pathfinder to the country's age-long power problems. Two years on, the roadmap is still a work in progress, writes EMEKA UGWUANYI Assistant Editor (Energy).

Will power roadmap bring sustainable light?

“T

HE availability of reliable electric power to the homes and businesses of our citizens has been one item in our national life that we have approached with so much hope and yet experienced so much frustration over the past decades. Various regimes, in the distant past, paid little attention to the sector but in the recent decades, subsequent regimes have put in billions of naira to reverse the neglect and mismanagement which has characterised the sector.

"I and my Vice President are conscious that what we do with the Nigerian electricity supply industry will go a long way in determining whether Nigeria remains in darkness or joins the rest of the world in the race for development. Our commitment is to bring an end to our nation's stunted growth and usher in the fresh air of prosperity by pursuing a new era of sector-wide reform which is driven by improved service delivery to every class of customers in the Nigerian electricity sector.

"The full implementation of the electric power sector reform has been a key priority for this administration. We established the Presidential Action Committee on

Power (PACP) with a view to eliminating red tape and the often over-bureaucratic and inefficient nature of decision-making in government.

"The Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) is the engine room that drives the vision of the PACP. The PTFP has the mandate to develop the roadmap and provide monitoring to ensure effective implementation of the plan. Their activities will introduce a greater degree of transparency to the way in which we implement the reforms and greater accountability on the part of those responsible." These were the words of President Goodluck Jonathan while presentating the roadmap.

Going by the President's comments, the roadmap was borne out of the seemingly intractable power problems. Despite funds sunk into the sector by successive administrations, no tangible results were achieved.

The roadmap is a well-intentioned statement of milestones to be achieved at specific periods, designed to prepare the sector for takeover by private operators because of government’s seeming failure to manage the utility. Until last year total power wheeled into the national grid didn't exceed 3000 megawatts (MW).

Besides, if the government had the capacity to generate more megawatts and the will to wheel it into the grid, the grid appeared so fragile that it hardly took 3000MW hence the incessant system collapse, which threw the country into total blackout most times.

Although the roadmap failed to meet almost all its targets in generation, transmission and distribution of power and the privatisation timetable, it was able to give direction to the sector. The generation figures, improvement in transmission and distribution reports by the government have become more dependable and most of all, the transfer of ownership and management of the power sector asset to the private sector appear more realistic.

Power supply is becoming less erratic, and besides some security concerns, genuine investors' confidence is increasing but unless the privatisation is done right, there may be a problem. There is need to ensure that the preferred bidders that would take over these assets are desirous to take Nigeria out of darkness on sustainable basis.

In order not to completely put the fate of over 160 million Nigerians, the economy and developmental aspirations into the hands of one person or a company, the gov-

ernment structured the privatisation terms differently for the various power assets, making the private investor the owner, with the federal and state governments owning equity shares.

Privatisation The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the 18 successor companies unbundled from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) secure the right investors in terms of technical and financial competence.

The assets for privatisation include 11 distribution companies (Discos) and six generation companies (Gencos). The distribution companies include Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Kano Electricity Dis•Continued on page 32

32

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

ISSUES

Will power roadmap bring sustainable light?

•Continued from page 31

tribution Company Plc Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc, and Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc. The Gencos include Ughelli Power Plc; and Sapele Power Plc in Delta State; Geregu Power Plc in Kogi State; and Afam Power Plc in Rivers State. These four power plants are thermal plants that run on gas while the remaining two Shiroro Power Plc; and Kainji Power Plc both in Niger State are hydro power plants.

The 11 discos are part of the 18 successor companies unbundled from the PHCN but because none of the bidders met the requirement for the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, the 21 firms currently shortlisted would be jostling for 10 discos.

Shortlisted Discos Oando Consortium; Vigeo Holdings, Gumco, African Corporation AFC &CESC, Honeywell, and 18 other firms were among the shortlisted by the BPE from the 54 firms that submitted bids to acquire the 11 electricity distribution companies.

Having passed the technical evaluation bid test, the BPE will on October 16, open the financial bids for the 21 companies.

For the GenCos, the BPE had last Tuesday opened the financial bid for the preferred for eight investors that were shortlisted for five generation companies as the three firms that submitted bids for the sixth GenCo - Afam Power Plc, couldn't meet the requirements.

The eight companies offered a total of $1,119,363,150.05 for the five power plants.

Firms for Discos The eight that qualified for the five companies are Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited (Geregu), Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (Kainji), North-South Power Company Limited (Shiroro), Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited (Ughelli), Feniks Electricity Limited (Ughelli), Transcorp & Woodrock/ Symbion/ Medea/ PSL/ Thomassen (Ughelli), CMEC/ Eurafric Energy JV (Sapele) and JBN-Nestoil Power Services Limited (Sapele).

The NCP reminded Amperion Power Distribution Limited to be aware that the rules allow them to win only one Genco. Accordingly, if they win both Ughelli Power Plc and Geregu Power Plc, they will have to give up one.

The Federal Government is selling majority stakes in power plants and letting private investors buy as much as 70 per cent of 11 distribution companies spun out of the former state-owned utility as it seeks private investment to curb power shortages.

The Chairman, Technical Committee of NCP, Mr Atedo Peterside said all the winning bids are "subject to the approval" of the National Council on Privatisation headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

Bidders have 15 days after the final approval to post a bank guarantee for 15 per cent of the bid amount and pay 25 per cent of their bid within another 15 days after the deal has been signed, he said. The balance should be paid over six months or as agreed with the privatisation agency.

The transmission segment of the sector is wholly retained by the Federal Government but has been given out on management contract to a Canadian company - Manitoba Hydro International, for three years. On expiration of this term, the government may terminate the contract if it feels satisfied with the

•Minister of State, Power, Darius Ishaku

Mr

ability of Nigerians to manage it effectively but otherwise, the contract would be extended.

Initially, the completion of the privatisation programme was scheduled to end by February this year but had to be extended by eight months to accommodate the requests and desires of the investors who submitted bids for the generation and transmission and distribution assets.

But because the entire roadmap was anchored on a customerdriven sector-wide plan to achieve stable power supply, it was gathered that the extension of the privatisation timelines by the BPE became imperative. A BPE source explained that the bidders said they were not carried along on the initial privatisation package because they were not given the opportunity to carry out due diligence on the assets they submitted bids for and also measure the bankability of the projects, among others. It was in view of these requests that the BPE reviewed the timetable to October.

The roadmap expressed such fears when it said that investors would be reluctant to make largescale investments in the upstream and downstream sectors of the electricity industry unless they are confident that commensurate investments in the midstream sector will also take place: This was the reason the management of transmission was contracted out to a private company, the government said has both the requisite project management and technical expertise.

The transaction timeline by BPE showed that the evaluation of the technical bids for the successor companies in generation and distribution companies would take place between August 14 and 28, 2012 after which the NCP would approve and announce the results of the technical evaluation by September 11, 2012. Although, there were slight shifts by few days in some of the schedules such as the announcement of the bidders that scaled the technical valuation of Discos' bids, but the BPE stuck to its October deadline.

The timeline for the shortlisted bidders for generation companies to submit their letters of credit was September 18, 2012 while October 2, 2012 is the deadline for shortlisted bidders for distribution companies, which the NCP would approve to finally pave way for the opening of financial bids of the shortlisted investors.

• Managing Director/CEO, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Mr James Olotu

•Director-General, BPE Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa

The announcement of the preferred bidders for the generating companies, the BPE said, is October 9, 2012 while October 23, 2012 is the date for the announcement of the preferred bidders for the distribution companies.

The BPE said that alterations in the announcement dates of some results such that occurred when the successful companies that passed the technical bids evaluation for distribution companies, was to ensure transparency in the privatization process.

The states that made investments in the power facilities would submit their claims (investments made in the facilities) to the government. Such claims would be evaluated and ratified by the NERC. On the basis of the feedback from NERC, the Federal Government will determine the level of extra equity to be allocated the states from its shares.

Gencos' terms of privatisation The two privatised hydro power stations would be on concession for between 25-30 years while the four thermal plants would be 100 per cent sold but original plan in the roadmap was that thermal generating plants would be privatised via the sale of a minimum of 51 per cent equity to core investors that clearly demonstrate the technical and financial ability to operate and expand each plant.

The roadmap further noted that care would be taken, by working closely with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure that a monopoly or oligopoly of market power in the generation sector is not acquired through these divestitures.

The BPE said that certainly the preferred private investor for any asset would have at least 51 per cent equity holding. It said the government deliberately structured it that way to ensure that all the concerns are private sectorrun; adding that with 51 per cent or more equity shares, the preferred private sector bidder will have more directors on the board and exercise all the necessary powers.

The states where the assets situate were mandated to own shares not more 20 per cent in such assets but apart from equities due to them in that regard, they (states) would further be considered for extra equity ownership, which would be based on the quantum of investment they made in such states. Most of the state governments had immensely invested in some the assets located in their areas. Therefore, the extra equity holding they will be considered for would be more of compensation and that extra equity should come from the Federal Government's owned equity.

Discos' terms of privatisation As stipulated in Gencos, the preferred private sector bidder would have the highest equity holding of 51 per cent or more in each of the 11 distribution companies to be able to be in charge and take decisions. But the difference here is that none of the Discos would be sold 100 per cent. The federal and state governments where the distribution companies are located, would own statutory or recommended equities of not more than 20 per cent and extra equities, which would be measured by level of the state government's investment in the asset.

Targets, misses, achievements The Federal Government in the roadmap expressed commitment to achieve 14,000 MW of power generation capacity, which would be available by December 2013.

Out of this, 4,500 MW would come from PHCN generation assets, 4,775 MW from the NIPP plants and 3,300 MW from independent power producers such as Shell and Agip, among others. Shell's Afam VI in Rivers State, is a combined cycle plant with installed capacity of 650MW while Agip's Okpai plant in Delta State has installed capacity of 460MW. In the short term, the government's generation target achievable by April 2011 was put at 7000MW. To meet Vision 20:2020 target of 40,000MW, the government said it would require investments in power generating capacity alone of at least US$ 3.5 billion per annum for the next 10 years. None of the targets was met as the PHCN assets currently generates about 3000MW and the NIPP 1150MW. The Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), which supervises the 10 medium sized power plants being constructed under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), Mr. James Olotu, said the

‘The roadmap expressed such fears when it said that investors would be reluctant to make large-scale investments in the upstream and downstream sectors of the electricity industry unless they are confident that commensurate investments in the midstream sector will also take place’

Federal Government has so far spent about $8 billion on the projects.

Olotu said out of the NIPP's 10 plants, four are operational, which include Olorunsogo in Ogun State, Omotosho in Ondo State, Sapele in Delta State and Alaoji in Abia State. Alaoji according to him, came on board this month.

He also noted that the total supply capacity from the four plants, which currently is wheeled into the national grid stands at 1150 megawatts (MW), which is expected to jump to about 1500mw

by December.

The other six plants, he added, are under construction and are at between 80 per cent and 90 per cent completion stage.

He said: "By the end of this year, from all the stations, we will be looking at about 2500mw, which would be dependent on gas delivery. We are also building hundreds of thousands of kilometres of transmission line across the country as substations to support those transmission lines.

"The company commissioned 150MVA transmission facility at the Ikeja West Transmission Station and another 150MVA would be commissioned this month at Akangba. Several sizes of this transmission facilities and smaller one have been commissioned and more would be commissioned before the end of this year.

"We are also building several thousands of kilometres of lines for distribution and also the infrastructure and substations to support it.

We are also building gas pipelines within the same fund to ensure that wherever you have a power plant there is gas that is flowing there and there is a line pipe that will be feeding the plant."

New projects The Federal Government revealed in the roadmap that it had plans that would lead to the commencement of construction of the Mambilla Power plant, which would have an installed capacity of 2,600MW and Zungeru Power with a capacity of 700MW as well as expand the Gurara Hydro power plant, which currently has installed 30MW to a capacity of 300 MW, 200 MW dual-fired power plant in Kaduna, which are expected to be completed within the next six years to complete.

The Minister of State for Power Arc Darius Dickson Ishaku told the NCP last month that the Kaduna power plant is in progress, noting that eight gas turbine generators for the plant are at Onne port while the Mambilla installed capacity of 2600MW as contained in the roadmap has been revised to 3050MW. Update on the project, according to him, is still at bankable feasibility studies. The feasibility studies' completion is last quarter of this year, adding that the entire Mambilla project would be financed through equity debt structure of 80:20 per cent ration by Exim Bank of China. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) would be completed by first quarter of 2013, he added. For the Zungeru plant, the minister said the project's contract renegotiation is ongoing; the procurement of project management consultancy at BPP certification level while the environmental impact assessment has been completed.

He also stated that the Federal Ministry of Power is in discussion with EximmBank of China for the funding of loan component, adding that the government is constructing a 10.75MW wind power plant in Katsin a, which consists of 37 wind turbines. The project, he said, was 98 per cent completion as at August 30, 2012.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

33

INSURANCE

PenCom seeks power to prosecute defaulters T

HE National Pension Commission (PenCom) is seeking approval of the Attorney General of the Federation to enable it institute criminal proceedings against employers that refuse to remit pension contributions, The Commission is also advocating the provision of stiffer penalties for employers who persistently fail to deduct or remit pension contributions within stipulated time.

The commission also called for the amendment of Section 11(7) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004, saying that the present provision is clogged with limitiations. PenCom said: “Power to Institute Criminal

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

Proceedings against Employers for Persistent Refusal to Remit Pension Contributions: Section 11(7) should be amended to empower the Commission to institute criminal proceedings, with fait of Attorney General of the Federation, against employers who persistently fail to deduct and/or remit pension contributions within the stipulated time.

“The sanctions provided under Section 85 are no longer sufficient deterrents against infractions of the PRA 2004. Consequently, Section 85 should be amended to provide for stiffer penalties that will serve as deterrents.”

Director General, PenCom Mohammad Ahmad, said 172 debt recovery agents have been engaged to collect unpaid contributions from employers.

He said the agents have commenced work, adding that the agents who consist of lawyers and accountants would ensure that employers comply with laws on remittance of their workers contributions.

He noted that 50 per cent of the interest penalty from outstanding contributions recovered through the efforts of agents will be given to employees with Retirement Savings Account (RSA), while the balance 50 per

cent would be used to settle the agents.

Ahmad said the balance 50 per cent would be paid to agent to defray the cost of recovery. He noted that PFAs would not be allowed to charge administration fee on retirement savings accounts that benefited from the recovery in the arrears or in retrospect.

He noted that each agent’s performance would be monitored based on set performance standards, which would be documented in a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to be executed with the recovery agents.

He said recovery agents

would be required to submit monthly progress report with respect to recoveries from employers assigned to them, adding the reports would be reviewed to determine if the performance of the agent is satisfactory or otherwise.

He said: “The Commission would hold quarterly meeting with the recovery agents and PFAs to discuss remuneration of recovery agents would be performance based. The remuneration would be met from the interest penalty charged on the outstanding contributions recovered through the efforts of the agents and administration fees charged by PFAs.

Industry may miss set targets, says CIIN

T

HE insurance industry may not achieve the set targets for the year, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has said.

The institute disclosed this at its professional forum in Ibadan. It said how to meet the targets poses big challenges to operators.

The industry target for this year is for the market to achieve at least three per cent contribution to Cross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current one per cent. The institute also wants to create at least 250,000 new jobs, a gross premium of N1.10 trillion and per capita income of N7500.

The institute’s President, Dr Wole Adetimehin said:” The targets are far from being achieved and the challenge we have as professionals is ‘how can we meet these targets to make the insurance sector more relevant to the economy?

“He however, advanced reasons for the shortfall. He said it was due in part to the stagnation of the economy, poor infrastructural deficit and insecurity which has in no little way affected businesses in certain sectors of the country.

Adetimehin blamed the situation on increased claims, low level of insurance penetration among other factors. These, he said have contributed to the inability of the industry to grow insurance business to meet the set targets.

On the way forward, Adetimehin said “We as professionals would have to challenge ourselves to evolve strategies to enable us achieve the set targets. This requires leadership with a purposeful vision and strategies on the way forward. This is where we can make a difference.

What this implies is that we have to double our efforts and evolve strategies and new skills and competences as professionals to grow our respective businesses to enable the market meet the trillion

I

target before 2015.”

He urged operators to design and innovate their products and services to enable them grow their business to move the industry forward.

Speaking on unethical practice of some members, the CIIN President said the institute is yet to take disciplinary measure against any member for indulging in unethical behaviours.

Adetimehi said the institute’s inability to sanction members stemmed from the failure by operators to report erring practitioners.

He said the introduction of the code of ethics and practice for the industry states that the code applies to all insurance companies and practitioners in Nigeria including the members of CIIN, NIA, NCRIB, ILAN. He said every member of each of these bodies are to adhere strictly to the code, and ensure observance and comply with the disciplinary procedure and sanctions contained therein.

He said: “Ethics relates to a way of life, morals or principle generally adhered or adopted by a group of people. The behaviour or conduct of the group forms the standard for measuring adherence or compliance.

Any infractions are usually sanctioned.

“In the market, we hear of unethical behavior of our members both at the corporate and individual levels.

Some of the examples of infractions include inadequate rating, claim compromise, falsification of returns, conflict of interests etc.

“Regrettably we are not courageous to make formal report of our members regarding any of these infractions to the institute. I cannot recall any case of disciplinary measure taken against any member of the institute on unethical behaviours.”

He called for the setting up a committee to review the present code of ethics for the industry and make it more functional.

From left: Mrs Gloria Abumere, Acting registrar Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN); Dr Lolu Ojo, National Chairman Nigeria Association of Industrial Pharmacist; Mr John Adekoje, Consultant Pharmacist during the PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA conference workshop of National Association of Industrial Pharmacist in Lagos

NCRIB to govt: Include insurance premiums in budgets T O engender growth in the insurance industry, the Federal Government, which is the biggest consumer should include insurance premiums in its budgets, the Nigeria Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), has said. President of the Council of the NCRIB, Mrs. ‘Laide Osijo said this is one of the ways the industry could record meaningful level of growth.

Mrs Osijo, who spoke with reporters in her office, said the mandate of NCRIB is to grow insurance practice in Nigeria and by extension West Africa. She said the council will not hesitate to partner government at all levels to help realise the growth.

She said the government must ensure that insurance premiums are included in the yearly budgets of its institutions in order to

reduce the incidence of non-payment of premiums, which characterised the insurance operations over the years.

She said: “Payment of insurance premiums by clients was a precondition for any insurance contract in line with Section 50(1) of the 2003 Insurance Act, failure which insurance companies would not be able to pay claims when a loss occurs.”

Mrs Osijo also asserted that insurance brokers and underwriters involved in government accounts must always be invited to defend the insurance budgets and premium charged in the National Assembly, in order to reduce the rampant allegation of insurance fraud, as well as provide government the opportunity of checks

and balances.

Speaking on the allegation that insurance companies do not pay claims, she said: “It is unfortunate that most of the allegations placed at the doorstep of the insurance industry were occasioned by inadequate information or knowledge about the operation of insurance.”

This, she noted, should be reduced to the barest minimum through constant interface between the industry and its government clients.

In order to develop its insurance manpower, NCRIB submitted that the government must constantly update the skills of its insurance officers to appraise them with the changing dynamics of insurance practice.

How to promote insurance, by experts

NSURERS need to offer products and services that are acceptable to Nigerians, experts have said.

These were the views of the industry experts during the 2012 seminar orgainsed by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), which took place in Ibadan. The theme of the seminar was “Beyond Professionalism - making a difference”.

Chairman of Niger Insurance Plc Bala Zakariya’u noted that the Nigerian insurance industry looks set for growth, but what the industry needs are professional managers who must consciously improve the market attributes that reduce the penetration gap.

Zakariya’u said Nigeria is ranked

the fifth insurance market in Africa and 66th in the world with gross premium written standing at $2billion or N300 billion. He, however, noted that insurance penetration per capita is low in Nigeria even by African standard.”

The official data available indicates that in the last five years, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth has been at the rate of 5-7 per cent per annum. So putting Nigeria’s insurance industry in the context of the national economy, the prognosis for the future looks very good for growth.

This, he said, is however, dependent on whether the professionals in the industry will consciously take

steps aimed at improving the market.

Zakariya’u said: “We can improve the future of the industry if we offer products that would be acceptable and have the capacity to give excellent after sales services”.

He said with a large young urban based population, mass appeal products or the retail market type would do well”.

Zakariya’u noted that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) over the last five years has done tremendously well for the industry through the implementation of pragmatic supervision and the introduction of key initiatives with the sole aim of expanding the penetration of

insurance services.

The Niger Insurance Plc boss said more than all the above, NAICOM had done a good job of sanitising the industry and compelled companies to imbibe the culture of Best Practices in Corporate Governance.

He said from all indications, NAICOM’s aim is to make companies operate with integrity.

Another industry expert and immediate past president of the CIIN, Mr Sunny Adeda, in his paper at the event, said there are many areas requiring improvement particularly in professional membership.

Adeda enjoined the insurance operators to make the industry more attractive for new entrants to enter

into the industry. He added that the idea of introducing graduates into the industry has paid off handsomely. He said the industry needs to be consistent and ensure that the process is open to all after a competitive selection process that will ensure only the best are recruited.

He said: “the need for change of our attitude and total commitment to our profession cannot be over emphasised.” He said integrity and transparency should at all times be the industry’s guide.

Speaking further, he said: “We must refrain from unethical conduct and infractions should be reported to the institute for disciplinary actions to deter others and improve our perception.”

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

34

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-9-12

A

I ‘ll protect capital market, says Dangote

LHAJI Aliko Dangote has said he would use his tenure at the helms of affairs at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to protect the entire capital market.

Addressing members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Exchange at the weekend, Dangote, who is chairing his first general meeting after the Court of Appeals restored his election as president of the NSE, said the council of the Exchange under his leadership would devote its attention to promoting interests of the market.

According to him, the new NSE provides a vehicle for long-term savings and borrowing, and hence, efficient use of financial resources.

He noted that the market presents incredible opportunity for investors’ pointing out that as the reforms at the NSE continue, the market will be well on its way to recovering its vibrancy and regaining investor confidence by the end of the year.

“The Exchange will intensify advocacy efforts around public policy formulation that affects investors, listed companies, the brokerdealer community, and other stakeholders in the capital market at large. Increased collaboration with relevant government agencies will facilitate alignment between the needs of the capital market and existing and future policy that can propel market growth, especially in terms of local institutional

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

participation and prospective issuer incentives,” Dangote said.

He outlined that the NSE would work to broaden local participation in the capital market to create a base for stable and steady market.

According to him, as the pressure mounts for faster and deeper reforms, liquidity and local investor participation remain key areas of focus.

He said: “With foreign investors carrying the market, volatility is a lingering concern. Despite the relatively low prices of shares, lack of local investor participation continues to impede market recovery.

“The Exchange will embark on a massive investor education effort designed to increase financial literacy among retail investors and engage brokerage firms to pick up and improve the advisory services arms of their businesses, to align with international best practices.”

He added that the NSE would support efforts to achieve full dematerialisation of share certificates as well as electronic allotment of new capital issues by engaging all relevant stakeholders in the realisation of these initiatives.

Meanwhile, Dangote offered himself for re-election and was re-elected at the

meeting. Seven other institutional members including Partnership Investment Company Limited, Reward Investments & Services Limited, WSTC Financial Services Limited, Apt Securities and Funds Limited, CityCode Trust & Investment Limited, ICON Stockbrokers Limited and Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers were also reelected.

Seven persons that were appointed to the council by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) exited the council. These included Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh; Mrs. Yemisi Ayeni; Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN; Mr. Bimbo Ogunbanjo; Mr. Bismarck Rewane; Mrs. Dorothy Ufot, SAN and Mr. Hassan Usman.

Alhaji Bello Maccido and Katsina State Investment & Property Development Company Limited who were co-opted onto the Council in March 2009 had ceased to be members of council in April 2012. Mallam Ballama Manu, the interim head of council appointed by SEC, had also tendered his resignation on July 25, 2012, effective on that date. Mr. Nsa Harrison tendered his resignation on August 2, 2012 and it took effect at the general meeting. Dr. Oba Otudeko retired as an ex-officio member of the council and was not eligible for re-election.

Audited report and accounts of the NSE for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed a deficit of N358.7 million in 2011 as against surplus of N357.95 million. Gross fees had dropped from N4.01 billion to N3.17 billion while gross income reduced from N4.80 billion to N3.99 billion. Total assets declined to N14.91 billion as against N15.71 billion.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-9-12

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

35

DUE DILIGENCE

UPDC: Burdened by costs

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

• MD, UPDC, Ogunniran

S

UBSTANTIAL increase in cost of sales and higher tax provisions coloured the performance outlook of UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc in last financial year.

In spite of appreciable increase in turnover, top-line costs and taxes moderated the profitability of the real estate company.

Audited report and accounts of UPDC for the year ended December 31, 2011 indicated that gross income rose by 31 per cent but 79 per cent increase in cost of sales and another 175 per cent rise in tax provisions turned the bottomline into negative. Profit after tax dropped by 12 per cent, its first obvious decline in four years.

The balance sheet of the company also showed a largely negative position characterised by higher gearing ratio and lower liquidity. It however, remained substantially structured to support the business and all key indices remained positive, albeit at lower levels than previous year.

Meanwhile, UPDC increased cash dividend by 18 per cent, distributing some 44 per cent of net earnings. Latest interim report and accounts showed that top-line cost remained a major factor in the profit structure with current margins lower than the previous ones.

Half-year report ended June 30, 2012 showed gross margin of 38 per cent in first half 2012 as against 48.8 per cent in comparable period of 2011. Pre-tax profit margin also

By Taofik Salako

slipped from 13.9 per cent to 12.6 per cent.

Profitability

Group turnover rose by 31 per cent from N8.2 billion in 2010 to Financing structure N10.76 billion in 2011. Cost of sales however, jumped by 79 per UPDC Group's paid up capital recent to N5.7 billion compared mained unchanged at N688 milwith N3.17 billion. Gross profit lion but total equity funds inched margin consequently dropped up from N29.89 billion to N30.19 from 61.4 per cent to 47.2 per cent. billion. Total assets dropped marOperating expenses increased ginally from N69.72 billion in 2010 from N1.38 billion to N1.45 bilto N65.37 billion. Fixed assets lion. Meanwhile, non-core busislipped from N16.85 billion to ness income doubled to N280 bilN16.52 billion while current assets lion compared with N139 billion. dropped from N29.58 billion to Finance expenses also declined by N22.77 billion. However, total li22 per cent from N1.25 billion to abilities declined by 12 per cent to N972 million. These boosted N35.2 billion in 2011 as against profit before tax by 7.1 per cent N39.8 billion recorded in 2010. from N2.54 billion in 2010 to N2.72 Current liabilities and long-term billion in 2011. However, a 175 per liabilities dropped by 2.3 per cent cent increase in taxes from N260.7 and 19 per cent to N16.92 billion million to N719.4 million deand N18.26 billion in 2011 compressed the actual net earnings. pared with N17.32 billion and Underlying performance ratios N22.51 billion recorded respecgenerally showed a negative outtively in 2010. The financing struclook. Gross profit margin ture showed higher gearing ratio dropped from 61 per cent in 2010 with a debt-to-equity ratio of 19 to 47 per cent in 2011. Pre-tax per cent in 2011 as against 11.9 per profit margin also declined to 25 cent in 2010. per cent as against 31 per cent in previous year, indicating six perEfficiency centage points decline in average The company obviously witprofit per unit of sale. This was nessed significant reduction in its underlined by 13 per cent decline average productivity and cost efin actual profit after tax from ficiency. With total cost of busiN2.32 billion in 2010 to N2.03 bilness- excluding financing charges, lion in 2011. at 66.3 per cent in 2011 as against Further earnings analysis indi55.4 per cent in 2010, decline in cated that basic net earnings per efficiency laid the foundation for share thus dropped from N1.69 in erosion of profit margins.

2010 to N1.48 in 2011. The company meanwhile, Fiscal Year Ended December 31 2011 2010 increased cash Nmillion 12 months % change 12months dividend payout Profit and Loss Statement by 18.2 per cent. A Main Business Segment 10,755 31.3 8,194 total of N894 milTotal turnover 10,755 31.3 8,194 lion was distributed to shareholdCost of sales 5,679 79.4 3,165 ers for the 2011 Gross profit 5,075 0.9 5,029 business year as Operating expenses 1,450 5.4 1,376 against N756 milInterest and other incomes 280 101.4 139 lion paid for the Finance expenses 972 -22.4 1,253

Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross dividend (Nm) Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net Assets per share (kobo) Balance Sheet Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

2,719 2,031 148 894 65 2,196

7.1 -12.6 -12.4 18.2 18.2 1.0

2,539 2,323 169 756 55 2,174

16,521 42,599 5,103 22,771 65,370

-2.0 6.1 16.9 -23.0 -6.2

16,853 40,134 4,367 29,582 69,716

5,713 5,725 16,920 18,255 35,175

-42.8 60.4 -2.3 -18.9 -11.7

9,990 3,570 17,315 22,512 39,827

688 30,194

0.0 1.0

688 29,890

previous year. These implied dividend per share of 65 kobo and 55 kobo for 2011 and 2010 respectively. Dividend cover however, reduced from 3.07 times in 2010 to 2.28 times in 2011. Net asset per share was almost unchanged at N21.96 compared with N21.74 in preceding year. Return on equity dropped from 7.8 per cent to 6.7 per cent. However, return on total assets improved from 3.6 per cent to 4.2 per cent.

Liquidity The liquidity position of the company declined during the period, although it remained within adequacy range. Current ratio, which relates current assets to relevant liabilities, dropped to 1.35 times in 2011 compared with 1.71 times in 2010. The proportion of working capital to total sales dwindled from 150 per cent in 2010 to 54.4 per cent in 2011. Debtors/ creditors ratio stood at 89 per cent in 2011 as against 44 per cent in 2010.

Governance and structures UPDC is the only quoted real estate Development Company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

UPDC was spun off from UAC of Nigeria, which still holds 46 per cent equity stake. First Trustees Nigeria holds the single largest stake of 12 per cent. Other corporate bodies hold some 18 per cent while individuals and trustees hold the balance of 24 per cent.

UPDC Group includes the parent company and UPDC Hotels Limited, the owner of Golden Tulip Festac Hotel, Lagos. The board and management of the company remained stable. Mr. Larry Ettah, the group managing director of UACN, chairs the board of UPDC while Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran leads the executive management

Fiscal Year Ended December 31

Mr

Hakeem

team as managing director.

UPDC broadly complied with the code of corporate governance and best practices.

Analyst's opinion The performance outlook highlighted two main concerns that have shadowed operations of UPDC in recent period- costs and market. With liquidity squeeze and attendant high costs of funds, declining consumer purchasing and increasing top-line costs compounded the performance of the company. The company outlook depends on a mixed bag of opportunities and veiled threats. While Nigeria's huge housing deficit of between 16 and 17 million units, growing population and evolving middle class offer exciting business prospects for real estate companies, the absence of a liquid mortgage system and declining disposable income constitute threats to the real estate sector. But UPDC's leadership position in the industry, the cross-selling opportunities and economies of scale offered by its conglomerate parent company and prudent management could serve as cushions and increase the momentum in the years ahead.

Although it has yet to fully restore the declining profit-making capacity, latest interim report and accounts showed growths across key indices. Total sales stood at N5.42 billion by first half of 2012 as against N3.69 billion in comparable period of 2011. Gross profit increased from N1.80 billion to N2.06 billion. Profit before tax rose to N683 million compared with N514.29 million while profit after tax increased from N445.72 million in first half of 2011 to N616.88 million in first half 2012.

As the financial markets recover, there is reasonable basis to assume that UPDC will consolidate its performance in the years ahead.

2011 %

2010 %

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

46.2 53.8 25.9 19.0

42.9 57.1 24.8 11.9

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

47.2 25.3 4.2 6.7 2.28

61.4 31.0 3.6 7.8 3.07

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

NA NA 66.3

NA NA 55.4

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

1.35 54.4 89.3

1.71 149.7 43.7

36

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

LABOUR

Workers lament closure of 850 firms W

ORKERS in the chemical and non-metallic products industry have blamed the poor state of the economy for the closure of 850 companies in the sector.

National President of the workers under the aegis of the National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and NonMetallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE), Comrade Boniface Isok, said more than 850 manufacturing companies closed shop, while some are now operating below production capacity.

Stories by Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

“The few factories that are in operation find it difficult to sustain production as the Federal Government allowed importation of all kinds of goods, thereby turning the country into a dumping ground. The adverse effect of this action is rendering the masses jobless and at the same time, boosting the economy of other countries by creating employment opportunities in those countries.”

Isok, who spoke in Uyo at the

unions delegates conference, last week, said government’s inconsistent policies have continued to hurt the economy, adding that the manufacturing sector contributes less than four per cent to the GDP compared to other countries, such as China that contributes over 15 per cent.

He said the government should drive employment in the country, as the unemployment rate is high. He called for the abolition of contract labour and casualisation because it is modern day slavery.

Isok appealed to the Boundary Commission to resolve all boundary disputes, saying hundreds of lives wasted on such issues were uncalled for.

According to him, it has become necessary to draw the attention of the Federal Government to call on the commission to live up to its responsibility.

Isok thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Godswill Akpabio on his effort at ensuring that normalcy returned to Ariam in Abia State and Esa Ikwen, Ikot Okim and Abama in Akwa Ibom State.

Labour praises Senate on Labour Safety bill

W

ORKERS in the food and beverage sector have praised the Senate for passing a bill seeking to cater for the safety, health and welfare of Nigerian workers.

The workers under the aegis of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), who spoke through their President, Comrade Lateef Oyelekan, said the passage was a welcome development.

The Bill, which was sponsored by Senator Chris Anyanwu (APGAImo), was passed last week.

It seeks to repeal and re-enact the Factory Act, 2004 to make comprehensive provisions for securing the safety, health and welfare of persons at work.

It also seeks to protect others against risks to safety and health with regards to activities of persons at work, in addition to establishing the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

Oyelekan told The Nation that “these are the types of document that law makers should endorse to make work easier for Nigerians.

Many employers don’t give a damn what happens to their workers, for such employers, one needs a legal document to put them on track.”

The amended bill contains 111 clauses and clause 83 deals with offences and penalties.

It reads in part; “Any employer who fails to comply with any of the provisions of clauses 29-37 of this bill relating to the duty of the employer commits an offence.

“The person shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or to a fine of not less than N500,000.

“Both fine and imprisonment in case of an individual and a fine of not less than N2 million for a corporate body, and in addition, each director or manager of the body shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year.

“Clause 31 (1)of the Bill also states that an employer shall after being notified by a female employee that she is pregnant, adapt the working conditions of the female employee in such manner as to prevent occupational exposure.

“This is to ensure that the embryo is afforded the same level of protection as required for members of the public and the employer shall not consider the notification of pregnancy as a reason to exclude the employee from work.

“The employer is also required by this law to ensure that any female employee that is pregnant or nursing a baby is not exposed to ionising radiation at the work place.

On the construction and disposal of machinery, the bill in clause 52, stipulates that any person who manufactures, assemblies, sells or lets or hire any machine that does not comply with the requirement of this clause commits an offence.

The person shall be liable to a pen-

alty of N50,000 for the first case of non compliance and N100,000 for every subsequent case of non compliance or N50 million for the first case of non compliance and N500 million for every subsequent case.

The Senate President, David Mark, who presided over the plenary session, noted that the bill had already been passed in the House of Representatives.

Mark advised that a conference committee be set up as soon as possible to harmonise the Bill and forward it to the President for his assent.

The Bill was initially presented to the Senate as an executive bill but was represented as a private member bill by Anyanwu.

The Bill, which had passed second reading on May 17, was referred to the joint committees on Employment, Labour and Productivity, Health and Establishment and Public Services for further legislative action.

NASU welcomes new retirement age

N

ON-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has praised President Goodluck Jonathan for signing into law the Act that raised the retirement age of non-academic staff of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education at 65 years.

The union’s National President, Comrade Ladi Iliya, who spoke at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Asaba, Delta State, called on the government to make the same applicable to staff of research institutes and colleges of agriculture; in line with the agreement it reached with the Joint Research and Allied Institutions Sector Unions in 2009/2010.

He urged the government to set in motion the necessary machinery to commence negotiation of all the 2009/2010 Collective Agreement signed with the universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and teaching hospitals unions, as enshrined in the agreements.

NASU said the government must bear in mind that it is these collective agreements that have brought peace to the educational sector. He, however, observed that once in a while, the peace is broken as a result of government’s non implementation of the agreements.

Agreeing with government on suspension of the N5000 note, Mrs Iliya stated that the policy would only aggravate the situation of the impoverished masses, adding that what it would cost to print the notes is enough to address sensitive sectors of the economy.

0001

OCTOBER 1, 2012

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

37

• Palm oil fruits awaiting processing (Inset: Palm nuts breaking machine).

Tilling the land for a living A

GRICULTURE used to be the economic main stay, providing jobs for over 70 per cent of the population. This was before the advent of oil and gas and telecommunications. With the relegation of agriculture, many workers left for more rewarding and enduring jobs elsewhere.

But to experts, agriculture still has a lot to offer in the areas of jobs creation, and economic growth. An area, which they said, holds promise for job seekers is the

Despite its relegation in the country, agriculture still holds a lot of promises for jobs. One area where such jobs are in abundance is palm oil cultivation, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE palm oil industry. The industry, they said, has the capacity to create jobs across the value chain.

In a research entitled: “Palm Oil Value Chain Analysis in the Niger Delta”, conducted by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in Niger Delta, the palm industry is believed to have potentials to provide employment for millions of skilled and unskilled people. The report said palm oil production can reduce poverty as people will make a living from it throught cultivation of palm fruits.

The report said: “There are food and nonfood uses of palm oil products. Under the non-food segment, palm oil can be used for the production of cosmetics and personal care products, soaps, candles, pharmaceuticals, lubrication and grease. Its other uses include industrial chemicals, coatings, paints, leather and bio-diesels. Under the food segment, palm oil is used as cooking oil, margarines and cocoa butter alternative, confectionary, ice cream and infant nutrition fats, among others.”

The report said there is a huge palm oil demand, adding that it would be a source of income for people. Noting that the country was the world’s leading producer of palm oil in the 60s, the report lamented that it is a net importer of the commodity to meet growing domestic demand. The development, the report said, has opened job opportunities.

There are two variants of palm oil. The Technical Palm Oil (TPO) and Special Palm Oil (SPO). Household consumers prefer to consume TPO because of its flavour. It is complimented by an increasing demand for the SPO, which can be used to meet the needs of industrial processors. Though domestic production of palm oil is nearly 900,000 metric tonnes, there is an estimated overall gap in Nigeria of between 150,000 and 300,000 tonnes of TPO and 200,000 tonnes of SPO, much of which is currently met through imports.

Managing Director, Best Foods Nigeria Limited Mr Emmanuel Ijiwere said there are job opportunities in the palm oil industry.

People, he said, can work in areas such as land clearing, seeds planting, cultivation, harvesting, storage, processing, refining, and supplying of palm oil to the end users.

The industry, he said, can create over a million jobs because it is multi-faceted, adding that it is now a haven for the unemployed, who go into it for survival.

People, he said, can create jobs via palm fruits plantation, harvesting and processing. There are also job opportunitites in turning them into oil and transporting oil to both direct and indirect users. Direct users of palm oil are those that use it for cooking, he said, adding that indirect users are companies that use palm oil as a by-product in their production.

He said jobs can be created, depending on the size of the palm fruits plantation.

Research and development, he said, has shown that there is an improvement in seedlings, adding that the gestation pe• Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

38

JOBS

Tilling the land for a living • Continued from page 37

riod is now four instead of seven years.

Ijewere said: “The rate of turnover is very high in palm oil business now because it is easier to grow the seedlings within four years, as shown by the research conducted on it recently. Besides, the use of palm oil permeates every aspect of human activities.

Be it homes, restaurants, soap making industries, confectioneries companies, pharmaceutical companies, palm oil is needed. Unfortunately the supply has not been able to match the demand in Nigeria in recent times. The palm oil supply is far lower than demand, implying that there is a big business opportunity for people to explore.”

Ijewere said Nigeria has lost its leadership position in palm oil production to Malaysia which now dominates the global market. The country now produces thousands of tonnes of palm oil, instead of millions, adding that there is a glut

‘To the best of my knowledge, there are immense job opportunities for people in palm oil industry. It is now left for people, irrespective of their educational background to tap into it’ in palm oil trade.

“To the best of my knowledge, there are immense job opportunities for people in the palm oil industry. It is now left for people, irrespective of their educational background to tap into it. Whichever area one enters in the palm oil value chain, one is bound to

• Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Akinwumi Adesina

make money because palm oil is used in diverse ways. There is huge demand for palm oil. Nigeria has been failing to meet its local needs.” he said.

Director of Operations, Presco Nigeria Plc Mr Pieter Van Dessel said Nigeria has failed to meet the

• Ijewere

local and international demands of palm oil. Van Dessel said the country’s palm oil production was 882,400 metric tonnes in 2010, while total vegetable oil palm production was 1.5 million metric tonnes.

He said total oil palm production was 111.7 million metric tonnes,

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange has named Mr Haruna JaloWaziri, as its Executive Director, Business Development Division.

Waziri, according to a statement from the Exchange, will oversee the Listings, Sales and Retention, Branch Network and Product Management Departments. He will also serve as a member of the NSE Executive Committee (EXCO).

Until his appointment, he was

NSE names Waziri ED the Managing Director, UBA Asset Management Limited.

He also worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Afrinvest West Africa (formerly SECTRUST).

Jalo-Waziri began his career in the Quotations Department at the Exchange. He also worked at

Kakawa Discount House Limited, where he started the Asset Management Department and rose to become Head of Asset Management before the department was changed to Kakawa Asset Management Limited.

He is an economist with over 18 years experience in Capital Mar-

ket and Investment Management covering Regulation, Deal Origination, Execution as well as Fund Management and has been involved in various successful ground breaking deals such as Heineken Euro Bond, and British American Tobacco M&A, among others.

adding that two million hectares of palm fruits are planted in Nigeria.

He said Nigeria has invested more than $400 million in the oil palm industry in the last decades, arguing that the country is only scratching the surface when compared to what Malaysia is producing.

He is a graduate of the University of Maiduguri, an alumnus of Lagos Business School and the Venture Capital Institute of America.

The NSE’s Chief Executive officer, Mr Oscar Onyeama said: “We look forward to benefiting from Mr Jalo-Waziri’s rich experience in the Nigerian capital market, and the energy he will bring to a role that anchors one of the five pillars of our transformation effort.”

CAREER MANAGEMENT

L

OOKING for job is not fun.

Not at all. If can be lonely, frustrating and discouraging. And it can be tough on your ego. But then, it is something nearly everybody past the age of consent will have to go through; at least once in a life – time. And like most things; there is a right way of going about finding a good job …….. well not exactly – if what you are expecting is a foolproof mathematical formula!

The more accurate thing to say is that these is a way of looking for work that definitely increase your chances of finding a good job, and there is also a way that not only reduces these chances, but also makes your job search miserable and discouraging to the bargain. Find errors. Debug the system. Let’s continue doing this as we have been doing in the last two weeks.

• Master job aptitude tests A significant number of employers conduct job aptitude tests as part of their selection process.

There are many reasons for this.

It may be used as a more objective (and less prone to undue influence and interferences) means of reducing applicants to manageable proportion. You will understand why if you realise that there may be thousands of application received for just a few positions.

It may be used to test the quality of applicants – especially in those days of falling education standard, with differing quality from institution to institution. The main

Basics of effective job search (III)

By Olu Oyeniran

reason, however, is to test the abilities of the applicants in the basic skills required to do the job effectively – comprehension, verbal and quantitative skills, quantitative ability, logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, specific job skills, etc. Broadly speaking, formal test falls into three categories – aptitude, attainment and personality tests.

Except you master these tests and perform well in them, your dream of getting a top flight job might suffer sudden – death at this stage.

• Master the art of writing application letter Dear Sir/Madam, I humbly apply for the post of ………………. as you advertised in the Guardian of July seventeen, two thousand and four.

Enclosed is my CV for your perusal.

Yours faithfully, Above was a recent application letter from a job candidate. It is not worth paper on which it was written in respect of aiding the job search.

The application letter (also referred to as Cover Letter) is suppose to customise your Resume/ CV for particular job. That is, it should stress the most relevant positive aspects of your CV in respect of the job at hand. It should

state how your experience and qualification meet the requirements of the job.

• Prepare well for job interview For any interview, thorough preparation is the cornerstone for making positive impressions at job interviews. There are some things you can do a day or so before the interview, but most preparations start weeks before the I-day. Many people make the mistake of waiting until the last minutes to prepare, hoping to coast to success. It does not work that way most of the time. As usual, it is only hard work that pays. Let me point out that you need to have job/career target for you to do this effectively.

For a start, you need to be unformed about your potential employer; you need to have the global picture of the main issues in industry, key players, levels of remuneration, technology, success factors, etc.

You also need to be informed about the company itself: turnover, products and markets, ownership structure, organisation structure, financial strength, culture and politics etc. If possible, also get information about the person you will be reporting to actually.

Having information about the employer seeds message at the interview that you are serious about

working for this company and boosts you confidence.

Part of the planning is for you to anticipate interview questions, and then formulate your answers to clime. Like it was mentioned in one of our past presentations the key questions are (a) why do you want to work for this company (b) what can you do for us? (c) What kind of a person are you? (d) What distinguishes you from the other 14 with similar qualifications? (e) Can we afford you? Formulate your strategies to shine.

And the small Davids that can lead to the fall of Goliaths: do you know the venue of the interview not to get lost, and get to the place late? Are you properly dressed?

Do you have manners? So you have all the things written materials, credentials, resume, recommendation/reference, photocopies, etc that you may need? Do you know what is required of you at this particular interview?

• Learn to conduct and present yourself “Qualification are important” said one respondent in a survey, “but it is the whole person that I am interest in. How much does that person come across? How enthusiastic is this person. How positive is this individual? That is so important.”

Findings upon findings indicated that within the first few minutes of any personal meet-

ing with somebody who has the power to hire you or screen you out, the decision has pretty much been made. First impressions affect the hiring decision, and this is why the way you look is so important to your job strategy.

And now to your personality traits. For example, are you stable? Don’t answer yes or no. Employer has their way of discovering people with extreme behavior of any type: inability to stay focused on an issue, disorganisation beyond the normal range. Other traits assessed include personal drive for success and achievement, honesty and integrity, people and interpersonal skills, dependability, loyalty, sense of responsibility etc.

You see, looking a for job is a serious matter. It is complex and you must master the complexity for you to succeed. Thankfully, it can be done, if you are ready to give it all it takes.

Let us pause on this topic this week. We will continue next Monday, God willing. Cheers.

This article and a lot more of useful information is now available in our reloaded and revamped website designs to provide you with effective job search skills, strategies and resources, etc.

Olu Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates.

Website: www.jobsearchhow.com E-mail: oluoyeniran@yahoo.com Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

Consumers lift spending to pay for pricier gasoline

U

S. consumer spending was unexpectedly flat in April but real disposable incomes recorded their biggest increase in nearly a year a government report showed on Friday.

U.S. consumer spending according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC); rose in August as households stretched to pay for higher gasoline prices and factory activity in the Midwest contracted this month for the first time in three years, pointing to lackluster economic growth.

The Commerce Department said consumer spending rose 0.5 percent after an unrevised 0.4 per cent gain in July.

The increase was the biggest in six months, but was largely accounted for by pricier gasoline. When adjusted for inflation, spending edged up a scant 0.1 percent after increasing 0.4 percent in July.

“Demand growth in has slowed materially in recent months, across household, business and export sectors. The risks to output growth in the near term remain firmly to the downside,” said Peter Newland, a senior economist at Barclays in New York.

With the inflation adjusted spending barely rising last month, growth in real consumer spending is un-

likely to improve much this quarter from the tepid 1.5 per cent annual pace recorded in the April-June period.

The growth picture was further dimmed by a second report from the Institute for Supply ManagementChicago showing its business barometer fell to 49.7 from 53.0 in August.

The drop below the 50 mark, which separates growth from contraction, was the first since September 2009 and reflected a contraction in new orders and a slowdown in hiring.

It was in line with recent reports flagging a cooling in manufacturing, a sector that has been the pillar of the economy’s recovery from the 200709 recession.

“To the extent that the moderation in manufacturing activity is reflecting weakening domestic and global demand, it may be a harbinger of continued sup-par GDP growth performance in the coming months,” said Millan Mulraine, a senior economist at TD Securities in New York.

But households appear little perturbed by the expensive gasoline and gathering dark clouds over the economy. Consumer confidence touched a four-month high in September, boosted by higher stock market prices and gains in home val-

•Shoppers checkout at a Target store in Falls Church, Virginia ,recently.

ues.

Consumer spending accounts for about 70 per cent of U.S. economic activity and the second straight monthly increase mostly reflected

higher gasoline prices, which rose 28.2 cents per gallon last month, though automobile purchases also helped.

Spending on nondurable goods

BofA to pay $2.43 in Merrill settlement

B

ANK of America Corp. agreed to pay $2.43 billion to settle claims it misled investors in its 2009 acquisition of Merrill Lynch & Co., in the largest settlement of a financial crisis-related shareholder class-action suit.

Bank of America said it will pay $2.43 billion to settle a class-action lawsuit related to its acquisition of Merrill Lynch. David Benoit reports on Markets Hub. The agreement according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC); represents the latest effort by Brian Moynihan, chief executive of the nation’s second-largest bank by assets, to deal with the consequences of a pair of acquisitions the bank hastily made during the financial crisis: the 2008 acquisition of mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp. for $2.5 billion and the $19 billion Merrill Lynch purchase.

The pact shows that four years after the financial crisis, Bank of America continues to pay a hefty price for those deals, engineered by former Chief Executive Kenneth D. Lewis, who left the bank in 2009.

Bank of America last year agreed to pay $8.5 billion to settle claims brought by investors who took a

beating on mortgage bonds issued

by Countrywide before the housing market collapsed.

Plaintiffs claimed Bank of America and certain of its officers made false or misleading statements about the financial health of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch. Bank of America said it denies the allegations and is settling “to eliminate the uncertainties, burden and expense of further protracted litigation.”

“Resolving this litigation removes uncertainty and risk and is in the best interests of our shareholders,” said Mr. Moynihan. “As we work to put these long-standing issues behind us, our primary focus is on the future and serving our customers and clients.”

Share of Bank of America fell in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange to $8.88. The company’s shares traded as high as $39 in the month before it announced the Merrill acquisition in September 2008.

The Charlotte, N.C., company said it would make certain corporate governance changes as well, principally tied to compensation

and board review of acquisitions.

The company, which has set aside tens of billions of dollars to pay legal costs tied to acquisitions and souring mortgages since the crisis, said it would take an additional litigation cost of $1.6 billion in the third quarter.

After the news, JMP Securities analyst David Trone adjusted his third quarter estimate to a loss of 17 cents per share.

“This settlement is far larger than we expected given the weak merits of such suits and historical precedence,” he said in a note.

The lawsuit alleged Bank of America executives hid key facts from investors who were asked to approve the deal, including $15 billion of losses at Merrill Lynch and an agreement allowing Merrill to pay $5.8 billion in bonuses to executives and employees.

The settlement ranks as the top shareholder class-action payout tied to the financial crisis.

Wachovia Corp., now part of Wells Fargo & Co., last year agreed to a $627 million settlement of claims that it misled investors about the quality of its mortgage portfo-

Crude heads for second weekly loss on economy, OPEC comments

O

IL headed for a second weekly loss on concern that slower economic growth will reduce demand and as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ secretary- general said supplies are ample.

Prices according Reuters; were little changed today after reports that U.S. consumer spending stagnated in August and business activity contracted in September.

There is no shortage in the oil market, OPEC’s Abdalla El-Badri said in a speech in Berlin. Prices rose earlier on concern Middle East tension will disrupt production.

“The broader macroeconomic outlook is weak, and there is a direct correlation between economic growth and oil demand,” said Chris Barber, a senior analyst at Energy Security Analysis Inc. in Wakefield, Massachusetts. “I don’t think there is any shortage of oil and the market is sufficiently supplied.”

Crude for November delivery fell 6 cents to $91.79 a barrel at 11:20

a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Prices are down 1.2 percent this week and 4.9 percent this month. For the quarter, oil is up 8 percent.

Brent oil for November settlement dropped 13 cents to $111.88 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

“We are likely getting to the bottom but I am not expecting any kind of rebound, just because of the lousy economy,” Barber said.

“There does seem to be some support around $90.”

U.S. household purchases rose 0.5 percent, matching the median estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg and reflecting a 0.4 percent jump in prices, the Commerce Department reported today. The department said yesterday that gross domestic product grew at a 1.3 percent rate in the second quarter, compared with a prior estimate of 1.7 percent.

“The data in the U.S. on a funda-

mental basis is bearish,” said Addison Armstrong, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut.

“Nothing is supporting WTI except for the fact that Brent remains strong.”

The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago Inc. said its business barometer fell 49.7 this month from 53 in August. A reading of 50 is the dividing line between expansion and contraction. It’s the first decline in three years.

“The economy looks terrible and there is not much demand for oil at this price point,” said Rich Ilczyszyn, chief market strategist and founder of Iitrader.com in Chicago. “OPEC is talking down oil prices again and we know there is no shortage of oil.”

OPEC’s spare production capacity “remains at relatively comfortable levels and total commercial stock levels are healthy,” El-Badri said.

“The market is currently well supplied. We see no shortages.”

jumped 1.7 per cent in August after increasing 0.8 per cent the previous month. Household spending on services rose a modest 0.2 per cent compared to 0.3 per cent in July.

France budget: Taxes favoured over spending cuts

•Ayrault

F

RANCE has unveiled its budget for 2013, avoiding big austerity spending cuts in favour of higher taxes on the wealthy and big businesses.

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault confirmed that there is to be a new 75 per cent tax rate for people earning more than 1m euros (£800,000; $1.3m) a year.

But he insisted that nine out of 10 citizens will not see their income taxes rise in the new budget.

The emphasis on tax rises according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC); is a policy of the new French President Francois Hollande that is against the prevailing mood of Europe where countries from Ireland to Greece are slashing spending to try to placate investors and lower borrowing costs.

The BBC’s Chris Morris noted that many of the Hollande government’s policies come from raising taxes rather than cutting spending and compared with other countries in Europe pushing through painful austerity, “France is resisting such radical surgery”.

“Protection of its social model comes at a cost. For all the talk of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ economic policy across the eurozone, France continues to try to buck the trend.”

Mr Ayrault called it “a courageous, responsible budget - a budget of conquest”.

While the cuts in 2013 will be two-thirds comprised of tax increases and one-third from spending cuts, the government said that from 2014 it would be divided equally.

“The government has understood that the increase in the public debt has got to be halted but the way that they are doing it is not the right way,” said Eric Chaney, chief economist at French insurer Axa. “It amounts to strongly increas-

ing the tax burden on companies, their shareholders and executives, in other words those who create added value. It will lead to an even bigger loss of competitiveness and so a reduction in long-term growth.”

In its first budget, the Socialist government insisted its promise to cut the annual deficit to the eurozone limit of three per cent of GDP next year.

Official figures on Friday showed that French public debt had hit 91 per cent of GDP between April and June this year, up from 89.3 per cent at the end of March, which was still well above the eurozone limit of 60 per cent.

Mr Ayrault pointed out that debt had grown by 30 per cent of GDP in the past five years.

He said that the budget would encourage small and medium businesses and that taking risks would also be encouraged.

But some analysts said that the targets were too ambitious because they assumed too much growth for the coming years.

The budget has been controversial, with some top earners threatening to leave the country as a result of the planned tax rises.

President Hollande was elected on a platform of abandoning austerity and encouraging growth and his popularity in France has suffered as a result of the need to cut debt.

Opposition parties have argued that more savings should have been found from cutting public spending so fewer tax rises would have been necessary.

“Never have households and companies been subjected to such a fiscal shock,” said Gilles Carrez, conservative chairman of the French parliament’s finance committee.

The national secretary of the French Communist party, Pierre Laurent, was also critical of the plans.

“We already know that the goal of 3% isn’t tenable for a very basic reason: there isn’t enough basic growth to get there,” he said.

“The budget will rather worsen the situation, because we know that the current austerity recipe is pushing the economy into a recession.”

40

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

TAXATION

PAY AS YOU CONSUME A

S a result of the uncommon nature of VAT system, majority of the populace in the country are unaware of its existence, and oftentimes the payment and collection of VAT is met with some form of resistance.

When the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team under the technical assistance program visited Nigeria in January, 2010, they recommended that the Nigerian Tax Laws be re-drafted in plain English language. Since then, various efforts including working group sessions have been held to achieve this novel feat. The most recent was the working group session on the draft Value Added Tax (VAT) law held from Wednesday, 3rd August to Monday 8th August, 2011.

At the end of the working group session, the Federal Ministry of Finance collaborated with the IMF and FIRS to organize a two-day stakeholders’ workshop where the draft VAT law was exposed. The workshop held in Abuja in August, 2011 took a critical review of the draft VAT law as it affects telecommunication, e-commerce and financial services, oil and gas business and government services.

The erstwhile Executive Chairman of FIRS, Ifueko Omoigui Okauru stated during the workshop that the role of taxation in national development can best be played if the laws and policies on which the administration of taxation rests are sufficiently robust, simple and clear. This, she said, informed the decision to organize the stakeholders’ conference where inputs/ideas would be obtained from participants so as to develop a well articulated and comprehensive VAT regime that is widely accepted and durable.

The idea of VAT in Nigeria can be traced to the Dr. Sylvester Ugoh led study group on indirect taxation in November, 1991. Thereafter, a committee was set up under the chairmanship of Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere to conduct extensive research and make recommendations. VAT was finally introduced in Nigeria in 1993 by the VAT Act No 102 of 1993 as a replacement of the Sales Tax which has been in operation under Federal Government legislated Decree No.7 of 1986 but administered by the states and Federal Capital Territory.

VAT is a consumption tax payable on the goods and service consumed by any person Whether government agencies, business organizations or individuals. The target of VAT is consumption of goods and services and unless an item is specifically exempted by law, the consumer is liable to the tax.

It can also be defined as a tax on spending/consumption levied at every stage of a transaction but eventually borne by the final consumer of such goods and services. It is levied at the rate of 5%.

The consumption tax-VAT- has been embraced by many countries world-wide. It is relatively easy to administer and difficult to evade.

The yield from VAT is a fairly accurate measurement of the growth of an economy since purchasing power (which determines yield) increases with economic growth. VAT is a self-assessment tax that is paid when returns are being rendered. In-built in the new VAT is the refund or credit mechanism which eliminates the cascading effect that is a feature of the retail sales tax. The input-output tax mechanism in VAT also makes it self-policing.

In essence, it is the Output tax less Input Tax that constitutes the VAT payable. It is the equivalent of the VAT paid by the final consumer of the product that will be collected by the government.

Although VAT is a multiple stage tax, it has a single effect and does not add more than the specified rate to the consumer price no matter the number of stages at which the tax is paid.

Illustration: If a product moves from Raw Materials Producer (A) to Manufacturer (B) at N1,000.00 then to wholesale (C) at N1,500.00, then to Retailer (D) at N2,000.00; and finally to the consumer who pays N2,500 to the Retailer, VAT payable to government at 5% rate of VAT on the product is as follows: VATable Person

Sales Price

A B C D

1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500

VAT Collected (Output VAT 50 75 100 125 350

VATon imputs VA pad (Imput Tax) to gvernment 50 75 100 225

50 25 25 25 125

Thus, the VAT paid to government in the four transactions if N125 which is 5% of the final consumer price of N2, 500 (see figure 1).

Interestingly, Nigeria operates a VAT rate that is out of sync with the ECOWAS protocol. ECOWAS adopted a uniform VAT protocol due to the constant movement of people and goods across the region and the need to subject them to similar circumstances. Nigeria which then held the Chairmanship of ECOWAS was a signatory to the protocol but currently operates a VAT law contrary to the ECOWAS protocol. Most critically is the fact that Nigeria operates the lowest VAT rate across Africa sub region-5%, whereas ECOWAS recommends a 15% VAT rate (although with Nigeria’s influence, the advisory rate has been dropped to 10%).

An attempt was made under a ministerial order as pro-

•The Value Added Tax (VAT)

•ALHAJI KABIR MOHAMMED MASHI, AG EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, FIRS

‘These offences carry penalties ranging from fines of up to N10,000 to various terms of imprisonment. In some cases the fines or penalties depend on the amount of evasion involved. The law is even stricter in dealing with officers of the Board. Any officer of the Board who aids or abets the commission of any of the offences under the VAT law will be liable to a fine of N50,000.00 and/or imprisonment for five years’ vided for by the VAT Act (that the minister may adjust the VAT rate) in 2007 to increase the rate but it generated a lot of controversy and Nigerians opposed the government’s proposal, citing the prudence of unaccountability, extra burden and non maximization of the full potentials of collecting the present VAT. The argument, however, is that, there is a clear distinction between direct tax (income tax) and indirect tax (VAT). Unlike direct tax, VAT which is an indirect tax is a consumption tax. It is tied to the cost of goods consumed from which consumers derive satisfaction. In terms of collection therefore, VAT is rather easier to collect.

The plan is to reduce direct tax (income tax) burden so that the taxpayer has more money (purchasing power) and as they consume, they pay more for tax through indirect tax (VAT) thereby increasing the net revenue collection.

It is also of interest to know that since its introduction in 1993, the income tax burden has been reduced twice (Company Income Tax from 35% to 30% and Personal Income Tax from 30% to 25%) but VAT rate has remained static. Another issue is that of the various exemptions granted on VAT. An exemption that is distortive creates a lot of complexity, non- transparency and arbitrariness in terms of application and enforcement.

Hence, the Government is short changed at two levels;

high level of exemptions and low VAT rate. Beyond exemption is the issue of the gross product VAT model which Nigeria adopts. The gross product model is one that tries to maximize tax by disallowing cost. It however allows for restriction on the recovery of VAT paid on capital items (since the cost of capital is amortized and spread across the item).

In terms of quantifying, if restrictions are removed, there will be a fall in the cost of collection but if the exemptions are rationalized, the net collection would be better. To have a proper rate.

Although there have been controversies over some State Board of Internal Revenue enacting their own tax laws, it is noteworthy to state that the FIRS is primus inter paresfirst among equals-of all the 37 tax authorities in Nigeria and the VAT law is a federal law. The case of the consumption and hotel tax being charged by the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue (LSBIR) for example, (although still at the Supreme Court) has been ruled as null and void by the Federal High Court.

The argument on the part of the LSBIRS was that the law provides that VAT for intra-state should be at the purview of the state while that for inter-state should be controlled by the Federal Government. However, the problem with this is the controversy that would be generated from cross boundary movement as being witnessed in the constant multiple tax cases. Given the constant movement of goods and services therefore, if every State operates its own tax law, there is going to be a huge problem not just for the Federal Government but for everybody (taxpayers).

Another controversy is that of recovery or offset. If for example, a man buys a product worth N100 in Kaduna and pays a VAT of N5, transports it to Abuja, sells it for N120 and is required to pay another VAT of N6.The man ends up paying a VAT of N11 (about 9.1%) as against N6 which is the statutory 5% he should pay. The reverse would have been for him to pay N5 to FIRS in Kaduna and after sales in Abuja, deduct his N5 and remit the N1 to FIRS in Abuja.

At the moment, there are seventeen categories of goods and twenty four categories of services that are VATable.

The goods and services exempted are as follows: (i) Goods Exempted •Medical and pharmaceutical products; •Basic food items; •Books and educational materials; •Newspapers and magazines •Baby products; •Commercial vehicles and their spare parts, and •Agricultural equipments and products and veterinary medicine; (ii) Services Exempted (a) Medical Services; (b) Services rendered by Community Banks, Peoples Banks and Mortgage Institutions; and (c) Plays and performances conducted by educational institutions as part of learning.

Returns A manufacturer or supplier of taxable goods or services is to render a return to the Integrated Tax Office (ITO) on or before 21st day the month next following that in which the supply was made. Thus, every VATable person must keep records of all supplies made and received. He must also make a return on form VAT 002. He has to fill in details of supplies made and received during the period and pay the net VAT due to the Integrated Tax Office (ITO) or claim a refund if tax is owed to him.

Every importer of goods into Nigeria is to render VAT returns on all imports into Nigeria to the Integrated Tax Office (ITO). The VAT returns must reach the VAT office on the due date.

Importers are required to pay VAT on imports to the VAT office while compliance is to be enforced by the Nigeria Customs Service before releasing the imported goods after a certificate of compliance issued by the VAT office is presented.

Offences and penalties: There are various offences with very stiff penalties under the VAT system. Some of the offences are: • failure to register; • failure to furnish required information; •making false claims; •obstructing VAT inspectors; and • ailure to submit returns.

These offences carry penalties ranging from fines of up to N10,000 to various terms of imprisonment. In some cases the fines or penalties depend on the amount of evasion involved.

The law is even stricter in dealing with officers of the Board.

Any officer of the Board who aids or abets the commission of any of the offences under the VAT law will be liable to a fine of N50,000.00 and/or imprisonment for five years.

Even though the concept of VAT is largely misunderstood and often times an attempt to increase the rate tends to meet with stiff resistance, given the fact that it is one tax that affects every taxpayer (since everyone must consume), it is still safe to state that the concept is very simple and will no doubt provide more revenue for the Government if properly operated.

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MOTORING

Fashola flags off ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ initiative •‘Traffic Law not for revenue generation’ L AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola last Thursday flagged off the second phase of the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ initiative in partnership with Guinness Nigeria Plc. The event was held at Iyana Ipaja Motor Park in Lagos.

According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria, Mr Seni Adetu, the programme is to raise awareness about the dangers of irresponsible alcohol consumption and to induce a change in the attitudes of commercial motorists to drink-driving.

Under the programme, the ministry with support from Guinness Nigeria has organised enlightenment activities at motor parks and has used the data collected from alcohol consumption tests as a prelude to setting a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level for the state.

“Over the years, Guinness Nigeria Plc has been in the fore-front of the campaign against drink-driving. Our involvement in this area dates back to 2004 when we partnered with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to mark the maiden edition of the United Nations World Road Safety Day. We have done a lot since then and we look forward to doing even more as we move forward together,” Adetu said.

Fashola used opportunity to debunk claims that the objective of the new Lagos Traffic Law was to generate revenue for the government.

•From left: Governor Fashola, Adetu and Commissioner for Transport Comrade Kayode Opeifa at the event.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo He said criticisms that the law was promulgated to make money were unfounded, adding that the ultimate objective was the prosperity of the

Kia rewards customers

K

IA Motors Nigeria has launched a new promotion scheme tagged Everybody is a winner with gifts including LCD televisions, home theatre systems, DVD players and much more to be won.

This promotion, aimed at rewarding Kia’s teeming customers, would run throughout month in celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day. The auto giant has over the last few months come up with various promotions and schemes aimed at making it easier for Nigerians to buy their dream KIA. Kia Motors Marketing Manager Kayode Adejumo said: “In this new promotion, every buyer of any KIA

By Tajudeen Adebanjo model gets to win prizes instantly. Once a buyer purchases a Kia, he gets to select a scratch card right there and goes home with any gift found on the scratch card.”

Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Sandeep Malhotra also corroborated Adejumo adding that the customers are at the heart of their brand.

“We aim to continuously improve the quality of our service and reward them for their loyal patronage,” Malhotra said.

KIA Motors Nigeria has been in operation in Nigeria since 2002 and will be celebrating 10 years of doing business in Nigeria this November.

Kogi to establish road agency

K

OGI State Commissioner for information Mr Yabagi Bologi said the state has concluded plans to establish a roads maintenance agency in response to the poor condition of roads in the state.

Bologi said the establishment of the agency was long overdue in view of the worsening condition

of federal, local and state roads in Lokoja and other major towns.

When established, Bologi said, the agency would be fully mobilised with funds and adequate equipment to discharge its mandate, especially in the rural areas where majority of the people reside.

state and its residents.

Fashola said: “Some people have said we made this law because we want to make money, but the question is how much money can we make from violators?

“How much money can we really

A

BOUT 25 per cent of crimes committed in State were aided by commercial motorcycle operators otherwise called okada riders.

The Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaiye, stated this in Lagos at a stakeholders’ forum on the new traffic law organised for local government officials.

Represented by Mr Olanrewaju Akinsola, Ipaiye said the figure was the outcome of a recent research conducted by the Ministry of Health.

He said no responsible government would continue to watch the rising spate of robbery and havoc being caused by the reckless okada operators.

Ipaiye said the state government was concerned about the situation, hence the enactment of the traffic law.

According to him, this is meant to regulate the commercial motorcycle business and also to sanitise the public transportation system in the state.

He noted that the traffic law was not entirely new, recalling that it was first enacted in 1949 to serve only about 300, 000 people.

make? This is not about politics; it is about your lives. How much fines can we get? The fines cannot fund the budget of the state.

“But your prosperity, your growth can develop the economy of Lagos in a much more fundamen-

tal way. That is the big picture that we see.”

He urged residents, especially transport workers, to comply with the provisions of the law, saying the success of the legislation would be determined by voluntary compliance.

Fashola enjoined transport workers against intake of alcohol and hard drugs before and during driving, saying this had significantly contributed to cases of road accidents in the state.

He said the state, through traffic officials, would begin to administer breath analyser on drivers, to check the alcoholic content of their blood, to ensure they were fit to convey passengers safely.

“We have designed this safety and health programme for our transport workers because they are critical stakeholders in our transport sector, and that’s why we are taking it to the motor parks and garages.

“This is the third park I have been to. I was at Ojota and Iddo motor parks. Now I am at Iyana Ipaja and the journey continues.

“The programme, apart from sensitising drivers on safety issues, also provides an opportunity for them to screen for diseases like hypertension and diabetes that could undermine their job.

“We urge our transport workers to take advantage of this programme and do what is right all the time and we hope that they would spread the message to others,“ he said.

Okada accounts for 25% of crimes in Lagos

By Tajudeen Adebanjo Ipaiye said the state’s population currently stands at 18 million.

The commissioner stressed that the old traffic law, having been amended six times, needed to be fine-tuned in line with the current situation.

“When a law has been amended several times, there are bound to be issues of ambiguity,” he said.

Beside security, he said the new law would also address specifically the issues of standard, safety and sanity.

He also spoke on the use of motorcycles by courier service companies and other dispatch riders adding only only approved motorbikes, with 200cc engines, would be allowed, just as he added that the riders must use the right number plate, attach the mail cabin and carry no passengers.

“You will also apply to the commissioner for a permit,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the 200cc engine was approved based on the recommendation of experts that it is the minimum engine capacity for commuting.

Although he said that the state government did not outlaw the operation of commercial motorcycles, he warned that the business must be done in accordance with the law.

Ipaiye also said that no branding of commercial vehicles operating in the state would be allowed outside the approved state colour.

Rearing of animals on the road, hawking in traffic, begging and washing of vehicles is now forbidden, he said.

Selling of alcoholic drinks and herbal concortion would no longer be allowed within 100 metres of any bus stops and motor parks, the commissioner said.

SAFE DRIVING

D

YNAMISM or situational management is a very vital key in every sphere of life. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and so shall it be forever, is a divine order because every work of God is perfectly done, needing no amendment in any form.

However, in the case of the works of human beings, there is a need for regular evaluation to know the areas that need to be adjusted to prevent avoidable consequences.

I took a fact-finding trip on the Shagamu – Benin road recently to assess the road safety situation. My findings were disheartening.

I saw 16 road accident cases on this same road alone. Eight of the accidents resulted from over-speeding on slippery road because of the rainfall of that day. Three cases were caused by wrong overtaking because of road diversions.

Four of the cases happened the previous night as a result of the factors associated with night driving.

The last and most pathetic case

Bridges and road crashes which is the reason for this article was caused by construction lapses. An articulated vehicle had a head – on collision with a passenger bus on a bridge. The bus somersaulted and hung in between the bridge and the river thereby emptying virtually all the passengers and luggages into the river. I could not ascertain if any of the passengers that fell into the river survived.

Taking a look at the bridge, the side rails are no more there not because they were removed by vandals but because of incessant accidents on the bridge which has destroyed the rails.

The main cause of the accident was the unevenness of the road at the beginning and the end of the bridge which always throw up vehicles that pass the road with speed.

This usually result to a loss of control of vehicles. The side rails are tiny pipes, not concrete. These two vehicles in this case drove in the opposite di-

rection on the same lane because of diversion. The uneven part of the bridge threw up the bus thereby making the driver to lose control of the vehicle and hit the on – coming articulated vehicle which pushed the bus to the weak side rails which was not strong enough to prevent the bus from falling into the river.

There are many bridges on the shagamu – Benin road without rails at all. The case of the four Igbinedion university lecturers whose vehicle fell into river is still very fresh.

Reports in the Punch Newspaper September 11, 2012 revealed that on the next day after my research trip on shagamu – Benin expressway (Sunday), 11 people died in two auto crashes.

The main reason for writing this report is to recommend that the construction companies should know that the volume of traffic on roads today is by far different from what it used to be in the 70s and in the 80’s when these

bridges were constructed. They should also know that some vandals have discovered alternative use of the aluminum rails which has rendered its use in road construction unnecessary in Nigeria.

Rather, concrete walls should be used to replace the aluminum rails on bridges. They are stronger and will not be tampered with by the vandals.

Government ministries and agencies responsible for road construction and monitoring should also take into cognizance the relevance of durable road and furnitures. The existing bridges should be properly fortified against road crashes. More attention should be paid to prevention rather than waiting for the harm to be done before embarking on fire brigade system.

There should also be adequate and appropriate traffic signs and road markings to warn the drivers of the

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

impending dangers on the roads.

It is also expedient that drivers must always adjust their speed according to the conditions of the road.

Drivers must slow down when approaching a bridge.

All stakeholders must take appropriate and selfless actions to drastically stem the rising rate of road crashes.

Prevention is better and cheaper than cure.

46

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

TITLE CHASE

"It will be a miracle if I now realise my dream of winning the title with Liverpool. And also the situation we're in with the rivalries. There's not just United and Arsenal now but City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Newcastle coming as well.

The Premier League has become a lot more difficult to win for everyone."

Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard admitting a miracle is needed to lead the Reds to a Premier League title before he calls time on his football career.

Gerrard: Liverpool needs a FERGIE TO miracle FERDINAND: L

48

Monday, October 1, 2012

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

VILLA:

Barca can't relent now D AVID Villa has insisted that Barcelona cannot afford to relax as they prepare to continue their winning start to the Champions League this week.

The Blaugrana came from two goals down to beat Sevilla 3-2 in a dramatic Liga clash on Saturday, with the Spain striker grabbing the winner in the third minute of stoppage time.

The 30-year-old admitted he was relieved to have helped his side earn the victory, and has called on the team to show the same kind of commitment when they take on Benfica on Tuesday.

“I’m happy that I was able to help the team in the little time I had," he told reporters after the match. "Sevilla fought hard and they played well. Thank God that I was able to finish off some good teamplay.

We’re taking the three points.

“It’s now time to focus on another competition.

We’re very pleased to leave here with such an important result and now we have to focus on the match in Lisbon. It’s an important and difficult match and that’s why we can’t afford

ourselves the luxury to relax. We want the three points.”

Sergio Busquets echoed the sentiments of his compatriot, warning that Tito Vilanova's side will face a tough test at Estadio da Luz. “We are eager to win so that we can preserve our perfect start in the Champions League," said the 24year-old to reporters. "We want to win but we know that they are a very difficult team and they have quality players, especially up front.”

Cesc Fabregas came in for criticism from some quarters after the match, after claims that he went to ground too easily during a confrontation with Gary Medel in which the Sevilla man was sent off.He

added: "We were eighth last year. If this season goes well, we get a bit of luck and improve, we have an outside, no, a 50-50 chance of being in the top four. That's being realistic. It's

End England career now

• Rio Ferdinand

•Terry

A

LEX FERGUSON has urged Rio Ferdinand to end his England career — and save himself for Manchester United.

•Ferdinand Centre-half Ferdy, 33, has not played for the Three Lions since boss Roy Hodgson axed him from his Euro 2012 squad for ‘football reasons’.

And United boss Fergie said: “Rio could do the job for England, no doubt about that — but I don’t see why he should.

“He should concentrate on his career here, that’s what I’d prefer.”

There is speculation cially

Ronaldo targets best paid footballer status

C

RISTIANO Ronaldo's ambition to become the world's best paid footballer is causing a growing rift with Real Madrid that has alerted Europe's bigspending clubs.

Russian-owned Chelsea, along with Arab-backed Manchester City and Paris SaintGermain, head the list of interested parties as the 27year-old agitates for a huge pay rise

to bring him into line with high earner Samuel Eto'o.

Ronaldo's salary at Real sees him 10th in the high earners' list at £7.98million net, around half what Eto'o earns at rich Russian club Anzhi.

His immediate target is a 50 per cent increase to around £11.8million net.

But the issue is complicated by Ronaldo's dissatisfaction at his

TOP 10 BEST PAID PLAYERS IN THE WORLD 1 S Eto’o (Anzhi) £15.91m 2 Z Ibrahimovic (PSG) £11.54m 3 W Rooney (Man Utd) £10.98m 4 Y Toure (Man City) £10.34m 5 S Aguero (Man City) £9.95m 6 D Drogba (Shanghai) £9.55m 7 F Torres (Chelsea) £8.6m 8 D Conca (Guangzhou) £8.4m 9 L Messi (Barcelona) £8.35m 10 C Ronaldo (R Madrid) £7.98m

•Gerrard

Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...

Wenger demands improvement from players

Woods draws another blank

W

A

RSENAL manager Arsene Wenger accepts his side cannot afford many more 'average' performances like against Chelsea if they are to have a say in the Barclays Premier League title race.

The Gunners went into Saturday's showdown with the leaders at the Emirates Stadium unbeaten, and holding some genuine hope of making a real impact again at the business end of the table.

However, despite creating several good openings - with Blues keeper Petr Cech denying both Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, who then missed a great chance in stoppage time - Arsenal were the architects of •Wenger their own downfall against a well-drilled Chelsea outfit.

image rights - 50 per cent of which are owned by the club - and Spain's revised tax laws.

Ronaldo earns £13.45million from off-pitch deals.

That means he is effectively paying his own wages at the Bernabeu.

'I'm sad because of a professional issue and the club know why,' Ronaldo said this month.

Ferdinand may return for England after John Terry quit just before the FA found him guilty of racially abusing Rio’s kid brother, Anton.

His United deal runs out next summer but Fergie says he should think of staying on.

He added: “If he looks after himself and he is doing that well now, there is no reason why he can’t play on.”

IVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard has admitted he needs a "miracle" to lead his side to a Premier League title before the end of his career.

The Reds finished second in 2008-09 with a points total of 86 that would have won the league in several other seasons, but have never come as close in Gerrard's tenure as skipper.

With the Manchester clubs and Chelsea all strengthening in the summer, the 32-year-old realises his hopes of bringing the title to Merseyside are unlikely to happen, especially with other upand-coming rivals also hungry for success.

"It will be a miracle if I now realise my dream of winning the title with Liverpool," he said in his recently published autobiography My Liverpool Story.

"I say that because of my age and where we have finished in the league the past couple of years. And also the situation we're in with the rivalries.

"There's not just United and Arsenal now but City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Newcastle coming as well. The Premier League has become a lot more difficult to win for everyone."

Despite Liverpool's fine 5-2 win at Norwich on Saturday, their poor early-season form has already led to an 11-point gap between themselves and league leaders Chelsea, which may prove to be too large a deficit for Brendan Rodgers' side to claw back.

However, Gerrard claims that, with improvements, the club will be capable of challenging for a Champions League qualifying position by the end of the season.

•Ronaldo •van Persie

hen the United States of America last claimed the Ryder Cup in Kentucky in 2008, they did it without the help of the injured Tiger Woods.

The golfing gods appear to have decided that they will may do it without his help again this week.

Following two opening day defeats alongside Steve Stricker, the 36-year old former world number one was benched for the first time in a Ryder Cup career that goes back to 1997.

Davis Love was hoping that Woods and Stricker would be rested and hungry for the

fourballs. But the magic came far too late and the European pair of Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia responded brilliantly to some late Woods fireworks, hanging on for a one up win in a pulsating match that epitomised

that is noble about the biennial team contest.

Buoyed by some trademark Woods magic, the Americans came to the last needing a win to salvage a half. But Woods missed from 20 feet and Steve Stricker’s seven foot birdie putt lipped out.

The result leaves Woods with a Ryder Cup record that is hardly commensurate with his stature as a giant of the game - 13 wins, 17 defeats and two halves from 32 matches.

•Tiger Woods

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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55

66TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING n Wednesday 26th September, 2012 (10th Dhul-Qa’adah, 1433 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its Sixty Six (66) sitting in continuation with sequence of previous sittings during which important policy issues and programmes that positively impact on the quality of lives of our citizenry were deliberated upon.

Importantly, in Sixty five (65) sittings the present administration approved a capital expenditure close to N212 billion of which N1,076,424,600.66 was approved for the execution of 14 projects by the Council during its most recent 65TH sitting.

O

Fifteen (15) candidates indigenous to Kano state were selected to undergo the training programme organized by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN). Council considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N363,500.00 to the office of the secretary to the state Government to facilitate for the stated purpose according to the details presented.

Today, Council sitting was presided over by Gov. RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO FNSE during which 36 memoranda were submitted by 13 MDAS for deliberation by the Council. An expenditure of N1,522,871,786.45 covering 18 projects was approved for execution by the Council.

4.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES Three (3) memorandum were submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for deliberation by the Council as follows;a.

Request for funds to procure a special vehicle for use by Kano state Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency.

A mobile Zoo is a general practice globally, maintained contents of this memorandum. As such, the Agency requested for the release of Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso funds by the Council to enable the purchase of a Sino Truck, Home model crane of 4 tons capacity, mounted on cargo bus, 266 hp engine, 4 x 2 drop tail body vehicle. The vehicle is also designed as a prototype cage which protects the animals as well as the public of any threats. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N15,000,000.00 to the office of the secretary to the state Government for the purchase and allocation of the referred vehicle to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for use by the Kano state Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency.

1.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE Two (2) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Justice for consideration by the Council as follows; (a)

Presentation of the Concession Agreement for Merrs Shaanx Auto Logistics and solution Limited to manage Bus Mass transit on selected road corridors within Kano Metropolis; In its resolve to reform the transport sector the Government introduced urban mass transportation program. Under the scheme, high capacity buses, light rail, city taxis, modern intra and inter state buses will be deployed to ease the present chaotic transport situation. Based on this resolve, certain road corridors were given out on concession under Public Private Partnership to Messe Shanxxi Auto Logistics and Solution Limited to operate Bus Rapid Transport (BRT).

The Council was reminded by contents of this memorandum, of its approval for the engagement of Merrs Shaanx Auto Logistics and Solution Limited to provide Bus Mass Transit (BMT) on some selected routes in Kano Metropolis.

The Executive Committee on the issue met and deliberated / examined the initial agreement document and proffered some amendments.

Council noted, considered and directed the committee to study and report back by next Council sitting. (b) Presentation of the Amended “ control of animals Bill 2012;The amended “control of Animals law 1991 “ was presented to the Council by contents of this memorandum and council considered and approved for the transmission of the amended Law to the state House of Assembly for passage into Law. This law is necessary to curtail the roaming around of domestic animals within the cities, which has been causing accidents and loss of lives.

1.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH Two (2) memoranda were presented by the ministry of health for deliberation by the Council thus; a.

Submission on the establishment of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (SBHCMB).

Council was notified by contents of this memorandum of the establishment by Law of the SPHCMB whose offices are presently located at Na’ibawa Quarters opposite Gidan Fiat (ie former BEE-ZEE-BEE Hotel) Zaria road with the aims of tackling healthcare issues at primary level. An Executive Secretary has already been appointment and all relevant officials assigned to handle the affairs of the Board are in-place. Council was requested to note, consider and direct the transfer of all Primary Health Care Services to the SPHCMB from the Ministry for Local Governments and other relevant organizations.

Council noted the content of the memorandum and after due deliberation approved the setting up of an Executive Council Committee to study the request and propose options most appropriate to it and submit its finding for decision. b.

Request for funds to facilitate for the repairs and renovation of four (4) senior staff quarters, two(2) intermediate staff quarters and reconstruction eastern wall fence at Tudun Wadar Dankadai General Hospital;Citizens are aware of the effort of this administration of rehabilitating most of the State Hospitals in the urban and rural areas. During the last meetings approval for the renovation of State Dental Clinic, Gaya General Hospital and Murtala Mohammed Hospital were approved for improved healthcare delivery in the State. Efforts are made to see that all Health Centres are given attention. This explains the approval given for the sum of N7,808,388,70 as requested by contents of this memorandum, to the Ministry of Health to effect the referred projects. The gesture is informed by the need to provide prompt response to the damages caused by heavy rainstorm that occurred in May, 2012 which removed the roofing of all the referred houses and shattered their doors and windows.

b.

Request for funds to settle transportation charges by two companies (City Transport ventures Ltd and Talba Trading Company);The Council was notified of the responsibility to pay the transportation cost owed the transportation companies referred.

Thus; I. N9,547,000.00 - City transport kentures Ltd II. N1,847,000.00 - Talba Trading Compony Total = 11,414,000.00 Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N11.414,000.00 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to facilitate for the payment of transport cost incurred in the transportation of fertilizer to various Local Government Areas/wards across the state by the two companies respectively. c.

Request for Government Clearance /approval to inaugurate the state implementation Committee (SIC) on Agriculture Transformation Programme;Deliberating on the need to establish the State Implementation Committee (SIC) on Agricultural Transformation Programme the Council approved Content of this memorandum. SIC is to; i. promote and disseminate the Agricultural implementation Action plan(ATAP) to all stakeholders in the state ii.

Monitor the implementation of the Action plan on various agricultural production and value the activities across the state. iii. Submit monthly / quarterly and yearly report. iv. Serve as channel for reporting any unforeseen development that may hamper the implementation of the plan in the state. v.

Hold regular ad-hoc activities as may be assigned.

5.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport presented five (5) memoranda for consideration by the Council. Thus; a.

Request for permission and approval to recruit 150 vehicle inspection officers (VIO) for road traffic Department ;-

3.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT Ten (10) memoranda were submitted by the office of the Secretary to the State Government on behalf of MDAs for deliberation by the Council as follows;-

The State is facing acute shortage of VIOs despite the increase in traffics in the State. The current number of 65 VIOs is grossly inadequate for the State. As such, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for permission and approval by the Council to employ 150 additional VIOs ; thus , i.

Vehicle inspection - 30 ii.

Operations - 55 iii.

Driver Training and testing - 15 iv.

Recovery - 10 v.

Public Relation - 5 vi.

Recognised moto parks - 30 vii.

Administrators - 5 Total - 150 Council considered and approved the request by granting permission for the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to advertise, conduct interview and submit list of recommended applicants to the committee of employment for 1004 unemployed youth.

a.

b. Notification of the Donation of a complete school at Kuyan -Ta- Inna in kumbotso LGCA by A U ventures Nigeria Ltd ;-

Request for funds to cater for the cost commitment in conducting medical examination for 200 cadets plus logistics;Of recent the State has sponsored 501 Graduates overseas to pursue Postgraduate degrees in various courses. This is in addition to the 100 selected to undergo Pilot training and Airplane maintenance in different universities outside the nation. The total number of 150 trainees for pilot and aircraft maintenance have been selected for medical examination envisaged to qualify them for the programs is scheduled to be in Kaduna for 12 days. Contents of this memorandum requested for the release of the total sum of N3,472,000.00 to the office of the Secretary to the State Government to facilitate for the entire exercise. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the total sum of money according to the details presented to cater for the stated purpose. The State Government is ready to support its citizens in the pursuit of their educational callings.

Contents of this memorandum presented the magnanimous gesture of the philanthropist owner of A U Ventures Nigeria Ltd who donated built up school structures comprising Headmaster’s office staff room, two blocks of classrooms in response to the call by the present administration to capable and well meaning citizens to support Government efforts in qualitative provision of Education.

Council, noted and appreciated the gesture and extended its unreserved gratitude to the donor and expectantly await others to emulate.

b.

Notification on the return of unused funds to the state Treasury;Contents of this memorandum notified the Council of the return of the sum of N3,500,000.00 to the state Treasury for not being used as approved. The purpose was the proposed 18th Edition of the Annual chief Justice of Nigeria sports competition scheduled for 2nd to 8th July, 2012 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State but was cancelled. Council appreciated the transparent and prudent behaviour and call on all public officials to emulate same.

Request for funds to facilitate for the execution of general repair work at an existing portion of the perimeter wall at Government House;Pursuant to the general development works being executed at the Government House, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for the release of the sum of N18,346,330.40 by the Council to enable the execution of reconstruction of a portion of the perimeter wall fence around the Government House.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to execute the stated project since it is in consonance with the drive to repair all obsolete structures in the Government House by the present administration.

c.

Request for funds to facilitate for landscaping of the premises of Zaria Road flyover;The sum of N2,549,572.00 was approved for release by the Council to facilitate for landscaping around Zaria road flyover by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant Urban Beautification and Development control.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the office of the secretary to the state Government for onward payment to the office of the Senior Special Assistant Urban beautification and Development control to facilitate execution of the project according to the details presented in this memorandum.

d.

Request for funds to facilitate for renovation works at Kano state House of Assembly;Council was reminded, by contents of this memorandum of the on-going renovation works of Government properties across the state. Council was notified of the need to renovate the structures at the state House of Assemble in order to improve its standards to a befitting status.

The requested sum of N17,759,783,98 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to execute the stated project according to the details presented.

d.

e.

Request for funds to execute renovation works at Murtala Muhd Library Board, Ahmadu Bello way Kano;The deplorable condition of Murtala Muhd Library was brought to the notice of the Executive Council , by contents of this memorandum. The situation was observed to have resulted from the absence of routine maintenance.

Council considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N18,359,855.45 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to executed the stated project according to the details presented.

Presentation of the report on the outcome of the visit of an official delegation from Gulf Medical University (GMU) Abu Dhabi (27th -29th May, 2012);i.

It is the policy of the present administration to cooperate and seek assistance from private and public organizations to advance the State in education and other sectors. Recently the State received delegation from Gulf Medical University, Abu Dhabi and discussion were held between them and the State on the possibility of establishing a Campus of the University and a Teaching Hospital in the State. Representatives of Gulf University are expected to visit the State in the coming month. Options were proposed for the setting up of the University Campus and members agreed that one of the two sites would be apt: Giginyu General Hospital, which is one of the numerous abandoned projects left by the previous administration or the Hospital at Kwanar Dawaki Kudu.

Council noted, considered and directed the Commissioner for Health to take the visiting team to the two sites: Kwanar Dawakin Kudu Hospital and Giginyu Hospital with a view to assessing its suitability for their purpose. e.

Presentation of the report of the public suggestion Box Committee for the Months of June and July,2012;Contents of this memorandum presented summaries of five (5) topical suggestions proffered by some concerned patriots on the following; i.

Pedestrian protection fence at Abubakar Rimi market (Sabon Gari) ii.

Establishment of a kidney Transplant Center in partinership with an Indian Hospital iii. Update on the Library at Kano Polytechnic. iv. Establishment of 500- bed modern Hospital at 4 centres in the state. v.

Completion of two (2) classroom blocks at JSS Badawa Council noted, considered contents of this memorandum and directed the following Government establishment to took into each of the respective issues raised and present comprehensive memorandum (a) as the case may be i.

Management of Abubakar rimi Market ii.

The Ministry of Health iii. The Ministry for Higher Education iv.

The ministry of Education a.

Presentation of a proposal for technical co-operation from the United Nation Human settlement programme (UN HABITAT);Seven (7) salient issues were revealed by contents of this memorandum for consideration by the Council before adopting /promulgating any policy on the cooperation between the state Government and the referred Agency. Council noted, considered the recommendations contained in this memorandum and granted permission for officials of the agency to be invited for more discussion. a.

Request for funds to facilitate for the provision of eight (8) units of Brand New Honda Pilot 2012 model to four (4) High Court Judges and Four (4) Khadis;Government is doing everything possible to improve the working condition of public servants in the State Service.

Citizens are aware of the decision of the Government to sell Government Houses to their occupants and release over N200 million as vehicles loan to those interested so that they could be mobile. It is in this vein, the Council approved for the release of the sum of N95,200,000.00 to the office of the Secretary to the state Government for the procurement and allocation of eight(8) units of Brand New Honda Pilot 2012 model to four(4) High Court Judges and four(4) Khadis that are yet to be provided with official vehicles. Each of the vehicles cost N11,900,000.00. a.

Request for funds to enable the Taekwondo State team participate in the 1st CCSF(open) International Championship at Abuja (5th – 8th October,2012) Government has never failed to send State representatives in any sporting activities. It may be recalled that this year Kano pillars Football club won champions league qualifying them to represent Nigeria at.... Similarly Kano pillars basket team represented Nigeria at .. In Liberia and became the overall winner. Just last week the state contingent football team of Kano teachers college, participated in ... Manchester in United Kingdom. The club defeated Royal airforce team at cosford to become the overall champion.. all in addition to the success recorded by Kwankwasiya Babes football club when they made Nigeria and Kano proud by winning silver medal at UAE last December. Based on this successes the council approved the release of N551,200.00 to facilitate Taekwondo team participation at the 1st CCSF (open) international championship at Abuja (5th – 8th October,2012). This is in cognizance of the fact that the sports Council is capable of presenting capable contingent at such tournaments. a.

Request for the release of funds to facilitate for the transportation and registration of 15 Kano state indigenous candidates for the Graduate skills Development programme;-

c.

6.

MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Two (2) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning for deliberation by the Council as follows;a.

Presentation of a report in respect of resigned layout consisting of 65 residential plots;Contents of this memorandum presented the conflicts existing among the layout of 65 plots, Kano state polytechnic and TP/KAS/220 Linking yahaya Gusau Road and sheikh Jafar Mahamud Adam Road since the year 2002. The polytechnic later encroached into the layout by extending its wall fence into some of the plots in the layout. Now, the problem remains that a choice has to be made between cancelling the curve out high density plots or requesting Kano state Polytechnic to adjust its entire southern boundary by some 8 metres to the north.

Nevertheless, Government proposes Construction /dualization of the road linking Yahaya Gusau Road with Shaik Jafar Mahmoud Adam Road on whose part RDKN416 was created. So, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning recommended to the Council to consider approving for the cancellation/ revocation of RDKN 416 and the entire high density residential plots allocation. Council noted, considered and approved for the revocation of RDKN 416 and the entire plot allocations. b.

Presentation of submitted report on Kofar Wambai market ;The situation that resulted from the inspection Endeavour by the joint effort of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning and the Ministerial Committee along with KNUPDA and Municipal LGC officials at the Wambai Market is summarized in seven (7) items and presented in this memorandum. Ultimately, the following recommendations were submitted for Council’s consideration and approval; i.

Relocation of some parts of the market – especially Yan Gwanjo, Yan Bulawus, yan Roba to Hawan Kalebawa, along Danbatta Road. ii.

Construction of modern market in the present site with one storey lock-up shops, drainages, asphalt and other facilities that will operate 24 hours daily. iii. To finance the building of the new market with treasury loan. iv. All the shops to be charged infrastructural development fees such that the market pays for itself.

Council noted, considered and approved for the adoption of the preceding recommendation and directed for KNPDA to prepare relevant design and produce Bills of Engineering Measures and Evaluation (BEME) and cost implication of the entire project.

7.

OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE Four (4) memoranda were presented by the office of the Head of civil service for deliberation by the Council as follows (a) Presentation of commendation letter from the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Kano state branch;Contents of this memorandum amply presented the appreciation of the JUSUN on the decision of the Government (council) to approve for the enhancement of salaries for Judiciary Staff. Considering this development, the Union; i.

Commended the state Government for fulfilling its promise to adjust the salary parity between the staff of the Ministry of Justice and that of the judiciary. ii.

Expressed its appreciation to the office of the head of civil service, Attorney General, Chief Judge and the Grand Khadi for their respective efforts towards the realization of the salary adjustment/enhancement . iii. Called on its members to remain patriotic and discharge their duties diligently. iv. Decided to withdraw all earlier threats of strike action.

Council noted, considered and appreciated the presentation. (b) Request for the release of funds to sponsor the Leadership of the Nigeria Labour congress Kano State Council to attend the international Leadership programme ;Contents of this memorandum notified the Council of the need for the sponsorship of a delegation from the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress Kano State Council to attend a workshop (29th October – 2nd November,2012 ). The workshop is organize by the MC Donough school of Business, George town University, Washington D.C.U.S.A in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM). The programme is designed to expose participants for emerging trends in

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

56 decision making and international best practices in leadership management.

So, cognizant to the existing cordial relationship between the state Government and state wing of the Labour Congress, Council approved for the release of the sum of N1,800,000.00 to enable the participation of the state wing of the Labour Congress at the referred workshop. providing (d) Submission of Proposal For Payment Of Ram Bonus To The State Civil Servants In line with the philosophy of this government of judicious utilization of public funds and in providing desired attention to the revised Ramadan/Ram bonus law 2011 by the State House of Assembly, Council approved the payment of Ram bonus to the State Civil Servants in an inverted pyramidal format taking cognizance of the Junior grades whose financial status is low.

Under the present dispensation, reflecting the relative/anticipated market price of livestocks during the Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) season, the following rate was considered and approved i.

Staff on grades level GL 01-06 - N15,000.00 ii.

Middle level Staff on GL 07-12 - N12,000.00 iii. Snr. Management on GL 13-17- N10,000.00 Accordingly, with this kind gesture Council called upon the entire State work force to redouble their efforts, to reciprocate the gesture along with other numerous welfare packages extended to them by the present administration 8.

MINISTRY FOR RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Request for ratification and release of funds to facilitate for electrification projects under the 2012 constituency project;The budgeted sum of 72,707,096.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry for Rural and Community Development to enable the execution of electrification projects across the state as approved in the 2012 budget for constituencies.

The gesture is in line with the present administration resolve to providing qualitative required services for the enhancement of the lives of the citizenry.

9.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Three (3) memoranda were submitted for consideration by the Ministry of Education. thus; a.

Presentation of the work plan on 2012 international Literacy Day Calibration (ILD) ;The Agency for mass Education presented its work plan on the 2012 international Literacy Day (ILD) through contents of this memorandum. Theme for this years celebration is “ literacy for peace “ which call all UNESCO member countries (Nigeria inclusive) to invest in literacy in a bid to promote peaceful coexistence and democratic culture.

Seven (7) activities were proposed for execution. Council appreciated the presentation and directed the Executive Secretary of the Agency to present a more comprehensive memorandum on the issue including monetary implications. (b) Request for the release of funds to facilitate for the purchase of textbooks in non-core subjects;Council was adequately informed of the state Government on the need to procure and distribute textbooks for non-core subjects such as, IRK, Arabic, Hausa, PHE, Home Economics, Agriculture Science, etc. The core subjects are usually provided for by UBEC whose Headquarters purchase and distribute textbooks for five(5) core-subjects which include Mathematics. English, social Studies, integrated science and Vocational Education.

It may also be recalled that, textbooks for non-core subjects were last purchased and distributed in the year r2002 during the first tenure of the incumbent Governor Rabi;u Musa Kwankwaso. Council considered the ten(10) years lapse and approved for the release of the requested sum of N49,999,932.50 to the Ministry of Education to enable SUBEB purchase and distribute the textbooks for the referred non- core subjects in order to ensure effective teaching and learning in our basic education schools. (c) Request for the release of the 2012 state Counterpart funds The sum of N852,936,713.92 was approved for release as state share for the 3rd and 4th quarters counterpart funds for the year 2012 in response to the approved appropriated grant of equal amount by UBEC. This gesture was timely and appropriate in order to access equal amount of money from the UBEC. 10. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/ HON. COMMISSIONER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT Presentation of the progress report form the state committee on farmers/pastoralists conflict resolution;Progress achieved so far was adequately presented to the Council by contents of this memorandum which highlighted that, i.

Some small grazing reserves were discovered in some LGC As what remains is for them to be made functional. ii.

Insemination progrmme aimed at boosting cattle production in the state to be initiated. iii. The request for funds to upgrade the grazing reserves and artificial insemination will be forwarded for consideration and approval.

Council noted, considered and directed the Deputy Governor to invite leadership of the pastoralists for audience with Gov. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso 11. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT Request for funds to facilitate for the flag off of the Great Green Wall (GGW) project in October 2012;Council noted contents of this memorandum which presented the outcome of the meeting between the state representatives from the Ministry of Environment and those from the Federal Department of Draught and Desertification Amelioration in respect of the proposal by the Federal Government to flag-off the GGW project coming up in October,2012.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the sum of N3,301,380.00 to the same Ministry so as to ensure a hitch free execution of the activity viz i.

Provision of two (2) Toyota Hilux Double cabin vehicles. ii.

Provision of one (1) tractor. iii. Funds for refurbishing of one (1) Mitsubishi truck .

Further, Council approved for the inclusion of the state and Local Government shelter-belt along with the state Afforestation committees in the programme 12. MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND BUDGET Submission on the review and Amendment of the approved 2012 Budget;Contents of this memorandum precisely presented the current state of affairs that necessitated the review /amendment of the 2012 approved budget. The need for the review emanated from sharpening the focus of the budget to deliver on its objective by accelerating the execution of priority projects which current resources can permit .

So, the amendments are anchored to the following ;i.

The need to provide for the completion of some projects already started especially mega projects such as; • Construction of north-south road • Construction of flyover • Establishment of North West University • Construction of Jakara Kwarin Gogou Road ii. iii.

The need to formalize certain expenditure incurred out of exigencies.

The need to appropriate the 2012 budget provision for stabilization fund.

Now ; the size of the proposed 2012 budget amendment is to be funded from the following three(3) broad sources • • •

Stabilization fund - N1,000,000,000.00 Savings from recurrent expenditure - N6,802,610,163.00 Savings from 2012 capital project - - N13,300,000,000.00 Total = N21,102,610,163.00 Based on the presented review profile the proposed estimate is as follows; • • •

Personnel cost - N1,677,573,556.00 Overhead cost - N2,571,310,276.00 Capital expenditure N16,853,726,331.00 Total = N21,102,610,163.00 Council noted, considered the presentation and approved its passage and submission to the Honourable State House of Assembly for passage into Law. 13. MINISTRY OF FINANCE Request for the release of funds to facilitate for the payment of success – based fee to GSL Consulting Firm on refund to Debt overpayment, 1992- 2006 to Kano State ;The sum of N349,425,000.00 was approved for release by the council to the Ministry of Finance for onward payment to GSL consulting firm in compliance to agreement signed between the state Government and the firm. The money is simply 15% of the recovered N2,329,500,000.00 first of two instalments to be paid to Kano State Government by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

Council directed the ministry of planning and Budget to issue an Authority to Incur Expenditure to cover the payment.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES AT THE 66TH EXCO SITTING PROCESSING OF VISA IN RESPECT OF 501 SPONSORED CANDIDATES TO PURSUE HIGHER DEGREES ABROAD Council noted with appreciation the level of progress recorded in securing visas in respect of 501 Government sponsored indigenous candidates to pursue higher degrees in various institution across the world.

In addition, Council expressed delight with Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry of Education and all other stakeholders involved in facilitating timely issuance of visas to the prospective applicants.

1.

2.

CONSTRUCTION OF A BLOCK OF CLASSROOMS AT GGSSS GARKO BY CHEVRON Council noted with appreciation the construction and donation of a well equipped block of classroom at the said school by Chevron and called on all other corporate organisations/philanthropists in the State to emulate the gesture.

Similarly, the Council noted that the previous Government awarded a contract for the construction of 1000 classrooms at the cost of N1.3billion in 2009, after verification of the work done the sum of N300,000,000 was earlier settled and of recent after meeting with contractors, government approved the settlement of outstanding liabilities due to the affected contractors for the completion of abandoned projects to properly accommodate children and provide conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.

3.

EMPLOYMENT OF 1003 UNEMPLOYED YOUTH BY THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION Council noted the completion of recruitment/selection exercise of additional 1003 unemployed youth into the State civil service and formal issuance of letters of appointment would be conducted by His Excellency the Governor on Thursday 27th September, 2012.

In the same vein, the Council directed for the commencement/screening exercise of additional 1004 unemployed youths with immediate effect.

4.

NOMINATION TO SERVE ON THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A ROAD MAP FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF PERSUASIVE BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE IN NIGERIA Council noted with appreciation for nomination of a member of the State Executive Council, Hon. Commissioner for Science & Technology to serve as a member in the committee. His selection to serve in the committee was based on reputation/proven integrity, knowledge, experience and expertise in the ICT Industry.

5.

WORKSHOP ON VOLUNTARILY SPECIAL ROAD MARSHALS Council noted the conduct of sensitization workshop organized by the voluntary road Marshall comprising of Road Safety and other stakeholders. Council congratulated the efforts of the special road Marshall for organizing such an important workshop which was aimed at sensitizing the citizens of the State on roads usage.

Similarly, Council noted that the special road Marshall commended Government efforts for embarking upon constructions of various dualized road projects, establishment of KAROTA, Traffic lights/Streetlight, Major Motor Parks and Traffic Assistants.

Signed: Commissioner, Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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NEWS

•Mr Tokunbo Ajasin (third left); Prof. Bolale Awe (fourth left); Comrade Awa Bamiji (fourth right); Princess Sangodoyin (third right); Comrade Moshood Erubami (second right) and others at a lecture in Ibadan.

Fayemi: we’ll resolve council workers’ strike this week E KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday promised that his administration would resolve the two-week strike by local government workers before the end of this week.

The governor spoke at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in AdoEkiti, the state capital, during a thanksgiving service for Nigeria’s 52nd Independence anniversary and the 16th anniversary of the creation of the state.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Aado-Ekiti

According to him, the workers’ audit, which has been delaying the payment of the minimum wage to council workers, has been concluded.

Fayemi said genuine council workers would be paid the N19,300 minimum wage as well as its arrears from April,

when their colleagues in the state civil service started enjoying the new salary package.

The governor said the audit was necessary to ascertain the authentic workers and ensure that the funds that could have been expended on developmental projects are not paid to “ghost workers”.

He noted that it would be unfair if all the resources that

accrued to the state are spent by a section of the state, which is not up to five per cent of the population.

Fayemi said his administration, despite the meagre resources that remain in the coffers after paying salaries, has been able to carry out various infrastructural developments.

These, he said, include massive road projects and unprecedented social security scheme for senior citizens of 65 years and above, among others.

Police chief to Tokyo: come out of hiding in your own interest

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YO State Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu yesterday urged the embattled former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (aka Tokyo), to report himself to the police for interrogation.

The police chief alleged that Tokyo needs to answer questions on several cases, adding that there was an open warrant for his arrest anywhere, even outside Nigeria.

Mbu told The Nation that Tokyo’s utterances against the police have raised the suspicion that his predecessors treated him with kid gloves.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

The police chief added that the former union leader would soon realise that he is not above the law.

According to him, Tokyo has other cases to answer, apart from last year’s June 6 murder of innocent students at the Iwo Road, Ibadan interchange.

He vowed to arrest him even if it meant engaging the International police (INTERPOL) outside Nigeria.

Mbu said: “I am begining to believe that my predecessors were handling him with kid gloves. His utterances

against a CP should be considered as the highest display of indiscipline and disorderliness.

“He is a common tout who, fortuitously, came to limelight. I am not an honourable commissioner. I am a police commissioner by rank. I am a CP in charge of the Oyo State Police Command by appointment. This appointment is very clear in the Constitution and it appears he (Tokyo) does not know the power of a constable, let alone the powers of a CP. “Tokyo is not having only one case but many other cases to answer - from June, last

year, till now. The order is circumscribed only to that matter referred to. He has other matters pending till date since the murder of those students.”

Mbu added that there is no court in Nigeria that would restrain the police from arresting the former union leader on all charges.

“That would mean that we are going back to the state of nature, according to Thomas Hobbes,” he said.

The police chief expressed his willingness to conduct a new election and the determination of the command to deal with “any recalcitrant and lawless group”.

We’ll fulfil our electoral promises, SUN State Governor says Aregbesola Rauf Aregbesola has

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said his administration will fulfil its electoral promises to the people.

The governor spoke in Ikire, headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area, during the monthly Walk-to-Live programme.

Despite the heavy downpour, the long procession of participants walked through the streets of Ikire, singing and dancing.

Aregbesola saluted the endurance of the participants for defying the rain.

He urged residents of Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency and the state to take care of their health and hygiene.

The governor reemphasised the importance of the monthly physical exercise, saying it would raise the bar of the low life expectancy attributed to Africans.

He said the low life expectancy was attributable to lack of regular exercises among the people.

According to him, life expectancy is low in this part of the world because of inadequate health care system and good, quality foods.

•Governor explains why life expectancy is low Aregbesola advised the people to sanitise their environment to prevent flooding and outbreak of diseases.

He said: “Our main aim for introducing this programme is to educate our people on the need to take good care of their personal health and hygiene.

This alone will go a long way in increasing the low life expectancy ratio ascribed to Africa.

“This is the fulcrum of the monthly exercise. We, as a human beings, owe certain responsibilities to our bodies to function very well and for us to have healthy bodies.

“We must, in addition to regular physical exercise, eat

good food and keep our immediate surroundings clean to prevent outbreak of epidemics and other preventable diseases.”

Among the dignitaries at the programme were Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Folorunso Bamidele Olabode; a member of the House of Representatives, Alhaja Ayo Omidiran, representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Constituency; state executive and legislative members; the newly appointed Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Sunday Olayinka Owoeye.

Others were the former Su-

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HE Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Chairman, Justice Fatai Adeyinka (rtd), yesterday decried voters’ apathy in local government elections in the state.

The LASIEC chief warned that this could erode legitimacy, good governance and democracy.

He noted that the low turnout in recent times had no connection with the agency’s preparation for the polls across the 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

Adeyinka spoke at the Political Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the commission in Ikeja, the state capital.

The LASIEC chief recalled that the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria (FOSIECON) and other independent observers within and outside the country had applauded the polls conducted by the commission.

Mark, Tambuwal, Tinubu to Nigerians: don’t despair Continued from page 2

Tinubu called for the strengthening of our various institutions to serve the interest of the citizenry and not personal political interests.

“The sustenance of our democracy is important. The can do spirit of Nigerians must be harnessed. Parochial sectional interests must be dislodged.

And we must work collectively for peace and stability of the nation.

At the age of 50, a person is expected to have mature and developed into something greater. But a nation should have made concrete and critical steps towards the progress and happiness of its citizenry and not just be contented with business-as-usual that has left a vast majority of our people in a state of hopelessness.

Tinubu said we must re-focus, be determined and dedicated to nation building and economic renewal of the people such that they really survive. Governance should not just be about leadership and benefits for the elite and the

few, but must be for the concrete welfare of our nation.

“Let’s see our democracy and hold it fast as one for the people, by the people and of the people and not that for the greedy, by the greedy and of the greedy. Nigeria is a promising nation to which we must all re-dedicate ourselves and uphold those ideals that make us strong. Only a sincere constitutional review for institutional strengthening will lead us to the path of greatness, Tinubu said.

He congratulated Nigerians saying much as Nigerians like to criticise themselves, the country has made some progress, even if there are always room for improvement.

“I call on Nigerians to develop a positive attitude about their country. We may not have reached where we feel we should be. But we certainly have made some progress.

“So, while we work hard at attaining our future goals, we must build on the positives of the past decades”.

‘I alone can’t solve Nigeria’s problems’ Continued from page 2 •Aregbesola

per Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde; renowned sport administrator Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi; a former Super Eagles player, Ademola Adeshina and a crop of Nollywood actors and actresses.

Sambo: deregulation’ll bring development HE Vice-President Namadi Sambo has said the full deregulation of the economy would guarantee the creation of jobs and bring development to the country.

He spoke in Lagos at the weekend at the Island Club’s Quarterly Business Lecture entitled: Nigeria’s Economic Potential- Investment for the Real Sector.

The Vice-President noted that Nigeria’s

LASIEC prepares for 2014 council poll

By Musa Odoshimokhe

economy had shown positive growth, based on the figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

He said these indicated seven per cent increase in the last three years.

Sambo explained that with full deregulation, millions of Nigerians would get jobs in various fields.

The fiery pastor also added that for men to make incantations and satanic pronouncements over the nation in shrines and strange alters, all because some of them desire positions at all cost, is wickedness.

He condemned people who play “politics of religion and ethnicity”, even as “a group of men continues to swell the number of widows and orphans.”

Quoting copiously from the book of 2 Chronicles 7:14, Pastor Ortisejafor said the question that has bogged his mind for some time is: “Does God hear our prayers or has he abandoned us?”

He went on: “We cannot judge God’s ability to perform on what we see, but what we

know about God. “In the scripture we read, God expects the church to fast and pray for Nigeria, but so our church not become a ritual. He gives two very important conditions to answer prayer.

“One, God says we must humble ourselves. He said he will not forget the cries of the humble. He resists the proud and gives grace to humble.

Some of the dignitaries present were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Senate President David Mark, Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker, ministers, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff, Chief of Defence Staff and Service chiefs, top government officials, top politicians and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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NEWS Kogi flood: Wada calls for more assistance From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

K

OGI State Governor Idris Wada yesterday urged individuals and organisations to assist flood victims across the state.

The governor spoke in Lokoja, the state capital, when he received some relief materials from a group, Baby Hannatu Foundation.

He said: “From the information we have received, this flood will last for some time. I, therefore, call for more help to cushion the effect of the flood.”

He hailed the foundation for its assistance, adding that its efforts would get divine rewards.

The items included rice, a generator, toiletries, mats and mattresses.

The victims have complained that since they were located to the camps, their children have not had access to classrooms.

Some parents complained that most of the children had begun to forget what they learnt in school.

Our reporter, who went round some of the camps, said most of the children have lost their books and have not had access to news ones.

A seven-year-old victim, Rebecca Sule, told The Nation that her parents lost everything, including her school materials.

Miss Sule said: “My parents can no longer afford books and uniform, which were lost to the flood. The little money my mother made in her grinding business was washed away by the flood.”

Kwara to use cooperatives to grant loans to farmers From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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HE Kwara State Government has said it would, from next planting season, grant loans and give implements to farmers through cooperatives.

The procedure, it said, would ensure that the input get to genuine farmers who are to comply with the terms of the deal.

The Commissioner for Agricultural Resources, Olabode Olayemi, told reporters at the weekend in Ilorin, the state capital, that the government was introducing the method because it discovered that many of those who benefited earlier were not farmers.

The commissioner said some people sold farm implements given to them on loan, besides defaulting in payment.

He said: “During the next planting season, our distribution of input will be through cooperatives. Even if we have only 10 identifiable cooperatives, so be it. We will start with those.

“As soon as I got here (assumed office), I started verifying claims of people who were farmers. What I saw made me very sad. Somebody, who claimed to be the chairman of a very big farmers’ association in Nigeria, did not have a farm.

But he came here, claiming to be one. He took us to a thick forest in Osun State, saying the land belonged to him.

“Before I got here, the previous governments used to give out tractors at subsidised rates.

Some of the people, who took the tractors, did not only default in payment; they also sold them. So, these are the challenges.”

Suspected trafficker held with 37 children in Sokoto

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THE Sokoto State Police Command yesterday arrested two suspected child traffickers with 37 children.

The suspects were said to have picked up the children in Abuja and Kaduna after their holidays.

The children were reported to have been with their parents, who were said to reside and do business in Kaduna and Abuja.

The suspects were said to be nursing mothers of about 50 years and above.

Two drivers, who were sus-

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

pected to be agents of the suspects - Ibrahim Abdulrahman, from Niger Republic and Abdullahi Sama’ila, a Nigerian from Sokoto State - were reportedly arrested at a police checkpoint on the Sokoto Eastern bypass, on transit to Niger Republic.

They were said to have conveyed the children in a yellow 40-seater bus with registration number (Delta) AS626WWR. The children were between four and 11 years.

It was learnt that 29 of them were picked up in Abuja while eight others were conveyed from Kaduna.

Others included two girls and two boys between 15 and 19.

The teenagers were reportedly returning to school after the holidays with their parents.

Parading the suspects and the victims, police spokesman, Sani Salisu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the two drivers claimed they were conveying the children to Niger Republic to resume school.

He said: “The police are investigating the matter in collaboration with officials of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Sokoto.”

Eleven-year-old Nasara Alhaji Haliru said: “We are going back to school in Niger Republic. My father is in the business of buying and selling of goods in Abuja.”

Six-year-old Abu Sa’ad, who looked tired and holding a sachet of pure water, said: “My father is in Abuja and I was with him during my holidays. I am going back to school.”

•Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu (middle) addressing intending Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, in Minna...at the weekend.

Gombe issues N20b bond for infrastructure

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HE Gombe State Government has floated a N20billion seven-year infrastructure bond.

The government floated the bond in Abuja on Friday under its N30 billion debt issuance programme.

The government explained that “the amount would enable the state to restructure its finances as well as carry out infrastructural programmes to stimulate activities in key sectors of the economy”.

At the completion board meeting in Abuja, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo said the bond, which would be issued at a fixed rate of 15.5 per cent, would “help transform the state in line with the agenda of the current administration”.

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

The governor said the state had issued an “Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) that would allow for periodic deduction of money from the state’s statutory allocation from the Federation Account into a sinking fund”.

According to him, this has been approved by the Ministry of Finance to ensure a quick repayment of the bond.

Dankwambo explained that the state had, in the last one year, worked hard to restructure its finances.

Since May when his administration was sworn in, the governor said the state has incurred contractual liabilities of

N18 billion, from which N7billion is for loans obtained from the money market.

This, he said, was unhealthy for a state that needed to channel more resources to capital projects.

Dankwambo said the money market loan had been reduced to N3.5 billion, adding that with the “floating of this bond, in the next one to two years, most of us will be proud to be associated with this. In addition, we have about N14 billion in our reserves and that is why we have been able to carry out our projects without interruption”.

The Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Hassan

•Dankwambo

Muhammadu, said the projects to be funded with the bond include roads, a nursing school, the establishment of a college of education and 40 new model primary and secondary schools.

Police arrest Christian posing as Muslim pilgrim HE Sokoto State Police wanted to go to London. We Command yesterday recovered from him 40, eight in Sokoto arrested a Christian for and one denominations of

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allegedly attempting to board an aircraft conveying Zamfara State intending Muslim pilgrims to Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

The suspect, Joseph T. Lohnan, hails from Plateau State.

He was arrested at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto.

Lohnan, who was wearing a yellow long sleeve shirt and a pair of black trousers, was reportedly caught by some intending Muslim pilgrims

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

when he was roaming about the airport.

The suspect is a National Certificate in Education (NCE) holder and a teacher at the Gobal Kids Academy, Arkilla, Sokoto.

He was reportedly spotted on the queue of screened Muslim pilgrims with the assistance of officials of Zamfara State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.

Lohnan was allegedly carrying local and foreign curren-

cies of different denominations.

The suspect reportedly said the cash belonged to his sister, a business woman.

Addressing reporters at the command’s headquarters in Sokoto, Police Commissioner Shuaibu Lawal Gambo said the suspect was arrested at 9am.

Gambo said: “He was carrying with him a bag containing his clothes, UBA ATM cards, a cheque book and savings account withdrawal forms as well as his credentials.

“The suspect told us that he

10,000; 5,000 and 1,000 French Francs, besides denominations of N500, N100 and N10 Nigerian currencies.”

The police chief said the suspect had given the names of his accomplices, adding: “We will track them down.”

Lohnan said: “My mission is to go to London, like Herbert Macauley did. We are Nigerians and we are the same by birth and citizenship. I feel Muslims and Christians are the same. I cannot go to London without documents.”

CPC governorship candidate is bad loser, says Aliyu

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IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu at the weekend said the allegation of non-performance against him by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate, Alhaji Ibrahim Bako Shettima, was misplaced.

The governor described the CPC candidate as a bad loser.

In the Saturday edition of Leadership, Shettima was quoted as saying that Aliyu had failed the people of Niger State.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo,

the governor said the CPC candidate’s outburst was not unexpected because he had “refused to take his election defeat graciously, even when such election was generally acknowledged to be free and fair”.

The statement added: “We appreciate Shettima’s frustration and antagonism towards the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state. He lost the last governorship election and has refused to accept the result of the election graciously.

15,000 Kano flood victims seek help From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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VER 15,000 residents of five villages in Warawa Local Government Area of Kano State have been displaced by flood when Tiga Dam overflowed its banks and forced the residents to flee their homes.

The Nation learnt that the dam, located in Wudil Local Government Area, two days ago, overflowed its banks.

It displaced residents of Laraba Jigawa, Katarkawa, Garundau, Wambanto and Litau villages.

Hajiya Amina Yusuf, a victims and mother of eight, has called for food and shelter for the victims.

Large hectares of farmlands were affected when the flood submerged the villages and destroyed property.

It also killed livestock valued at several millions of Naira.

Hajiya Yusuf said the flood victims have been neglected because they had not received food and medication in the last two days.

She said: “It was only this afternoon that they brought us gari and sugar. I have eight children. What can we do with three cups of gari? This is pathetic. I call on those in authority to do something urgently to alleviate our plight.

“We did not cause the flood.

We are victims of a natural disaster. This does not mean that we should not be treated as human beings. Despite everything, we give Allah the glory that all of us survived the flood.”

The Director of Personnel in Warawa Local Government secretariat, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Bichi, explained that the council created five emergency refugee camps. They include those at Token Primary School; NALDA secretariat; Emawa Primary School, Laraba, Jigawa and Dan Hawan Giwa Primary School.

Minister donates materials to Makurdi victims From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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HE Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Chief Samuel Ortom, has donated relief materials worth N5 million to Makurdi, Benue State, flood victims.

The items included bags of rice, bottled and packaged water by his factory (Goshen Water), cartons of soap, toiletries and bags of salts.

Addressing the displaced persons, who were mainly children and women, the minister urged them to be strong and believe in God, that they would soon return to their homes.

He said he lost 350 hectares of rice farm to the flood and that his house on Gboko Road, in Makurdi, was submerged.

The minister urged the displaced persons to be patient, promising that the government was working for their comfort.

Ortom hailed Governor Gabriel Suswam for assisting the displaced.

He restated the determination of the Federal Government to tackle flooding in parts of the country.

The minister was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management (SEMA), Mr Adikpo Agbatse, and other top government officials.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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NEWS

5000 Kogi flood victims seek refuge Delta Commissioner abducted •Police orderly killed in Enugu O D VER 5,000 flood victims from Elele, Ekanyi, Obale, Odeke and Affa in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State are seeking refuge in neighbouring Idah and UzoUwani local government areas of Enugu State, following flooding in their communities on Friday.

The victims crossed over to the Enugu boundary communities of Ogurugu, Ojjor and Iggah on Saturday using wooden canoes.

They left without their property, which had been submerged.

Last week, the people of Elele, Odobo, Nwajala and Ejule sought refuge in Iggah, following flooding in their communities.

Many of the victims now reside in primary school classrooms.

Residents of Idah council

From Chris Oji, Enugu

have taken some of the victims into their homes, but many of them are stranded.

As at yesterday afternoon, Ekanyi and Affa residents were still arriving at Ogurugu, which has become a major host of the victims.

Some Ogurugu indigenes are afraid that there could be an epidemic outbreak, owing to the massive influx of people and inadequate facilities to cater for them.

Ibaji Local Government Chairman Dave Ogwu said the council had been deserted, following the destruction of houses, property, farmland and crops worth billions of naira.

He urged emergency management agencies to assist the

victims, who “have become refugees in Enugu State”.

Ogwu said the situation was beyond the council’s control.

He said Governor Idris Wada is scheduled to visit the victims tomorrow.

Uzo-Uwani Council Chairman Mr. Cornel Onwubuya and his Idah counterpart, Chief Maximus Ukwuta, urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and similar agencies to provide shelter, food, drugs and clothing to the victims.

They said many of them left homes with nothing.

The Red Cross Society yesterday said it received reports of the “refugee situation” in Uzo-Uwani council and has directed its Enugu office to move to the area.

Two die in Ebonyi road crash

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HE driver of a Mitsubishi bus, marked AG 213 KEF, and another passenger died in an accident on the Afikpo Road, Abakaliki, on Saturday morning.

It was learnt that the driver was trying to escape from the Ebonyi State Environmental Protection Agency (EBSEPA) Task Force during sanitation, when the incident occurred.

One of the passengers of the bus, which is owned by the Catholic Church, said they were returning from a church programme in Enugu, when the driver ran into a street lamp, while trying to escape from the task force.

Also at the weekend, the Environmental Court, sitting

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

at Abakaliki, sentenced four EBSEPA workers to one month imprisonment without an option of fine for extortion.

Henry Nwali, Onyebuchi Okoye, Friday Nwakpa and Susan Nwonyi were arrested by officials of the State Ministry of Environment while extorting money from defaulters of the monthly sanitation.

The Magistrate, Chinua Uwah said: “The conviction is without any option of fine.

They will also pay N20, 000 each as part of their punishment. This is not the first time such sentences would be pronounced and it should con-

tinue to serve as a deterrent to others. Environmental officers are supposed to enforce sanitation laws and not flout them.”

Over 61 sanitation offenders got various jail terms, ranging from one to six months’ imprisonment with options of fines between N2,000 and N10,000.

Commissioner for Environment Paul Okorie said: “The convicted EBSEPA workers are adhoc workers of the ministry. I would have recommended their sack to the Civil Service Commission, if they were permanent staff. These are bad eggs that portray environmental staff as corrupt and inefficient.”

No plan to dump APGA, says Okorocha

I

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said his relationship with the National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, is intact.

He debunked insinuations in some quarters that he had dumped Umeh.

It was reported that Okorocha had been meeting secretly with a Northern counterpart and was planning to dump APGA before the 2015 general elections.

He was said to have directed his commissioners and political associates to avoid Umeh.

In a statement at the weekend, Okorocha’s media aide, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa, said the

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

governor has no plans of leaving APGA. Uzoukwa said: “The rumours being peddled are the handiwork of political detractors and mischief makers, who seek to destroy APGA and cause disaffection between Okorocha and Umeh.

“Okorocha remains loyal to APGA and its leadership at all levels, including the Umeh-led National Working Committee (NWC). He remain, committed to making the party a formidable platform in the quest to provide good governance to Imo people and Nigerians, through well-articulated people-oriented programmes.

“It is however noteworthy to

•Okorocha

mention that Okorocha neither discussed APGA and Umeh with any northern governor, nor directed his commissioners and political associates to keep away from the National Chairman.”

Abia PDP, ACN disagree

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HE Peoples Demo cratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has condemned a statement credited to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that the state government has achieved nothing since it came into power five years ago.

It said ACN was being insincere.

Speaking with The Nation in Umuahia, PDP Publicity Secretary Uchechi Ogbuka said: “That fact that the ACN has failed to acknowledge the government’s achievements and projects shows that it is only out to denigrate the good work of Governor Theodore Orji.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

“The current infrastructure put in place by the Orji-led PDP government does not require propaganda for the world to see and feel it. The state government has improved the health and education sectors, ensured steady electricity supply through its partnership with the Federal Government and resuscitated comatose industries.

“Orji has transformed the Judiciary and improved security. He will remain focused on the basic needs of Abia people.”

ACN Publicity Secretary

Offor Okorie said Orji is surrounded by sycophants, who are not allowing him to be productive.

Okorie said: “The ACN will not be distracted from the arduous task of calling on the government, which is squandering our commonwealth, to wake up and deliver, instead of resorting to cheap abuse and empty propaganda.

“We advise Abia PDP, whose members are equally suffering and complaining in hushed voices about the government’s wastefulness, to allow him improve the state’s dilapidated infrastructure.”

ELTA State Commissioner for Higher Education Prof.

Hope Eghagha was yesterday abducted by unknown gunmen.

A police orderly attached to the commissioner was killed.

The incident happened on the Abraka/Agbor Expressway. It was learnt that Eghagha’s driver sustained bullet wounds.

The commissioner was returning to Asaba from his

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From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

village, Ughile, in a black Land Cruiser Prado, marked DT01D06, when the gunmen attacked him at Owa-Ekei Jnction in Ika North East Local Government Area.

The Nation gathered that the gunmen, who operated in a cream Toyota Camry car, trailed the commissioner from Warri and fired several shots at his car.

They escaped with Eghagha, leaving the police orderly in a pool of blood.

The driver was rushed to Agbor Central Hospital.

Police spokesman Charles Muka confirmed the incident. He said the police are on the trail of the kidnappers.

Muka said: “Very soon, they will be smoked out.”

The kidnappers have not made any demand.

Man found with bullet wound

20-YEAR-OLD man with a deep bullet wound on his back was yesterday found inside an uncompleted building in Edo State.

The man, who gave his name as Efosa, was crawling out of the uncompleted building on Upper Ekenwan Road in Ovia North East Local Government Area, when he was spotted by passersby who raised the alarm.

The white shirt he wore was soaked with blood. A cloth that was tied below his chest region to prevent loss of blood was also soaked.

Efosa claimed to have

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

attended a party at Evbuotubu village and said he could not remember how he got to the uncompleted building.

He said he is a welder and lives at Oluku, a village about 15kms away from where he was found.

Efosa was taken away by policemen from Evbuotubu Police Station.

Vietnamese lose 500-hectare farm

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I E T N A M E S E farmers in Edo State have lost over 500 hectares of rice farm to flood, which ravaged three local government areas.

The farmers, who are partners to the state government, started operations in February.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

The farm is located in Anegbette, Estako Central Local Government Area.

Commissioner of Agriculture Abdul Oroh said he was informed by the management of Transformation Limited that newly cultivated rice was affected mostly.

‘Bakassi people’ll become slaves’

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HE Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, yesterday urged the Federal Government to appeal the 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice in the Hague, Netherlands, which ceded the oil-rich Bakassi Penisular to Cameroun.

Makinde said if the area is not reclaimed, the citizens would become slaves.

He advocated the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC), saying any further delay in the convocation of the conference would amount to postponing the evil day.

Makinde spoke with reporters in Abuja on the state of the nation.

He advised the Federal Government against dialoguing with Boko Haram insurgents, “except they have stopped bombing

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

places of worship and g o v e r n m e n t establishments”.

He said: “I support that the Federal Government should appeal the Bakassi Penisular judgment, because 95 per cent of Bakassi residents bear Nigerian names and cook Nigerian dishes.

“If we leave them there, they will become slaves. If you lose your identity, you will become a slave among your hosts.

“We are not fighting because of oil, but because of our kinsmen. I think the Bakassi people would prefer eating bitter leaf in Nigeria to taking honey in Cameroun.

The government should act fast in appealing the judgment.

“I am an apostle of SNC, whatever name you call it. We cannot co-exist

without talking together. A national conference is imperative and if you say no to it, you are postponing the evil day.

That is my prediction.

Everybody needs to sit together and discuss how we will share the national cake.”

On dialogue with Boko Haram, he said: “We cannot dialogue in war. I urge Boko Haram members to stop the bombings to pave the way for dialogue. Life is sacred and nobody can enter heaven by killing fellow human beings.

“I do not oppose dialogue, but dialogue will only come when they stop the bombings. We need a strong political will to tackle the problem of insecurity in Nigeria. When Northerners were in power, there was no bombing, Sharia and Boko Haram.”

Suspected kidnappers of ESUT VC held

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OUR of the suspected kidnappers of the ViceChancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology(ESUT), Prof. Cyprian Onyeji, have been arrested by the police in Enugu State.

Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said the suspects were traced after analysing a bullet specimen that was collected during a gun battle between the police and the gunmen at a crime scene.

He said the specimen matched those collected from the scene where Onyeji was abducted and it led them to a taxi driver.

Amaraizu said: “Following this,the cab driver was monitored and arrested on September 21. His taxi, marked ENU967XA, was impounded.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

“The driver was identified as Isiwu Victor of No. 5, Barrister Asogwa Street, Abakpa, Enugu.”

He said Victor confessed that he has been helping the gang to get away from crime scenes, as well as move their arms and ammunition from various locations.

Amaraizu said the driver’s

statement led to the arrest of Madubuchi Ani, Chiadikobi Ani, Amechi Awkunanaw and Eze Ozioma Chijioke.

He said Chijioke had been on the police wanted list for alleged involvement in the kidnap of Mr. Tochukwu Okeke.

Amaraizu said the suspects are helping the police in their investigation.

Delta lawmaker’s wife released

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HE wife of Mr. Preyor Kenneth, the lawmaker representing Bomadi State Constituency of Delta State, Mrs. Preyor, was released by her kidnappers at the weekend.

She was released in the creeks in Bayelsa State at about 10pm, after a N4.5 million ransom was reportedly handed over to the gunmen by the lawmaker’s aids.

Preyor said his wife’s abduction was “political and a calculated attempt” to assassinate him. Mrs. Preyor said she was moved to eight camps during her five-day ordeal.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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CITYBEATS

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

Kidnappers kill businessman E went to the pharmacy to get drugs for his ailing friend's child, but never made it back home.

Odidi Nweze, a businessman, was killed after being abducted in front of a pharmacy in Satellite Town, a Lagos suburb, two days after he returned from the United States.

He was said to have been abducted with his companion in front of Oxpharm and killed a few metres away, but the woman reportedly escaped.

It was at the Festac Town branch of the pharmacy that the drugs injected into the drink of the late Cynthia Osokogu were bought.

According to eyewitnesses, the late Nweze and his partner were bundled into the back of the abductors' vehicle and taken away.

On their way, the abductors ran into a traffic gridlock, and resorted to shooting their way out.

Motorists were said to have abandoned their vehicles to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

Sources said Nweze was dragged out of the vehicle and shot dead by his abductors.

Lagos Police chief Umar Manko, it was learnt, has ordered the Area Commander in charge of Area 'E', Command, Mr Dan Okoro, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), to fish out the killers. He has seven days to do so. Okoro led the team which cracked the Cynthia murder case.

Two suspects, The Nation learnt, have been arrested; the search for others is on.

Okoro told The Nation that those in custody are the late Nweze’s female companion and his friend, who is also said to be dating the woman.

The woman, it was gathered, has a child for the late Nweze's friend.

She told the police that she slept with her fellow suspect a day before Nweze died; but the man denied the allegation, claiming that he had not seen her in the last one year.

The police are working on the theory that there may have been a quarrel between the late Nweze and his friend over the woman.

The woman, it was learnt, is being held because she witnessed the killing.

"She is alive; she saw it all and the only witness to the murder. She saw how it happened and how he was killed. We want to uncover those who sponsored the murderers, those who are in conflict with the man or his family members so that we can pick all the people involved in the killing," a source said.

The police are also on the trail of the late Nweze's business partners to ascertain if they had a clash.

A source at the Area Command said: "The deceased was already home and had even changed into his night wears when a call came through. It was the call that made him leave the house to where he was abducted. We are still trying to find out who called him. We

H

•Nweze

By Jude Isiguzo

have gone to the service providers to assist us with information that will aid our investigation".

On why the late Nweze's friend was arrested, the source said: "From all indications, there are cloudy issues surrounding the man and these are the things we want to uncover, and that is why we are holding him. He has a case to answer."

Okoro accused some hoteliers of conniving with kidnappers, warning that anyone caught would be treated as an accomplice.

He said: "Our investigation so far has shown that some hoteliers are harbouring these criminals. Any hotelier that a kidnapper is arrested in his or her domain will be charged to court alongside the suspects for complicity.

The hotel, which we are suspecting that those who killed Nweze operated from, is already being investigated.

"We suspect that the suspects were living at the hotel and taking off from there to carry out their criminal activities. All hoteliers must comply with the Inspector General's and Commissioner of Police's directives on the installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) in their premises and also ensure proper identification of guests before checking them in."

The police, he said, were beaming their searchlight on Oxpharm because of the coincidence in the instant case and that of Cynthia.

Okoro said: "It's an issue that I cannot just place. First, it was in their store that the drugs that were used on Cynthia was purchased in Festac and now the late Nweze was abducted in front of their branch at Satellite Town.”

It's in focus, we are thinking about that. Why must it be Oxpharm".

Command's spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said, the commissioner of police had given investigators one week to fish out the killers.

NIMET hails Lagos State govt AGOS State Government has been praised for warning residents about the rainfall predictions and efforts to prevent flooding in the state.

The Director General, Nigerian Metrological Agency, Dr Anthony Anuforom, spoke at an interactive session with governors and stakeholders in Abuja.

Anuforom said while the Lagos State Government took the warning seriously, other state ignored the predictions, which have now led to grave consequences. He recalled that

L

NIMET wrote to some states in early August about some noticed soil moisture saturation, which could lead to serious flooding.

Anuforom said it was unfortunate that many states ignored and never took it seriously.

He declined to mention such states.

Dr. leke Ayileke-Director of Programmes, Organisation for Better Environment praised NIMET for its early warnings and predictions He hailed the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, for its advocacy programmes, which have helped reduce flooding.

Ozuah: IG’s Investigation team visits family

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HE team constituted by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate the murder of Ugochukwu Ozuah,who was shot dead five days after his wedding, has promised a transparent investigation.

The team led by Mr. Chris Ezike, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DP), made the promise at the weekend during a visit to the deceased’s family home in Ikeja.

Ugochukwu, 36, was allegedly shot dead by police officers on September 11 in front of UPS office in Gbagada.

DCP Ezike said the special team from the Force Headquarters Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID was called in on the basis of neutrality to ensure the outcome of investigation is not prejudiced.

“The IG sent us here because we are neutral and professional. Already, the police in Lagos have been fingered in the said crime and it would not be right for them to act as judges over a matter against them,” he said.

“We will visit the crime scene, the mortuary and also the Anthony Police Station from where the said policemen are from and then we will

By Segun Balogun

carry out forensic investigation.

“We will inspect the body to determine the ponit of bullet entry and exit. The investigation will be like that of a collapsed building; we will reconstruct the crime scene and put together clues” He urged the deceased’s family to provide any information they might have regarding the case.

The deceased’s sister and spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Nkechi Nonyelu, said the authority should curb extra-judicial killings.

Independence treat at Ikeja Mall

F

un seekers have been advised to visit Ikeja City Mall today to participate in so many fun and great bargains.

There will be a special Naija Cuisine presentation, featuring variousNigerian dishes, ethnic/cultural displays and a photo shoot for family and friends.

Visitors and customers will receive fantastic bargains on all products to mark the Independence Day.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

61

NEWS DR ABDULLATEEF ADEGBITE (1933 - 2012)

•Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the widow of deceased, Alhaja Madinat Adegbite

•The late Adegbite’s son, Oladipupo

•Former Military Govenor of defunct Western State BrigGen Oluwole Rotimi

•Former Govenor of Ogun State Aremo Olusegun Osoba

•Asiwaju Tinubu

•From left: Executive Secretary, MUSWEN, Prof Daud Noibi; Dr. Kamil Oloso and National Missioner Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad.

•Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao

A peerless mouthpiece gone, says Tinubu

I

was shocked Friday night to learn the death of our brother and uncle, Dr Lateef Adegbite, the long serving secretary of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), a lawyer, teacher and former Attorney-General of the old Western state.

His passing away was not just a personal loss to me, it was a great loss to our country, because Adegbite passed on at a time Nigeria needed men and women of moral conviction and national and international stature to pilot it out of its present cloudy political and economic crisis.

Adegbite was one of such few men and with his demise Nigeria has lost once again a soldier in the fight to put our country back on track”.

As secretary of NSCIA, he was a powerful and peerless voice for change and reconciliation. He was a religious mentor and peace-seekers who brought both his religious fervour and intellectual training to bear in advancing the course of humanity.

His death therefore provoked some personal concerns: who will now speak for our religion of Islam in Nigeria, with as much candour that he did? Who will now offer our religiously divided country a voice of moderation?

For Adegbite as secretary of NSCIA for more than two decades pronounced on critical issues and tried to reach accommodation with other religions, especially Christianity.

He will surely be sorely missed here at a crucial time in our country when the Islamic faithful are confronted by the public image of violence and intolerance being painted on them by some misguided elements waging a war against

fellow Muslims and their compatriots.

We take comfort and solace in the fact that he never sowed such seeds of disharmony in the larger Nigerian society, all his life.

Instead, he chose to defend our faith with as much vigour as he defended other faiths.

I vividly remember his timely intervention when in 2002, some cities in Muslim North erupted in violence over the planned Miss World Beauty Pageant in Nigeria and a Nigerian newspaper story tended to ridicule Prophet Muhammed. After a top political figure issued a fatwa as it were on the writer of the article, saying killing the writer may be lawful, Alhaji Adegbite weighed in on the matter. He denounced the politician’s statement, on grounds that the newspaper had issued an apology and that the writer of the article was not Muslim.

Even though he was to engage our Nobel laureate in a public spat on who to blame on this religious violence, there was no doubt where the sentiments of Adegbite lay: it was that Muslims should have a right to practice their religion as dictated by the injunctions of the Quran and Hadith.

As secretary general of the NSCIA since 1988, Adegbite, along with the succeeding Sultans tried to make the organisation very active and truly the supremo in Islamic affairs in our country.

Beyond his involvement in religious matters, Adegbite also distinguished himself in other roles that he performed for our country, starting from his days as a law teacher at the University of Lagos, his commissionership spells in the defunct Western Region Ni-

geria, his membership of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and pro-chancellorship of the University of Maiduguri.

He gave his best in all these assignments, earning for himself the respect of his countrymen and women.

Bowing out at the ripe age of 79, he indeed had lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation by all and my prayer is that the children and his grandchildren members of the Muslim Ummah will continue to follow the simple and religiously devoted lifestyle that he trod while here with us.

I pray that God will keep his soul in Al-Jannah and I pray that God will grant the children and family, including members of the Muslim Ummah the strength to bear his irreplaceable loss. I pray that his legacy of seeking and working for peace, that of promoting religious harmony and commitment to the ideals that uphold humanity will not be allowed to die now that he is gone. “ Lateef Adegbite will forever remain in our memories and Nigeria will never forget him as one of the religious and political titans who charted a clear course for our people.

Asiwaju Tinubu is the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria

‘It’s a colossal loss to the nation’

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USLIM Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit described the exit of the pioneer National President, Dr Adegbite as a colossal loss to the nation.

Amir (president) of the society, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen, described the late Adegbite as a selfless Nigerian who was always ready to assist the youths.

“Death, he said, was no doubt a debt owed by mankind, but as believers we take solace in the fact that late Alhaji Adegbite lived a life full of dedication to the course of his creator.”

According to Badrudeen,

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

History will not forget late Adegbite’s remarkable role in the country where he demonstrated commitment, selflessness and humility in the manner he handled issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians.

Also speaking, National (Amir) President of The Muslim Congress (TMC) Luqman AbdurRaheem said Nigeria has lost a rare colossus, an experienced spokesperson, a fearless public affairs commentator, an astute orator, a patriot, a reconciliator, a brilliant constitutional lawyer, a caring

father, a caller to the path of Allah and an expert in Islamic Advocacy.

AbdurRaheem enjoined Muslim professionals to imbibe the glittering feats and uncommon achievements of Adegbite in the field of Islamic activism.

“We shall forever miss his face at Islamic functions. He has gone and gone forever, but his legacies of one indivisible Nigeria and Unity of the Muslims linger on. AbdulLateef Adegbite was born great, nurtured great, occupied great positions and died as a great colossus,” he said.

PHOTOS: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Northern Governors mourn

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ORTH governors under the auspices of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday described as a great loss the passing away of the SecretaryGeneral of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr Abdullateef Adegbite.

The NSGF said the late Adegbite would be sorely missed by his family, Muslim faithful and indeed all Nigerians.

According to the Chairman

of the forum, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu who doubles as the Niger State governor, Nigeria has lost an outstanding lawyer, teacher, scholar and philanthropist who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity.

A statement in Minna by his spokeman, Danladi Ndayebo described the late Adegbite as a bridge builder who worked towards peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.

The statement said the fo-

rum is pained by Adegbite’s demise especially that it came at a time when the guidance and advice of religious leaders are required to steer the ship of state.

It urged Nigerians to be consoled by the virtues he left behind which would continue to serve as a guiding light to the successor generation.

It prayed Allah to grant the deceased Aljannah Firdaus and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

His death a huge loss, say Aregbesola, SUN State Governor Ikuforiji, Belgore Rauf Aregbesola, Lagos

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Speaker State Adeyemi Ikuforiji and the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kwara State, Mohammed Dele Belgore, SAN, have described the death of the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr. Abdul Lateef Adegbite, as a rude shock.

Aregbesola said Dr. Adegbite, as a devout Muslim and fervent believer, was one of the leading lights of Islam and the legal profession in Nigeria.

According to him, Adegbite was a guiding light in many fields such as law, academics and religion when he lived, saying the deceased was for numerous years the spokesperson of Islam in Nigeria as the scribe of NSCIA the religion’s highest decision making body.

His words: “A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the defunct Western Region, Dr. Lateef Adegbite was an illustrious citizen of this country. He was always ready to offer sincere advice to successive governments on peaceful co-existence and religious harmony in the country.

“His impact as a leading religious leader transcended the boundary of Islam as he was

By Oziegbe Okoeki and Tajudeen Adebanjo

always involved and contributing positively as a member of national inter-religious council at the highest level in the country.

Belgore said Adegbite’s death is a “minus to the country’s peacemaking efforts.

A statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, quoted Belgore as imploring Nigerians to use the occasion of his death to rededicate themselves to peaceful coexistence.

“This is because all of us will come up for some appraisals when we breathe our last. Ultimately whatever we do for our common humanity, be it good or bad, will be talked about.

Today everybody, Christians and Muslims, is talking about the late legal practitioner cum Islamic leader being a bridgebuilder and a man of history,” he said.

On the nation’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, “I join other patriotic Nigerians to call on our leaders of all hues and evey citizen to reappraise our priorities to determine whether we are on the right side of history or not. We should rededicate ourselves to promote good governance, peace, tolerance

and poverty eradication,” Belgore added.

Ikuforiji has sympathised with Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, the indigene of the state, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar and all Muslims in the country, on the death of Dr. AbdulLateef Adegbite.

A statement by his media aide, Rotimi Adebayo, the Speaker said: “ The sudden death of Dr. Adebite is indeed a rude shock to me personally, my family and all my colleagues here at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“Notwithstanding the fact that Dr. Adegbite lived a good life and died at 79, his demise is indeed a very sad and painful one, not only to entire Muslim community in Nigeria, but also to the government and people of Ogun State, and indeed all those who had the opportunity of knowing him, or those whose paths crossed his way while here with us.”

Ikuforiji described Adegbite as an exemplary character, going by the quality time he devoted to serve the Almighty God, “unlike many highly educated, successful, and influential people who never devote quality time to the Almighty Allah.

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THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

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TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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STORY looms in Ondo State, and it is not just about Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his opponents. He has cast himself a pariah to the story of brotherly love in the Southwest with the cold eyes he casts on the cooperative spirit of the Southwest. But the election is about that but not about that.

It is about whether the man who rode to power on wavelets of glee, éclat and abundance of hope has translated programmes into fruition of joys for his people. But it is about that and something else.

For me, it is about history and its perfidies. Is it possible that the people of Ondo State, with their historic warrior pedigree and political literacy, forget who now stands as their chief executive? We are our memories. Once we forget, we are lost.

Mimiko came to power with the air of a progressive, and many thought, including yours truly, that he had defrocked himself of his unstable past. Unstable in the sense of his sense of association. You associate with those with whom you share things, and not for the opportunism of personal profit.

When he decided to abandon Obasanjo, who was no little villain at the time, one could have thought that Mimiko had decided at last to prove his critics wrong. He had changed his chameleonic obsessions. He had become born again as a man of constant beliefs. That he would not allow the refrain gain ground that this man who jumps ship will jump ship again. That his hop from one party pole to another has made him too much of a feverish self-seeker, traitor, apostate, impostor even to the point of sanctimony.

Brother today, gone tomorrow.

What Mimiko is doing by cozying up in the labour party against those who made him, his Southwest blood, reminds one of the words of Joseph Conrad: “There is no friend or enemy like a brother.”

But the rhythm of the Yoruba race, as other races, does not play out without turncoats. It all began with the Yoruba wars of the 19th century. If the Yoruba wars made the Yoruba race, Awolowo made the Yoruba man. The Yoruba wars threw up motifs of heroes and traitors, and it was sometimes difficult to tell one from the other. Whether it was the palace intrigue that upended the naïve Aole, or the rampaging Afonja, or the patrician pretensions of Ijaiye’s Kurunmi, or the Kiriji inferno, or the republican stealth of the Ibadan generals, the definition of hero sometimes depended on where you stood. What came out of that war was that each group in the Yoruba race fashioned its own identity based on sovereignty.

Enter Awolowo. The patriarch defined along what principle that sovereignty rode, and it was properly explained by the great scholars who told the story in the days of its crucible. Richard L. Sklar and Billy J. Dudley

RIPPLES MIMIKO TO REVIVE AILING INDUSTRIES - News

...19 DAYS to ELECTION?

VOL 7 NO 2,265

‘Those who chose the Independence Day celebrations to levy violence on the nation knew what they were doing.

They were making a remarkably poignant statement. And it is that they do not believe in whatever that date represents for us as a people’ EMEKA OMEIHE

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009& 2010 (D.A.M.E)

Brother today, gone tomorrow

•Governor Mimiko

documented the Egbe Omo Oduduwa and its transformation to the Action Group party, and how most of its members reflected the ideological leanings of its people: the progressive world view. But there were principled dissenters. One of the most prominent was Adegoke Adelabu, the impresario as conservative who held the region in spell if only for his theatrics. But he was respected and respectable for his consistency.

What the southwest sought to avoid was

the turncoat, the sort that pretended to belong. That was the cloth from which Ladoke Akintola was cut. As Awo was the John the Baptist of the modern Yoruba man, Akintola gave birth to the traitor. We have had a good number of them, if in little incarnations. One of them was Omoboriowo.

It is interesting that Mimiko was in bed with the Southwest ‘quisling,’ when the pulse of the region beat with the hoary wisdom of Chief Ajasin. I have wondered how a man who supped with Omoboriowo, with all we know about him, could enjoy trust among progressives. It is the story not only of forgiveness but naivety in Southwest politics.

But it is the story of Nigerian politics as a whole where party or group membership tests do not consider the rigour of belief and activities. It is also a testament to the chameleonic agility of Mimiko to manoeuvre through the thickets of regional politics.

He was not done. He moved in with former Ondo State Governor Adefarati where he served in pivotal positions, and the man thought Mimiko was the man in whom he was well pleased. Mimiko could still hop out of the camp. He saw Agagu, the former Ondo State governor, and liked what he saw. He also served with him, even though Agagu belonged in a polar opposite party.

He left Agagu and moved to the centre with Obasanjo, probably in the hope of working with him to torpedo the governor under whom he served. He did not get his wish and went to the Labour Party, and earned the sup-

HARDBALL

port of the Southwest. He left Obasanjo for the same reason he joined him: self-interest.

When he became governor, he seemed set to change the state. He began with what he called quick wins, in which he gave communities what they craved, like a town hall. But this was the work of the local governments which in his four years he has disenfranchised by not organising elections, and making no plans in that direction. He set himself to build a model school, on whose dream he has not delivered. He has not completed one road project. He has built the mother and child hospital, which is commendable, but he makes so much noise out of this whereas other states, such as Lagos and Delta that have done more do not make so much noise.

The markets he built are for local governments, and is that how to account for the money he collected in three and half years as the only Southwest oil-producing state.

If he goes next door to Ekiti State, he will see what Governor Kayode Fayemi has done within two years. The whole of Ado-Ekiti is a massive infrastructure site, a thing that marvelled many who visited when he buried his mother a few months ago. Also next door in Edo State, Governor Adams is another marvel. Mimiko is sandwiched between performers. His anaemic stewardship is his worst show of betrayal.

Betraying the people is at the heart of the matter. In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare portrays Brutus as the traitor. But the real history shows otherwise. The historical Caesar betrayed Pompey, and Brutus stabbed him.

Caesar was not popular with the people. Brutus betrayed Caesar, but Caesar betrayed the people. Shakespeare cast Brutus to be a worse villain than he was. The real traitor in history is Judas, who was trusted and betrayed the soul of a whole faith and world.

You can betray your associations or fellow ideologues, but you should not betray the people. Mimiko even betrayed Gani Fawehinmi by claiming credit for the diagnostic centre. It is owned by a private concern. What he has done is to betray both the living and the dead.

In his play, An Enemy of the People, Scandinavian writer Henrik Ibsen tells how two brothers are pitted against each other, one tries to hoodwink the people and the other tries to save them. The people are caught in the two narratives. One of them is a traitor, and the protagonist talks about nobility, not of talent or birth or even intelligence, but the nobility of character.

The election is as much about brothers as it is about character. Making that decision is a task before the Ondo people.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

At 52, hope deferred, betrayed or made forlorn

I

N an article published in 1997 by Professor J.F Ade.Ajayi, historian and former vice chancellor, the disconnects suffered by countries which pretend ignorance of their histories were examined. Entitled The Rearview Mirror, he wondered how any society could hope to make progress and confidently face the future when it did not consider where it had been or where it was coming from. He thought it weird that any society could attempt to build something on nothing. The eminent historian’s discursive essay comes to mind today as Nigeria struggles to make meaning of its existence and independence. It has been 52 long years of groggy presence on the world stage, underachieving, wasting and draining its potentials. It is imbued with unquantifiable talents, its children among the world’s best, but in vain it waits for the harnesser to bridge the gulf between its past and present, and bring together in one powerful and mesmerising whole the energies this most vibrant of societies is capable of.

Alas, instead, the country has trudged forward as if it is only the present that matters, as if both the past and future menace its existence.

The lessons of the past seem lost in its history books and dog-eared files of dispirited bureaucrats. Not even its leaders appeal to the past,

nor dare hope for a glorious future beyond what they could pay lip service to. Nigeria’s age distribution shows the country is disproportionately young, with most of its elected officials and workers, including civil servants, born after independence. But the courage, stamina and adventurousness associated with the young have either been lacking in the developmental battles the country is waging or are completely misdirected. Indeed, no country has seemed so capable of harbouring virtue and villainy in one exquisite whole as Nigeria. It has produced world-class academicians in the arts and the sciences; but it has also concocted, for want of a more appropriate word, the crassest opportunists and global renegades.

In spite of making major contributions to the knowledge industry, it periodically fails in its greatest moments of distress to rationally examine its own problems or proffer sensible solutions. It reels from poll parroting alien and inapplicable dogmas to embracing half-baked and sometimes monstrous homegrown theories. Perhaps now is the time for Nigerian leaders to honestly come to terms with their failures and deficiencies, especially seeing what horrendous aftereffects these have imposed on the country and its people. It begins with

rejigging its education and returning its schools to world-class status. It won’t be easy, and change won’t come in a hurry. This should, however, be followed by a deliberate effort to harness the intellectual capabilities of experts and applying their ideas to the problems confronting the country.

Surely, after living in denial for so long, demonstrating appalling lassitude, and fiddling as the country burns, it must be time to put an end to the dithering that has moved the country closer to the precipice. Let the people talk and kick-start the process of reengineering their country away from its dysfunctional structure; and let them determine whether they want to stay together and if so, work out what they want to give up in order to stay together peacefully. Let them begin to address the fact that this and previous generations have betrayed the country either by their indolence or by their cowardice, and that if the future of coming generations is to be secured, if the coming generations are to remain competitive on the harsh world stage, the sacrifices required to guarantee these advantages must be made now and the price paid in full by those who seem determined to wipe out that future.

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