The Nation October 29, 2014

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•Pilot test of 30,000 units in states

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•INSIDE: ‘116 DIED IN SYNAGOGUE BUILDING COLLAPSE’ P12 ONDO PDP OFFICE SHUT P7

Kwankwaso to give security priority

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ANO State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso yesterday joined the race for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a pledge to protect lives and property, if elected.

Addressing a big crowd at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, Kwankwaso promised to give security top priority.

He said bad governance was responsible for the country’s in security, promising to rescue Nigeria “from the clutches of incompetence and destruction and restore peace and progress”.

A major highlight of the rally was the presence of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s supporters.

There were also governors, ex-governors and lawmak-

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

ers.

Kwankwaso accused the President Goodluck Jonathan administration of using religious, ethnic, sectional and other primordial sentiments to promote corruption and divide the country to remain in power.

He said Nigerians must unite to fight corruption, impunity and division.

Acknowledging the task ahead, Kwankwaso said: “I have no illusion about the enormity of the challenges.

But, to save our country, we must walk the journey, however difficult, and we must confront and defeat all the challenges, however monstrous.

“The first priority of this country at the moment is restoring peace and security in Continued on page 4

•Kwankwanso delivering his speech...yesterday. With him (from left) are: former Governor of Kogi State Abukakar Audu, Mr. Audu Ogbeh Hon. Dino Melaye and Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Cheers as Tambuwal tells House: I’m now in APC SEE ALSO PAGES 2&3

House adjourns till December 3 PDP furious

‘

My dear colleagues, pursuant to the extant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and having regards to development in my home state of Sokoto, I wish to hereby formally notify you of my membership of the All Progressives Congress APC

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

I

T was a day of mixed feelings yesterday at the House of Representatives as Speaker Aminu Tambuwal defected to the All Progressives Party (APC).

At exactly 12:24pm, Tambuwal in a short speech at the end of plenary, said he was defecting to the APC for political reasons, adding that the yearning of his people in Sokoto State necessitated the decision.

The ovation was loud, but some members

?

WHEN WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 BE FREED?

Continued on page 4

INSIDE

•Speaker’s action in order, says Oyegun •North’s leaders support speaker •House mace safe •Akpabio: resign AND MORE ON PAGES 2&3

•Tambuwal...yesterday

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•CITYBEATS P12• LIFE P17 •SPORTS P24• MONEY P26 •INVESTORS P28 POLITICS P45

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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NEWS

Tambuwal: D I

•From left: Category Manager Nestle Food Plc Nutrition, Dr. Rizwari Yoasuf , Guest Speaker, Omobolanle Yeside, National Head of Operation, Nestle Nigeria, Dr. Atuchukwu Obiojor, Prof. Temiye Edemisan and Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Manager, Dr. Samuel Adenekan during the Nestle Nurittion seminar on preventing iron deficiency in Nigeria in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left: Managing Director ,Chief Executive Officer Oando Gas and Power, Mr Bolaji Osunsanya, Senior Special Assistant on Gas, Ministry of Power ,Mr. Frank Edozie, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation, Mr Joseph Thlama Dahwa and President, Nigerian Gas Association,Mr Saidu Mohammed during the West Africa Gas Conference in Abuja...

PHOTO ABAYOM FAYESE yesterday.

• From left: President, Ilupeju Diamond Lions Club, Noimot Olatunji; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo and Director, Basic Education Services, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr. Semasa Bamidele during a courtesy visit and donation of Ebola prevention apparatus by Ilupeju Diamond Lions Club to the ministry.

•Founder/President, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu addressing the participants a t an event to mark the Breast Cancer Awareness month. With her arre (from left) Mrs Julie Ogbogu (Secretary BRECAN) and Dr Charles Okuofo (Registrar, Uthman Dan Fodio Teaching Hospital, Sokoto).

N 54 years, Nigeria has produced 11 Speakers of the House of Representatives. But, no head of the Lower Legislative Chamber has ever filled the public consciousness like Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

In varying degrees, his predecessorsthe late Hon. Jaja Wachukwu (19591960), Alhaji Jalo Waziri (1960-1966), the late Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke (1979-1983), Chaha Biam (1983), Chief Anakwe (1991-1993, Alhaji Salisu Buhari (1999-2000), , Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba (2000-2003), Alhaji Bello Masari (2003-2007), Mrs. Patricia Etteh (2007) and Hon. Dimeji Bankole (20072011)-were colourful. But, Tambuwal, the 48 years old lawyer from Sokoto State, has made a bigger difference as the ‘people’s Speaker’ and venerable opposition leader in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Many Nigerians believe that Tambuwal is mature, balanced, emotionally intelligent and cosmopolitan.

He is endowed with uncanny political and social skills, which are required for contact, productive interaction and meaningful relationship. His colleagues see him as a bridge builder, team player, and remarkably talented.

But, his greatest asset is his national outlook.

Yesterday was a turning point in his political career. In a tactful manner, the Speaker dumped the ruling party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and escaped parliamentary vituperation by die-hard PDP legislators. As a parliamentary risk manager that he is, Tambuwal chose a good time to unfold his defection plan. The timing of the historic announcement underscored Tambuwal’s capacity to spring surprise and ruffle feathers without earning an instant reprimand. Following the adjournment of the House’s next sitting till December, the Speaker called it quits with the conservative party, earning an applause from legislators, who rekindled trust and confidence in his leadership.

When the House reconvenes in December, campaigns for next year’s elections would have kicked off across the federation. The legislators would be busy in their respective constituencies than the National Assembly, which would have become a lame duck chamber. Most of them will be mobilising for their governorship, senatorial and representatives’ race.

Tambuwal offered a rational explanation for leaving the PDP. He said he was sensitive to the wind of change in his state. Following Governor Aliyu Wamakko’s defection, the PDP has been in distress. His people have beckoned on him to serve them in the next dispensation either as a senator or governor. Since he is a people’s politician, patriot and community man, he could not jettison the call to service.

APC chieftain Senator Biyi Durojaye hailed his decision to bid farewell to the PDP, saying that it is in the national interest. He urged other federal legislators who love Nigeria to follow suit.

“It is a welcome development. More people should defect to the APC because of its vision for Nigeria. We need to build a new Nigeria and more compatriots should heed the call for rebuilding the country.

“I hope many lawmakers will still join the APC to give a purposeful leadership to the country, to end the ills of the country; the problems of insecurity, unemployment, incessant power failure, bad roads, fallen standard of education, awkward structure that is more unitary than federal, and to substantially reduce corruption,” he added.

House of Representatives member from Ikorodu Constituency, Lagos Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said that Tambuwal has the right of defection under the constitution. She said anybody contemplating the impeachment of the Speaker is day-dreaming, stress-

•Tambuwal acknowledging cheers...yesterday. With him is his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha.

By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

ing that he enjoys the trust of the House.

“Anybody talking about impeachment should forget it. You need twothird majority to impeach him. The majority elected him as the Speaker and the majority will keep him as the Speaker. The minority cannot impeach him,” Hon. Dabiri-Erewa added.

For a university don, Boniface Ayodele, the politics of defection is in order. He said the PDP is the loser.

He observed that the Speaker has been loyal to the APC because the leaders of the party supported his bid for the speakership three and half years ago. Ayodele, who teaches political science at the Ekiti State University, added: “If the number four citizen could dump the PDP, it is terrible for the image of the ruling party.

These events will shape next year’s general elections.” However, the university teacher said the PDP will fight back, advising the Speaker to gird his loins.

Journey to Speakership Since 2007, the politician from the Caliphate has been a committed PDP chieftain. On its platform, he was elected as a lawmaker and the Deputy Chief Whip. But, he literarily parted ways with the PDP leadership in 2011, when he vied for the speakership. The party had zoned the slot to the Southwest. Its anointed candidate was Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande, who later

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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NEWS

Decisive move by populist Speaker ‘Tambuwal ‘s defection a constitutional right’

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AWYERS and politicians have said there is no provision in the Constitution and the House Rule that makes it mandatory for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, to quit or resign his office after defection.

Commenting on Tambuwal’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN) said the Speaker has the constitutional right to join any party of his choice.

Uche said: “Tambuwal doesn’t have to resign or quit the office of the Speaker because of defection. Nothing stops him from joining any party of his choice. He cannot lose that seat as a Speaker. It is not automatic.

“There are certain conditions that must exist before the office could be taken from him but not on the basis of defection. It is within his right to defect in this circumstance. The decision he has taken is very crucial to his political future based on the reports that he is planning to contest the governorship election in Sokoto State next year.”

Another SAN, Emeka Ngige agrees with Uche. He said Tambuwal has not breached any law. He said the law made it clear that a member of the House can be elected Speaker by members of the House irrespective of party affiliation.

By Leke Salaudeen, Assistant Editor

Ngige recalled that in the second republic, EdwinUme- Ezeoke, a member of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives while a member of the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was deputy.

“There is no requirement of party affiliation to be elected as Speaker. In fact, the election of Tambuwal as Speaker cut across the parties.

“The House should let him go afterwards the lifespan of the House is gradually getting to an end.

By next year May .”

Former Senate Minority leader, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora said Tambuwal h has exercised his constitutional right which has to do with freedom of association.

Mamora said: “It is a welcome development. It portrays him as a man of conviction taking such decision without caring what the consequence might be. It is a plus for us in the APC. He is most welcome.”

Ogun State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Adebayo Dayo said Tambuwal has the right to defect to any party he likes because Nigeria is a democratic country.

Dayo said: “Personally, I have no objection, no illfeeling against his defection.”

Northern leaders, governors back Speaker •Odigie-Oyegun: he is not in breach of constitution

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became the Senate Leader. But, Tambuwal and other legislators disagreed. Their argument was that the number four citizen cannot be a ‘zonal speaker,’ but the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic and consequently, a symbol of national unity.

It was an open contest. Tambuwal’s arsenal was his incisive wit. As a lawyer and politician, he has not limited his activities to his native KebbeTambuwal Constituency, Sokoto. He appreciated the value of extending tentacles of influence and frontiers of cooperation across the six geo-political zones. Tambuwal advertised himself as a viable candidate to PDP, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) legislators. At the end of the election, he polled 252 votes, defeating AdeolaAkande, who scored 90 votes.

Apart from approaching opposition legislators for help, his manifesto impressed them. In his letter to the legislators titled: ‘Renewal Imperatives’, Tambuwal unfolded his vision, urging his colleagues to allow him to lead the House. He highlighted the challenges, which should be tackled by prompt legislative action. These include poor economy, escalating federal deficit and worsening fiscal problems. “The search for a new conversation in our congress is a walk with you.

It is my desire to lead by action and positive examples,” he said.

Tambuwal proposed four principles as guide to legislative action in the

House’s quest for rapid economic growth and development. These are the effective resource allocation and cost-effectiveness of resource utilisation, the liberalisation of the economic space to encourage private sector participation, enthronement of transparency and maximisation of economic benefits for the citizens. Reflecting on budget failure, he said: “Our national budget should be predicated on a predetermined and certain timetable”.

To make the country attractive to investors, Tambuwal said four bills should be passed. They are the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, the Freedom of Information Bill, the Petroleum Industry Bill, the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, the Amended Land Use Bill and the national Health Bill.

“Our collective task is to employ the instrumentality of legislation to revamp the economy. I offer to lead the efforts by positive actions and right examples,” he added.

Tambuwal also said a parliamentary dispensation is only meaningful if the public expectation about dividends of democracy are met. He listed 10 areas the House should focus on, to justify its essence in democracy. The Speaker said a caring parliament should assist the executive with legislations in providing affordable health care system, housing and transportation system; security of life and property, creation of employment opportunities, education assistance programmes, child care programmes and functional retirement schemes. Urging his colleagues to make him the Speaker, he said he

NKNOWN to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Northern leaders gave their backing to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s defection to the All Progressives Congress(APC).

It was also learnt that the mace of the House of Representatives has been relocated to a safe location to prevent any plot to reconvene the chamber while on recess.

According to sources, Tambuwal made extensive consultations with key leaders in the North and governors before defecting to APC. It was also gathered that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in the North supported the speaker.

A source, who played an important role in the consultations, said: “The defection of the Speaker was a consequence of painstaking consultations with top Nigerians, especially Northern leaders.

“These consultations involved shuttling from one geopolitical zone to the other. At a point, a committee was raised to weigh all options. At the end, the Speaker bowed to superior argument that he should defect.

“Some governors made strategic input into the movement of the Speaker.

“So, it will be tactically wrong for either the Presidency or the PDP to assume that the Speaker is alone.”

A Principal Officer of the House, who spoke in confidence, said: “Most members of the House were carried along in making the final decision to defect.

“Some members were as aggrieved as the Speaker and they felt he should lead while they will follow later.

“One thing I can tell you that the defection is a popular

would lead them to fulfill these promises to Nigeria. “With your active support and participation, these goals are possible and realisable. I put myself forward to lead the efforts. I ask for your support and prayers,” he added.

When he assumed the reins, it was clear that Tambuwal was prepared for the job. He united the House after the tempestuous in-house leadership elections. His leadership is effective.

Under him, the House refused to dance to the antics of the ruling party.

Thus, the House’s intervention in national issues have been guided by patriotism. These are evident in the House’s probe of the fuel subsidy scam, scrutiny of government activities and insistence on probity and transparency.

Tambuwal also avoided scandals.

Leading by example, he has shunned opulence and graft. For him, the corridor of power should not be an avenue for primitive accumulation. The number four citizen has also endowed his position with visibility and honour. Under him, the House has been united and stable. The legislators perceived him as a Nigerian who has a national outlook. His colleagues be-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

one among members. Tambuwal surely enjoys highlevel of confidence from members.

“This is why PDP must tread softly because ‘this is politics before 2015 politics’. It will be a costly mistake to destabilise the House.”

Just a few hours after Tambuwal’s defection, the mace has been kept in safe custody to pre-empt any plan to reconvene the House before December 3.

APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun last night welcomedTambuwal to the party.

Speaking on Channel Television prime time news last night, he said: "The body language" of the Speaker all along showed that he was not at home where he was.

He described his defection from the PDP as the practice all over the land started by the PDP which poached governors from the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), saying it is settled that people could move across parties.

He expressed hope that the PDP would not allow its impunity to take over it to attempt to force the Speaker out of office.

According to him, the case between former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo had decided that one could leave the party that elected him and run for election on another party.

He hailed Tambuwal for the tactful way he had managed the affairs of the House since his election as speaker in 2011.

lieve that partisan consideration has not guided his leadership focus.

Difficult relationship with PDP But, the relationship between the Speaker and the PDP leadership has not been cordial. The reason is that the Speaker has often enlisted on the side of the people. Knowing that the House has tap roots across 360 constituencies, he opted for the people, instead of dancing to the tune of the government.

When it was evident that the Federal Government was drifting, he spoke as a statesman and patriot. Tambuwal warned against the danger of an ailing economy that cannot guarantee jobs for youths. He also complained about soaring corruption in high places. He said the administration was not fighting corruption.

The Speaker faces a future pregnant with possibilities. When the House resumes sitting next month, his defection will be on the front burner. PDP leaders will incite his loyal colleagues against him. His popularity will be tested again on the floor. Will he survive, if the impeachment axe dangles?

Tambuwal is popular at home. He

has some options to explore. Many are rooting for him as the governorship candidate of the APC in Sokoto.

If he emerges, the possibility exists that he will be elected in next year’s election. A party source said some APC leaders are even urging him to join the presidential race. In a couple of days, he will make a categorical statement on his next political move.

Where he is coming from Born on January 10, 1966, Tambuwal attended Tambuwal Primary School, Tambuwal, and Government Teachers College, Dogon-Daji before proceeding to Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto to study Law. In 1992, he was called to the Bar after completing his one year law programme at the Nigeria Law school, Lagos. The Speaker also attended short training programmes in Kennedy School of Government, Harvard, and Tulane University, United States Before he was elected as a federal legislator, he was active in the bar politics. He is a member of the Body of Benchers. Before he serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, he was the Minority Leader.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Kwankwaso to give security priority Continued from page 1

every corner of the land. Life

•From right Amaechi, Fashola, Baraje and Ogbeh....yesterday

Fed Govt, Boko Haram negotiation on course

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HE Federal Government yesterday maintained that its negotiation with the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to secure the release of over 200 secondary school girls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, is still on going.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke stated this at the State House at the end of over two hours closed-door security meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the security chiefs briefed the President on how far they had gone on the ceasefire agreement.

Others at the meeting included Vice President Namadi Sambo, Service Chiefs, Acting Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba, Director General Department of Security Service,

A

•Senators contribute N20m for IDPs From Onyedi Ojiabor, Augustine Ehikioya and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Ita Ekpeyong and National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, declined comments on the outcome of the meeting.

Abba, however, said 30 police officers were still missing after Boko Haram’s attack on the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Gwoza Training camp in Borno State.

Senators yesterday resolved to contribute N20million to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), especially those in the Northeast and other crisesprone areas.

The Senate also urged the Federal Government to seek the assistance of international refugee agencies to effectively care for the victims.

It called on the Federal, states and local governments to redouble efforts at providing relief materials and basic necessities of life to the affected persons.

These resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Deputy Senate Leader Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) on the plight of the IDPs in the Northeast.

Ningi decried the pitiable condition of displaced persons.

He warned that insurgency is a circle that is capable of revolving round the country if not checked.

According to him, the essence

of the motion was to call attention of the international community and the various tiers government to the inhuman situation of the displaced people in the Northeast.

Ningi added that the people of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states are finding it almost impossible to live as a result of Boko Haram attacks.

He said: “As I speak to you, we have over two million internally displaced persons from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.”

The IDPs are in camps spread across Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue and Taraba states and also outside Nigeria - in Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Ningi said: “But the most painful aspect of this crisis is the lack Continued on page 59

Resign now, Akpabio tells Tambuwal

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio asked Tambuwal to “do the needful” since, according to him, the APC is a minority in the House of Representatives.

Akpabio, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, said the party leadership had always suspected the Speaker’s actions and body language in recent times.

From Gbade Ogunwale and Faith Yahaya, Abuja

Speaking at the PDP’s Abuja secretariat, the governor said: “For me, we have always suspected that the Speaker of the House of Representatives was in name a PDP member but in action, an opposition party member.

“So, what has happened to-

day is a culmination of what we had always suspected and I do expect that being a man of integrity, he knows the right thing to do; that he was elected on the platform of PDP and today he has defected to the opposition and there is no crisis or division in PDP, so the law is very clear and the constitution is very clear.

“I want to wish Alhaji Tam-

buwal well in his new party and also urge him to do the needful, which is obeying the rule of law. I don’t need to speak more than that. I would expect that as an honourable member, he would do the honourable thing, which is, of course, that even with the defection, the APC still remains the minority in the House of

and property must be protected.

Boko Haram and all forms of insurgency must be defeated. As a government, we cannot afford to live in denial. Insecurity is escalating at an alarming rate. Little wonder rag-tag insurgents are taking over cities and towns in the Northeast.

“My experiences as Nigeria’s Defence minister and as special adviser on war-torn Darfur and Somalia have shown me that securing a nation and defeating armed insurgents are only achievable, if the forces are professionally mobilised, properly kitted and equipped, highly spirited and correctly armed with intelligence and munitions.

“My experiences have shown me that technology must be deployed in addition to mobilising and cultivating the support of local communities. Cross-border intelligence is a veritable ingredient necessary to defeat armed insurgents.

“Relegating the welfare of the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force to the background only helps in compounding the phenomenon. And where low morals meet poor equipment and kits, no doubt the insurgents will have an edge. Any responsible government must take these issues seriously, if the protection of the life and property of its citizens is its primary responsibility. These, we understand very well. We must work together, compatriots, in a new APC government to achieve this.

“Our journey to economic prosperity will always be imperiled if the movement of persons and goods cannot be guaranteed. Stopping these menaces does not require rocket science.

Good surveillance equipment deployed appropriately and manned by well-groomed and well -motivated enforcement agents will do the magic.

“The second priority of this country is killing the cancer of corruption that has eaten so deeply into the very fabric of our value system. The impunity with which corruption is being perpetrated, promoted and protected by the present PDP administration leaves no patriotic Nigerian in doubt that the government is working deliberately and with determination to impoverish Nigerians.

“Effective fight against corruption requires strong institu-

tions, the political will of the leadership, as well as the cooperation of citizens. This, we are determined to do. Our antecedent testifies that we have the capacity and political will to do so.

“Nations do not build sound economies on insecurity, brigandage and mayhem. Nations do not build responsive economies on a foundation of scandalous corruption and impunity.

Nations do not build strong economies on lies and halftruths.

“All sorts of colourful, yet deceptive, statistics are being churned out by the PDP administration to give Nigeria’s economy a clean bill of health. They are all conjectures. The reality on the ground is at sharp contrast with the cooked up statistics.”

Kwankwaso condemned the fiscal policy of the Jonathan administration as “more than disastrous”. Its micro and macroeconomic policies are as vacuous as they are deceptive. How can we attain development when only a tiny percentage of our budget is allocated for capital projects and even that is not properly implemented?

“How can we grow when the wealth of the nation is being stolen by the very trustees to the wealth? Where on this planet do we have a nation so endowed and yet so impoverished? That is why we must rally round and replace this PDP government with a progressive and responsive APC administration under my stewardship.

“The strength of any economy depends on the quality, competence, fitness and morale of the available human resources that drive it. Nigeria’s education and health sectors are facing multithrong crises of quality, quantity, infrastructure, equipment and brain drain.

“At the heart of these crises are policy and sincerity. We must remake our national education and health policies to provide sustainable lifeline of funding for these very critical sectors of our national life. Toying with the education of our children and youth is akin to passing a death sentence on an entire generation.

A generation killed, a future mortgaged, and a country destroyed. That is the result of playing insincere politics with education. We cannot afford to sacrifice the future of Nigeria.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria Continued on page 59

Continued on page 59

Cheers as Tambuwal tells House: I’m now in APC Continued from page 1

of the PDP were in tears.

Tambuwal said: “My dear colleagues, pursuant to the extant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and having re-

gards to development in my home State of Sokoto, I wish to hereby formally notify you of my membership of the All Progressives Congress APC. “Let me register my profound appreciation to all of you my colleagues for the unflinching support you have continued to extend to me and the great sacrifice you are making in the pursuit of the overall National interest and the development of constitutional democracy.

“May the Almighty God continue to guide us all in the exercise of the people’s mandate entrusted in us.”

His defection was greeted with applause, especially from the APC lawmakers.

This is the second time a Speaker has emerged from the minority after Edwin UmeEzeoke, who was Speaker on the platform of the NPP in a House dominated by the NPN in the Second Republic.

The APC Caucus in the

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PDP threatens Tambuwal over defection

HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for defecting from the ruling PDP to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the party reminded Tambuwal of the minority status of the APC in the lower house, in what analysts described as a House, led by Femi Gbajabiamila, said they would be stimulated into doing more by Tambuwal’s defection, adding that nothing had changed in the House as all members would work together for the advancement of the Parliament and greater good of the Nigerian people.

Gbajabiamila said: “We welcome and applaud the Speaker’s decision . Ever since the crises started in the PDP, which led to the formation of the ‘New PDP’ and the defection of five PDP governors, 37 PDP members of the House of Representatives to the APC, and the formal merger of the ‘ New PDP’ with the APC. We had all along

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

thinly veiled threat of impeachment.

The statement added that the party’s leadership had met over the matter and might have reached a common decision on what step to take.

Metuh said the leadership had also met with party leaders in the House of Representatives concerning the defection.

The party said: “After a thorough consideration of the matter, the NWC

known that this day will come.

“We are proud to acknowledge that the Speaker remains not only a member of the House of Representatives, but also its Speaker. This position is consistent with the law and practice in a presidential system of government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Constitution requires only that the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves.’

“Rt Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has been a Speaker for all the members, all the political parties and for all Nigerians and will so continue.”

came to a conclusion that the Hon. Speaker, as a responsible elected officer, knows full well what is needful and honourable of him since his new party is in the minority.

“We are not unmindful of the fact that Hon. Tambuwal became Speaker on the platform of the PDP as the political party with the majority of seats in the House of Representatives and that this incontrovertible fact has not changed.”

Though there had been weeks of speculations in the media about the speaker’s impending defection, the PDP members in the House were nonetheless shocked into prolonged silence after Tambuwal’s defection speech.

The Majority leader of the House, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, said Tambuwal came into the House and became Speaker on the platform of the PDP and that the party will decide what happens next. “ I think this is an issue that the party will decide at the appropriate time,” she said.

Mrs. Akande-Adeola refuted the claim that she knew that the Speaker was going to make a

defection speech and hurriedly asked for the House to adjourn till December 3.

But the Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor was more forthcoming.

“We will watch further, and definitely will see what happens. Let’s look and see how he manages the House. We will watch him with eagle eyes and interpret every action that he takes,” he said.

He explained reasons for the adjournment.

“The adjournment was moved by the Leader of the House. That has nothing to do with his defection. He stated clearly that the essence is to go for the oversight function and for the House to adequately

•Gbajabiamila

prepare for the presentation of the budget. You are also mindful of the fact that there are primaries before us. It behoves on all of us to do the needful to make sure that those who want to come back can have the opportunity to work towards that.

“Let me emphasise here that the Speaker has left. Because he has gone does not mean that the PDP does not control the House. He sits down there as Continued on page 59

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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NEWS

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Hearing in Fani-Kayode’s no-case submission stalled

EARING in the nocase submission made by a former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode was stalled yesterday, following the absence of Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The case was adjourned till November 11, but it was not clear why the judge was absent.

Fani-Kayode, who was in court, left about 9.30am after he was told the hearing would not hold.

The court registrars informed the parties that the suit had been slated for a further date.

The former minister on trial for an amended 40-count charges of laundering about N100,219,500 by paying them into his personal account through an associate.

For instance, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on or about November 22, 2006, Fani-Kayode made a financial transaction exceeding N500,000, which was not done through a financial institution.

It said he accepted cash payment of N10 million, which was carried in cash to First Inland Bank, Plc, Apapa Branch (now First City Monument Bank Plc) through his close associate, Mark Saviour Ndifreke, said to be at large.

The money, EFCC alleged, was put into Fani-Kayode’s investment account for 90 days, an offence contrary to Section 15(1)(d) and punishable under Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004.

Other counts stated that he

By Joseph Jibueze

carried out some of the transactions exceeding N500,000 while also serving as minister of Culture and Tourism.

Ndifreke was also said to have helped him pay the money into his personal account.

He allegedly committed the offences between August 2006 and May 2007.

One of the counts stated that on December 5, 2006, while he was Aviation minister, he accepted N2.1 million, which was paid into his personal account (103450252601) with First Inland Bank Plc (now First City Monument Bank).

Fani-Kayode pleaded not guilty to all counts. He was first arraigned in December 2008 before Justice Ramat Mohammed on a 47-count, but was re-arraigned before Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako following Justice Mohammed’s transfer from the Lagos Division.

The accused was again rearraigned before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia on February 11, last year, after Murtala-Nyako was transferred.

Following an amendment of the charges from 47 to 40, Fani-Kayode took a fresh plea before Justice OfiliAjumogobia on March 6.

The EFCC closed its case on July 10, while FaniKayode’s lawyer, Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN), informed the court of his intention to file an application for a no-case submission.

The judge had then adjourned for parties to address him on their submissions.

“Buhari’s choice as APC candidate ’ll unsettle PDP’

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GROUP, the Grassroots Mobilisation for Muhammadu Buhari (GMMB), has argued that the choice of former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would unsettle the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s general elections.

Its National Chairman, Mr. Remi Oyebanji, who made this known in a statement yesterday in Ibadan, said the popularity of Buhari was high given the votes he garnered at the 2011 elections, although the party on which he contested was barely four months old.

“The ruling party has exhausted its arsenal of character assassination, mudslinging, la-

A

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

belling and name calling on Gen Buhari. Instead, all these pronouncements on Buhari have become an albatross and bounced back on the sitting President and the PDP. Nigerians know better today”, the group said.

Oyebanji added that any mistake on the part of APC to present a wrong candidate would allegedly condemn Nigerians to another four years of suffering under PDP. He advised APC leaders and delegates against the wrong choice of a presidential candidate, which he said would give the PDP an undue advantage and affect the future of Nigerians.

•National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie Oyegun (right) welcoming the Principal Deputy, United States (U.S.)Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador Robert Jackson, to the APC headquarters in Abuja...yesterday.

With them is U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle.

PHOTO: ABAYOM FAYESE

PDP to Balewa’s son: no presidential form

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HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has prevented an aspirant on the party’s platform, Dr. Abdul Jahlil Balewa, from obtaining the presidential nomination form.

Balewa, who arrived at the PDP’s national secretariat in the afternoon yesterday, accompanied by jubilant supporters, headed straight to the Office of the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, only to be told that the forms “were not ready”.

His explanations that he had already made payment for the form, as directed by the party, were not given consideration by the party chief.

Also, a female presidential aspirant, Akasoba-Duke Abiola, a widow of late Chief Moshood K.O. Abiola, was denied the presidential form despite evidence of payment shown to the party’s national chairman and the national organising secretary.

Speaking with reporters shortly after the encounter, Balewa narrated his ordeal: “I have paid for my forms. I was however told that they don’t have the forms ready.

“I paid for it myself; nobody paid it for me because I believe very strongly in what I am doing.

I love this country with all my heart. I paid N22 million for it.

“No matter what, I am still here. I will send some of my people here on Thursday (tomorrow) to come and pick the forms.

“People came from Bauchi and from different parts of the

nation to support me. We have signatures of over 40 million Nigerians that want a change. I am in the PDP; I have always been in the PDP. “I have no intention of leaving the PDP, but I have every intention of making my country a better country; a country that we will all be proud of.

“I went to see the secretary. I also went to see the organising secretary and they said the form was not ready. I am a party person. So, I don’t want to put any doubt in thinking that maybe the presidential form is not ready.

“We have so many governorship forms and so many people picking those up and very few of us - just the president and I for the presidential race.

“So, why two forms could not be ready is a little bit worrisome.

But my party will do what is right. I think those who endorsed the president is a body and the body has organs.

“These organs are little parts of the body. I am appealing to the body polity and I am going to run. Those organs do not always represent the masses that follow my part and I am addressing myself, the party and its entirety. I am sure I will do well.”

He added: “I did not wait until the last hour. You have to remember that I am not pushing myself to run. I have enough to

do in life. It’s civil society groups and other groups that came to me and said it is my type of person that need to lead this country.

“So, I have never fronted for anyone. I am running and unlike most of the other aspirants that bring in so many people from the party, for me, all the people that came with me are just ordinary Nigerians that are looking for change in their lives.

“So, no matter when I take the form, it is never too late, as long as I do it at the right time”.

On what his reaction would be if they party eventually failed to sell the form to him, he said: “I will cross the bridge when I get there.

“Well, I want to think that my party is a leader in wanting to teach other Nigerians exactly what to do. So, if there should not be anyone here on Thursday (tomorrow), it means there are people that should be doing a particular job that will not be doing their job that day.

“Those are the type of people we don’t need in this country and I will make sure they are not in my administration. Concerning what I am going to do after Thursday, we will cross that bridge when we get there”.

In its reaction, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said: “I have to find out exactly the true position, because I am not aware now, you are just informing me.

“Please, it is good to balance stories in this season of elections.

I will want to confirm from the

national chairman and the national organising secretary the true position.

“I do not want to believe the report of an individual or group as against the elected leaders of our party who are the custodians of our party constitution”.

When Metuh was asked whether the party would sell its presidential nomination form to other aspirants besides Jonathan, he said: “I will send you to the national organising secretary on the issue of forms.

All the publication is being handled by his office and not the national publicity secretary”.

Mrs. Abiola, who spoke with reporters after she was denied the form, said the party leadership claimed that it only printed one form for the presidential aspirant.

She added that she paid the N22 million as stated in the party guidelines.

While displaying the teller from the bank, she threatened to go to court over the matter, if equity and justice was not served.

According to her: “After meeting the National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu and the National Organising Secretary, Abubakar Mustapha, they said to me they have printed just one nomination form. They told me they were reserving it for the president.”

She added: “I have the guidelines; I have not seen where it is stated that you need to print just one form. PDP, the largest party, printed just one party nomination form for presidential position.”

“As for the manifest of the plane, the committee also discovered that the Niger Delta activist, Mujaheedin AsariDokubo, was not among those on board the transaction aircraft. There was no mention of Dokubo in the manifest presented during the investigation.”

The statement added: “The committee’s findings revealed that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has the statutory and legitimate mandate to issue end-user certificate for such arms transactions. The imputations surrounding the role of the ONSA were unfounded, baseless and

ill-motivated.

“The decision of South Africa to return $15million to Nigeria lent credence to the legality of the transaction. Certainly, Nigeria had no case to answer”.

Ahmed faulted such a secret clearance by the government.

He said: “It is within the ambit of the law for the Federal Government to set up a panel to look into the allegations surrounding the ill-fated transactions.

“However, the fact that the public was left in the dark as to the members constituting the panel as well as the details of the proceedings surely has a roller coaster-effect on the cred-

ibility of the outcome of the panel’s findings.”

A private aircraft belonging to Oritsejafor last month conveyed some unnamed persons and cash to South Africa, ostensibly to purchase arms from the black market to help bolster Nigeria’s fight against terrorists in parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

This led to widespread speculations in the media and sentiments expressed by politicians on the issue.

The three individuals on board the aircraft were briefly detained in South-Africa, while the cash was confiscated by the country’s financial authorities.

•Abiola’s widow also affected From Gbade Ogunwale and Faith Yahaya, Abuja

$9.3m arms deal: Secret panel clears Oritsejafor, Asari-Dokubo

SECRET panel raised by the Federal Government has reportedly cleared the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor, and Alhaji Mujahideen Asari-Dokubo of involvement in the $9.3 million arms’ deal.

The panel said it was statutory and legitimate for the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to issue enduser certificate for arms transactions.

But the identities of members of the panel, mostly drawn from security agencies, were kept secret last night.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

But a lawyer, Ibrahim Ahmed, faulted such a secret clearance by the government.

A statement made in Abuja

by PRNigeria claimed that the panel had submitted its report to the Presidency.

PRNigeria is a media outfit close to security agencies, through which important information are released to the public.

The statement said: “”A Special Team, comprising security agents, intelligence experts and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has investigated the $9.3m cash-for- arms deal

and submitted its report to the Presidency.

“The committee confirmed that the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, had no connection with the transaction.

“It was true that the CAN President’s jet was used, but we found out that it was without his knowledge. As at the time in question, the aircraft was on lease. And you may be aware that the lease trend is peculiar to private jet owners in the country.

“It is the view of the committee that Oritsejafor cannot be held liable for any shuttle made by a lease firm.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

6

NEWS Minister, Customs to partner Ozolua’s foundation

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HE Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, has urged wellmeaning Nigerians to prioritise their support for the disadvantaged in the society.

She said credible platforms and non-governmental organisations (NGO) should be supported to ensure that such assistance got to the desired people.

The minister spoke yesterday in Abuja at a media roundtable by Princess Modupe Ozolua’s Body Enhancement Foundation to highlight the activities of the organisation.

Maina, who was represented by Mr. Nobis Eligius of Community Development Department, noted that the situation around the world had made it imperative for the rich in the society to give back to their communities and the needy.

The minister said the foundation had created a credible platform to fulfill such obligations, adding that the ministry’s structure made available to the needy in the society.

“The ministry is concerned about the level of poverty in our society and that is why we are partnering this foundation, to ensure that we reach the PUBLIC NOTICE ADEBAYO

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebayo Olubunmi Olanrewaju now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojedele Olubunmi Olanrewaju. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE OLU

I, formerly known and refers to as Miss. EMILY JACINTA IYABO OLU. Now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. EMILY EGWE. All former documents remained valid.

The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE EKEMEREN

I, formerly known and refers to as Oke Helen Ekemeren. Now wishes to be known and addressed as Okeoma Helen Nwanneka. All former documents remained valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

I Mrs Saidat Abioye Taiwo of no 7 Gbajumo Cresent, off Adeniran Ogunsanya.Surulere Lagos notify the general public that I have applied to the LSDPC for its consent to change ownership of No 53 Adeniran Ogunsanya Surulere Lagos State, which was originally allocated to Engr Clement Egbueze and Mrs Felicia Ihidero.I have made series of efforts to contact Engr Clement Egbueze and Mrs Felicia Ihidero.the assignor from whom I brought the property, but all efforts have proved abortive. I hereby indemnify the corporation against any future claims that may arise if my application is granted, and undertake to pay cost of any dispute that may arise on same. LSDPC, Engr Clement Egbueze and Mrs Felicia Ihidero and the General public, please take note.

‘The ministry is concerned about the level of poverty in our society and that is why we are partnering this foundation, to ensure that we reach the needy in the society’ From Dele Anofi, Abuja

needy in the society,” she said.

In his contribution, the Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NIS), Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi, backed the call for the privileged to support initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of the less-privileged.

According to Sani Suleiman, head Logistics, who represented Abdulahi, arrangements had been concluded by the comptrollergeneral for the provision of thousands of bags of rice to the foundation to aid its philanthropy.

The CG noted that the foundation was providing a “credible and well-organised structure” to cater for the needs of the less-privileged.

“That is why the CG has directed that we go up from the 600 bags of rice we gave last time to over a thousand bags from now,” he said.

Mrs. Ozolua, in her remarks, said the foundation had concluded arrangement for its programme in Bayelsa State, where food items and other household materials would be provided for the less-privileged, women and the aged.

“We are not restricted to any geo-political zone of the country. We have been to Edo and we are going to Bayelsa next.

“This medium is just to inform Nigerians that we have not stopped our philanthropic activities. We are still giving to the needy and we will continue to that”, she said.

She also enjoined other Nigerians to give to the needy.

•Head, Social Media, Nigeria Customs Service Michael Achimugu(left); Princess Ozolua; Head, Corporate Communications, PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Dana Group, Samuel Ogbogoro and Eligius at the event...yesterday.

now Atiku to decentralise security NMMA November 7

F

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has unveiled plans to replace the Office of the National Security Adviser with a National Security Council to combat terrorism and insurgency, if elected President next year.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, who stated this in a draft policy yesterday, said he had mapped out a “National Security Strategy, by creating a dedicated counter-terrorism and intelligence division to replace the Office of the National Security Adviser with a National Security Council.”

Explaining that the draft policy document would still be modified into a final policy document by experts, he noted that the NSC would be made up of the Presidency, the heads of the NPF and state police services (when they are ready), the head of the security services and the Chief of Defence staff.

Atiku also vowed to scrap all “non-statutory task forces and commissions”, adding that their expert workers would be transfered into the NSC.” In addition, the plan also anticipates the creation of “a single National Security Advisory Council (NSAC) composed of former heads of state, traditional, community leaders” and others.

The document said there would also be an overhaul of security structure through removal of “federal monopoly of the police force.”

Governors, it added, would be empowered as the

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•Ex-VP plans to scrap NSA’s office From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

“chief security officers” in their states. Those that desire state police would be given given the chance to have them along with relevant legislative changes with the National Assembly specifying mandates and jurisdictions, the document said.

The former vice president stressed that local governments would also “be given the chance to have their police forces, as long as they follow the mandates and jurisdiction applied by the state authorities.

Also, states that prefer to use only the federal police can maintain the situation and negotiate the arrangements with federal authorities for funding, mandates and jurisdiction they are there to serve and protect.”

The policy document said the “administration wants a country where the rule of law reigns, there is significant reduction in crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping, eliminating terrorism and insurgency in the country and eliminating inter-communal and intertribal conflicts across the country.”

He said his administration would pave the way for true federalism to ensure overall peace and stability in the country by “allocating more power and resources to the federating units, freedom and flexibility for the federating states to address the choices and challenges

with which local populations are confronted.”

On public sector financing and funding, he claimed that his government would review the Federation Account and restructure government finance by amending the constitution and all legislation to ensure that “states of origin can retain a significant share of revenues, a rulebased financial equalisation mechanism allocates a significant share of the remaining revenues to states and local government areas, funding needs are established on the basis of population and public finance performance, rather than number of units or territory.

He noted that the federal, state and local governments would have a strong incentive to broaden the tax base needed to support transformational PWPs and ensure that the projects did not delay urgent infrastructure upgrades, crowd out private enterprises, entrench private oligopolies and drain fiscal resources.

Private efforts to maintain and upgrade basic infrastructure, it added, would be rewarded through encouraging businesses to address bottlenecks by offering “small cash transfers or tax refunds for documented irrigation, road and maintenance work and tax credits for infrastructure upgrades that benefit and are paid for by the private businesses.”

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HE Board of Trustees and Administrators of Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) has announced the rescheduling of the event holding in Owerri, Imo State.

The organisers noted that the earlier date of October 31 to November 2, was found to have some constraints that might deny the event “the full attention, space and glamour it deserves as the biggest media excellence event in Nigeria and Africa.”

In a statement yesterday, they said the event would now take place between Friday, 7 and Sunday, November 9.

The board added that it was postponed in agreement with the Imo State government, adding that all other arrangements remain the same.

The organising committee regretted any inconvenience the rescheduling caused media veterans, organisations and practitioners, including the nominees and guests of the NMMA. The statement added that “the new date would enable much greater event and possibly one of the best ever held.”

The NMMA Grand Award Presentation Ceremony held in Lagos from 1992 – 2002 before moving across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and was hosted in FCT Abuja (2003), Rivers State (2004), Bauchi State (2005), Kwara State (2006), Osun State (2007) and Kano State (2008).

It was also held in Enugu State (2009), Lagos State (2010 & 2012), Ondo State (2011) and Ekiti State (2013).

The media train will be hosted by Governor Rochas Okorocha in Owerri.

NAFDAC workers threaten strike

ORKERS of National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike, if their entitlements are not paid in the next seven days.

They took the decision at an extra-ordinary meeting of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) from the 36 states, in Lagos last Monday.

According to a communi-

By Sina Fadare

qué by the secretary of the union, Comrade Anzaku Peter Joseph, the congress demanded an upward review of Job Specific Allowance by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission within one week or members would embark on an indefinite strike.

Other demands by the congress include the immediate implementation of Skipping of CONRAISS by NAFDAC

management as directed by the extant circular by November 4, based on the National Industrial Court judgment in favour of JOHESU. The congress, which also frowned at non-payment of eight months pension arrears from May to December, 2012 for 2012 set of NAFDAC employees, demanded that the agency pay the arrears into PFAs accounts within one week.

The workers lamented the non-availability of

funds for GMPs, trainings, workshops and conferences (both domestic and foreign), adding that the NAFDAC management should reverse this “trend, which has attracted financial embarrassment to workers”.

The congress pointed out that an attempt by the NAFDAC to pretend as if all was well in the organisation would encourage the workers to proceed on indefinite industrial action until all their demands are met.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

NEWS

First Lady: I’m not involved in Oyo PDP politics

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HE First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, has denied reports claiming that she summoned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants in Oyo State, when she inaugurated the Office of Women for Change and Development Initiative.

The report said she requested PDP leaders to accommodate former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is an Accord Party chieftain, in the PDP and help him realise his governorship ambition.

A statement titled: “Re: Oyo PDP Crisis: Party Leaders, aspirants battle Patience

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Jonathan” by Ayo Adewuyi, Media assistant in the Office of the First Lady, said the report was dubious, diversionary and unfair.

Mrs. Jonathan said she was neither an elected state official nor a party functionary to make such a request.

She said she was only concerned with the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general election as the president of the African First Ladies Peace Mission.

The statement reads: “It has come to our notice that a new twist has been intro-

duced to the carefully orchestrated scheme to anchor the political fortunes or survival of certain politicians on a deliberate demonisation of Mrs Patience Jonathan.

“This was demonstrated in a newspaper report, which said the First Lady requested PDP leaders in Oyo State to “accommodate” former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is an Accord Party chieftain in the PDP and “support him to realise his governorship ambition”.

“We consider it preposterous that it can be assumed that the First Lady would possibly make such request

on behalf of someone who is not even in the PDP. “We ask again, on what platform? Within what context? And to achieve what?

Is Ladoja in PDP? “Let us state, once again, that Mrs Jonathan is not an elected state official, neither is she a party functionary.

“She, therefore, recognises very clearly her place in the scheme of things and acts accordingly.

“If anything, she has continued to preach for a peaceful conduct of all aspirants before, during and after elections.

“She believes the elections can only be conducted in a

peaceful atmosphere and the aspirants must be alive to contest and win election.

“Dame Jonathan was in Ibadan only for the purpose of inaugurating the Oyo State office of Women for Change and Development Initiative, one of her NGOs seeking to uplift the status of Nigerian women.

“To, therefore, say that the First Lady summoned PDP governorship aspirants asking them to “accommodate” an Accord Party aspirant is to say the least dubious, diversionary, unfair, unkind, and therefore totally unacceptable.”

Ondo PDP secretariat locked From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee in Ondo State has said its secretariat on Oyemekun Road, Akure, shall remain closed.

Armed policemen invaded the two-storey building and shut it down.

This step, according to a statement by the Committee Chairman, Dare Adeleke, was to avoid unauthorised access and possible destruction of property at the secretariat.

The committee assured members of its unwavering commitment to justice, peace and fair play and called on aggrieved members to remain calm and law abiding.

At the secretariat yesterday, armed policemen were guarding the premises.

There were no party officials around as the door leading to the main entrance was locked.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) dissolved the Executive Committee on Sunday.

The Chairman of the dissolved executive, Ebenezer Alabi, lamented what had become of the secretariat.

Alabi said since the matter was in court, they would wait for the outcome of the court.

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said he was not aware of any police deployment.

Ekiti to build more roads

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HE Ekiti State government has assured residents that the Fayoseled administration will complete all road projects and build new ones.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mr Kayode Oso, said this in Ado Ekiti while addressing the staff of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and officers of the State Traffic Management Authority.

The aide warned that the administration would not tolerate shoddy jobs, emphasising that sluggish execution of projects would be frowned upon.

He advised officials of the State Traffic Management Authority to discharge their duties fairly.

‘Improve your work ethics’

By Olalekan Ayeni

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HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State has urged its officers to be more dedicated to their jobs.

At a workshop, “Improved regulatory and enforcement capacity in FRSC, ways forward in RTC and fatality reduction”, the State Coordinator, Special Marshal and Partnership, Emmanuel Fagbenro, said: “The event is to reshape attitude, enlarge horizon and provide robust knowledge that will enable officers face on-the-job challenges.

“The programme is also to reward committed marshals.

The Special Marshals Unit is the FRSC’s volunteer arm .

They are men and women of integrity, who carry out patrol and other activities that ensure good road usage.”

The Sector Commander, Adetunji Adegoke, said: “The workshop is necessary because it allows Special Marshals and stakeholders reflect deeply and analyse issues concerning road traffic rules and regulations as well as their enforcement.”

He advised regular marshals, special marshals and stakeholders to work harder to be more dedicated and committed.

Osogbo to honour Ponnle

T •From left: Chairperson, LCCI Women Group, Mrs. Adenike Shobajo, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa, Bello, Mrs Sosan and Mrs AbiolaCostello at the event...yesterday.

PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

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'Women must participate in politics'

House of Representatives member, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged women to participate in the 2015 election.

The lawmaker, who spoke yesterday at a forum organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women Group, said women had been marginalised.

Speaking on ''Strategies for Increased Participation of Women in Leadership Position: Management and Political Perspectives'', she said women need mentoring to cope with the leadership changes in the country.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa said: "We have many women who can excel in the political and economic leadership of the country but are often held back by cultural and

By Musa Odoshimokhe

institutional factors.

"The women folk have not really come out to seek leadership position because they believe it is for the men.

“They need to be courageous and look at the possibilities of making impact in the polity."

Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Dame Sarah Sosan said it was an act of criminality by parties to scare women away from seeking elective offices through exorbitant fees.

She said the charges would not allow women to contest election, stressing that it was crucial to address the shortcoming to give women a chance in the country. ''Women have been tacti-

cally severed from the presidential election. It is not the women but also the people with ideas who cannot afford the money as well. ''It is an act of criminality to prevent women from contesting. If women must be properly involved they need concession because they don't have the kind of money the parties are charging," Mrs. Sosan said.

The Chairman, who is the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Remi Bello, said women should be given special concession in the unfolding socio-political and economic advancement.

He added that women need to be united in the fight to actualise their dream,

stressing that they hardly unite when it comes to the contest for leadership.

"They have the number, this ordinarily should be an advantage but they don't support themselves. It is sometimes difficult to get them united to achieve a common goal."

Another discussant, Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costello, said women must be properly mobilised for leadership.

"We have ideas, let’s put them across. Women need not be discouraged by the hostile environment.

"We should begin to identify those who can make impact and start to support them.

We should push those who can do it, Nigerian women must be encouraged."

Stop promoting anarchy, Osun APC warns PDP

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will create anarchy through its propagation of lies.

The APC said: “It is time law enforcement agents called the PDP to order and stopped the party from stoking negative passions that could lead to anarchy.”

The party’s comments followed the report that the Election Petition Tribunal ordered the recounting of the votes of the August 9 governorship election.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Kunle Oyatomi,

the APC said: “The first sitting of the newly constituted tribunal will take place tomorrow.

“Only six local governments have had their election documents inspected, and no strange ballot paper has been found.

“The PDP in its petition did not ask for a recount of the votes and it could not have ordered a recount.

“So, that piece of information was a deliberate falsehood. No hearing has taken place; the judges have made no pronouncement on recount of votes.

“The PDP’s claim that its candidate, Iyiola Omisore, has

‘It is time law enforcement agents called the PDP to order and stop the party from stoking negative passions that could lead to anarchy’ more votes than APC’s Rauf Aregbesola exposes the party’s original plan which failed to materialise.

“It shows that the PDP has a

pre-recorded result which could not pass through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) scrutiny of the votes. That is the result they now want to force through the Election Petition Tribunal.

“The APC appeals to all media organisations following the Osun Election Petition Tribunal to carefully crosscheck and confirm the truth or otherwise of any story, statement or information they may receive from the PDP before publishing same.

“We appeal to our members not to worry when the PDP speaks because it is a party filled with liars.”

HE Osogbo Progressive Union will confer a post-humous award on Mrs. Comfort Olufunke Ponnle on November 22 at the City Hall, Olonkoro, Osogbo, at 11am.

Mrs. Ponnle would have turned 70 that day.

In a letter to the widower, Prince Tunde Ponnle, Chairman of MicCom Group, the union said the deceased contributed to Osogbo’s development and deserved to be specially recognised.

The late Mrs. Ponnle, daughter of the late Bara of Osogbo, Pa Salami Balogun, served twice as chairperson of the town’s Oroki Day celebrations.

The union said she facilitated the building of a school block in Oke Baale and always celebrated Christmas with physically challenged pupils.

“We are also aware that she was the spirit behind the MicCom Foundation for Educational Development (MFED), a scholarship scheme that has been on for some 25 years,” the union said.

Summit on Ijesaland

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N O N GOVERNMENTAL Organisation, Ijesaland Development Foundation (IDF), with the support of the Osun State government, will organise a summit on the industrialisation of Ijesaland.

The group in a statement by Dideolu Falobi (President) and Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (spokesman), said the summit will hold at Ibis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, on November 11.

The statement said: “The summit will bring together Ijesa sons and daughters to explore investment initiatives with Ijesa and non-Ijesa investors, financial institutions and development.

“It will highlight raw materials for industrialisation, market potentials, natural resources required, incentives on how to access inexpensive finance, the models for industrialisation and the success of some of the existing industries in Ijesaland.”

8

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

NEWS

Lagos asks council chairmen to vacate office T

HE Lagos State government has directed the 20 local government chairmen and 37 local council development areas chairmen to vacate office, following the expiration of their three-year tenure.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, in a statement, ordered the chairmen to hand over to their heads of personnel management.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Aderemi Ibirogba, who signed the statement, said the threeyear statutory tenure of chairmen and councillors in Lagos State has expired, adding that they vacated their

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

offices.

The statement reads: “Consequently, all affected officials, including supervisors, council secretaries and other political appointees, are legally required to vacate their offices by close of business on the same day.

“Chairmen are hereby directed to co-ordinate the exercise and hand over to the council managers, who will take charge of the administration until further notice.

“It is expected that newly elected officials will resume office after the next local

government elections to be scheduled and conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission upon completion of the continuous voter registration, ward re-delineation and polling booth re-distribution embarked upon by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

In compliance with the directive, council chairmen in the state have started vacating their offices.

Efforts to reach the council chairmen were not successful as they did not answer their phones.

Ogun targets N10b IGR GUN State Governor monthly Ibikunle Amosun has

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said the government was targeting N10billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) monthly next year.

The state’s IGR fluctuates between N4.3billion and N6billion monthly.

Amosun said if the targeted N10billion mark is achieved, it would help the government address its financial obligations amid increasing shortfall in federal allocation.

The governor said this in Abeokuta, the state capital, yesterday at a stakeholders’ Town Hall meeting.

The governor said the state’s wage bill deficit stands at N5. 8 billion, aside the expected end of year bonus.

Amosun said his administration remain focused and determined to bring greater dividends of democracy to

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From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

the people.

He regretted that most of the things the citizens desired and deserved can’t be met at once because of paucity of funds.

Amosun said the town hall meeting was to enable the government and citizens jointly define areas of priorities.

The governor said: “It is pertinent to remind us that we all need to come together to sustain and increase the achievements of the last three and a half years. It is only when we do this that we will take our state to the desired height.

“The success recorded in education, infrastructure, social, security and economic affairs are notable indica-

•Amosun

tions of the symbiotic relationship that exists between the government and the people.

“I want to assure you that we will remain unwavering in our commitment to the development of our state and the improvement in the living standards of our people.”

How we’ll vote, by Christian group

GROUP, Majority Stakeholders Coalition (MSC), a body representing the collective interests of Christians in Lagos State, has said it will only support parties that would correct the political anomaly and the seeming marginalisation of Christians in Lagos politics.

The group, in a statement by Rev Tunde Elebute, said there had been a deliberate effort to frustrate Christians for political positions in the state.

It said many of the political appointments in the state had been skewed in favour of other religions.

The group said this trend had been going on since 1999, even though majority of residents were Christians.

It said the population statistics showed that

at least 60 per cent of Lagosians were Christians.

The statement said: “Of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development authorities, 40 of the council chairmen are Muslims; only 17 are Christians.

“Of the 10 members of the House of Representatives from Lagos State, nine are Muslims; only one is a Christian. ”Of the three senators representing the state, two are Muslims; Senator Oluremi Tinubu (an Itsekiri), the only Christian, is representing her Muslim husband‘s slot.

“We are mobilising our members and asking them to be ready for the new dispensation. When the time comes, we will only vote for any party that is ready to redress the lopsidedness in the state.”

Tambuwal, Obasanjo, Tinubu, others for lecture

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ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair a lecture to celebrate the electoral victory of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Sunday.

The event, Victory Colloquium for Rauf Aregbesola with the theme, Osun Election: A Pathway For Nigeria’s Democratic Growth is organised by The Gazelle News.com, an online news medium, in conjunction with the Office of Aregbesola’s Senior Special Assistant on MDGs. The lecture will be delivered by the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire.

Other speakers are Prof Lakin Akintola of the Lagos State University (LASU); M.O. Ubani, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch and

Kunle Ajibade, Executive Editor, The News magazine.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, will be the Special Guest of Honour.

Aregbesola’s predecessor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola will lead a special victory toast.

APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former National Chairman Chief Adebisi Akande will be the chief hosts.

APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun will be the father of the day; Senator Oluremi Tinubu will be the mother of the day.

All APC governors are special guests.

The moderator of the event is former Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

Chairman of the Organising Committee Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo said the event was to celebrate Aregbesola ‘s victory and to chart a new way for democracy in Nigeria.

“The over-militarisation and intimidating atmosphere during the Osun election have been well documented.

“Despite this, the people stood up in full vigilance not only to vote for their candidate but to stoutly defend their votes.

“The people of Osun thus proved that no intimidation and harrassment can stop their will from prevailing over any seeming difficulty,” Binuyo said.

According to him, the event was being organised to use the Osun experience as a reference point for future elections in Nigeria.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

NEWS

Crisis tears Anambra PDP apart

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HERE IS CRISIS in Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the emergence of three factions.

A source said aspirants for the Senate and the House of Representatives have threatened to drop their ambitions if by tomorrow the crisis is not resolved.

The factions are led by Chief Chris Uba, oil mogul Prince Arthur Eze and National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh.

The source said chieftains of the party were urging the Caretaker Committee to take over the leadership from Prince Ken Emeakayi, whose tenure expired on October 24.

The Eze faction had reportedly forwarded a list of the Caretaker Committee members, led by Okey Eze, to the PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu.

He was said to have rejected the list brought to him by chief-

•Uba, Eze, Metuh lead factions •Aspirants threaten to withdraw from primaries From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

tains of the party, insisting that the Uba faction was the one recognised by the party.

It was learnt yesterday that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised the Uba faction.

One of the National Assembly aspirants, who spoke with The Nation in Awka on condition of anonymity, said if the crisis was not resolved by tomorrow, most of them would withdraw from the primaries and dump PDP. He said: “This crisis is weakening everybody. Anytime the hopes of the people are raised, other people will come from nowhere to cause problem.

“Most of us have bought

‘APC is the only party among the leading parties in the state that is not swimming in crises’ forms to contest the primary election. But look at what is happening now with the emergence of the three factions.

“We know there is no way Chris Uba will allow any group to take over the party he has laboured for, for many years, while Prince Arthur Eze and Metuh are also no pushovers.

“From what we are witnessing, it will take time for the problems to be resolved before the elec-

tion because there is no Caretaker Committee that will be set up that will settle these issues.

“So, from what is playing out right now, you can see that all of us are in a fix because you don’t know which of the groups the national body will recognise.”

Another person, who spoke with The Nation, said if by Friday the crisis persisted, he would join Senator Chris Ngige in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Said he: “APC is the only party among the leading parties in the state that is not swimming in crises.

“The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is engulfed in a tussle, with many aspirants scrambling for the few tickets, while PDP’s problems are chronic.”

Benue deputy governor picks form ENUE State Deputy Governor Steven Lawani has said he is in the governorship race to consolidate on the foundation laid by Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Lawani said having understudied Suswam in the last seven years, he was the most qualified aspirant for the seat.

Speaking with reporters yesterday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja after picking his nomination and expression of intent forms, he said: “Our country is facing challenges of insecurity and economic meltdown precipitated by the sharp fall in the federation account and I believe I have the requisite experience, discipline, integrity, uncommon courage, political will and the financial management acumen to effectively tackle the challenges, shore up Internally-Generated

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Revenue (IGR) and develop our state.”

If elected, the seasoned politician vowed to provide a level playing field for the people and a conducive environment for the private sector to drive the economy, stimulate growth and create jobs.

Lawani, who was the deputy national chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention, was accompanied to the Wadata House by his supporters from the 23 local governments of the state.

Among them were Director-General of the Lawani Campaign Organisation Bill Anaka; Ogbadibo Local Government Council Chairman Sunday Ojo; former Minister of State for Education Jerry Agada; Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Employment Godwin Idu; former Commissioner for Culture Jacob Ogwuche and Dr. Francis Agbo.

Rector petitions EFCC over poly chiefs

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HE Acting Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe in Bayelsa State, Ms. Emilia Bribena, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the principal officers of the institution.

In a petition to the Rivers State office of the agency, she accused the officers of alleged fraud.

According to her, the officers connived with others to allegedly defraud the institution of millions of naira.

She alleged that they collaborated with key members of the Governing Council to carry out the alleged fraud.

The acting rector also alleged that besides signing cheques to withdraw funds

•Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin aiming a target during the just concluded Small Arms Firing Exercise in Makurdi Benue State.

My fears for 2015, by INEC chief Jega

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is forging ahead with its introduction of 30,027 new polling units because it is convinced they will enhance smooth elections next year.

The agency has started a pilot test, which it described as an assessment scheme.

Besides, INEC Chairman Prof.

Attahiru Jega said yesterday that insecurity and unruly attitude of politicians constitute the major challenge to peaceful elections.

Jega spoke at a national stakeholders’ forum on election organised by the civil society situation room on achieving the implementation of credible general elections. It was held in Abuja.

Jega said his greatest fear for the 2015 elections was making politicians to play by the rules.

“The attitude of the political class is the greatest challenge.

They want to intimidate, harass and induce.

“Security is also a challenge, especially in the three states in the Northeast. We can not put our men and resources at risk.

But we are having an inter-agencies security meetings going on frequently,” Jega said.

He said investigation conducted by the commission showed that Youth Corps members who were compromised were threatened by politicians to either collect gratification or be killed.

He urged politicians to play by the rules of the game during the 2015 elections.

Jega said the commission had blocked many of the loopholes exploited in the past by politicians to rig elections.

“I am confident that 2015 will be better operationally and logistically,” Jega said. He added that a better voters register had been

From Yusuf Alli and Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

produced and that all ballot boxes were being numbered serially.

This, he said was not so when he was appointed in 2010.

He spoke of other efforts being made by INEC under his leadership.

“In 2010 when I was inaugurated as chairman INEC, we discovered that there was abandonment of doing the basic things that allow election to be credible, such as keeping voter register. A good register is fundamental to the success of an election,” he said.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Rev. Mathew Hassan Kukah, cautioned President Goodluck Jonathan and governors against imposing candidates on the people.

He said such practice would heat up the polity and frustrate elections’ results.

Rev. Kukah said INEC could only conduct credible election in 2015 if Nigerians want credible elections.

He said the country’s inability to develop a culture of succession has resulted in what he described as “a system of government by the corrosive poison of anointing,” which he said promoted “rent seeking”.

Rev. Kukah observed that presidents and governors are all determined to install their favourite wives (as in Zimbabwe), their sons (as in Museveni) or their godsons and daughters as we see in the land.

“By forcing candidates, sitting presidents or governors simply heat up the system and frustrate outcomes in elections by contriving outcomes.”

He also noted that a situation where people hurriedly resign their appointments to go and seek elective posts implies that there

would be no level playing ground for all candidates.

“What chances do new comers have to win elections if they are competing with those who have had access to state resources by virtue of the positions they held before they left office?

Rev. Kuhay explained that since political office, being the domain of patronage and privilege, the country was caught in the predicament of the men and women in the fortified city: those inside can not get out and those outside can’t enter.

“It is this convoluted logic that produces the violence and the humiliating culture of accumulation and theft in the land,” he added Also yesterday, INEC said it had not received any resolution from either the Senate or the House of Representatives to stop the creation of new polling units.

Since 1996 and in spite of increase in its population, Nigeria conducted its elections in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 based on 120,000 polling units and 8,809 wards (registration areas).

INEC proposed the creation of additional polling units for what Jega described as “right-sizing of our polling units based on the number of registered voters.”

The proposal was, however, rejected by some sections of the country, including some leaders of the Southern Peoples Assembly.

But INEC is going ahead with the new polling units.

A top source said: “The commission has not taken any contrary decision on the new polling units but it is still at the level of groundwork.

“Our Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) are on the field.

Once the commission takes a decision, they have to implement it.

from the institution’s account without her approval, the officers also brought a fake tender document and manipulated a non-existent bid process to divert over N300 million meant for TETF fund projects in the polytechnic.

She said she reported the matter to the Federal Ministry of Education, but the inability to submit the financial report on the 2012 TETF fund projects delayed the process.

Ms. Bribena alleged: “They have tried all means to get this TETF fund money. As you know, if you don’t account for the previous year’s funding, you will not be able to access new funds. I don’t want them to soil my hands. They have been putting pressure on me.”

National Assembly sends constitution review bill to state assemblies From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T •Jega

“We are pushing ahead because as I am talking to you, we have not received any resolution of the Senate or the House of Representatives stopping the exercise.

“We chose to move on because all along the commission has decided to put the argument for the legitimacy of the new polling units in public domain.

“And there has been no superior argument to fault the rationale behind the creation of the new 30,027 units. Instead, what we have witnessed were comedian and sentimental comments.

“Even at that, since the conduct of elections is crucial in our national life, we have not waived off some of these primordial and ethnic sentiments.”

“We said let us have a thorough assessment. If we go out to carry out the exercise, we will be able to determine whether we can do it efficiently or not.

“If we get report on what is on ground, we will be able to ascertain if we can pull through because 2015 is close.

“But we have not got to the stage of whether to pull through or suspend the creation of the polling units.”

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, declined comments.

HE National Assembly transmitted the constitution amendment bill yesterday to the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly.

The event was designated, “Transmission of the Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill, 2014”.

Twenty four Houses of Assembly must endorse each of the 23 alterations adopted by the Conference Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to become law.

Senate President David Mark handed over a copy of the alteration of the 1999 Constitution as passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly to the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Samuel Ikom.

Mark noted that the essence of the constitution review was to get the views of Nigerians on certain sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended, since the country has being practised democracy under the constitution.

He said that the National Assembly has been criticised heavily for its quest to grant autonomy to local governments.

The fact of the matter, he said, was that Nigerians, whose inputs were received, asked for it.

Mark, who noted that they were concerned about input of Nigerians in the constitution alteration than what the legislature think, added: “We considered whether we should continue to work with caretaker committees or elected local government.”

He said the National Assembly was concerned about the need to bring governance nearer to the people.

He reminded the states’ speakers that they rejected financial autonomy in the last alteration, saying that the ball was in their court once again to endorse their independence.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was also at the event, said the seventh National Assembly has made a milestone by transmitting the Bill to the State Houses of Assembly.

Tambuwal said that the ball was in the court of the Houses of Assembly to play their part.

He also reminded the Assemblies that they threw away the financial autonomy granted them by the sixth National Assembly.

He urged the Houses to seize the second chance offered them to free themselves from the stranglehold of governors.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, said that the Bill being transmitted to the Houses of Assembly was an aggregation of the will of the Nigerian people.

He noted that the legislature had long recognised that to secure the future of Nigeria in political, social and economic terms, “it must invariably review our Constitution to meet the aspirations and needs of our diverse people and to facilitate national development in an equitable manner.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

10

NEWS Abductors of lawyer demand N80m ransom

PDP has no place in Edo, says Benin high chief

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BENIN high chief and the second-in-command among the palTHE abductors of Desmond ace chiefs in Benin Kingdom, Dudu, a Sapele lawyer, have Chief David Edebiri, has said demanded N80 million the Peoples Democratic Party ransom for his release.

(PDP) has no future in Edo A source close to the State. lawyer’s family, who spoke The high chief said the party in confidence with our would fail in next year’s genreporter yesterday in Warri, eral elections and the 2016 said he was not sure if the governorship election in the kidnappers had reduced their state. demand.

Edebiri, who is the Esogban Following Dudu’s and Odionwere of Benin abductors’ demand, there Kingdom, is a seasoned polihave been calls from his tician and a former ally of the colleagues for his immediate late sage, Chief Obafemi and unconditional release.

Awolowo.

Also, the Warri branch of He accused the Federal Govthe Nigerian Bar Association ernment of having a hand in (NBA) has elected new the political crisis and security executives, chaired by John challenge in the state.

Aikpokpo-Martins.

Governor Adams They called for Dudu’s Oshiomhole blamed the new unconditional release in a wave of politically-motivated statement yesterday in Warri. violence in the state on some The Sapele branch of the defectors from the ruling All association called for his Progressives Congress (APC) release, describing the to the PDP. abduction as irritating.

The governor said it was Also, the Warri branch, after their way to get noticed and electing its executives, said gain relevance in their new officers would be elected into party, since they had no new the offices of the Financial values to add to the society.

Secretary and Treasurer at a Edebiri, who represented the later date.

Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba Other members elected Erediauwa, spoke in his perwere: Oghenero Okoro (Vice sonal capacity as the Esogban Chairman); Othadua A. and Odionwere of Benin Okpakpor (Secretary); Kingdom, at a town hall meetSylvester G. Ediagbonuvie ing organised by the gover(Assistant Secretary); Ovie nor.

Abenabe (Social Secretary); The meeting was aimed at John O. Bello (Welfare addressing pressing security Secretary); Lucky Oyibo issues in the state.

(Publicity Secretary) and The high chief said the crisis John-Larry Ojukoko (Chief was a re-enactment of the poWhip).

From Bolaji Ogundle, Warri

•Oshiomhole meets residents over security, others litical saga in the old Western Region.

He challenged the PDP to field some of its members, who defected from the APC, in the coming elections and see how woefully the party would lose.

Edebiri said: “What we were about to witness in Edo State is a re-enactment of the political scenario in the old Western Region in 1962-1964, whereby the central government caused a division in the old Action Group (AG) and supported the minority, led by the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, who was our deputy leader then, to fight the then Premier Chief Obafemi Awolowo, because they (Federal Government) wanted to take over the Western Region by all means.

“That was the type of scenario they wanted to create here but for the wise counsel of the governor and members of our Legislative Assembly.

I’m sure they have failed in that endeavour. They still want to do whatever they can to cause a problem in Edo State. Incidentally, the three suspended people - members of the House of Assembly - are from my area, from Edo South.

We, in Edo South, have not been sleeping over this matter.

“Today, I am representing Omo n’Oba n’Edo, Uku Akplopkolo in this assembly, but what I’m saying now is

my personal view as Chief D. U. Edebiri, the Esogban and Odionwere of Benin Kingdom. I am concerned about what is happening in Edo State.

Under the aegis of the Benin Forum, which I have the fortune to lead as its chairman, we’ve interacted with these young men; we’ve called them to several meetings. But it would appear that they are still relying on the promise they have from somewhere.

“What I want to make of this is that whatever the Commissioner of Police here or the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) is doing is not their own making. We see the hands of the Federal Government in this matter. We see their finger in this problem. If they were not involved, or if they had not made any promise to these young men, they would not have been so bold and defiant.

“So, we are going to tell you and appeal to you to remain focused and not to be distracted by whatever they are doing.

“They cannot take over the Edo State Government as they did in Adamawa. It’s impossible. We are the owners of the government. We merely sent you to go and work for us. As long as we are behind you, nobody can come from anywhere and take over the government of this state. That’s because we voted for you; you did not get there by magic.

You did not get there by their methods of rigging elections.

We are going to stand by you, day and night.

“Having exhausted all the legal options - and they are still stubborn - we have a way of dealing with such people.

But one assurance I can give you, Mr Governor, is that we will pray that in their new place they should sponsor the defectors as their candidates.

If any of them wins election, don’t greet me again.

“I hear three of them are aspiring to go to the House of Representatives. If it’s the time they do deposits in elections, they will lose their deposits.

Until yesterday, I was still speaking with these boys. But they refused to heed all reasonable advice.

“I will thank you for the way you have developed this state.

We know how many insults you have got from people who have never won any election.

It’s like what the TV now refers to as Chief Zebrudaya and his group.

“If they want to oppose anybody, say if I want to do it, I would have done it better. If you say Oshiomhole is not doing anything, come to my street: come to Akpakpava; come to Ugbowo; come to Five-Junctions. If you say that to the people, they know you are telling lies.

“Mr. Governor, I want to say, with all emphasis and on behalf of the Benin people,

Akpabio’s ex-deputy picks form

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•Wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, carrying a child, Funso Anisegiri, in a group photograph with some children during the UPLIFTing Orphans and Vulnerable Children, in collaboration with World Bank, at the secretariat of Ifo Local Government in Ifo...yesterday

Alleged N4.7b fraud: Court grants MD leave to travel abroad

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USTICE Lateef LawalAkapo of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, has granted Renix Nigeria Limited Managing Director Alex Okoh, temporary permission to travel abroad.

Okoh, with the Chairman of BiCourtney Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) and three others are standing trial before Justice Lawal-Akapo for alleged N4.7 billion fraud.

The defendants are facing a 27count charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The other defendants are: Stabilini Vision Limited, BiCourtney Limited and Renix Nigeria Limited.

The EFCC alleged that Babalakin and his co-defendants fraudulently assisted convicted former Delta State Governor James Ibori to transfer huge sums

that in 2015, we will vote for Oshiomhole. In 2016, we will vote for Oshiomhole.

Oshiomhole may not be there physically, but we are going to vote for the things you are going to bequeath to the incoming government.”

Oshiomhole had called the town hall meeting to explain the political situation in the state.

The governor gave a detailed account of the security challenges in the state, including the attack on the Legislative quarters and the suspicious explosion at a dental clinic owned by a PDP member.

He said: “Edo State has always been peaceful. Working with all security agencies, we have, in a very significant way, contained kidnapping and robbery. It is, therefore, very sad that the orgy of violence in Edo reared its head when these elements defected to the PDP. “The APC and PDP had coexisted peacefully in Edo State without such ugly incidents, as were witnessed in the last few weeks. It is clear that these defectors have introduced the spiral of violence to the state since they have no new values to add. I am convinced that the leadership of the PDP at all levels is not deceived by these opportunistic, infantile and self-serving antics of the defectors.”

•Babalakin, others insist charge defective

By Precious Igbonwelundu

of money through various parties to Erin Aviation’s account in Mauritius to buy an aircraft.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, Okoh’s lawyer, John Agha, who held the brief for Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), drew the court’s attention to an application requesting an order for the EFCC to release the defendant’s passport temporarily to enable him embark on a business trip.

He told the court that his client was to travel on October 31 and will return on or before November 13, praying the court to grant the request.

Although EFCC lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) said he was not opposing the application, he raised issues on the defendants coming before a court whose jurisdiction he questioned to ask for

leave.

He averred that since the court had not assumed jurisdiction on the matter, Okoh should not come to the same court to ask for an order to travel abroad.

But in a bench ruling, Justice Lawal-Akapo ordered the EFCC to hand over Okoh’s passport.

The judge also ordered that the passport be returned to the commission on or before November 14.

During the trial, which lasted about three hours, lawyer to the fourth defendant, Wale Akani (SAN), who held the brief of Joseph Nwobike (SAN), argued that the charges against the defendants were defective and should be struck out.

Akani, towing the line of argument by Babalakin’s lawyer, Dr. Biodun Layonu (SAN), argued

that from the face of the charge, no public officer was named on account of whose action a benefit was offered.

The lawyer said the mention of the Delta State Government on the face of the charge did not help the situation because it was not a public official, as defined by Section 98(d) of the Criminal Code.

He said: “The failure to disclose the public officer on account of whose action or inaction, James Ibori received the benefit makes the charge incompetent, invalid and unconstitutional.

“The questions are: who is this public officer? Where is this public officer? What did he do? What did her omit to do?

“What we have here is a situation where the defendants are brought to court blindly. The es-

sential details that constitute offence are not disclosed to them.

“We submit that the particulars of offence do not constitute offence as prescribed in written law because there is no public officer.

“I hereby pray the court to quash counts two to 13 on the grounds that the face of the charge do not constitute an offence.”

On counts 14 to 27, the lawyer averred that the foundation of the charges were based on alleged criminal conduct of Ibori on their face value.

He said no detail of the alleged criminal conduct of Ibori was specified on the charge.

Akani argued that since counts two to 13 did not disclose any offence in the eyes of the law, counts 14 to 27 have no foundation to stand on, urging the court to quash the charges and discharge the defendants.

FORMER Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Patrick Ekpotu has picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship nomination form for the 2015 election.

Friends and associates of the Petrol-Chemical Engineer, who was Commissioner of Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation in the Obong Victor Attah administration, accompanied him yesterday to Wadata House, the national headquarters of the PDP in Abuja.

The politician’s campaign outfit, the Ekpotu 2015 Movement, has the slogan: Let’s Turn the Page.

A leader of the campaign movement, Otuekong Idongesit Udokpo, said Ekpotu served well from 2007 till 2011, during the first tenure of the Godwill Akpabio administration.

He said the aspirant “is coming into the race with an enviable wealth of experience”.

•Ekpotu

THE NATION WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29, 2014

NEWS

FOREIGN NEWS

Jonathan warns against post-poll violence

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has urged the people of Kaduna State not to allow a repeat of the 2011 post-election violence.

The president spoke yesterday in Kaduna at the opening of the new Governor's Office, valued at N9.6 billion.

He said selfish politicians should not be allowed to instigate violence in the state.

Jonathan said: "Don't allow anybody to use you to cause chaos while he and his family remain untouched. Peace is initiated and maintained by the people. If the people are determined to live in peace, there would be peace, and if we live in peace, we will see more development coming to the state."

He said no amount of security personnel could maintain security without the cooperation of the people and communities.

The president hailed Governor Ramalan Yero's efforts to

improve security and for projects executed by his administration.

On the victory over Ebola, he said the governors of Lagos and Rivers states, the Health minister and health workers deserve special thanks.

Yero said the project was one of the numerous accomplishments of successive administrations under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said the project was executed in six phases, adding that Phase 1, which provided basic infrastructure, was awarded on October 6, 2008 for N2,984,575,579.

Yero said: "The second phase was awarded on September 3, 2009, to provide infrastructure and other provisions for N2,363,764,980.33. Phase 3 was awarded on March 3, 2011, for

N2,856,460,259.72 to provide a Utility Compound. The fourth phase was awarded on March 12, 2012, to cover Variations on Phases I and II for N896,903,268.33.

"The fifth phase for furnishing of the building was awarded on June 5, 2013, for N277,179,269.85. The final phase for the provision of Sewage Treatment Plant was awarded on June 10, 2013, for N257,694,784.18."

Praising his predecessors for initiating various developmental projects, Yero said: "I consider it a privilege to have seen to the successful completion of this legacy project, which was conceived in 2008, by VicePresident, Namadi Sambo, who was at that time the governor of our dear state.

"This new Governor's Office was one of the major projects initiated at that time with the aim of providing our people

with critical infrastructure that supports efficient delivery of services and good governance.

It was in the same year that the 300-bed Specialist Hospital at the New Millennium City and the 150MLD Zaria Regional Water Supply Project were also awarded.

"I am pleased to announce that while the New Governor's Office has been completed, the other projects are at various stages of completion. The 150MLD Zaria Water Project is 88 per cent complete and the 300-bed Specialist Hospital is 67 per cent complete.

"These achievements have been possible through the continuity of government policies and projects. On behalf of Kaduna people, I thank Mr. President for completing the Galma Multipurpose Dam at Kuzuntu, which is the Federal Government component of the Zaria Regional Water Project."

Ex-ALGON chief: I’ve come to rescue Abia

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ORMER National Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Chief Chikwe Udensi bemoaned yesterday what he described as “the unfortunate absence of infrastructural development” in Abia State.

He promised to reverse the trend.

The governorship aspirant, while picking the expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abuja, said: “I have come to rescue Aba and Abia.”

The forms were handed over to him by the National Vice-Chairman (Southeast), Mr. Uchenna Okogbue, who promised trans-

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Governor’s son picks House of Assembly form

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in internal democracy and good governance.

APGA started selling nomination forms on Monday. Capt.

Emmanuel Iheanacho, a former minister of Interior, bought forms for the governorship ticket of Imo State on that day.

Udensi said: “Orji did not only fail in Aba, he also failed in Abia State. I have come to redeem the state.”

He said he would transform the state, adding that his achievement as the ALGON national secretary was a proof that he would perform.

The aspirant went on: “When I was the national secretary of ALGON, I administered 774 local governments and we achieved results. With my experience, you can imagine what I will do administering only 17 local governments.”

wards reconciliation. Addressing reporters after the meeting, which an insider described as “heated”, Doguwa said the factions agreed to sheathe their swords.

He said: “This is the first meeting between the party’s caretaker committee and the stakeholders, who have collectively agreed to bury their differences and work for the interest of the party.

“The Ngama faction, that of Waziri and the independent group were all here, represented by their leaders. A reconciliation committee constituted by the PDP national secretariat is working on different factions to bring

them together for the progress of the party. “We shall work together with the national reconciliation committee to put the house in order before the 2015 elections.

Anyone found engaging in anti-party activities will face the party’s wrath.”

An insider, who attended the meeting, told our correspondent in confidence that he was not sure the reconciliation would work.

He said: “The caretaker chairman is loyal to the National Chairman, Adamu Muazu, and a group of people are already jubilating.

This is very wrong. We still have a long way to go in this issue.”

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji’s eldest son, Chinedu, has picked the nomination and expression of interest forms to vie for the Umuahia Central Constituency ticket.

Speaking with The Nation in Umuahia, he said he was under pressure from his people to represent them in the House of Assembly to consolidate on his good programmes for youths.

Chinedu said he was going to the Assembly not to become the Speaker, but to give quality representation to the constituents.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

parent, free and fair primaries, stressing that the party believed

Yobe PDP factions in peace talks

HE three factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe State have come together to ensure success in next year’s general elections.

The factions of former Minister of State for Finance Dr. Yerima Ngama; former Police Affairs Minister Adamu Waziri and the Integrity Group in Damaturu met yesterday and set up a caretaker committee, headed by Alhaji Sule Doguwa.

In the last six years, there had been a battle of supremacy among the factions.

Waziri refused to recognise the PDP leadership, alleging that there was no proper election and the executives were

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

handpicked by Ngama.

Ngama said due process was followed, adding that the election was supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and national PDP officials.

Waziri was quoted as saying that Yobe PDP must have a credible election before any peace process could be initiated.

He said “it is only when we have an acceptable leadership that genuine reconciliation would be achieved, because those leaders would initiate the peace move”.

Yesterday’s meeting could be regarded as a step to-

Almakura reshuffles exco

Over 100,000 voters may be disenfranchised

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NATO chief urges strong alliance for better Russia ties

•President opens N9.6b Governor's Office From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

VER 1,000 voters from Gujba and Gulani local government areas in Yobe State are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sadiq Abubakar, told reporters that the distribution of PVCs in the state was suspended in August due to the take over of the local government areas by the Boko Haram sect.

While collecting his PVC at his Burkarti country home, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam assured residents that no voter in Gujba and Gulani would be disenfranchised.

He said security would be put in place to ensure that displaced people collect their voter cards before the general elections.

Two months after the governors’ assurances, Boko Haram is still in control of Gujba and Gulani.

Abubakar said: “Until security improves, I cannot send my staff to Boko Haram enclave. I am waiting for clearance from security agencies and I have not gotten any. Your concern is mine too. We want this thing done, but there is no short-cut to it.”

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

•Almakura

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ASARAWA State Governor Umaru Almakura has reshuffled the State Executive Council, following the sack of eight commissioners and five advisers.

According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Gov-

ernment, Zainab Ahmed, Mr. Yakubu Lamai was appointed the chief press secretary to the governor.

Dr. Idris Abdullahi was reappointed as the executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency and Sulaiman Abdulwahab Sulaiman as the executive secretary of the State Scholarship Board.

Mr. Hamza Mohammed, who heads the Ministry of Information and Ethical Re-orientation, will oversee the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

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•Stoltenberg

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ATO can build a strong Western security alliance and negotiate better ties with Russia, ‘s new secretary general said yesterday.

Jens Stoltenberg said his experience as Norway’s prime minister was that robust defense capabilities and a solid transAtlantic bond were fundamental requirements in order to bring about constructive relations with Russia.

In his first policy speech since taking office Oct. 1, Stoltenberg said there was no contradiction between wanting to keep NATO strong and continuing efforts to engage with the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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“NATO is here to stay. Russia is here to stay. So we’re going to have some kind of relationship,” Stoltenberg said. “(The question is) what kind?”

Norway’s status as a member of the U.S.-led defense alliance, Stoltenberg said, meant his small nation has been able to deal confidently with the Kremlin on a whole range of issues, from military matters and fisheries to energy, the environment and maritime border disputes.

“I believe there is a lesson here for us now,” the former two-time Norwegian prime minister said. “That only a strong NATO can build a truly constructive and cooperative relationship with Russia.”

“But to get there, Russia would need to want it, and to take clear steps to make it possible,” he added.

Stoltenberg also said he has been in contact with the United Nations to see if there is any “specific” role NATO could play in helping combat the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa.

Ebola: World Bank chief appeals for volunteers

HE president of the World Bank has made an emotional appeal for thousands of medical workers to volunteer and help contain the growing Ebola outbreak.

Jim Yong Kim said at least 5,000 medics and support staff are needed to beat the disease.

Many potential recruits were too scared to travel to West Africa, he added.

The current Ebola outbreak has infected more than 10,000 people and killed nearly 5,000.

World Bank chief Mr Kim was speaking during a visit to Ethiopia, where he accompanied UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and African Union Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

“Right now, I’m very much worried about where we will find those health care workers,” he said.

With the fear factor going out of control in so many places, I hope health care professionals will understand that when they took their oath to become a health care worker it was precisely for moments like this.”

‘Ethiopia ‘targets’ Oromo ethnic group’

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THIOPIA has “ruthlessly targeted” its largest ethnic group for suspected links to a rebel group, human rights group Amnesty International says.

Thousands of Oromo people had been subjected to unlawful killings, torture and enforced disappearance, it said.

Dozens had also been killed in a “relentless crackdown on real or imagined dissent”, Amnesty added.

Ethiopia’s government denied the allegations and accused Amnesty of trying to tarnish its image.

It has designated the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which says it is fighting for the rights of the Oromo people, a terrorist organisation.

‘Missing fingers’ At least 5,000 Oromos have been arrested since 2011 “based on their actual or suspected peaceful opposition to the government”, Amnesty said in a report entitled Because I am Oromo - Sweeping repression in the Oromia region of Ethiopia.

Ex-Benue speaker to improve agriculture

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From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

ORMER Benue State House of Assembly Speaker and governorship aspirant Terhemen Tarzoor yesterday promised to improve agriculture in the agrarian state, if elected as governor.

He told reporters that this would improve Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).

Tazoor, who has picked the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship nomination form at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, said: “I have a strategic model for that, which is to look inwards. We have our own crude oil, which is agriculture, and we will go back home and take comparative advantage of what God has given us. It’s our natural endowment. We’ll develop an in-house revenue base and build upon what the incumbent administration has done.

“The governor has projected the revenue base and we want to leverage on that and move further, so that we will be in a position to pay our bills without necessarily waiting for federal allocation.”

He described the support he has enjoyed from youths and elders as “rare”, noting that like a generic drug that covers all ailments, he is a generic aspirant “because I’m loved by the youth, women and elders; I cut across all age groups; it’s not my making but a gift from God”.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Synagogue yet to send manifest, says pathologist

Lagos intensifies battle against darkness

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), on Monday evening switched on an 11.8-kilometre stretch of public lighting covering Ikorodu Road, Iddo via Jibowu and Murtala Mohammed Way, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, even as he appealed to residents to take ownership of the asset for proper maintenance.

The project is broken into two sections with one consisting of 1.2 kilometres from Ikorodu Road to Jibowu, while the second consists of 10.6 kilometres on Murtala Mohammed Way (from Jibowu to Iddo). It brings to a total of 410 kilometres of roads so far lit up by the government in the last three years.

Fashola also appealed to motorists who ply the roads to obey the Traffic Laws especially by not driving against traffic, warning that by driving against traffic, they not only endanger their lives but those of other road users.

The governor, who said the switching on ceremony marked the end of the construction work in the area, added, however, that it also marks the commencement of maintenance works to make sure that the road stays in good state of repair.

He appealed particularly

•’116 died in building’ •Lawyer seeks to stop inquest

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• Governor Fashola (middle) switching on the equipment at the substation on the Muritala Mohammed Way. Inset: One of the roads.

•Switches on public lamps on Ikorodu Road, others to communities hosting the projects, including churches, schools, Railway Compound as well as others who pass through the roads, to treat the infrastructure as a public asset adding: “It belongs to you”.

“The lighting, I believe, will help this place on a daily basis. At nights, it will make security better, it will also improve the night economy in this community”, the governor said.

Aside providing jobs for

a total of 89 people made up of 56 technicians, 12 painters, 10 welders, eight engineers and three supervisors, the project has increased the amount of functioning public lighting within the state to 410 kilometres while it signifies government’s continued commitment to light up the city ‘pole to pole’.

Other major highways that have benefited from the public lighting project in the last three years include: Gbagada Expressway, Cart-

er Bridge, Iju Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Marina Road (Badagry) and Alhaji Masha (Surulere), among others.

The General Manager of Lagos State Electricity Board, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, praised Fashola and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure as well as the board for their roles in bringing the project to a successful conclusion, adding that the lighting has connected Ikorodu Road all the way to Iddo.

Calypso parleys UNILAG for contest

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RAND Oak Limited, a leading marketer of beverages changed the social landscape of the University of Lagos when it treated students of the institution to a swell moment during its annual Biobaku Hall Week, an event that brings the students together at the end of an academic session.

The one-week affair gave the students an opportunity to showcase their talents in music and cooking competition; Mr. Macho and Mr. Biobaku among others.

Calypso’s Brand Manager, Joy Alabata said the company sponsored the event to create fun for the students, adding that Calypso is the spirit of fun and that such events serve to deliver that promise to their consumers.

The hall’s chairman, Moyosore Adebanjo, a 300-level student of the university said Calypso had been supporting the event for the past three years.

Abidemi Arawole, a 100level student emerged the winner of Mr. Biobaku Hall for the year, while Anthony Ajayi-Igunbor, was named Mr. Macho.

Keshinro Damilola, a 400level student of Urban and Regional Planning emerged tops in the cooking competition as he outshined three other contestants with his pot of sizzling fried rice, egusi soup and Semovita. He smiled home with a pack of Calypso Coconut Liqueur and some other goodies. Olatunji Oladotun, a 200-level student of Physics won the Rap contest.

CORONARY inquest into last month’s building collapse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Lagos, yesterday heard that victims of the disaster died from traumatic asphxia.

The state Chief Medical Examiner (CME) and forensic pathologist, Prof. John Obafunwa made the disclosure during an inquiry before Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe.

Obafunwa said though the conclusive medical report was not ready yet, there are reasons from autopsy to ascribe the cause of death to traumatic asphxia as a result of crush injury.

He said a total of 116 people died from the incident, contrary to the official 86 given by the rescue agencies and the 115 death toll which was reported long after the operation ended.

Obafunwa stated that 116th body was brought in on September 22, after a patient who sustained injury during the disaster passed on at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

He told the coroner that 46 bodies were deposited at Isolo General Hospital’s mortuary six at LASUTH mortuary (before the death recorded on September 22) and 63 at the Mainland Hospital’s mortuary in Yaba.

Explaining the role his team played, Obafunwa said that autopsy of external appearance, clothing and photographs were taken, while internal examination of various injuries were documented.

The CME stated that only five families totalling 10 persons have turned up for DNA samples at the state pathology department, expressing fears that case of missing persons will arise if more families do not come forward to donate samples for identification. He disclosed that some of the bodies were already decomposed because of heat.

Obafunwa stressed that the heat was not as a result of fire or explosion but because of the temperature variance underneath the rubble.

The chief pathologist said some of the bodies were mutilated, with severe cuts, multiple injuries, fractured ribs and bones, adding that following the decomposing nature, the bodies were embalmed.

“We took samples of subsequent examination for the purpose of DNA analysis and the dental team moved in for dental charting. Prior to the commencement of the autopsy, the bodies were finger-printed.

Five families came forward two members from each.

“All these were packaged in addition to 116 bone samples, 116 muscle samples of autopsy cases among others were shipped to the laboratory currently doing the DNA. At the moment, the autopsy report, dental report and photographs are being put together and will be included in the microscopic findings.

“But we are awaiting three things before the final submis-

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Joseph Jibueze

sion - report of the finger printing, DNA analysis and the list of those who might have been resident or working in the building. With all that, we should be able to come up with our final report,” said Obafunwa.

Obafunwa said autopsy was performed on embalmed bodies that were decomposing.

The church did not cross-examine Obafunwa on grounds that its needed time to study his deposition. The court obliged.

In his evidence, the representative of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, said they were not allowed to complete control of the disaster site.

But the church, through its counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said NEMA officials were let into the premises within five minutes with one vehicle.

NEMA, however, said its men came with an Incident Response Vehicle (IRV) with about 30 equipment, adding that the church provided 11 ambulances that were used in evacuating the affected persons to hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Lagos has been urged to discontinue the inquest on the incident.

A lawyer, Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje is seeking an order stopping Justice Komolafe from sitting over further inquest hearings on the collapse.

He joined the state, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Adeola Ipaye and Mr Komolafe as respondents.

The state constituted on September 26 under its Coroner’s System Law No. 7 of 2007 to investigate the causes and circumstances of the collapse.

The coroner, who began sitting on October 13, had visited locus in quo (scene of the event). He also summoned the church’s leader, T.B Joshua, to appear on November 5.

Ogungbeje contended that the composition of the inquest negates the principle of natural justice and Section 36 of the Constitution, and therefore should be declared unconstitutional and null and void.

He argued that if allowed to continue, the proceedings would occasion miscarriage of justice.

The lawyer said the coroner would base his decision on the testimonies of the same state officials who indicted Joshua and his church.

Ogungbeje said the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), Building Control Agency, Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) and others made public and prejudicial statements on the cause of the incident.

He said Joshua’s claim that an aircraft hovered over the building prior to its fall, and that it could have been sabotaged, was ignored.

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Kwara’s Day of Glory in Paris F

By Femi Akorede

or a visitor, the sights of Paris, the French Capital, are a pleasure to behold. Ancient architecture competes with modern structures andspectacular aesthetics to earn Paris its reputation as one of Europe’s most beautiful. However, that was the last thing on the mind of Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed as he stepped into Paris on a cold October 7 Morning. Rather, the executive Governor of Kwara State was focused on the Kwara State Community Health Insurance Scheme (KCHIS) which had been nominated along with nine other development initiatives for the first Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD) Development Assistance Committee(DAC) Award for taking Development Initiatives to scale.

In the run up to the event, Erik Solheim, Chair of DAC said although extreme poverty has been halved and progress made on MDG Goals, more innovative solutions needed to be taken to scale if “we are to end poverty, green our economies and to make sure that all the children now going to school now learn something”. It was an issue Ahmed will latch on to and escalate the following day at the globally renowned OECD New World Forum which dwelt on fresh pathways to Africa’s growth.

Back to the DAC awards, Ahmed’s enthusiasm was understandable. In seven years, KCHIS has provided • Sebastian Le Fol, Managing Editor, Le Point, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, (middle) and Professor 85, 000 rural dwellers in Kwara State access to Monsef Cheikh-Roumou, member of the Tunisian Parliament, at the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD) New World Forum in Paris subsidized basic health care in 10 of the 16 Local government areas of rhea state. The scheme, which provides participants access to currently understudying the Kwara Model with a view to implementing it. basic healthcare for a year, started in Edu Local Government Area of the State in Receiving the finalist prize for taking KCHIS to scale in Kwara State, Governor 2007.The Ahmed administration has now extended it to 10 LGAs, according to Abdulfatah Ahmed said “we are very delighted to be here today because we have Professor Babatunde Opabola, the Senior Special Assistant on Primary Health. gained this recognition despite our resource challenges. It is therefore very Clearly,the simplicity, impact, and affordability of the scheme did not go unnoticed. encouraging to us that we have won this prize. In Kwara State, we have always The scheme had already received accolades from the Bill Gates Foundation, the World prioritized healthcare based on the premise that only a healthy populace can be Economic Forum and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, said, However, the 34 productive. That is why we collaborated with the Dutch government and member OECD had also taken notice of the innovative scheme.

PharmAccess to initiate this scheme that has grown from 10 participants in 2007 to To underscore the importance of the occasion, Governor Ahmed’s predecessor in 85, 000 today. office, Senator Bukola Saraki had also arrived Paris to be part of Kwara State’s moment “I must thank my predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki, who is here with us, for his of glory. Not only was the scheme initiated in his tenure, Saraki was clearly pleased foresight in starting this project. We also appreciate the support of the Dutch his successor had scaled up the initiative and garnered it global acclaim. government and other donor partners. Our target is Universal Coverage of all 1 million Perhaps, to underscore the scheme’s importance and guarantee credibility, the DAC rural dwellers in the state by 2018.This is why we look forward to others partnering Jury was highly credentialed and global. Headed by H.E. Lubna Bit Khalid Al Qasimi, with us in this direction”.

UAE’s Minister for International Development and Cooperation, the panel also As is usual with ceremonies of this nature, the awards were followed well-attended included K.Y. Amoako, President, African Center For Economic Transformation, Homi dinner in one of the OECD’s impressive halls. As the team from Kwara retired for the Kharas, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director for the Global Economy and Development, night, the delights of Paris were still not strong enough to distract from the following Brookings Institution, Washington, Geoff Lamb, Chief Economic and Policy Advisor afternoon’s event. to the Co-Chairs and CEO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dato Lee Yee The following afternoon, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed was the only Nigerian on a Cheong, Chairman, International Science Technology and Innovative Center for panel discussion at the OECD’S New World Forum which discussed Africa’s future South-South Cooperation(STIC) Malaysia. Others are Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell, MP developmental prospects. Themed Africa: The Future is Now,it explored among others House of Commons, UK, Charlotte Petri-Gornitzka, DG, Swedish International whether Africa is taking off in general or through isolated cases.

Development Cooperation Agency, SIDA and Julius Akinyemi, Resident Entrepreneur, It also explored the champions and engines of success in Africa while also Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Media Lab. interrogating obstacles to growth and the place of the middle class in providing Diplomats and development experts attended the award ceremony, which took place sustainable development. at the OECD’s gleaming headquarters in Paris, from Europe, Asia, and Africa, Other panel members, were Moncef Cheikh-Rouhou, Professor and Member of the including Christian Rebergen, Director General, International Cooperation, Dutch Tunisian Parliament, Prof. Achille Mbembe of Witwatersrand University, South Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Magette Wade, founder and CEO of Tiossan, Senegal and Lionel Zinsou, Chairman Petri-Gornitzka, DG of Swedish Development Agency, SIDA set the ball rolling by of PAI Partners, France. Given the forum and its topic of discussion, the world media introducing the finalists. Apart from KCHIS, initiatives from India, Kenya, Nepal, was well represented with CNN, the FT; Le Point; and La Republica.

South Africa, Bangladesh and Pakistan were also shortlisted for the DAC Award. Ahmed was blunt and straight to the point. Functional education is the key to Africa’s Although, Katalyst, a scheme that provides high-quality seeds to Bangladeshi farmers future. To succeed, Africa must decouple itself from an educational system that remains as a means of helping to increase their income, won the overall prize, KCHIS managed shackled to the needs of colonialism more than five decades after. For Ahmed, a to share the limelight with the DAC 2014 winner. graphic manifestation of this dysfunction in African education is that an African Indeed, jury member and SIDA DG felt compelled to acknowledge this given the child has a 6 per cent chance of making it to tertiary education while his European attention and accolades KCHIS received in the run up to the main event as well as counterpart has an above 80 per cent chance. Ahmed said while he has no intention events that preceded it. For instance, at the breakfast meeting with representatives of excusing the violent insurgencies that were threatening to blight the future of from the UK, Germany, Netherlands and the World Health Organization, WHO, the Africa, the lack of appropriate education and opportunities for youths, he opined, Kwara delegation, led by Ahmed and Saraki, received commendations from the contributed to Africa’s stagnation and violent strife. This has resulted in the continent European Countries and the global health body for being the only country in Africa having the highest number of internally displaced people, a huge number of to have taken Community health Insurance to scale. The Kwara delegation’s unemployable youths and a significant number of out of school children. enthusiasm about DAC was therefore understandable.

The solution, he said, was to review the content and context of African education.

Petri-Gornitzka told the audience that she knew there was a lot of enthusiasm for Infrastructure is key in this regard, Ahmed admitted, but more important is educational KCHIS given it’s the only subsidized scheme that has been taken to scale in the world content skewed towards the continent’sidentified needs in science, technology and but that Katalayst’s intervention had reached 458000 people, the highest impact entrepreneurship. among the 10 initiatives that made the OECD shortlist.

These, he said such can ensure that every child is equipped to innovate andcontribute Nevertheless, she assured, Kwara’s finalist prize was also laudable given it was to the country’s developmental objectives while achieving their own aspirations. shortlisted among close to 50 entries. Indeed, Pieter WalhofDirector, PharmAccess Referring to Kwara, he said the state government was already pursuing this by Foundation, one of Kwara’s KCHIS partners, told an earlier meeting that the scheme focusing on entrepreneurial education at the state-owned university and by was so innovative that the World Economic Forum has selected Kwara State as a collaborating with City and Guilds of London to establish a groundbreaking model for other states, a call that Kaduna and Ogun States had respond to as they are International Vocation Center to plug gaps in middle-level manpower.

Other contributions keyed into the need for an educational system that is designed to meet Africa’s development and the urgent need to promote entrepreneurship to provide jobs, grow Africa’s middle class and contribute to its growth.

Ahmed was blunt and straight to the point.

Clearly, Ahmed’s contribution had connected with the OECD’s call for better education for African children as the key to its future. More importantly, Kwara Functional education is the key to Africa’s future.

State’s innovative KCHIS and its leadership’s vision for state and continent earned it To succeed, Africa must decouple itself from an acclaim and applause in far away Paris. In the end, missing the delights of Paris proved worthwhile.

‘

educational system that remains shackled to the needs of colonialism more than five decades after

’

Akorede is Senior Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor

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‘I will raise the bar for the council’

The first woman Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs Dayo Keshi, who was appointed last month, speaks of her dream for the council.

– SEE STORY ON PAGE 47

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

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Charting new path for Nigeria at 100 This year’s edition of the Port Harcourt Book Festival focused on the youth as a vehicle of possibilities for Nigeria. It was a festival of books that sparked up debates over the role of the government, society and youths in building a Nigeria of possibilities at 100. Senior Correspondent EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

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HAT bothered most of the participants at the seventh edition of the Port Harcourt Book Festival, was how to harness the rare potential of Nigeria after its 100 years of existence.

The week-long event held at a time when there were lots of political activities going on, which attracted thousands across the state.

While some governorship aspirants were kickstarting their campaigns, Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi was marking the seventh anniversary of the Supreme Court judgment that brought him to power. Interestingly, whatever the occasion, youths formed the largest population of the army of supporters they were often seen chanting diverse songs and screaming their hearts out.

The role and participation of the young ones at such events and the need for a reorientation formed the major part of the discourses at the book festival. The constant conscription of unemployed youths by politicians for such “campaigns” also raised fears in some quarters about the future of the youth and the nation, if such trends were not checked.

Stakeholders at the annual fiesta, therefore, looked beyond the current economic and security challenges bedevilling the country, and called for courage and hope for a better Nigeria through the empowerment of the youth.

Held at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, the gathering of intellectuals, government officials, literary enthusiasts, captains of industries and students turned out to be a haven of Possibilities for Nigeria at 100, justifying the theme of the week-long festival.

The organisers, Rainbow Book Club (RBC), in collaboration with the Rivers State government, must have achieved their goal of using books to unite the world, especially at a time when Port Harcourt was adjudged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as the 2014 World Book Capital.

The programme, which began on Monday, October 20 through Saturday, October 25, was full of activities in which the youth were given the opportunity to express their minds on how they feel the world could be best-managed.

Addressing the guests, including writers from various parts of the world, the Festival Director, Koko Kalango, who was also one of the recipients of the recent national honours from President Goodluck Jonathan, said the festival formed a crucial part in the move to build a new and better Nigeria. Her organisation, Kalango noted, has also established 200 reading clubs across the state to promote the reading culture among the young, which, she said, has the power to change thoughts and character of the young.

She said: “The youths are key in this conversation hence our festival this year is aimed at the youth. Using the book as a focal point for discussion, we would look at the key pillars of national life and how we may, through them, work at transforming the society. As we journey from one century to another, in our national life, we have an opportunity to reflect on our past and explore the opportunities before us that can enable us build the Nigeria of our dreams.”

In his keynote entitled: Possibilities for Nigeria at 100: Youths as Underdogs and Misfits, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, charged Nigerian youths to be more articulate with strong will to become an agent of change, at least for the coming century.

Kukah said Nigeria has been wracked by internal wars and that the society needs to find a way to wean its youths from the agony and

•Children reading Mary Joseph’s Thomas Edison: A Life Story during the Celebrity Read session of the festival. PHOTO: EVELYN OSAGIE

‘It is little wonder that we now only have NANS’ marches in solidarity with the government as opposed to marches against the oppression of students, joblessness, social conditions or even Boko Haram. The students are looking for a politician to adopt them as thugs or to use the expression, Youth Leader’ FESTIVAL consequences of the war, advising that they focus on other areas of educational pursuit as opposed to seeking monetary gains in their endeavours. While lamenting that Nigerian youths appear not to be ready to take the leadership role, having allowed money bags to corrupt her natural edifice, the cleric, therefore, charged the youths not to stand and look but to get busy.

“Confronting the Goliath of corruption and inefficiency and gross mismanagement of resources that has rendered our country what it is today should be our battle. The problems may look like a mountain and of course, it is tempting to say that we cannot do anything...Are you looking for weapon called money or power? Look no further. David had only a stone. He did not wait for the politicians and the men and women of power of his time to save his people. The time to act for a better tomorrow is now and the generation to ensure a greater tomorrow is here. If we are to change tomorrow, we must slay the Goliath of injustice and corruption that has held us down.”

He also lamented on the sad penetration of fraud in the domestic vocabulary of Nigeria, blaming the nation for laying a legacy of corruptible values and disdained educational policies for her youths, saying: “Sadly, with no strict regulations over conduct by teachers in our secondary schools and universities, young female students have been reduced to victims to be preyed upon.”

“Youths are prepared to form gangs, become

•Amadi (left) and Rev. Kukah

thugs as they angle for positions of advantage and access. Youths can only access politics by way of patronage and through the institutional process of transaction. They serve as consorts to the high and mighty, they are conference materials shipped around cities and foreign capitals; they are trafficked and rented for parties and so on,” he said.

The seasoned author implored the youth to be more involved in legitimate business and activities of governance from the grassroots, advising the youth to challenge the corrupt leaders so as to win back the glory of the country through needful protest, saying there is value in protest and in saying no.

“Jesus was angry with the money changers in the temple and he flogged them and overtuned their table. It is one of the rarest expressions of violence by our Lord. Anger is not necessarily a negative outlet if it energises us to moral revulsion. Why are the youth no longer angry in Nigeria? The American youth were angry about Vietnam. They took to the streets in revolt. The youth in China were angry in their society and they took over Tiananmen Square. Do we not remember the picture of the young man facing the armoured tanks in Tiananmen Square? We are young only once, but it must be a matter of great concern that the youth of Nigeria have, at an early age become caught up in consuming the position of corruption and greed that their parents never tasted at their own age,” he said.

The cleric condemned the mutual relationship between today’s student union leaders and those in government, an act he consid-

ered as betrayal to the constitutional content of their services to establish the gospel of truth and justice. He called for the need to channel youth frustration into a more productive means of engaging government across the board.

He noted that the universities in Nigeria have been tribalised to the extent that community fights against the appointment of vice chancellor that is not from their tribe.

“It is little wonder that we now only have NANS’ marches in solidarity with the government as opposed to marches against the oppression of students, joblessness, social conditions or even Boko Haram. The students are looking for a politician to adopt them as thugs or to use the expression, Youth Leader.”

The cleric queried the rationale behind the extinction of history in today’s secondary school curricular, saying Nigeria is preparing to face the risk of losing its cherished monument if care is not taken.

He also affirmed that most Nigerian children cannot trace their origin, the issue, he stressed, could jeopardise the hope of communal relationship in the nearest future.

He observed that an average Nigerian abroad has perhaps lost the totality of knowledge of her culture and values, a scenario he also described as national embarrassment to every citizen. He said significant percent of Nigerians cannot speak their mother tongue because of the craze for globalisation, while decrying the outcome of this endangered social malady in another 50 years of existence of Nigeria nation.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Boko Haram crimes

•Tales of woes by returnees from the insurgents’ camp call for caution as the Federal Government continues negotiations with the terrorists

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HE euphoria that the Federal Government hoped to generate with news of negotiations and a possible ceasefire deal with the Boko Haram insurgents might have been dampened by a report published by Human Rights Watch, of gross abuse of the women and girls being held in captivity by the insurgents.

A report just published by the human rights group documented interviews with women and girls who had managed to escape from the camp or were released. They all had grim tales to tell of how they were subjected to physical and psychological torture by the abductors who insisted that the Christians had to convert to Islam at the pain of death. Others were forcibly married to some insurgents while others were brutally raped without regard for their ages.

Since a ceasefire was reportedly agreed between the Federal Government and the terrorists on October 17, many more women and girls in Borno and Adamawa states have been taken into captivity. Men have been killed and the peace of the area continually disrupted. It is certainly a classical example of how not to strike a deal. Despite the promise of securing the release of the more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted since April 14, the signals from the camp of the terrorists indicate that the road to a deal is long,

bumpy and crooked.

We call on the Federal Government to painstakingly look at all angles to the negotiations, get experts involved and ensure that in a bid to shore up President Goodluck Jonathan’s popularity on the eve of his declaration of interest in a second term, the larger interest of the country is not sacrificed.

Nigerians, and indeed the international community, want the girls and women and all captives freed, but they also want lasting peace. They want an end to brutality and seek soothing balm to the pains that the people of the region have suffered. Since the Chibok girls were abducted, more than double the number has been turned to sex slaves.

Beyond negotiations and deals, the crimes against humanity being committed daily by the terrorists deserve condemnation by all. The insurgents have also proved that they cannot be bound by agreements. It is therefore incumbent on the government to keep equipping the military to root out the enemy from Nigerian territory, ensuring that the dignity of the abducted girls and women is restored. Those who have been so tortured and raped require psychotherapy.

We call on the international community, statesmen and activists campaigning for the release of the kidnapped girls of Government Secondary School,

Chibok, not to relent in efforts to secure their release as soon as possible.

The military has a key role to play in ensuring that a period of phony deal is not used by the insurgents to improve on their capacity to do more damage. The security network around towns and villages in the affected states must be improved and, beyond the trials for insubordination and mutiny, the morale of the fighting men deserves a boost.

The Nigerian state owes the citizenry a duty to ensure that they go about their daily duties without fear of molestation. The agents of death need to be stopped in their tracks.

‘They all had grim tales to tell of how they were subjected to physical and psychological torture by the abductors who insisted that the Christians had to convert to Islam at the pain of death. Others were forcibly married to some insurgents while others were brutally raped without regard for their ages’

Abandoning Lagos •Why is the Federal Govt now suddenly interested in taking over the Badagry Expressway?

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OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola (SAN) had during his 2,700 days celebration in office at the Lagos Television, Ikeja, given a hint of a purported statement credited to Mike Onolememen, Minister of Works, that the Federal Government was planning to take over the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. The expressway, which also serves as gateway into the country, has been abandoned by the Federal Government for years. Why it has suddenly become attracted for take-over at a time that its transformation is being bankrolled by the Lagos State government remains curious.

Governor Fashola however reportedly admonished: “On the statement credited to Minister Onolememen… I think it will be wise to hear what they have to say on the matter and I think it will be an unfortunate journey to even contemplate that idea. They will have us

‘It is even a shame that while the state government has taken it upon itself to fix the roads and bridges, the Federal Government has failed to show appreciation by refunding the money spent on them by the state government. It is clearly a case of ingratitude for the centre government to say or even contemplate taking over the Badagry Expressway when the money and design for its expansion and others not belonging to the state, were provided by the state government’

to contend with should that be the case, but I don’t think that anybody who is sensible will want to stand in the way of development. What will the objective be?”

The Federal Government has undoubtedly abandoned Lagos for inexplicable reasons. The pointers: The centre government has neglected its duties to the state and also refuses to refund the N51 billion that the Lagos State government claimed it had so far spent on repairs of dilapidated abandoned federal roads in its jurisdiction, so as to improve the state’s transportation challenges. Moreover, the Federal Government has been ignoring the state’s application for approval to share the red line federal corridor without which the take-off of the state’s light rail project becomes impossible.

Lastly, we query why the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has refused to act on the report of experts assessment conducted on all bridges in Lagos and submitted to it by the state government. The report purportedly contains evidence showing that some of the 39 bridges in its territory are vastly deteriorating and need urgent attention.

Lagos State, as former federal capital, has federal roads/bridges that are in bad shape and it is even a shame that while the state government has taken it upon itself to fix the roads and bridges, the Federal Government has failed to show appreciation by refunding the money spent on them by the state government. It is clearly a case of

ingratitude for the centre government to say or even contemplate taking over the Badagry Expressway when the money and design for its expansion and others not belonging to the state, were provided by the state government so that the state can make progress.

For instance, the on-going Eko Bridge rehabilitation project with 33 joints’ repairs that is reportedly costing the state over N400 million is due for completion by the second week in December. Yet, the Eko Bridge especially, and others presently abandoned by their federal owner, are of strategic security and economic importance, not only to the state, but the country in general. We are aware of the current official trend that the centre government’s approval must be sought and given before any state can embark on rehabilitation of a federal road or bridge, but must the state government wait until a total collapse occurs before rescuing its inhabitants from avoidable tragedy?

Without doubt, the pressure on roads and other infrastructure in Lagos is too much. Any unnecessary maintenance delay, as exhibited by the Federal Government, can lead to dire consequences if not quickly attended to, as the Lagos State Government is doing.

The state government deserves commendation and motivation, not hounding with political undercurrents, from the Federal Government. We therefore demand that the Federal Government should stay off the Badagry Expressway, pay its verifiable outstanding debts to the state and henceforth promptly attend to federal infrastructure in Lagos.

Stakeholders should rethink NYSC fee

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IR: I am a critic of what I perceive to be insensitivity on the part of the NYSC authority, asking mostly poor students to pay N4000 to register and print their call-up letter from the internet, because N4000 is obviously on the high side.

Had the authority stipulated N500, it is highly doubtful that anybody would have raised eyebrow. The initiative is noble, and means that the NYSC wants to relieve prospective corps members of the hazards and costs of travelling about to collect their callup letters, when it is avoidable in an internet age.

The argument is about why the NYSC authority should make the initiative an opportunity for generating funds from prospective youth corps members. Our universities are already communicating with students through the internet, and so, there is nothing mysterious about the expenses of setting up the machinery. The government gives millions of naira to elected national legislators to settle in Abuja. How much does the same government give the youth corps members to settle in their various places of assignment? How much are they given to live monthly, and how realistic?

The N4000 online registration has awakened the sleeping dog, and I believe it is providential. The government and its agents should not be allowed to suspend the online registration that should bring relief to prospective youth corps members.

That shouldn’t be an option at all. It is high time the NLC, NANS, other organisations and human rights activists asked the government to adopt one of three options: properly fund the NYSC scheme; make it voluntary; or scrap it altogether. Parents and fresh graduates who had been involved in the NYSC know what it cost them, apart from shouldering risks.

What are the masses of ordinary Nigerians enjoying from government, asking fresh graduates to pay online registration fee of N4000? There is no pipe-borne water, no electricity, but mass un-employment and mass abject poverty. And yet, all that the rulers think about is how to further milk the people. The government should pay travelling and relocation allowances to graduates participating in the NYSC. They should cease being parents’ burdens, when they are serving their country like the legislators and those in the presidency.

• Pius OyeniranAbioje, PhD, University of Ilorin.

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

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: The news that the World Health Organization [WHO] has declared Nigeria free of Ebola pandemic is a cheering one.

As a nation we need to reflect on the lessons of the struggle against the disease to see how we can use them to face other national challenges.

For once, there were clear-cut objectives on what the nation wanted to achieve. The government strove hard to inform the populace on the danger of the virus, its ability to spread like wild-fire through contact with infected persons. The information that it kills faster than AIDS/HIV yet without a notable clinical remedy were well understood by the people; this made the whole nation to be on red alert.

The synergy between the federal and state governments, notably, Lagos and River States marked the tri-

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As Nigeria bids farewell to Ebola umph of patriotic politics over political pettiness. The governments showed their love for the people by moving fast to arrest the situation, through adequate information and while making funds available to mitigate the surge of the virus – all of these devoid of ethno-political considerations.

What this tells us is that with sincerity of purpose, we can build a strong united country; that the

masses can actually trust their government; more so when they see government actually caring for their welfare. If this relationship can be built upon to tackle corruption, insecurity, unemployment, education, electricity and other major national issues, then the world is awaiting the arrival of the African giant.

The mastery displayed by the Nigerian medical team in fighting Ebola virus is also instructive; apart

from their demonstration of expertise, they restored confidence to the minds of citizens that truly Nigeria parades cream of best hands in the medical and pharmaceutical professions globally. It was a gentle rebuke on the practice of wasting billions of dollars annually on medical tourism.

The federal government will do well to take advantage of the feat demonstrated by our medical pro-

Re: What does the North want?

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IR: I refer to the article in The Nation of Friday, August 15, titled “What does the North want?” written by Segun Gbadegesin.

He writes brilliantly but need to be more subtle and more diplomatic with his writing. I have learnt very early in my life never to address a group in an insulting manner because technically, it amounts stereotyping and collective insult, thus, injustice.

The Nation is much too important for the kind of words used by the writer to address the North. Some of the words are arrogant, some reflect superiority complex and yet some are ignorant and dangerous. It was Segun Adeniyi of Thisday newspaper who once wrote that one of the wrong assumptions about northerners is that they are still backward and illiterate. The North remains the most politically sophisticated group in Nigeria. You need to study what went on at the National Conference more carefully. Below are some of the unfortunate words used in the article.

“The northern delegates came up with this cock and bull story…”

“These are just too far-fetched and fuelled by unruly imagination.”

“Where did this false reading of the “draft constitution” come from? It’s pure hallucination; and a very unfortunate one as such.”

“… why throw away the bath water of a confused reading of the provisions…”

“What the conference leadership did was to not simply compile resolutions, but also to put them in rational form worthy of intelligent people.”

“It was simply a proactive approach from the intellectual vanguards of the conference with no ulterior motive of hidden agenda.”

“If what the North seeks is a coun-

try at its beck and call, it should know that we passed that stage and that it is fast losing its old allies and not gaining new one.”

“Given its record so far, the presidency knows that it is the mercy of the girls’ kidnappers. Hitting back at the NEF is all it can do” It seems there is no shortage venom against the North. I wonder if the North has not been hit enough.

I advice the writer to make more friends with northerners to enable

him understand their mindset. You cannot appreciate issues from only one small view point of a corner of the world. Most northerners are like the Arabs. They say what they do. It is when they are presented with too much deceit that they sometimes react. Nobody is perfect. What we all need is education, education, education, patience, patience, patience!

• Hassan Abdulrahman Esq; Abuja.

fessionals by equipping our hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment to make our hospitals tourist destinations for other nations to come and learn and receive world class medical attention.

There is also need for the government to improve on the working conditions of health workers to avoid further brain drain to other climes that have seen the great potentials in our medical personnel.

Many will only be too ready to give them better conditions of service than the one they are enjoying in Nigeria.

Most praise-worthy is that Nigerian government faced the challenge of Ebola with an uncommon resolve; there was a determination to kick Ebola out of our shores whether or not we receive support from America and other western nations.

What this has taught us is that we can also develop our own local technology and focus on carrying out our own independent researches to produce cures for diseases ravaging the continent. We can get African solutions to African problems. It is time the government made funds available for researches and production of drugs, instead of depending on foreign assistance and aids that may be delayed or denied; and more often than not, with stringent conditions attached.

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• Pastor Mark Debo Taiwo, Takie/Idi-Abebe, Ogbomoso.

Buhari misunderstood on Muslim/Muslim ticket

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IR: My advice to former head of state and presidential aspirant of the All Progressive Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari is to talk less or rather watch his statement as 2015 elections approach. This is because there is every tendency, for his statements to be quoted out of context to further dent his image by his detractors. The statement credited to him by some national dailies that he is not against Muslim/Muslim ticket was reported correctly by some while some made a mountain out of a mole-hill as should be expected. The statement was basically his personal opinion. However, some dailies have deliberately made the position that of the APC. This is why Buhari and APC leadership need caution.

The reaction of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo followed the above thought. Whereas, what the General was saying from the report I read is that if we are to grow as a nation, our preference for a leader should be based on competency and not religion or ethnicity. He mentioned the case of Late MKO Abiola and Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, which was a Muslim/Muslim ticket to buttress his point that in spite of the Muslim/Muslim ticket presented by the defunct SDP in June 12, 1993 presidential election, Nigeria still voted overwhelmingly for the ticket.

Buhari was correct on the above; however, the fact is that, Nigeria was not as polarized along ethno-religious line then as we have today. In

my opinion, Buhari has become the main issue in Nigerian politics today.

Consequently, some will like him, while some will loathe him. This should be expected, but he is advised to be mindful of his statement that could be deliberately misquoted and used against him.

The concern of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was patriotic and genuine and APC leadership should not only listen to it, but take it serious and never toy with the idea of Muslim/ Muslim ticket. This country has been polarised into hostile religious camps, and as a matter of fact, she is sitting on a keg of gunpowder religion-wise. Some of us who read reactions of Nigerians, particularly South-south, South-east against

northerners and Muslims generally realized the evil that those who polarised the nation along religions line for their selfish end have done this nation.

As a philosopher had correctly pointed out, one thing that the greatest army in the world can never defeat is the idea whose time has come.

That idea in Nigeria today is the APC. The party should therefore tread softly and follow the rule in choosing its presidential flag bearer and the vice presidential flag bearer along Nigeria’s religious dichotomy and should not toy with an idea that could ignite the fire that may consume the nation.

• Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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COMMENTS

‘Our Girls’, The 2014 Ebola Media Campaign; ASUU etc Education Summit ‘

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UR Girls’ are sadly still missing since April in spite of the enthusiastic hype around the announced ceasefire and the subsequent capture of over 60 women and Tony murder of over 30 FelMarinho low Nigerians. There is rumour of factions, positions, moles and interest groups on both sides – Boko Haram and Nigeria. Not all ceasefires work completely first or even tenth time. Read about FARC, IRA, Red Brigade and ETA to learn more about the violence of international terrorist groups and failed ceasefires.

We congratulate our Super Falcons as true champions. Nigeria football is like Nigeria’s Ebola victory. We get results often for little input -the wrong reasons. While we welcome the accolades heaped on Nigeria by the international community over the ‘containment’ of The Ebola Epidemic, a thorough Coroner’s Board of Enquiry should be instituted to identify where we went wrong and what needs to be done.

We in medicine know that it was not as big a success as the world thinks. For years medicine has been in need of the mechanisms to fight such epidemics but any attempt to train anybody was pushed aside as wild dreaming and the ranting of an ant. The result was a massive level of unpreparedness with lack of all the needed protective gear. Nigeria lacked even one practice isolation facility with trained and retrained professionals. The abysmal state of the first isolation facility to be used as attested to by survivors and staff adequately demonstrated the ‘we who about to, or are left to die salute you’ mentality. There is nothing spectacular in barrier nursing, the key to safe care of such patients. Protective equipment, hosing down and adequate disposal of all contact material are the key and training is compulsory to prevent spread of infection to staff and others in the contact chain including home, transport, arrival, stay and at disposal sites for contaminated products and, in some cases, bodies. The lone intuition, initiative and incisive decision making by Dr Ameyo

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T appears there is no truce in place between the federal government and Boko Haram terrorists who have been waging a fierce war against the state especially in the north-east part of the country. Now it is increasingly getting clear that what we have been treated to in the last couple of weeks are half-truths, denials (that are not even subtle) and mere propaganda - all designed to achieve pre-conceived political agenda. At any rate, the release of the abducted Chibok girls from the hands of Boko Haram has since assumed some level of desperation in the form of a hurriedly-concocted ceasefire agreement. The agreement, if there was ever anything like that, collapsed even before the ink had dried on the paper on which it was signed.

The concern of this column is not whether there was actually a truce or if the truce ever worked. It is about the characters that engineered the truce. The public is not availed the opportunity to identify those involved in the negotiations.

Therefore, it is difficult to decipher the real intention and motive behind the (supposed) ceasefire. Nobody knows whether it is for the sake of the country, for political aggrandizement or any other reason in the interest of certain groups or individuals for that matter.

However, we are aware of the involvement of neighbouring Chad and its President, Idriss Deby, a former military leader and now a politician, who has been presiding over the affairs of his country since he seized power in a military coup in 1990. He has been actively involved in the ceasefire talks. Deby was born into a family of the Zaghawa ethnic group in the Ennedi region of northeastern Chad, one of the many ethnic groups holding on

Adadevoh and Dr Benjamin Ohiaeri and the team at First Consultants indeed reduced a possible long string of contacts to one stream and suffered and some paid with their irreplaceable lives for their heroism. This cost is also paid by thousands of victims of Boko Haram and Fulani Wars.

We must thank God that the index case did fall ill when he did and not a few hours later.

The 2014 Nigerian Anti-Ebola Media Campaign was a credit to the media and the country. It totally eliminated the disease called ‘Ignorance of anti-Ebola Strategies’. The methodology should be taught in media schools and university faculties of Communication and Language Arts across the country. The media is too powerful an influence to neglect its duty in an ignorant country to ‘sell’ all its airtime in favour of the highest bidder! When giant corporate bodies come to the media, the media should have its own agenda to integrate with adverts and reality programmes and incorporate some other messages. The media also has the right and responsibility to have daily life skill messaging targets to educate on every aspect from hygiene to health to road use to non-partisan voter education. One death from ignorance is a mark against all of us. The war on ignorance is squarely in the media’s court but the media in an effort to put everything under Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), sees almost everything from the selfish money-making aspect. It would rather remain silent unless paid to speak. It therefore fills gaps with music and often charges for everything including social life-skill messages on HIVAIDS, reading culture, breast examinations, the man being responsible for the sex of the baby, wearing a seat-belt and crash helmet, avoiding bullying, sex and drugs etc.

Ebola has taught us what a 21st Century Social Message Advertising Revolution entails. It requires a truly massive educational and strategic reorganisation of all media and public service organisational communication templates. The first class lesson of the Nigerian Ebola Media Campaign must be learnt and it should start here to spread around the world for the successful combat of the top 100 conditions that the UN and WHO identify as needing an ‘Ignorance Elimination’ media strategy.

Nigeria builds Malls not Museums and Event Centres not Exhibition Centres. Our best buildings were banks for lending money when we need book buildings –libraries for lending books.

The ongoing ASUU/NAAT/NASU/SSANU Education Summit 27-31st October with the theme: Towards a System Of Education For The Liberation In Nigeria’ is the best thing that has come out of tertiary education unionism in years.

Hopefully it will address the liberation of the over N102billion trapped in UBEC, TET Fund etcetera. For a long time I have suggested that ASUU needs a strong ‘Academic Division’ for the future guidance of education in Nigeria. It is here at last and we are hopeful of a successful, non-political, outcome led by a full scale war on our disgraceful 31% pass at WAEC, a systemic, not a student failure. With tumbling oil prices decimating education budgets nationwide, it is essential to strategise on how ‘Bring Back Our Student Refugees’ forced by crumbling standards, insecurity and lack of space to flee to pay billions annually in private educational facilities in Ghana, South Africa and the UK for a better education in a normal calendar timeframe. There is a lot to include in an ‘Education Action Plan’ including financing.

‘The 2014 Nigerian Anti-Ebola Media Campaign was a credit to the media and the country. It totally eliminated the disease called ‘Ignorance of anti-Ebola Strategies’.

The methodology should be taught in media schools and university faculties of Communication and Language Arts across the country’

The enemy next door to power in that country. He joined the army in the early 1970s and went to France in 1976 to train as a pilot at a time the country was in the grip of a long-running civil war.

He returned to Chad in 1978, in the heat of the conflict and threw his support behind Hissène Habré, leader of one of the rebel groups, who was then serving as prime minister. He rose rapidly in the army. He later emerged as a leader of Habré’s forces and helped Habré to seize power and become President in 1982. Habre made Deby, who had then become widely recognised as a brilliant military strategist, Commander-in-Chief of the Chadian Armed Forces. Deby moved against Habre, his Principal, in 1990 and became President.

From his background, Deby is a veteran of several conflicts between the various rebel groups vying for control of power in Chad. His long years of experience in the intrigues and internecine conflicts that have plagued his country in the past, must have come in handy for him in trying to resolve the conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian state.

But the peace talk between the Nigerian government and the terrorists, which is being mediated by the Chadian government, has been called into question since it was announced by the military following the refusal of both parties to respect the ceasefire deal. Though, Boko Haram is yet to make an official comment on the ceasefire, its fighters have continued to attack villages in the North-east prompting many people to wonder whether, indeed, a peace talk had taken place at all.

The terrorist group has been re-

‘As far back as the late 1960s and the early 80s, alien bandits suspected to have their base in neighbouring Chad had been pillaging the Northeast part of the country where Boko Haram now holds sway’

sponsible for the killings, abductions and the displacement of many Nigerians in the North-east. In spite of these horrors, the Chadian government maintained that Nigeria’s deal with the terrorists to free the Chibok schoolgirls would still go ahead. The emergence of Chad as a peace negotiator between Boko Haram and Nigeria did not come as a surprise. As far back as the late 1960s and the early 80s, alien bandits suspected to have their base in neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroun, had been pillaging the North-east part of the country where Boko Haram now holds sway. Thousands of villagers in Nigeria’s North-east zone had been sent packing by these criminals mostly populated by itinerant rebels seeking for means of livelihood after being displaced from their own countries especially Chad.

Banditry by Chadian hoodlums along Nigeria’s North-east region is an age-long problem. If it is not harassment of Nigerians, or forceful occupation of Nigerian territory, it is armed carnage in which innocent Nigerians are maimed, killed or their properties seized. The irony is that most of the time, the Nigerian government seems helpless over the situation because the government regards Nigeria as a ‘big brother’ to other African nations. But all along, the fear of those living in Nigeria’s northeast had always been that the rebels may one day declare that Nigeria’s north-east belongs to them. A number of people had expressed dismay over the nonchalant attitude of the federal government over the Chadian miscreants’ atrocities which continued to grow beyond control in many cases. The activities of the miscreants had resulted in a lot of victims being scattered across different parts of such towns as Baga and other neighbouring towns in Borno while others were forced to migrate outside Borno State.

In spite of this, the government

had consistently treated with levity, information given to it by the people directly affected by the banditry of Chadian criminals, putting faith, instead, on wrong data that do not paint the true picture of the situation on ground. This body language from the Nigerian government obviously encouraged the Chadian charlatans who had ceaselessly, continued to unleash terror on Nigerians. The Chadians’ atrocities could be traced as far back as the 1960s. But with the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war in 1967, either owing to fear or other considerations, coupled with the tension within the country then, the Chadian atrocities reduced with many Chadians vacating the shores of Lake Chad.

The end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970 coincided with the outbreak of hostilities in Chad which resulted in the bloody coup that terminated the life of President François N’Garta Tombalbaye. As a result, many of them fled into neighbouring border towns and islands within the north-east region of the present-day Borno State and environs. Since then, they have not looked back. At a point, their atrocities became so worrisome that series of reports were forwarded to the Shehu Shagari civilian government between 1979 and 1983. Consequently, in 1982, General Muhammadu Buhari, who was then the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 3 Armoured Division, Nigerian Army with headquarters in Jos, stormed the affected zones and chased the miscreants out.

But if Nigerians thought that was the end of the matter, they were dead wrong. No sooner had Buhari withdrawn his troops from the area, than the rebels started to make a comeback, this time, in full force.

Today, many of the villages have fallen under the control of the Boko Haram terrorists who are mere offshoots of the Chadian rebels. Due to the incessant violent eruption in

Dele Agekameh Chad, most Chadian nationals, including their displaced troops; have found Nigeria a haven where everything is available, including uninterrupted harassment of the citizenry. While their women take to prostitution in several parts of Borno State, a greater number of their men find in banditry, a lucrative business which has now become properly structured and entrenched by Boko Haram .

Successive governors of Borno State including the late Mala Kachalla, who was governor of the state from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2003, raised sufficient alarm through several security reports warning that unless concerted efforts were made, several towns and villages along Nigeria’s border with Chad may be occupied by Chadians.

One of the reports advised that in tackling the Chadian-Nigerian situation, “dialogue through diplomacy would be the best option but without prejudice to our ability to resort to military action to flush them out”. Since then, nothing has changed. The situation has only gone from bad to worse, resulting in the current situation where Chad, a country that appears to have inadvertently let loose bandits to prey on Nigerians, is now trying to rescue Nigeria from the holocaust.

What an irony! What a pity!!

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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COMMENTS ‘Let’s even agree that the rationale for the face-off between the First Lady and Governor Dickson is that the governor is not performing as expected; for this reason, he will not go for a second term. This is what the First Lady should have said instead of trying to use political subterfuge to impose another candidate on the people of Bayelsa. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State’

•Fayose

For Dare Olatunji Sir, prior to his inaguration as governor on October 16, most people had observed that have his behaviour was unbecoming of his status. However, in his inaugural address, he gave Ekiti State citizens the uncomfortable impression that he would be erratic, brutal, inept, bellicose, irrational, ridiculous and militaristic. Having confirmed people’s speculation, we must plead with those that sponsored the man to please call him to order before it will be too late.

From Adegoke O O, Ikhin, Edo State.

Mr Olatunji Dare, your write up was very biased. No man is perfect, Fayemi may have tried his best but was certainly not a saint.

Have you ever sat down to ask yourself why people including APC members turned their back against our own Ilufemiloye and preferred somebody you have described with all negative adjectives. The issue in Ekiti is not about Fayose or stomach infrastructure. A leader should not look down on the ruled or distance himself from the reality events around him. Ekiti decision was just an escape route. The future will take care of itself, hoping Fayose will also learn. Anonymous Arrogance is written all over the body of Ekiti state Governor Ayodele Fayose. There is a saying that no amount of years a dog spends on the earth its meat belong to (ogun) the god of iron. He, Fayose, cannot escape justice no matter how long it takes.

He cannot run away from his shadow as its speaks volume about him. He has forgotten that first impression last longer; it is the morning that determines afternoon. He has demystified himself for leading thugs to assault the chief judge of the state. From

G

ROWING up in in the 1980s in Warri, Delta State (Bendel State as it was called then) was fun. The indices of a good life; shelter, healthcare, and food were present. Life then was beautiful in the ancient town that is home to the Itsekiris, Urhobos, and Ijaws. However, following the military incursion in governance, many infrastructures deteriorated and began to run at an epileptic style - that is where they were not completely absent. By the time I would leave Delta State in the mid-nineties, many semblances of development had spiralled to a terrible low.

For instance, as a child, I knew that the Eku Baptist Hospital was an epitome of healthcare in that part of the world. Established by the American Baptist missionaries in 1945, in the following decades, it was the shining star of that region. It was an institution well-revered for its ability to heal. And heal it did for many years. But this institution also began to suffer as governance suffered. And gradually, the standard of this hospital nose-dived with each passing military administration that by the time democracy returned to the country, the hospital was in a pitiable state. It became more of a place to die and people shied away from it. On a visit during that era, I saw a compound overgrown with weeds, wards empty and looking dirty, roofs that leaked and the whole hospital was populated by unenthused and unsmiling staff. Put simply, it was not a place that anyone willing to live would want to linger.

However, on a present visit to the Eku hospital, it was a different experience I had. I learnt the Delta State government under the present administration had taken the hospital under its wings and its new name is Eku Baptist Government Hospital. Greeting my arrival was a freshly renovated fence but that was not all. The wards wore cheery colours of

Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapap Lagos.

The word of God will never go unfulfilled, God almighty knows why Fayose returned to Government house. For him to repent and chat a new course or to continue in his old way and perish. From Remi Okeyele Though I am an indigene of Ilaro in Yewa land of Ogun state, but as a Yoruba man, I feel sorry for the people of this highly revered state Ekiti for voting a mediocre as their governor in person of Ayodele Fayose.

The gods of our fore-fathers will rescue our Yoruba land from the Hawks amongst us, Amen. Anonymous Re: Fayose 2. 0: A troubling start. Everything that surrounded Fayose’s second term as Governor of Ekiti State proved a lawless state and Nigeria an unconstitutionally decreed country. A crude and raw element like his make me shy to be Yoruba, the most educated race that failed to put him to check and allowing a party self aggrandizement and ego drunk to prevail .

Reading your comment today had abated to a large extent my mind of hopelessness about societal decadence. If we are not purged to classify this category of reckless and unbaked person from the political display, a time will come that the most celebrated thug in the society may be clever enough to get to the top and with swallow knowledge and limited brain storming, ruin the state that is developing already.

Please keep your eagle eye watching and watch closely to avoid the state of imminent danger. From Olajumi Esan, Irele.

Character they say, is smoke that cannot be covered with Basket. Do you expect anything better than this? You cannot give from what you do not have. Well change is good but should not have been from good to Worst. My people will soon realize the enormity of the mistake. Ekiti is number 35 out of 36 in Federal allocations. No oil, no meaningful minerals yet the State Development in the past 4 years can be seen and

felt. Kudos to the immediate past Excellency. ‘Let us wait and see the next four year’ then comparison will vindicate the predecessor. Anonymous May God bless Nigeria, time will tell when? and how? Anonymous Thanks Mr.Olatunji Dare. The reality is that truth, time & realities would never behave in anyway different from the antecedents’, and anyone on its path is never expected to do otherwise. Change is inevitable while growth is resultant of deliberate resolution to effect change. However the only reality awaiting Ekiti State is that those celebrating him now are the essential elements to facilitate his future predicaments unless something magically different happens, which may be remote for now. You would still have more to write in the nearest future, so cross your fingers but tune up your antennas.

Thanks. From Oluwadare, Ibadan Your write up titled, ‘Fayose 2 .0: A trouble start’ on The Nation Newspaper, Tuesday, October 21, was read with dismay.

As an experienced and respected Columnist, You didn’t seem to see anything good in the Inaugural speech of the new Governor. The former Governor you eulogized like an Angel recorded his own minus while in office. There should be a balance between Idealism and pragmatism. Whatever may be the Inaugural speech of the new Governor, it is too early to judge and crucify. Anonymous “Re - Fayose 2.0: A troubling start” of The Nation newspaper dated October 21.

I humbly applaud you for your comments on the above caption. From Prince ‘Bunmi, Ilorin.

For Tunji Adegboyega Re: A divorce long expected. It is a lesson not to over-rely on ‘powers’ when one wants a position, even if at all cost. Seriake Dickson was pulled and pushed in pushing Sylva out then; the coin and its reverse

is back on Dickson. Even when conferring the unearned permanent ‘secretaryship’ on ‘Madam Peace’, Dickson was sheepishly justifying the conferment. Pity not politicians! Only about 10 percent of them are people’s welfare-minded. It’s all a game of risk … We are on-lookers; while we watch the would-be winner between the First Lady and Governor Seriake Dickson while the game lasts. From Lanre Oseni.

If you write again on this woman who is …, I will stop buying your Sunday paper.

This is no threat; it’s a promise. Anonymous.

Nigeria is in a state of confusion where everybody does what he or she likes. We do not need any prophetic statement from anybody to understand that Dame Jonathan was a ghost permanent secretary before her resignation. It is only in Nigeria that appointment is given by proxy and nothing will happen. Nigeria has become a place where appointment is given for political elevation. The wind of unemployment is blowing across the country and our leaders are busy employing the employed across the country without looking back. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

Let’s even agree that the rationale for the face-off between the First Lady and Governor Dickson is that the governor is not performing as expected; for this reason, he will not go for a second term. This is what the First Lady should have said instead of trying to use political subterfuge to impose another candidate on the people of Bayelsa.

From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

Your piece on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway refers. I don’t know the basis for “commending the Goodluck Jonathan government for expanding the road”. Should we be talking of ‘expansion’ in the 21st century with an ever growing population? I believe we must be challenging the ‘ogas at the top’ to think creatively and plan for tomorrow. A transformation government should have the boldness and courage to do the needful for the well-being of the people. Transformation cannot be equated to emptying the common treasury into the pockets of a few riverine criminals. I know a family that suffered a similar experience like you on the expressway a few years ago when Abuja came to kneel before Pastor Adeboye. Gullible people, we were sucked in and tricked big time! Today, have we learnt any lesson? Like one pastor says, we don’t need rocket science to fix our roads.

It’s taking six years for them to remember that millions of people use that route weekly. Those that are foolish are telling their Abuja masters that we are foolish. Must we play the fool again? Anonymous.

Uduaghan’s United Nations example

By Francis Chukwuma paint, had modern hospital beds and it was full of activities – patients coming and going, doctors and other medical staff going about their duties and other bustles. At the Dental Clinic, I saw gleaning modern equipment and there was a brand new Accident and Emergency ward. The whole atmosphere seemed just how a modern hospital should be. I also got to know that healthcare is free for children under the age of five and also for people older than 65 years old.

No doubt, the fact that the governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, is a trained medical doctor has impacted on the state’s health sector. However, the state’s exploits transcends into other sectors.

In the transportation sector, his administration has ensured that intra-city movement have been with ease by providing shuttle buses to connect virtually the whole state.

And the buses of the state’s bus transport service, Delta State Mass Transit, are commonly known as ‘Uduaghan Bus’. In the area of roads, the government is also on course to bring the much-needed development to the state. That is the situation in other spheres of governance too such as agriculture.

This exemplary model recently attracted global recognition. In September, Uduaghan who was at the United Nations General Assembly in New York was commended by the UN. Prior to that event, UN officials had visited the state. And for over a year, a UN delegation assessed the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the state.

To those who have been following the governor’s conduct, it would hardly come as a surprise that he was commended. It is the trademark of a great leader to ensure that he leaves his position with the knowledge that his or her people are better than when he assumed the leadership position. And deploying limited resources for unlimited wants usually takes a master-stroke, but with love for the people, vision of a better scenario, and diligence to work towards it, the tough work can be made easy. Such is the going-on in the leadership of Delta State at the moment.

According to the UN, the state has met international standards in the areas of education, health, agriculture, provision of potable water and sanitation through the microcredit scheme. And expectedly, the Delta State Commissioner for information, Chike Ogeah, felt fulfilled reeling out a press statement on how the UN highlighted the free medical care for children under five years and seniors over 65 and free maternal care up to the point of delivery for pregnant women as crucial to Delta’s reduced infant mortality rate.

Concerning education, while the government ensured students did not lack for classrooms and teachers and also scholarship opportunities, it also positioned itself to directly monitor secondary school students.

One aspect of this project was the introduction of Edu-Marshals; these are officials deployed to all towns in the state to ensure that children of school-age actually take advantage of the free and compulsory education being provided by the state. And the UN re-

port specifically recommended the adoption of such monitoring projects to other Nigerian states ensure the country as a whole meets the goals of universal education.

Though, the concept of the MDGs could be said to be ‘foreign’ but to the needy, it hardly matters who formulates or execute the policies. As a Delta citizen, I demand that the government do more, but I can relate to the government’s success so far.

The report also stated that implementing the MDGs is a continuous exercise, and it recognised that attaining its present status of development would have its challenges. And while to other state governors, allowing external assessors to scrutinise its works is like opening one’s flanks, Governor Uduaghan has shown that he is ready to take correction. To him, it is neither about passing or failing, but having an unbiased body point out what the government is doing well, what it needs to do more of or change, and what strategies it needs to adopt to realise the MDGs. Already, the governor has promised to institutionalise the report by taking a Bill to the House of Assembly to ensure the findings become a working document for succeeding administrations. The example of Delta State government on working assiduously for the people and being open to assessment by unbiased assessors is key to institutionalising development throughout the country. This is much needed at this juncture of our lives as Nigerians it would do well for other states to come and learn from Delta, ‘the Big Heart State’.

• Chukwuma writes in from Lagos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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BUSINESS THE NATION

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

Bristow Helicopter to spend N50 million on 20 cadet engineers

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

A

S part of its contributions to the development of human resources in the aviation sector, Bristow Helicopter said it will spend over N50 million for the training of 20 cadet engineers at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology ( NCAT), in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The 20 cadet engineers, according to the human resources manager of the helicopter company, Mr Femi Collins, will spend 90 weeks at the college .

He said the training is part of the company’s initiative to empower Nigerians and strengthen capacity for the aviation sector .

Speaking at the “Meet the Parents” ceremony held at the company’s head office in Lagos, Collins congratulated the eventual 20 cadets that emerged from the over 4000 applications received from all over Nigeria.

He stated that the selection process was thorough and strictly based on merit so both parents and prospective cadets should be very proud of their achievements.

Collins noted that the cadets training was one of Bristows commitment to building capacity in both the aviation and offshore helicopter support industries as these cadets would go on to work on aircraft servicing these two important aspects of the Nigerian economy.

Collins revealed that an average of N2.5 million will be spent on each cadet trainee for the duration of the 90 weeks training. This cost, he stated, will include the tuition fees, accommodation and feeding.

Asides this, a monthly allowance will also be made available to each of the cadets throughout the period of the training.

On his part, the Managing Director, Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, Captain Akin Oni, enjoined the cadet engineers to exhibit good behaviour during the period of their training as character and good conduct constitutes one of the assessment elements.

Oni noted that though these young Nigerians were being trained in Nigeria, they would later form part of a global pool of engineering talent that could be required and deployed anywhere in the world.

Parents at the signing ceremony expressed their gratitude to Bristow Helicopters for the initiative. Enjoining their children and wards to do them proud, the parents who took turns to speak, noted that the gesture from Bristow was a rare opportunity and a privilege.

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

Cash crunch, insecurity hurt corporate earnings

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ORPORATE earnings may be significantly lower this year as companies struggle with declining disposable incomes and market share.

Corporate sources said their earnings have been affected by what they described as "cash crunch" in the economy, a reference to declining disposable income, and the spate of violence in many Northern states, which has continuously reduced their market share.

Early reports on third quarter earnings at the Nigerian stock market showed a generally tepid performance, with most companies underperforming their comparable figures for the previous year.

A management source in one of the fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) companies, which products are usually mostly affected by disposable income, said the business environment has not been business friendly.

According to the source, the

•FMCGs groan as Cadbury’s, Unilever's earnings dwindle

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

company's earnings, like other FMCGs, were adversely affected by lower consumer demand and growing stock, which forced the company to reduce its profit margin to stimulate demand.

As inventory built up, companies were accepting lower and sometimes unprofitable margin to clear the goods and ensure continuous operations of the plants, most of which must remain in continuous operations to avoid damage.

In one instance, a food and beverage company had to reduce its margin to the barely minimum in order to stem its flagging sales and reduce overall impact on total earnings, which already had declined by double digit.

A review of operational results of several companies indicated a general decline in the momentum of sales and profitability.

Cadbury Nigeria Plc, one of the top 30 companies at the stock

market, last week reported that its profit margin halved to recent low in the third quarter ended September 30, 2014.

Cadbury Nigeria's pre-tax profit margin dropped to 10.3 per cent

by September 2014 as against 20.8 per cent recorded in comparable period of 2013.

Key extracts of the ninemonth report showed that Cadbury Nigeria's turnover dropped by 12 per cent to N23.31 billion compared with N26.55 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2013 while pre and post tax profits dropped by 57 per cent each. Profit before tax slumped to N2.40 billion in third quarter 2014 as against N5.53 billion in third quarter 2013 while net profit after tax dwindled from N3.88 billion to N1.65 billion.

Also, nine-month earnings of Unilever Nigeria showed the same negative trend. Unilever Nigeria's turnover dropped by four per cent while pre and post tax profits declined by 49 per

cent and 48 per cent respectively.

Turnover stood at N43.63 billion in September 2014 as against N45.61 billion in comparable period of 2013. Profit before tax dropped from N5.04 billion to N2.55 billion while profit after tax declined to N1.82 billion as against N3.50 billion in comparable period of 2013. Earnings per share halved from 93 kobo to 48 kobo.

United Bank for Africa (UBA), one of the three major banks that have so far reported their ninemonth earnings, also reported decline in profitability, a general trend in the banking subsector.

While UBA's top-line earnings rose by 12 per cent from N188.02 billion in third quarter 2013 to N210.72 billion in third quarter 2014, profit before tax slipped from N43.43 billion to N42.54 billion. Profit after tax also dropped from N37.37 billion to N33.63 billion.

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc, the most capitalised bank and third most capitalised company

•From Left: Director, Rak Unity Petroleum, Mr. Edo Ukpong; Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Director, Rak Unity Petroleum, Mr. Obumneme Okonkwo; Chairman, Rak Unity Petroleum, Mallam Muhammad Lawan Buba; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema; Head Main Board, NSE, Mr. Tony Ibeziako during a courtesy visit to Rak Unity Petroleum as part of the Exchange's retention drive to visit listed companies.

at the stock market, reported nine per cent increase in the topline with gross earnings of N199.24 billion in third quarter 2014 as against N181.99 billion in similar period of 2013. Profit before tax meanwhile slipped from N82.37 billion in 2013 to N80.7 billion while profit after tax declined by four per cent from N69.24 billion to N66.74 billion.

Meanwhile, Access Bank, which is in the process of floating a supplementary share issue, stated that its gross earnings increased by 17.3 per cent from N155.03 billion to N181.80 billion. Profit before tax increased by 20 per cent from N35.09 billion to N42.16 billion while profit after tax rose by 28 per cent from N27.60 billion to N35.35 billion.

Corporate sources said they have had to close down most of their Northern operations to safeguard the lives of the staff, noting that this adversely affected their turnover and margins.

The emerging third quarter reports appeared to be trailing the general trend in the second quarter, which have prompted earnings warnings. First half reports of Cadbury Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria, DN Meyer, Chellarams and Scoa Nigeria Plc among others showed declines in corporate earnings and profitability.

Corporate sources had said spate of violence and lingering and escalating sense of insecurity have been undermining their forecasts given that the Northern market represented a major segment for nationwide companies.

Particularly hard-hit were companies dealing in perishable and breakable products, which have had to contend with longer transportation schedule and sometimes, seizure and obstruction of delivery trucks.

Corporate sources also said the insecurity in the Northern market has adversely affected the pool of human capital in that segment as existing and prospective employees now turn down placements in the North.

Companies have been responding to the Northern market challenge by scaling down Northern operations and optimizing opportunities in other markets.

Controversy trails Samsung’s Egina FPSO contract

T

HE alleged $300 million cost variation requested

by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), the major contractor handling the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which will be used to produce oil from the French oil giant, Total’s Egina deepwater field located in oil mining lease (OML) 130, is getting more controversial.

Contract for the FPSO was awarded in March 2013, about three years behind when it was supposed to be awarded. After it was awarded in 2013, follow-

CBN urges banks directors on corporate governace - P 26

By Emeka Ugwuanyi ing some disagreements with some sub-contractors, the project couldn’t be started till a few months ago.

The cost of the project was $3.3 billion but as a result of the delay, Samsung submitted variation cost (increase) of over $300 million. The information filtered into public domain, which Samsung denied during the ground breaking ceremony in Lagos to mark the commencement of the project. A General Manager in Samsung Heavy Industries, Nigeria Operations,

Mr. Frank Ejizu while fielding questions from reporters at the event, said the company didn’t submit variation cost of $300 million and that there was no alteration in the vessel’s design.

However, investigation, showed that Samsung submitted request for cost variation in a 98-page letter addressed to Total with reference number EGN-10-KSMG-AEMGLET-00671, dated September 23, 2014 and signed by the project director, J.R. Chung.

The variation order request submitted by Samsung covers detailed engineering, im-

Debt: Presco seeks N3b from core investor, others - P38

pact on procurement and construction, expense for fast track and cost due to schedule Impact.

It was learnt that the previous detailed engineering for the FPSO which was subcontracted to Worley Parsons Consortium, was altered by Total and Samsung said that under Article 22.1, the contractor should be compensated for engineering cost impact suffered due to Total’s initiated change orders.

Samsung also noted that Article 15.8 under which the contract was awarded, also provides

that the contractor should be compensated “for additional cost incurred in trying to mitigate the effect of adverse actions on work time schedule.”

Samsung also made claims on cost expense due to schedule impact, noting that it “brings this claim for cost of schedule impact pursuant to Article 15.5(a)(b)(i) as a result of Total’s default in complying with Article 6.4 and Article 14.4.2-3, which is the default in timely clarification by Total impacting on the cost and work schedule on the contract, in addition to other factors affecting the project delay.”

From employee to job placement business - P39

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

CBN urges bank directors on corporate governance T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged bank directors on the need to imbibe sound corporate governance practices to sustain the stability of the banking sector.

Its Deputy Governor Financial System Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, who spoke at the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) 2014 Continuous Education Programme for Directors of Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Lagos, said the level of corporate governance in banks can sometimes reflect the culture of governance in the system.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Enhancing Board Effectiveness for Enduring Quality of Banks’, he explained that in the advanced countries, the level of corporate governance in the banks before the global finan-

Stories by Collins Nweze

cial crisis was an extension of the larger governance culture in those countries.

The banks, he said, were seen as private and profit making institutions and so the values of capitalism drove those institutions to the extreme and many of them collapsed.

“This is what we have to avoid; and the responsibility is on you as bank directors. We do not want the privatisation of profits and socialisation of losses. You don’t run your bank well and when it is about to collapse, you start looking for CBN for accommodation.

“The CBN under the previous administration reached a decision that no banks will be allowed to fail again. And it was a good deci-

sion. This was because; this country has gone through a very scarring and scary history of failed bank failures.

“People have lost fortunes and as a result lost complete trust in the banks. But let’s not make it a habit. That is what I am saying.

Going forward, do not count on the CBN, if you don’t run your banks well.”

Moghalu said effective corporate governance stemming from good risk governance is critical to stable financial system.

He said the global financial crisis would have been averted if there were effective risk and corporate governance practice in the financial system.

He said: “Many of the bank directors don’t govern effectively the management of risks. If bank fail-

ure had not occurred, all those collateralised debt obligations and structured investment vehicles and other financial engineering which was an increase in the multiples of all the risks banks were taking, would not have taken place.

“There are questions. And those who should be asking those questions are boards of directors of banks. So we believe that the failure of corporate governance, especially the failure of risk governance was a major cause of the global financial crisis.

“Corporate governance is not just about compliance, it is about governing to create value, governing to build enduring institutions. Corporate governance is a key factor in financial systems. However in an environment like Nigeria, it is even more critical because it is

bound up in a number of wide cultural issues.

“It is also bound up in a number of wider governance issues. It is the same as public governance. This is because, to make impact, you have to have the same issues of integrity, ethics, avoiding conflict of interest, respecting processes and avoiding insider dealing. All these things are requirements for corporate governance.”

FITC Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of FITC, Dr. Lucy Newman said the event was organised to take stock of the institutes’ journey since it was established 30 years ago.

FITC used the opportunity to recognize its past leaders, strategic partners and high volume nominating institutions, frequently trained directors among others.

Fears over foreign exchange reserves

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•Director, Union Bank Nigeria Plc, Dr. Nike Akande, displaying the FITC High Volume Nominating Institution Award presented to the bank. With her are FITC official, Monike Charles-Benitie(middle) and Dr. Moghalu.

‘Why credit bureau patronage is rising’

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HE Managing Director, CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Tunde Popoola has said Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) policy mandating banks to use at least two credit bureaux for all credit approvals has boosted patronage by over 25 per cent.

He said since the policy became effective, top management of banks have demonstrated their interest on what is going on between the banks and credit bureaux.

This, he added, has also shown how committed the CBN is to making sure that there is success for credit bureau operations.

“It has been very significant, I must tell you. Since August last year, we got to daily threshold of usage that we have not had for a long time. That showed us that banks take the policy very seriously. So, that has led to significant improvement in relationship between us.

“We now have banks showing interest in collecting data, updating data. Even the ease with which they submit data now has increased.

Every bank should submit data not later than five days after month-end.

The numbers of institutions that are submitting data now have increased

tremendously. It cannot be less than 25 per cent increase in the number of institutions and volume of transactions,” he said.

He said the competition in the sector is very healthy.

He said: “As you know, lenders are known. It is a market that everyone knows. What we are trying to do is focus in the formal market, which are the regulated segment of the market, which are commercial banks, merchant banks, the leasing companies, microfinance banks, primary mortgage institutions. So, the competition has been very keen around that area. So we are competing for all these institutions.

“But the issue has been how you have been how innovative have you been as a credit bureau. Can these people be able to access your platform. How long does it take them to be able to download information from your platform. What is the level of your relationship management.

How easy is it for them to reach you, or for you to reach them?

“And again, the quality of your report and depth of information they get from your platform, which have to do with the quantum of information you have and the number of

NALYSTS at FBN Capital have said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) expectations of foreign exchange reserves increase to about $45 billion by year-end may not be realised.

The reserves have come under pressure in recent months over declining oil prices and need to support the naira. The reserves stood at $39 billion on October 23, and were at $39.56 billion on September 26, down 0.15 per cent from the previous month, data from the CBN showed.

Reserves stood at $39.62 billion in August and were $45.66 billion in September last year.

Further analysis showed that reserves which were at $39.65 billion on August 25 and was at $38.4 billion on July 17. The rate of accretions to the reserves has been marginal but consistent since the CBN reviewed the bureau de change (BDC) policy guidelines.

FBN Capital said the apex bank uses administrative measures to support its exchange-rate agenda.

It said the mandatory recapitalisation of bureaux de change to stem leakages is one of such measures.

According to the firm, the fall in the international price of Nigeria’s benchmark Bonny Light crude to about $95/barrel has fuelled fears that the CBN will be unable to hold

the line on the naira exchange rate.

“There remains a cushion of close to $20/barrel above the assumed export price in the 2014 budget although in reality pressures in the market develop far more quickly, which we can detect from the reluctance of offshore portfolio investors to participate in the most recent auctions of Federal Government of Nigeria bonds and Nigeria Treasury Bills,” it said.

According to the firm, official statements give the impression that some of the oil production losses have been recovered, a claim, it said, it was unable to confirm in the absence of a unified source of metering.

“As for the price, we do not think that global demand warrants significant further weakness. We also point to the many geopolitical risks and OPEC’s (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) interest in arresting the decline. The level of official reserves has settled on a plateau of $39.6 billion this month but still provides nine months’ merchandise import cover,” it said.

Another measure to boost the naira, it said, is dollarisation of the banking system. “The CBN data though to March 2014 shows a limited build-up to 25.7 per cent of commercial banks’ total deposits,” it said.

Group praises NDIC’s roles in financial system stability

A •Popoola

institutions that are submitting information to you. These are what constitute competitive edge for us at CRC. For us, we have a much more robust credit information report that is rounded and comprehensive.”

According to Popoola, the company has produced significant products to support our customers.

“We have prided ourselves as the market leader, and we are focusing on thoughtful leadership. We want to be in the mind of everybody. We have moved from just collecting information from regulated entities to non-formal sectors. So, you se some level of patronage from corporative societies, pharmaceutical companies, among others,” he said.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation (NGO), African Peace and Development Initiative (APDI) has praised Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for its commitment to the safety and stability of the financial system and for standing out as one of the leading deposit insurers in the continent.

Its President, Mike Femi gave this commendation while presenting the Africa’s Meritorious Service Award of the organisation to the Managing Director/Chief Executive (MD/CE) of NDIC, Alh. Umaru Ibrahim in Abuja.

According to him, the commitment of NDIC at keeping fate with its depositor protection mandate over the years and the various initiatives which it continued to bring to bear on the discharge of its mandate, particularly the recent Bridge Bank phenomenon had gone a long way in boosting confidence in the nation’s financial system.

He said as a supervisor, it was heart-warming that NDIC had demonstrated overt transparency

and professionalism in the conduct of its operation thereby serving as role model to other public institutions in Nigeria and the continent.

On the award by the organisation, Femi said the APDI whose membership covered 10 African countries instituted the award platform to recognise individuals with immense contributions to the economic growth and development of African countries with a view to encouraging them to aim for greater heights.

He said the significance of the award underscored the few number of recipients which for 2014 was conferred on President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and NDIC boss, Umaru Ibrahim.

Ibrahim, represented by NDIC Director, Internal Audit, Ibrahim Tafida reiterated that the corporation would continue to accord transparency, professionalism and diligence pride of place in the discharge of its mandate of deposit guarantee, banking supervision and failure resolution.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

27

MONEY Paga, a money transfer service provider works with banks, microfinance institutions and mobile network operators to bring banking to the banked and unbanked population. Its co-founder, Jay Alabraba said Paga Merchant Services allows businesses to collect payments and conduct money transfers. He said it is deepening the financial inclusion policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and that branchless banking is where the future lies, COLLINS NWEZE writes.

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OBILE payment is where the world is heading and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind, Paga Co-founder, Jay Alabraba, has said.

Speaking during a media interaction in Lagos, he said the mobile payments service firm, has formally announced the launch of its new business focused service line – Paga for Business.

Suitable for large-to-small businesses, the product is a one-stop-shop solution for any business looking for a smart way to collect payments from its customers in person, online, or remotely, anywhere in the world.

The solution, he added, also allows businesses to disburse cash, airtime to any bank account or phone number in real-time.

Mobile payment firms vs banks Alabraba said Paga does not compete with the banks since its funds are saved with the banks. He however admitted that there are places where it clearly competes with banks and there are more places where it collaborates with banks to do what it is doing.

“Certain banks have licenses to do mobile payments. There are places you can extend what we are doing beyond where people do it today. For example, you don’t find many bank pursuing collections of payment by small or medium businesses the way we do.

“Banks have braches and large banks can have maximum of a thousand branches. Paga alone has 6,500 agents across 32 states in the country.

This is a larger service network than all the banks in Nigeria combined.

Besides, banks are serving people that are banked.”

He said people who do business may not necessarily be in the rural areas, adding that because they are not banked, they are not finding the efficient ways to make payments. But somehow, he explained, “there is a gap and that is the place we play as well. Half of our customers are banked, just that they find Paga to be a lot efficient, creating more options for them to access their services.”

He said if you are to pay a plumber N2,000, with Paga, sitting in your office, send him a message that sends him his cash. He comes out of his store, goes left to a provision store and collects his money. He didn’t have to come and meet you in your house, neither was your bank involved,” he explained.

Lagos market He said Lagos has fewer geographical states that will be considered rural.

“When I talk of rural focus, beyond Lagos, there are going to be villages where you have self-owned networks. While you will not see the big splash, billboards and television in those places, pay close attention to how they use those services.”

Typically, he explains, “we have one or two agents there doing transactions. When you talk about Paga, you don’t only pay attention to the person picking up their phone to do transaction. There are multiple ways customers will use paga. People can use page to send SMS, application, paga can be accessed and used online.

In that case, you are not even riding on mobile phones network.

“So when you say mobile, apart from mobile phones, think about connectivity and ability to access any kind of laptop, tablet, device, from the lowest feature phone that can only do SMS to a complicated laptops.

These are all connected devices,

‘The future is in branchless banking’ ‘Those who can use their phones to do transactions will do so, but there is going to be a lot more people who will rely on their low Paga agent to achieve this goal.

This is a person that knows them, knows the number of children they have and the fact they they are always sending money to them.

The local agent is also earning money while offering this service’

Product innovation

•Alabraba

named mobile,” he said.

He explained that there are another set of customers that don’t interact with Paga via their phone, but through agents, which is their service point in their community and that agent can do any transaction that they want to do on Paga.

As he put it: “If they want to transfer money to another person in a remote area, they can take their cash to the agent and send the money and the person receives SMS that the money has been paid. Then, they will go to the agent, present their withdrawal code and cash it. All they have done is to use the phone to receive the alert but the transaction is happening at the agent. The important thing is that as long as there is an agent point in that place; it is possible to serve those customers,” he said.

Confronting infrastructure hurdles Alabraba said infrastructure challenge is a subject of concern to any type of business. “Recently we were at an event hosted by one of the large international organisations and infrastructure was the subject and how it affects small and large size businesses, from the stand point of power, cost of connecting telecoms and the reliability of such connection.

“We built Paga to work in inadequate infrastructure environment; this is not importing software and assumes it is going to work. We have taken into account the fluctuations we will have in power, or telecommuni-

body in Nigeria.

When you really think about it, it is mini bank, where you go buy breads, soft drinks, the person equipped as a Paga agent can do any of those transactions for you. We are collaborating with banks and we are going to see a lot more around banking services being delivered through here, and this will be from partners as well.

He said those who can use their phones to do transactions will do so, but that there will be a lot more people who will rely on their low Paga agent to achieve this goal. This is a person that knows them, knows the number of children they have and the fact that they are always sending money to them. The local agent is also earning money whil;e offering this service.

It is here we emphasise that small and medium businesses are the life blood of the economy. It is trusted; they bring good products, give credit to their local communities.

That small business is pushing the future of banking and is actually in the position to explain to the local community members what the product is,” he said.

cation networks, or other types of infrastructure challenges. The technology is built to work in emerging markets where technology challenge exists, we use an appropriate technology,” he said.

He said should power be lost in any of its data centres, there are multiple backups to ensure there will not be any loss of data about the transaction.

“If a customer does a transaction, details are sent through SMS, and there are other ways to confirm. You could reach our call centre or go online and check. We have designed this to work with the challenges that exist here and exceed expectations as things improve and things are improving. We are working closely with the power and telecoms sectors.

We are working closely with the telcos and they are investing heavily in improving infrastructures so that SMS are not delayed,” he said.

Other challenges Alabraba said the primary challenge the firm faces is inadequate awareness. He said the firm is focusing on deepening the reach of its operations to uncovered regions in rural and semi urban places.

“Today about 18 per cent of our agents are in places that are considered rural and semi urban, which is a very big focus on the CBN financial inclusion agenda. We want to reach those places and we look for products and services that will meet their needs, because when somebody you know or trust is doing something, it is a lot easier for you to pick it up,” he said.

He said the mission is to get more people hooked on to the money transfer services, from where there will be gradual propagation into the communities as well.

Market gap The Paga co-founder said the firm discovered a gap in the market and decided to explore it. “Today, we see a gap in that market and we have several businesses that directly address it. We are a business that desires to go online, ——they are not able to collect cash, Paga has multiple products for those kinds of businesses. In most cases, we are collaborating with banks to improve the services to their customers,” he said.

“I think the future of banking is branchless rather than mobile. One is the fact that increasingly, people are comfortable doing things electronically because you don’t need to queue in the banking halls for hours to deposit or collect money.

Branchless in the sense that people can use connected devices to access their transactions. But even more interesting is this trend towards true branchless banking but still physical, where the retail shop in your community ends up being your bank,” he explained.

Paga overview Alabraba explained that a Paga agent is a place where you can go, send money, pay bills, buy airtime, deposit money into any bank in Nigeria and receive money from any-

He said that in any situation where value is being sent from one party to another, be it a customer or a business, Paga has a role to play and can improve the flow of the value.

“Every business needs payment, whether small or big payments. It may be cash or electronics. So, we have products under the collection umbrella that allows businesses of all kinds to collect payment.

Like Jumia, online company is able to use cards on Paga mobile payment to collect payment from their customers. The customers may be online or offline and there is opportunity to collect through our agents and it still reaches the same online merchant.

There is also offline payment. You think of the small provision store that is near your house that is a person that wants to collect cash or cards. We have series of products available and more coming that will support that kind of a business. More importantly, like the electronic company, the Ikeja Distribution Company for example; you can go to any Paga agent or go online to pay that bill. You don’t necessarily have to go to the electricity company. So, collection is another thing,” he said.

He said the firm also has corporate payment tools, called bulk payment tools.

“The company may use either bulk payment to pay all its staffs, the payments may go directly to their phones. So, think of day laborers that may be paid in bulk. So, if there are 100 people that need to be paid N10,000 each, Paga could send the money to all of them and what they need to do when they receive the alert is to cash it in their neighborhood or go to an ATM to cash out. Similar product exists for airtime,” he said.

Lending

The Paga chief said the firm is working with its partners to offer loans to is clients.

“We have multiple partners. We are licensed and regulated by the CBN which has done a lot in advancing the future of financial services in the country.

Two key frameworks CBN has come out with, are the mobile payment framework which came out in 2009, that regulates the core business that we do. However, more recently, the CBN has brought out the agency banking framework that guides how banks and other financial institutions can go branchless,” he said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

Debt: Presco seeks N3b from core investor, others P RESCO Plc, a palm oil plantation and processing company, has commenced the process to raise some N3 billion new equity funds from its major core investor and other minority shareholders.

The new equity funds will be used to reorganize Presco’s highly leveraged capital structure.

Latest audit of Presco showed that it has outstanding foreign loan of N2.02 billion obtained from its majority shareholder, Siat sa. Besides, the company also obtained N1.07 billion loan from Stanbic IBTC Holdings under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)'s Power and Airline Intervention Fund (PAIF). It also has about N221.9 million outstanding as import finance facility from Zenith Bank and another N845.55 million from United Bank for Africa (UBA) under the CBN's Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS).

Bank overdraft has jumped by 1,015 per cent from N63.06 million in previous audit to N702.9 million in the latest audit.

Presco's interest expense on overdrafts also leapt by 608 per cent from N28.4 million to N201.4 million. Interest expense on overdraft represented about 52 per cent of the total interest expense of N390.4 million in the latest audit.

The audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that net profit dropped by 62 per cent, which partly accounted for 90 per cent slash in cash dividend to share-

Stories by Taofik Salako

holders.

The management of the palm-oil plantation and processing company said the process of the new rights issue has started, implying that the company might open the application for issue before the end of the year.

The shareholders of the company had in July this year approved the supplementary share issuance at their annual general meeting in Benin, Edo State. At the annual general meeting, shareholders had also approved the increase in the authorised share capital of the company from N500 million to N550 million through the creation of 100 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

Managing director, Presco Plc, Mr. Uday Pilani, confirmed the commencement of the rights issue noting that the board had decided to undertake the new equity raising to give the company financial flexibility and reorganise its capital structure.

According to him, the net proceeds of the rights issue will be used to reduce the company's debt and foreign exchange exposure.

Directors of the company said they expected the rights issue to receive overwhelming support as it presents an excellent opportunity for existing shareholders to

increase their investment in the company, which has consistently recorded impressive results and also paid dividends to its shareholders over the years.

Sa Siat nv, which holds 60 per cent majority equity stake in Presco, will provide nearly two-thirds of the rights funds. First Inland Bank/ Fidelity Finance Company (TRDG), which holds 8.0 per cent equity stake, is expected to provide the second largest chunk of the funds. Presco has some 9,415 shareholders with the largest group of shareholders holding small units within the range of 1000 to 10,000 shares.

An investment banking source in the know said the company has secured the endorsement of the core investor and major shareholders for the rights issue, a general reference that they will be willing to pick up their rights.

While the current details of the rights issue are sketchy, initial check by The Nation indicated that the rights issue will be pre-allotted to shareholders on the register of the company as at July 4, 2014 on the basis of one new share for every 10 shares held as at the qualification date. Directors of the company had also earlier indicated the rights would be offered at N35 per share. However, the share price of Presco opened yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at

•From Left: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema presenting a souvenir to Managing Director, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Henry Semenitari during a visit by the management of Unity Bank to commemorate the supplementary listing of the bank's shares on the NSE.

N30.45 per share after it dropped by 4.99 per cent in the first trading session of the week. It had lost 9.72 per cent last week.

Initial outlined had indicated that in the event of under-subscription of the rights issue, shareholders will not have any pre-emptive right, paving the way for other investors to acquire the unsubscribed shares. The underwriter to the rights issue will be able to acquire the unsubscribed shares, subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities.

The additional capital, according to shareholders' resolutions, would be used to eliminate the loans with foreign exchange exposure risk, accrued interest on these loans and overdraft.

The company has struggled with declines in sales and profit in 2013.

The steep decline led to 90 per cent reduction in cash dividend. While the company had distributed N1 billion annually as cash dividends for the 2011 and 2012, the company is distributing N100 million payout for the 2013 business year.

While shareholders had received a dividend per share of N1 in 2011 and 2012, they will now receive a dividend per share of 10 kobo.

The decline in dividend payout partly reflected the downturn in the operations of the company.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that net profit dropped by 62 per cent from N3.49 billion to N1.34 billion.

Profit before tax had dwindled from N3.88 billion to N2.33 billion.

Operating profit declined from N4.19 billion to N2.72 billion.

Gross profit slumped to N4.62 billion in 2013 as against N5.24 billion in 2012. Aggregate turnover dropped to N8.49 billion in 2013 compared with N11.25 billion recorded in 2012.

Chairman, Presco Plc, Mr. Pierre Vandebeeck, however blamed the decline on the provisions of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) and slowdown in the operating environment.

According to him, the company used the IFRS in the 2013 audited report, which required revaluation of biological assets on the basis of international price of assets as at the year-end. While there were no decline in the price of oils in Nigeria by the year-end, there was a decrease in the world market price of biological assets and oils, which led to a revaluation loss of about N1 billion.

Presco primarily engages in the development of oil palm plantations, palm oil milling, palm kernel processing and vegetable oil refining. The main products of the company included refined bleached and deodorised palm oil, palm olein, palm stearin, palm fatty acid distillate, palm kernel oil (crude and refined) and palm kernel cake.

Sterling Bank grows Q3 pre-tax profit by 41% to N8.5b STERLING Bank Plc recorded impressive growths in the top-line and bottom-line in the third quarter as the bank’s continued to optimize the potential of its core banking operations and overall profitability of its business.

Interim report and accounts of the bank for the third quarter ended September 30, 2014 showed that while gross earnings grew by 12.1 per cent, net interest income rose by 32.8 per cent. This further bloomed into 41.3 per cent and 39.2 per cent in pre and post tax profits respectively.

Gross earnings closed September 2014 at N73.01 billion as against N65.12 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. Net interest

income rose from N24.22 billion in third quarter 2013 to N32.1 billion in third quarter 2014. Profit before tax jumped to N8.50 billion in 2014 as against N6.02 billion in 2013. After taxes, net profit rose from N5.07 billion to N7.06 billion.

The bank’s pre-tax profit margin rose from 9.24 per cent in third quarter 2013 to 11.6 per cent in September 2014, underlying the improving profitability of the bank.

In his remarks, managing director, Yemi Adeola, said the performance of the bank was driven by increasing brand acceptability as shown in its growing revenues and reduction in impairment charges.

According to him, as part of the initiatives to support its retail bank-

ing proposition, the bank has realigned its business by market segments for a more focused market reach while it has continued to increase its transaction channels and it is on track to deliver additional 21 branches and 500 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) by the end of the year.

“Following our Extra-ordinary General Meeting billed for November 11, we plan to conclude the ongoing private placement before the end of the year. This will put us in a strong competitive position to achieve our growth plans in coming quarters. In the meantime, we remain focused on efficiency and are optimistic that the full year returns will be in line with our ear-

lier Management guidance,” Adeola said.

He noted that the 41 per cent growth in profit before tax despite pressures on earnings arising from monetary policy changes was driven by improvements in revenues and a 30 per cent reduction in impairment charges.

According to him, interest income increased by 15 per cent, while interest expense declined by three per cent resulting in a 32 per cent growth in net interest income. The bank recorded a 20 per cent growth in total assets to N847 billion and a 19 per cent growth in deposits to N679 billion with a 100 basis points reduction in cost of funds to 4.9 per cent.

Nahco appoints acting MD

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HE board of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc has appointed Mr. Norbert Bielderman, the company’s executive director for operations, as the acting managing director of the company. The appointment took effect last week’s Thursday.

Bielderman took over from the current managing director; Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo, who proceeded on terminal leave on the same day. Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo’s contract expires on March 31, 2015.

Bielderman joined Nahco as chief operating officer in May 2010 and rose to become the executive director, operations in December 2013.

A tested aviation practitioner with 29 years hands-on experience in ground handling operations, project management, strategy implementation and logistics chain management among others, Bielderman is expected to bring his experience to bear on Nahco’s performance.

He will particularly be expected to optimize the plan to make Nahco the cargo-hub for the West African region. Nahco has recently floated a new subsidiary, Nahco FTZ, to run a free trade zone licence it was granted by the Federal Government. The free trade zone(FTZ) will operate within the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Nigeria and West Africa’s busiest airport.

Initial estimates indicate that Nahco FTZ could attract about $500 million investments into Nigeria.

The Nahco FTZ will afford the company the opportunity to import goods in a borderless environment while it will also improve its shipment capacity and capabilities. It is also expected to significantly increase air traffic into the country and as well as increased cargoes for the company.

Audited report for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that turnover rose by 11 per cent from N7.4 billion to N8.1 billion, while profit after tax rose 35 per cent from N609 million to N820 million. The company increased dividend by 20 per cent from 25 kobo to 30 kobo.

Institute offers direct membership

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THE Institute of Capital Market Analysts has announced the commencement of its direct membership programme designed to admit members into fellows and associates categories.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Institute’s Coordinator, Omotayo Gbede explained that qualifications for direct members ship shall be available to professional capital market operators with requisite professional qualification and at least five years relevant experience in the top management cadre of a capital market/financial institution, financial regulator or financial services market firm for associate membership and ten years of experience for fellows.

Chief executives and senior management of financial institutions are given special consideration based on their years of experience in the financial market.

The institute also announced its twoweek accelerated membership programme commencing on November 1st, 2014 and ending 9th November, 2014 for prospective members having a minimum of HND/B.Sc. or equivalent as well as those with finance related professional qualifications.

The institute’s main objective, Gbede stressed is to accelerate the development of top level capital market professionals equipped with cutting edge skills in financial and capital market analysis.

Approved by the Federal Ministries of Education and Justice, its mission is to deepen the knowledge of financial markets among its members and provide the technical expertise in market analysis, financial modelling, forecasting, financial engineering as well as management of institutional frameworks.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

PAGE 29

After all the hoopla about the June 21 election in Ekiti State and assumption of office of Governor Ayodele Fayose, the attention has turned finally to how far and soon it will take the new helmsman to prove the electorate right on their choice at the polls writes SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

•Bad road in Oke Ala, Basiri area of ado Ekiti

After all said and done, Ekiti demand action from Fayose T

INSIDE

HE vast drama space which Ekiti became in the heat of the June 21 election has lately receded, yielding space for a palpably settled vista, where the actors have changed performances

How Osun Senators, Reps are giving life to constituency projects PAGE 30

and expectations of residents assuming more prominence.

No more long convoys of sirenblaring vehicles in breakneck speeds heading in opposite directions; large gatherings of party

peoples here and there about the state and almost at same time, spawning and spewing as much promises as they do diatribes across loud speakers; larger than life banners of seekers after the tar-

get seat in the state in open spaces, street sides, at spots both likely and unlikely.

While express pronouncements of the new Governor Ayodele Fayose have quite often betrayed

awareness of the needs of the citizenry especially in terms of empowerment and livelihood, there also are such needs which residents from one community to another in the state, especially in Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state, seem to seek the state government’s urgent intervention.

These included good, motorable access roads in the communities; electricity power

Employee sues BEDC, seeks N50m damages

I am dying of chronic pains

PAGE 35

PAGES 35

•Continued on page 30

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

30

THE SOUTWEST REPORT

•Ipetu Ijesawater dam

•Some of the projects

Federal lawmakers from Osun State at the National Assembly are collaborating with the State government to fund some developmental projects in the state. ADESOJI ADENIYI reports that they are pooling funds from their constituency projects together to build schools, dams and other projects as part of the dividends of democracy to their constituents.

How Osun Senators, Reps are giving life to constituency projects T

HE lawmakers from Osun State in the National Assembly are giving a new meaning to constituency projects often embarked upon by legislators to help develop their area and give the much needed dividend of democracy to their people.

Instead of each of them spending the funds meant for constituency projects in his/her area on any project of his/her choice, the three senators and nine members of the House of Representatives from the state are pooling resources from such funds together to jointly fund common projects in close collaboration with the state government. And the result has been multi billion naira projects which one legislator couldn’t have been able to afford.

The lawmakers are leveraging on their membership of the same political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) together with the state government, to support the vision of rapid development of all parts of Osun state by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

It is a creative approach that has made it possible for the Aregbesola administration to achieve unprecedented success in education, agriculture and food security, water and sanitation among others since the inauguration of the administration in November 2010.

The ‘cooperative’ and collaborative approach of the lawmakers towards the development of the area has been made possible through their resolve to work with the governor as a formidable team, with the aim of taking Osun state out of the woods within a short time.

According to Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Osun East senatorial district, otherwise known as Ife/Ijesa: “We the lawmakers met

‘We the lawmakers met with the governor and asked him in what areas of development projects can we come in, to the rescue the state. We believe both the lawmakers and the governor have responsibilities to the people in our various constituencies and we must be ready to ensure we don’t fail in doing what are expected of us by the people’ with the governor and asked him in what areas of development projects can we come in, to the rescue the state.

We believe both the lawmakers and the governor have responsibilities to the people in our various constituencies and we must be ready to ensure we don’t fail in doing what are expected of us by the people.”

No doubt, the lawmakers’ intervention by pooling resources from their constituency project allowances is already helping the 23-year old state. For example, in Osun East senatorial district comprising 10 of the 30 local government areas in the state and one area office, Senator Omoworare and the three members of the House of Representatives from the area are using their constituency project allowances to fund a number of projects in the district.

Some of the projects include the water dam located at Umar Olanrewaju Street, Ipetu-Ijesa (under construction), building of Hope Elementary School, Ilesa, building of Community Middle School, Ita-Osa, Ile-Ife, renovation of Atakumosa Middle School, Osu, renovation of Ansar-udeen Elementary School,

Ogbo Agbara Ile-Ife. Senator Omoworare, who led other lawmakers on inspection tour of the projects, put the cost of the Ipetu-Ijesa water dam at N750 million, with a capacity to supply water to Oriade, Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West and Ilesa-West local governments.

He disclosed that the water project was funded with the N550 million 2012 constituency project funds of the lawmakers, adding that they had to source for additional N200m to make the total cost of N750m for the completion of the project.

The project included running of pipes and provision of reservoirs to some of the communities in the benefiting local governments.

Omoworare disclosed that the lawmakers would spend about N4 billion on water provision for the Osun East Senatorial District, including the counterpart funding from the federal government.

The Senator urged the federal government to put its N2.4billion counterpart fund for the water project in the 2015 fiscal year budget.

Speaking during the inspection of the Hope Elementary School, Ilesa,

•During the inspection

•Hope Elementary School, Ilesa

Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, representing Ijesa-South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, stated that the school was constructed in line with the quality of the state government’s model schools.

Famurewa stated that the Ife/Ijesa lawmakers had consulted Governor Aregbesola before embarking on the construction of the school, saying that the National Assembly members were trying to share the Aregbesola administration’s burden of building ultra modern schools for the development of public education in the state.

According to Famurewa, the cost of the building of the Hope Middle School which is still under construction would be up to N168 million, including the furnishing of the classrooms and offices in the school, when completed.

The Hope Middle school has 31 classrooms, laboratories, offices and

toilets, among other facilities.

Famurewa stated that the lawmakers, in their 2013 constituency project are building two new schools and renovating two other schools in the senatorial district to meet up with the modern standard. He stressed that the Ife/Ijesa lawmakers at the National Assembly would also build new schools and renovate some others in their 2014 project.

The lawmaker representing Oriade/Obokun federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Nathaniel Agunbiade, stated that the funds for the constituency projects were not released to the lawmakers, saying that they only chose the type of project they wanted. ý Agunbiade maintained that the projects were executed after discussion with Governor Aregbesola and consultation with the people of their constituencies on the type of project they wanted

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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THE SOUTWEST REPORT Ijesa people in Osun State are making concerted efforts to industrialise their area and provide employment for their army of unemployed youths. Dideolu Falobi, Chairman of the Ijesaland Development Foundation (IDF) tells NNEKA NWANERI, what the fund, to be unveiled on November 11, is doing in this regard.

‘Ijesa people sit on gold and clay’

S

in their areas. He explained that there would not be enough funds should they embark on different and individual project in their constituencies, hence their resolve to pull their constituency fund together and execute tangible projects that will benefit their people.

Speaking during the inspection of the Community Middle School, ItaOsa, Ile-Ife, Hon. Rotimi Makinde representing Ife Central, East and North federal constituency, said: “We could have diverted these funds to personal use, but we could not do that because we want the development of our state.

“The Omoluabi caucus at the National Assembly has leaders; we have vision and we are committed to the development of our state. We cannot leave the burden of developing this state to our governor alone. We know he so much put priority on education and that is why we are building and

‘The Omoluabi caucus at the National Assembly has leaders; we have vision and we are committed to the development of our state. We cannot leave the burden of developing this state to our governor alone. We know he so much puts priority on education and that is why we are building and renovating schools to assist him in our various constituencies and senatorial district at large’ renovating schools to assist him in our various constituencies and senatorial district at large. Things we have done so far are those of 2012 and 2013 constituency projects. Our 2014 constituency project fund would also be expended on education. We will move to health sector very soon.”

PREAD across six local government areas of Osun State, Ijesaland is composed of about 600,000 people, comprising of itinerant businessmen, trader and educationists among others Ijesas spread across the world.

In the run up to the creation of Osun state in 1991, Ilesa, arguably the largest of the Ijesa towns was in direct competition with Osogbo for the capital which was finally given to Osogbo when the new state was named by the then Federal Military Government.

Between then and now, while Osogbo has continued to grow in leaps and bounds, Ilesa and by extension- Ijesaland has not witnessed much in terms of development.

Cognisant of this fact, the Ijesa Development Foundation was incorporated in June 1994 to identify and cater for the basic needs of the people of Ijesaland and the area. For it to develop quickly, the foundation has plans to resort to self help, advocacy and pooling resources together, with the help of its sons and daughters leveraging positions in commerce, education, trade and government establishments.

23 years after the creation of Osun State why wait till now for Ijesaland Development Fund?

There has not been any lack of developmental initiatives in Ijesaland. Today, there are quite a number of groups, associations and societies and clubs that are focused directly or indirectly on the development of the clan.

While some are looking at scholarship and education; others focus on urban renewal and development and others on health and social aspects of development.

What makes IDF different from other associations?

It is not completely different from other associations but is meant to complement others.

The association is just a group of people coming together as friends, but in a structured organisation to approach development from another perspective.

We are also leveraging on our resources to ensure that Ijesaland develop in leaps and bounds.

We will begin by stepping out on November 11, in Lagos, to initiate and lecture indigenes through a program that seeks to draw partnership with each other. The schemes are not for business but for investment and will basically identify areas where there is need for action to initiate plans. The 3-in-1 event will comprise of traditional rulers, the political; business and youth leaders from across the country and beyond.

We cannot sit around waiting for the government to help us develop, but this is a concrete step on our own to attract the government. In Ijesaland, there are educated graduates in virtually every family such as former University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe; former Olabisi Onabanjo University Vice Chencellor, Prof. Wale Omole and the Vice-Chancellor

•Falobi

‘Ile la bo simi oko, which interprets to mean ‘East or West, Home is the Best’. Just as we lay our beds, so we will lie on it. We all are working, trying to make a means one way or the other. At some point, we will all return home, and if home is not conducive for us, all our effort will be in vain. So, it is our duty to be part of the good that will develop the country’ of University of Ibadan.

The essence of industrialisation is to see that all our human resources are creating employment for our teeming youth and ensure that investors harness some of the raw materials in our locality.

What are some of the natural resources?

Here, we sit on gold, cocoa, clay and kola. We have a lot of them, so we can utilise the clay for ceramics. Also, the water can be turned into a tourist attraction site. The agricultural products such as cocoa, oranges and cashew nuts can be industrialised. We also have human resources that can be tapped into. Even the governor of Osun State Ogbeni Rauf Arebgesola is an Ijesa man and is in full support of the initiative.

There will also be an industrial centre to serve as a hub for those who want to invest in the land. There, investors will be provided with necessary information they want for traditional or government support. The dream park will allow children on weekends and public holidays to relax in a green environment.

How do you intend luring back Ijesha in the Diaspora?

IDF is not asking Ijesha in Diaspora to migrate. All we want for them to do is come

home and let’s rub minds to see how conducive and how we can make our locality open to opportunities naturally.

There is a good business plan, and there are already accessible funds for prospective investors.

By the time we open up, the youth in the axis will be employed as unskilled labourers.

It is obvious that the action plan is for the people at the grassroots based in Ijesa.

Governor Aregbesola, who will be the special guest at the summit, has confirmed his interest and readiness to support the project together with other functionaries of the state government.

Isn’t the registration and membership fee high?

It is basically to fund the foundation and these registration and membership monies will be used to keep the projects running. Nothing can be achieved without funding and the foundation is open to only those with genuine interest.

Ile la bo simi oko, which interprets to mean ‘East or West, Home is the Best’. Just as we lay our beds, so we will lie on it. We all are working, trying to make a means one way or the other.

At some point, we will all return home, and if home is not conducive for us, all our effort will be in vain. So, it is our duty to be part of the good that will develop the country.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

32

THE SOUTWEST REPORT

33

THE SOUTWEST REPORT ‘We hoteliers have been particularly hit by the problem of inadequate power supply, a situation which has forced us to run diesel-powered generators day and night with attendant effects on cost of our services. Most of our services would be less in cost by at least 25 per cent if electricity supply is better assured. The trend is already having an impact. While most businesses have wound up, the few available ones are reeling under insufficient public-owned electricity supply. We have visited the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to no avail’

After all said and done, Ekiti demand action from Fayose •Continued from page 29 supply; provision of good drinking water; safety of lives and security of properties; and such other demands which the leadership’s routine neglect and pretence have accorded continuing relevance across the tiers in our immediate Nigeria milieu. But again, the issue is not entirely how quick will expectations be met, but even how far will remedies when offered would also last?

Motorable access roads in communities As often generally acknowledged, the last administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi had, through its popular urban renewal initiative instituted lasting changes in road infrastructure in the state.

All major roads in Ado and across other 132 towns and communities in the state have either been rehabilitated or reconstructed, while link roads through the towns have been generously attended to.

But the tales and experiences in the communities within Ado township much as elsewhere in other towns in the state, have remained baleful.

The jutting-jangling of movements resulting from erosion-afflicted passages and ways had constrained vehicle-using house owners in communities from BasiriNova area on Iyin road to Ajebandele on Ikere road, and other areas of the capital often to abandon the luxury of such blessings metres away from their homes and seek less pleasant alternatives.

Lamenting the fate of unmotorable link roads within the communities, Chief Nnamdi Iwuchukwu, a resident of Oke-Ala/ Oseromi Church area in Basiri area maintained “Our major problem here is road. Next to it is electricity supply. The roads have been the trouble for us as long we came to settle”.

According to him, the situation has so many effects which he noted included denials of access to places; high cost of maintenance of automobiles; parking vehicles at distances and making do with alternatives like trekking or using commercial motorcycles to access locations.

Nnamdi’s words: “Most of those living anywhere here from Basiri

to communities on Nova Road can no more drive their vehicles to their houses. Go and find out, the roads are just too bad. Although the last governor (Fayemi) tried on the major roads, the ones in the inner communities need to be given attention now.

“Even those who insist on managing the roads come to regrets almost all the time. Their vehicles spoil too often, constraining them to consulting the mechanics every other day. What really is the enjoyment in having a car when someone would seek the grace of the mechanic too often?”

“The new governor should assist us. We park our cars somewhere else and trek down to our houses.

If we have loads to move to the houses from the vehicles, we carry them on our heads or we hire Okada (commercial motorcycles)”, he said.

As a way out, Nnamdi explained that “I know constructing drainages to channel the paths of flood will help the roads. I am not an engineer but if the government can construct drainage channels on the roads, the problem would be greatly solved. Just as the last government had focused on major roads, let Fayose concentrate on the roads within and between communities. We will be happy”.

The hills and the urgency of dredging Findings however confirm that a major contributor to the worrisome situation of roads is the surrounding hills in most communities which channel flood water down the hillsides at a speed which must wash away road portions, rendering them most often impassable and their very habitations deluged.

Residents especially around Oke Ala said when floods rush down the hills, they also pack heavy quantity of sand alongside other debris onto the Iyin-Ado express road, a situation which almost always impose tasks on residents who often battle to clear away such dangerous debris off the road.

Nnamdi said: “Whenever heavy rain falls, large quantity of sand are washed unto the main Basiri Road which also tends to weaken the road at such unfortunate portions.

But the sand can lie there unattended for days before someone comes to clear it away.

•Bad access road in Basiri area of Ado Ekiti

‘Most of those living anywhere here from Basiri to communities on Nova Road can no more drive their vehicles to their houses. Go and find out, the roads are just too bad. Although the last governor (Fayemi) tried on the major roads, the ones in the inner communities need to be given attention now. Even those who insist on managing the roads come to regrets almost all the time. Their vehicles spoil too often, constraining them to consulting the mechanics every other day. What really is the enjoyment in having a car when someone would seek the grace of the mechanic too often?’

“As I have said, the solution is constructing drainage channels for access roads across the communities. These will also lengthen the survival span of the major roads that have been constructed”.

Regarding equal necessity of dredging to expand the path of flood, Idowu, a resident of Alafiatayo Street on Nova Road explained that when flood paths were constrained, the result had often been to find their ways anyhow with devastating results.

Her words: “Flood has done a lot of damage to us in this area as it had done in other areas in AdoEkiti and elsewhere in the state. Whatever any government does, if adequate attention is not accorded dredging, we will continue to suffer flood effects.

“Imagine the volume of flood water coming from Basiri, passing through Nova area up to Bawa Estate on Adebayo-Iworoko road and environs and the common effects it has been having on residents. The

•Chief Nnamdi, house owner in Basiri area

state government would have to take dredging more seriously if it actually wished to stop the experiences of devastations by flood during rains which have led to losses of both lives and properties.

Electricity supply/power generation Recognising the extreme imperative of electricity supply to enhancing peoples’ empowerment/employment which he had popularly tagged ‘stomach infrastructure’, Governor Fayose at a maiden interaction with journalists after the June 21 election, maintained: “While it will not be practical or possible for me to promise to industrialise Ekiti, what I will do is to support available infrastructure to boost supply. This will help the artisans and attract investors”.

Indeed, the electricity situation in Ado, based both on experience and general opinion, has lately been parlous, with unsavoury tales of gridlock oozing as much from residents as from small scale industrialists, artisans and hoteliers.

Findings among residents, especially among the artisans and hoteliers, confirm the lack of electricity supply in Ado during normal work hours. The state capital was lately on permanent and unbroken black-out for six weeks.

The General Manager, Prosperous Royal Hotels and Suites in the capital, Tope Akinlaja, lamented

that “Absence of electricity is the only major challenge facing all businesses here in Ado-Ekiti”.

Akinlaja said: “We hoteliers have been particularly hit by the problem of inadequate power supply, a situation which has forced us to run diesel-powered generators day and night with attendant effects on cost of our services. Most of our services would be less in cost by at least 25 per cent if electricity supply is better assured.

“The trend is already having an impact. While most businesses have wound up, the few available ones are reeling under insufficient public-owned electricity supply.

He equally clarified that individually and collectively, efforts have been made to see to the improvement of supplies to no avail.

“We have visited the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to no avail”. If the new administration can meet with the suppliers, they will say what the problem is and what to do for us to have the change we need”, Akinlaja said.

Provision of drinking water Despite huge attention of the last administration in Ekiti State to improving residents’ access to good drinking water through multi-layered policies and programmes, not much was availed as residents, especially in. Ado-Ekiti still sought water through non-public, often unsafe, arrangements.

This much was admitted by the Special Adviser to the former governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Mrs Bunmi Dipo Salami, who attributed the development to the ageing water infrastructure instituted by past administrations and the huge cost needed for reversals.

The issue came up recently at a two-day International Experts Seminar on Water tagged ‘WaterTech 2014’ where participants agreed that Ekiti would do with tailor-made solutions for different communities making up the state.

Speaking at the Seminar, National President of Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners, Mr. Michael Ale, maintained it was an unworkable system to lay pipes to connect different communities when rocky hills feature the landscape everywhere.

Ale said the solution to the problem would come through sinking of boreholes for each of the communities which can then be encouraged to maintain the facilities through their own individual arrangements.

His words: “The geological features of Ekiti contribute to the reason the state doesn’t have water. If you see the undulating nature, it is not because the government is not doing its part”.

He tasked the Federal and State

Governments on the need to increase access to portable water by brokering partnerships with competent local and foreign experts, adding the experience of the experts count for desirable solution.

Ale equally urged the State governor to see the importance of water to livelihood and achievement of his stomach infrastructure programme for the people.

He said: “His Excellence believes in stomach infrastructure. Stomach Infrastructure is 70 percent water because you can’t eat raw food or meat”, he said.

Safety and security of life property The last administration went distances to improve the security situation in the state beyond where it met same on assuming headship in October 2010.

As often noted by then Governor Fayemi and acknowledged by many residents, there was marked and significant improvement upon the “one week, one trouble” phase which typified life then in the state.

To achieve this, it would be recalled, the governor donated about 40 well-kitted vans for day and night surveillance and patrols by the police and also commissioned a N20 million worth Security and Alert System to enable the Police monitor, through a control room located within the precincts of its headquarters, security situation

especially in Ado-Ekiti.

Immediately noticeable then was the reduction in day-time armed robbery attacks in the capital in the period which spanned three years and which still subsists till now.

But crime rate across the hinterland and within communities has remained unbearably high, findings have shown. Few weeks ago, dare-devil bandits waylaid an Ibadan bound bus on Igbaraodo road, shot some occupants and made away with about N1.5 million, a development which was strangely denied by the police.

Fayose, who himself had recognised the need to sustain attainments of the last administra-

tion in the area of security, is being urged by residents to support existing infrastructure to improve the situation in the inner communities.

A resident who craved confidentiality said: “Though the situation is not like before, burglars and robbers are still very much around in Ado and do very well operate on inter-township roads.

“In Ado, they have continued to operate in areas like Odo-Ado, Dalimore, Oriire and Omisanjana areas where many residents have lost valuables and sustained gunshot wounds to the marauding hoodlums. Fayose needs to meet with police authorities to change this situation”, he said.

Ondo community raises alarm over incessant road carnage From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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ESIDENTS of Oka-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo state have protested the incessant high rate of road accidents along Oka Akoko/Owo/Abuja highway.

They urged both the federal and state governments to bail them out of the persistent road carnage.

The community particularly pleaded with state government to provide towing vehicles to reduce trucks being parked on the highway.

It was learnt that the state government had procured three towing trucks stationed in the three zonal headquarters of the state.

The towing vehicles, according to a reliable source are stationed in Akure, the state capital and two other major towns of Ondo and Ore. A community leader in Oka-Akoko, Musa Gidado who lamented the high rate of accident on the road, hinted that the accidents were often caused by trucks plying the road to Abuja.

He said most of the trucks which belong to a manufacturing company in Lagos are often parked on the road side, thereby causing untold hardship to the people of the town.

According to him, most of the time, the accidents always resulted in deaths.

He also lamented that the situation has affected economic activities in the town as the vehicles parked on road side prevent traders and artisans from carrying out their day to day business activities.

It would be recalled that road accidents had claimed no fewer than 12 lives on the road within the last one month, while several people were seriously injured.

‘Compel lawmakers to render account of stewardship’ Many people, especially from the upland part of Ondo State besieged Igbokoda in the riverside area of the state recently to listen to the lawmaker representing Ilaje constituency II in the state House of Assembly give account of his stewardship. DAMISI OJO was there.

A

•Gbengaedema

PPARENTLY disturbed by the purported reckless spending of resources by public servants, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Ilaje Constituency II, Gbenga Edema has urged the federal government to enact a law mandating all lawmakers both at State and federal levels to give account of their stewardship before the end of their tenure.

According to him, the development would help in curbing the excesses of the legislators in appropriating large sums of money for themselves and also spending such recklessly.

Besides, it would force them to move closer to the people they are representing.

Edema, a lawyer is the only legislator in the State Assembly out of 24 other colleagues who refused to follow Governor Olusegun Mimiko to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Labour Party.

He gave the advice, at a ceremony in Igbokoda, headquarters of the riverside Ilaje local government area where he rendered account of his stewardship to members of his constituency.

He said as lawmakers they do not have power to award or approve contracts to their support-

ers but stressed that within the three and half years of his tenure as a lawmaker, he had spent the time in acquiring things that would benefit his people.

His words, “some of my achievements are that I have been able to improve the educational system of the Riverside area. Before, at that time, people believe so much in miracle centres,(for WAEC/NECO SSCE) it is not peculiar to Ilaje local government, but it is more here.

“I was worried about the large number of our youths roaming the street without doing anything, due to unemployment and no money

to start business. I was able to enroll 11 of them in Donbosco Skill Acquisition Centre and today, they have graduated after being trained in different fields.

“I also fought to ensure that Araromi-Tofolu-Lagos road is given attention. There is a road in Ilaje area that if reconstructed you will not spend an hour before getting to Lagos from Ilaje.

“I wrote the federal government and today, this same road has been included in the Federal Ministry of Works 2014 Budget. We are going to ensure this is implemented.

“Also, on the issue of di-

chotomy caused by oil among the Ilajes, through our efforts and as at today, all Ilaje communities are now regarded as oil producing communities. We want to appreciate Governor Olusegun Mimiko because great thing was done during his tenure.

“The dichotomy of you have oil and I don’t have oil which is used to divide our people is over. A Mahin man can now be OSOPADEC chairman, a Mahin and Aheri can now be appointed into NDDC board.

“When looking at the rate of kidnappers’ activities in Ilaje, you will recall some prominent Ilaje

people were affected by this menace, I joined my colleague, who is from the constituency I, to make a bill which is now law, “Anti-kidnap law” as at today, the issue of kidnapping in the Riverside area has reduced drastically”.

An Ilaje indigine, Festus Olamasebi who spoke with ‘The Nation’ commended the lawmaker, saying the people felt his impact during his tenure.

He advised Edema not to relent in his efforts to bring development to the riverside area, adding that they would continue to support him as he continues to work for the progress of the Ilaje land.

•Chairman, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Hon. Julius Oloro, during an empowerment programme for artisans in the local government...last week

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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THE SOUTWEST REPORT Three and half years after his election into the House of Representatives by the people of Ibarapa/Ido Federal Constituency, Honourable Sunday Adeyemi Adepoju of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has given account of his stewardship in the National Assembly to his constituents and they are happy with him. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU was there.

Lawmaker’s scorecard thrills Ibadan, Ibarapa people

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HERE is a time appointed for everything under the sun. For the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Ibadan/Ido federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sunday Adeyemi Adepoju , it was time recently, to report to his constituency and showcase all his achievements to the people who elected him to the National Assembly in 2011.

At the venue of the event, May-Joy Event Centre, Ologun Eru, Eleyele, Ibadan were the aged, artisans, market men and women, members of the various professional bodies, politicians from APC , Accord and Labour parties, students and some members of the business community amongst others.

Many of them were there to listen to their representative on how he has fared in the past three and half years in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, while others came to drum more support for the second term bid of lawmaker who is hoping to re-contest his seat in the 2015 general election.

The expansive hall was filled to the brim, with many more staying outside, while supporters of the lawmaker dressed in Ankara uniform with traditional drummers in their tow, relished in entertaining the people who in turn reciprocated by doling out some naira notes to appreciate their unsolicited services.

Of course, the event was not without the presence of area boys (social miscreants) who boldly held out wraps of Indian hemp and bottles of dry gin, even with the heavy presence of armed policemen and other security operatives.

Just before the programme proper commenced, the lawmaker provided slides of his various empowerment programmes, ranging from poverty

eradication schemes to provision of solar powered street lights, solar powered bore holes, construction of blocks of classrooms, road construction and provisions of 500KVA transformers to the people of his constituency.

The people who rented the air with songs intermittently, expressed satisfaction on his achievements and commended him for making it possible for them to enjoy some of the dividends of democracy.

They were moved to rate the lawmaker higher in terms of achievements than the previous people who have occupied the seat in the history of the constituency.

“I am here today to register my warm appreciation to the lawmaker, our son. I can see that he is not one of those people who will start to mess up after they have been elected into office. You can see what he did within less than four years, whereas we had somebody there before him who did not even care to remember the people who elected him into that office. I will continue to pray that more leaders like him come on board so that we can move from where we are”, Mr Akintade Oluyemisi , a resident of Ido said.

The Ibarapa /Ido federal constituency of Oyo state comprises mainly locals whose predominant occupation is farming, with little or no presence of major industries in the area.

Hon. Sunday Adepoju , before mounting the podium to present his stewardship to the people, gave recognition to the role played by the former governor of Lagos state and APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in assisting him to join politics, adding that without that singular opportunity in his life, he would not have been able to stand before the audience to render to the

•Adepoju

people what he has been able to accomplish in the National Assembly.

He similarly thanked the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for believing in his ability, and later used the occasion to drum support for a second term for the governor.

Some leaders of the APC led by the Senatorial party Chairman, Prince Adefisoye Adekanye, and the Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Political Matters, Dr. Gbade Ojo described the lawmaker as a man with the love of his people.

Hon. Adepoju who signified his intention to re-contest the seat he presently occupies, highlighted the achievements of Governor Ajimobi and asked for the people’s endorsement of the governor to continue his

work beyond 2015 and it was greeted with approval and applause.

In his address Adepoju said he decided to organise the event in fulfillment of his promise to the people of his constituency to present his stewardship.

The lawmaker who said that his tenure in the House of Representatives has been fulfilling, added that his achievement was devoted to the service of the people his constituency.

While stating that the dividends of democracy were evenly and fairly distributed among the Ibarapa and Ido areas, he noted that due to his commitment and dedication to the service of the people over 200 MTN double-seater chairs were facilitated

Ogun FRSC inaugurates Special Marshal’s secretariat

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HE Ogun State Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has inaugurated its ultra modern secretariat.

The secretariat, was built to proffer solution to the accommodation problems facing the special and regular Marshals in the state. The accommodation will provide an enabling environment to discharge their duties effectively.

The state Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun who opened the facility praised the vision behind the project which he said would boost operational efficiency.

Amosun who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Olu Odeyemi said: “the building began in 2009, following a directive from RSHQ Abuja, for each Command to provide separate accommodation for the Regular and Special Marshals within the Sector Command.”

Odeyemi, expressed happiness at the completion of the project and thanked all stakeholders who contributed immensely to ensure the realisation of the dream.

The Zonal Commanding Officer,

•Ogagaoghene (second right), cutting the tape to declare the secretariat open. With him is Adetunji (right) and other special marshals

By Olalekan Ayeni

RS2.0 Lagos, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Godwin Ogagaoghene, urged individuals to join hands with the Corps to tackle the lawlessness causing accidents on our roads across the country.

He said: “The task of making the roads safe is not of one organisation but a multi-sectoral engagement, in which all and sundry must partake.

“Research have shown that human errors take the lead among the characteristics of what is causing road crashes.”

He, therefore, appealed to all road users to be disciplined while on the wheels, adding that the Corps would be deploying over 20,000 officers, men and equipment to enhance the safety of lives and property before, during and after the festive period.

Ogagaoghene, advised road users to join the FRSC and other roads’ management agencies to make roads safe, and plan their journey so as to avoid dangerous overtaking, over-speeding and overloading.

He further warned against driving under the influence of alcohol and enjoined the use of seat belts.

He applauded the Special Marshals and other stakeholders for

for Obaseeku High School, Eruwa and 100 laptop computers donated to The Polytechnic, Eruwa.

In addition, he listed provision of solar powered street lights, classroom blocks and motorised boreholes for the people of his constituency.

The Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Ajimobi , Dr Ojo who urged the people to ensure that the governor was re-elected in 2015 said:” We are happy that APC presented competent people for position of authority and not half baked politicians as was witnessed in the past PDP administration in the state.

“The achievement of Hon.Adepoju has never been known to the people of this area until now. When the PDP was there the people testified that they never witnessed such tremendous projects in the history of the area.”

He added that despite the short fall in the federal allocation to Oyo State, which he put at over 40 percent, the government of Ajimobi has not borrowed any kobo from the bank.

“But that was not the case with other state governors who have gone ahead to borrow substantial amount from financial institutions. That is why it is not surprising that people are clamouring for a second term for him,” he said.

He called for unity and cohesion among party members to ensure progress and peaceful development of the state. “ Because of the sterling qualities and performance of Governor Ajimobi the entire state has been transformed and the people indeed appreciated him, and that is why we are saying that he must complete his good works”, he said.

Other party leaders who spoke at the gathering commended the lawmaker for his true representation in House of Representatives.

They used the opportunity to urge members of the party to collect their permanent voters registration cards to enable them exercise their civic duty during the forthcoming general election. their generous donations and support to the Regular Marshals, which he said goes a long way in taking care of their well being.

Ogagaoghene, urged both regular and Special Marshals to continue to work harder and be diligent to attain best result of zero crashes on our roads.

The Ogun State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Revd Bayo Otuyemi, also congratulated the Ogun State Special Marshals for the completion of the project.

Otuyemi, appealed to individuals to be conscious of safety while driving, saying, safety on the road is a collective responsibility which everyone must imbibe.

He implored FRSC to increase their safety campaign/workshop among the drivers, saying lack of adequate knowledge of road signs contributed to high incidence of crashes on the roads.

Otuyemi, urged motorists to follow the due process when obtaining driver’s license instead of patronising touts. Obtaining license in a wrong way makes people ignorant of some signs which they ought to know before driving.

The Ogun State Sector Commander, Mr Adegoke Adetunji, in his remarks, praised the Special Marshals for their support to the regular marshals towards the successful campaign against road carnage.

The representative of Intercontinental Distillers, Ota, Mr Godwin Dottie donated a complete computer system to the Command for the smooth running of their activities.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

35

THE SOUTWEST REPORT

Employee sues BEDC, seeks N50m damages

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N employee of Benin Electricity Distribution Company(BEDC), a major player in the distribution sector of the power industry in Nigeria, has dragged the company before the Industrial Court sitting in Akure for negligence, asking for N50 million compensation.

Mr Ayeni Oluwasola who suffered severe burns while on official assignment, leading to the amputation of his left arm, is seeking an order of the court for BEDC to pay him the money as compensation and or general damages for injury, disability, deformity/permanent incapacity resulting from the negligent acts of the company in switching on electrical power supply of April 4, 2014.

The suit was filed by a Human Rights activist, Barrister Charles Titiloye on behalf of Oluwasola.

The Claimant as a staff in the employment of the BEDC was fixing a fault on the power transmission line of the company at Ode Irele, Ondo state when the industrial accident occurred. Oluwasola who deposed to a 41- paragraph affidavit in support of his claim averred that as a contract staff of BEDC, he was directed to fix a fault on the 11kv transmission line at Irele, after the control room confirmed that power has been switched off to enable him carry out repairs on the shattered insulator strings.

•Burnt arm of Oluwasola before amputation From Damisi Ojo, Akure

He further averred that after he had observed all safety measures and put on his helmet, safety gloves and boot, he started the repair work only for BEDC to negligently restore power supply without notifying him.

He further stated that the power

restoration resulted into severe burns in his left hand and head.

His hand got burnt beyond repair and was later amputated at Ondo State Trauma Centre, Ondo where he has been hospitalised since April.

He alleged that BEDC abandoned him in the hospital, refused to pay his salary since April and

sacked him in the month of September.

The plaintiff alleged that his sack was a premeditated act orchestrated to turn him to a street beggar when BEDC knew his left hand has been cut off during surgery in order to save his life.

Oluwasola is praying the court to order BEDC to pay all his out-

standing salary, medical bills and also pay compensation of N50 million to him.

He noted that BEDC hurriedly sacked him on his sick bed to avoid paying compensation having permanently incapacitated him and caused him a lifetime disability.

The Court has fixed the case for mention on November 6.

I am dying of chronic pains

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•Kayode Alade

HE fate of this 27-year-old father of two kids and the survival of his family rest on his ability to raise the sum of N750, 000 to fix one of his arms dislocated in the course of motorcycle accident way back in 2009.

Mr Kayode Alade was on March 15, 2009 involved in a terrible accident while traveling on his motorbike at Idoani in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. His right forearm was badly injured in the accident and had to be amputated.

In addition, one of his shoulders was dislocated and this has been causing severe pain ever since. And with no money to pay hospital charges for the treatment needed to correct the dislocation, Alade’s case is getting worse by the day as he struggles to survive life and fulfill his commitments to his family.

Before the present fate befell him, he was a responsible man albeit with limited resources and energy to fend for his children and wife.

But the accident has made his matter worse and the young man is passionately begging Nigerians to assist him as he battles the existence of his life.

Alade, is seeking financial assistance from government and good spirited Nigerians to the tune of about N750,000 to correct his dislocated shoulder.

The young man, an indigene of Idoani, lamented that he had spent a fortune on medical treatment since he got involved in the accident.

According to him, he is jobless but must take care of his family and this is herculean task for him, saying but God has remained with him.

He said “I was on my motorbike traveling from Idoani to Afo when I was involved in an accident with a hit and run driver. Since then, I have not been myself again. I have visited several hospitals because of the

‘I have exhausted everything on me to sustain life. I have sold all my valuables because this accident affected my right arm. I have spent about N450,000 seeking treatment, yet no remedy. I cannot work again, because there is no way for me to move the arm due to dislocation in my shoulder. I am just learning to use the left hand to eat’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

accident seeking treatment.

“I have exhausted everything on me to sustain life. I have sold all my valuables because this accident affected my right arm. I have spent about N450,000 seeking treatment, yet no remedy.

“I cannot work again, because there is no way for me to move the arm due to dislocation in my shoulder. I am just learning to use the left hand to eat.

“Immediately the accident happened, I was rushed to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo where I spent 21 days. Later on, they referred me to National Orthopedic Hospital (NOH) Igbobi in Lagos State where I also spent some months on the sick bed.”

According to him, it was those who were emotionally moved by the severe pain he was going through at the orthopaedic hospital that normally gave him money for feeding as he could not afford the cost of feeding himself.

Alade said he is still owing the hospital about N150,000 but the authorities had to discharge him when they discovered that he had no means of paying.

He said:”Despite the fact that my hand had been amputated, I am still feeling the pains in my shoulder because it had been disjointed from the remaining parts of my body. I can’t move it again. It was this that led me to a hospital in Kwara State from where I was referred to Gani Fawehinmi Diagnostic Centre in Ondo.”

The victim said he had to pay N65,000 at the diagnostic centre before a test was carried out, saying he got the money from good Samaritans.

Alade who spoke in tears said he took the result of the test to the hospital in Kwara State and was told that he would need about N750,000 to get his dislocated shoulder fixed.

He said “I am now in great pains, and I have no means of survival, I am urging both the government and Non Governmental Organisations (NG0s) as well as individual Nigerians to please come to my aid. My children are still young. I will regret this, if I do not stay alive to take care of them”.

Alade pleaded with his compatriots to bail him out of his present predicament, urging them to be their brother’s keepers.

The accident victim can be reached on his mobile telephone number 07036456677, while donation could be made into his First Bank Account number 303593448 (Alade Kayode).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

36

THE SOUTWEST REPORT The recent recruitment of no fewer than 5,300 teachers into public schools in Oyo State has continued to elicit commendation from the general public for Governor Abiola Ajimobi. TAYO JOHNSON reports

•Ajimobi of Oyo State (holding broom) addressing a large crowd at the distribution of letters of appointment to the teachers at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

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OLLOWING the recruitment of 5,300 teaching and nonteaching staff into public primary and secondary schools in all the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, the National Parents Teachers Association (NPTA) and other stakeholders in the education sector have lauded Governor Abiola Ajimobi for the initiative.

Governor Ajimobi recently distributed employment letters to the new teachers charging them to be diligent.

At a ceremony witnessed by a large crowd of party faithful, professional bodies and members of the public at the popular Mapo Hall, Ibadan, letters of appointment were distributed to those employed from all the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland.

The remaining letters are scheduled for distribution in Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa at later dates.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Ajimobi said that the recruitment of 5,300 teachers in one fell swoop by his administration was unprecedented in the history of the state.

According to him, the exercise was part of government’s efforts to improve the standard of education in the state aside providing job for the teeming unemployed youths.

The governor, who said that his administration had been doing everything possible to improve the quality of education in the state, stressed that over 31,000 teachers had been sent on various trainings, both locally and internationally, in order to improve their productivity, while a total of 24,000 teachers had been promoted.

Ajimobi stated that: “Let me specifically congratulate our teachers in Oyo State. I can say it authoritatively that our teachers have never had it so good. They have continued to enjoy salary elongation, while their appointments have been gazetted” He also noted that so many schools had been rehabilitated, while six models schools spread across the state were currently under construction.

Ajimobi commended the cordial relationship between his administration and the teachers, saying that they (teachers) and indeed the entire civil service had not had any cause to go on strike since the inception of his administration.

In their separate remarks, the Chairmen of SUBEB and TESCOM, Dr. Busari Adebisi and Alhaji Abu

•Comrade Kolawole

•Ajimobi of Oyo State (centre) presenting a letter of appointment to one of the teachers. With them is the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ismail Olalekan Alli (second right) and others.

Oyo’s recruitment of 5,300 teachers excites NUT, NPTA

Gbadamosi said that the recruitment of the teachers would contribute significantly to the development of education as well as bring joy to the families of the beneficiaries.

Two of the newly employed teachers, Messrs Tirimisiyu Damilare and Akorede Balkit expressed delight at their appointment, pledging that they would contribute their quota towards attaining the necessary educational standard in the state.

In his reaction, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the state, Comrade Kayode Kolawole described the gesture as a welcome idea from the state government, adding that it’s over eight years now that teachers were last employed in the state.

He said the employment would go a long way to boost the success of the free and compulsory education policy of the State government.

“So for Governor Ajimobi to employ 5,300 teachers it will improve the standard of education in this state. We have been agitating for additional teachers to be employed, but his predecessors didn’t not do it, but Governor Ajimobi been a listening leader yielded to our plea.

Many teachers have retired and their spaces needed to be filled, which is part of what largely affected the education sector in the state, because you will see a teacher handling four or five subjects in a school, but now

tribute financially to the develop-

of the school, adding that it ‘On behalf of our association we appre- ment would assist the government to imciate the effort of Governor Ajimobi prove standard of education.

In a similar view, the Chairman of because he has been performing excel- National Parents Teachers Association (NPTA), Oyo State chapter, lently well in the education sector. It is Alhaji Abiodun Jimoh ýsaid the reof the new teachers will not easy to revamp this sector that the cruitment address the deficit of teachers in the schools and improve learning and previous administration in the state teaching of their children.

“On behalf of our association we had bastardised, but we are confident appreciate the effort of Governor Ajimobi because he has been perthat this present administration will forming excellently well in the education sector. It is not easy to revamp give our children the high quality of this sector that the previous administration in the state had bastardised education required’ but we are confident that this present there will be division of labour in our schools and we are very happy and grateful to the governor on this.”

Kolawole explained Although Kolawole stated that during the recruitment exercise the union leaders were out of the state for their national delegates conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he expressed confidence that the new teacher are capable and qualified hands.

He added that the interview was conducted by Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Commending the governor fur-

ther, the NUT boss listed some of the numerous achievements that the present administration has recorded in the area of teachers’ welfare which includes: prompt payment of teachers’ salary, enhanced salary structure, lifting of the ban of primary school teachers from level 14 to 16, and “our appointment has been gazette”.

He appealed to the government to further upgrade the physical infrastructures in schoolsý for a conducive learning environment.

Kolawole further stressed that parents should be allowed to con-

administration will give our children the high quality of education required”, he said The NPTA chairman ýurged the government to further equip and upgrade infrastructure in the schools and encourage the teachers with additional remunerations.

A student of Ikolaba Grammar School, Abass Akinola, who spoke with The Nation, thanked the state governor for increasing the number of their teachers, adding that it will further reduce the workload on their teachers and give them conducive studying style.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

37

THE NATION INVESTORS

Transcorp doubles profit to N10b in Q3 T

RANSNATIONAL Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc continued in its strides in the third quarter as the conglomerate again doubled its turnover and profit, increasing the prospects for better returns in 2014.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts of Transcorp for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 showed that turnover leapt by 166.55 per cent. Gross profit rose by 129.6 per cent while operating profit doubled by 112.7 per cent.

The conglomerate’s profit before tax grew by 88.5 per cent while profit after tax rose by 130.7 per cent.

Transcorp’s turnover rose to N31.40 billion in September 2014 as against N11.78 billion in compa-

Tantalizers loses N528m in nine months

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ANTALIZERS Plc has lost about N528 million by the third quarter of this year as the fast-food company continued to grapple with declining sales and high gearing ratio.

Operational report of Tantalizers for the third quarter ended September 30, 2014 showed a generally negative performance trend. Turnover dropped to N2.25 billion in 2014 as against N3.48 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2013. Gross profit dwindled from N1.56 billion to N977.04 million.

Operating loss however stood at N384.9 million in third quarter 2014 as against N395.5 million in third quarter 2013. Loss before tax stood at N527.9 million in 2014 as against N598.5 million in corresponding period of 2013.

Audited report and accounts of Tantalizers for the year ended December 31, 2013 had shown that the company’s turnover dropped from N41.20 billion in 2012 to N3.48 billion in 2013. Gross profit declined from N1.9 billion to N1.56 billion while operating loss worsened from N243.4 million to N395.54 million.

Loss before tax doubled from N263.18 million to N598.45 million while loss after tax rose from N303.47 million to N564.82 million.

After the 86 per cent increase in net loss to N564.8 million in 2013, Tantalizers Plc had indicated that it was seeking institutional investors that could inject new equity funds into its operations.

The company also planned to undertake a sale-and-lease back arrangement on some of its unencumbered assets with a view to raising about N1 billion new working capital.

Chairman, Tantalizers Plc, Dr. Jaiye Oyedotun, who outlined the strategic focus of the company in 2014, said the board and management were working on repositioning the ailing fast food companies.

According to him, the board and management has critically appraised the situation of the company and have come up with a turnaround strategy which is now being executed and is expected to gradually return the business back to profitability.

Oyedotun said the directors of the company were working on repositioning the brand towards the establishment of a new Tantalizer that has its outlets as the preferred destination of choice.

According to him, as part of efforts to improve profitability, the company will continue to analyse, identify and shut down stores and institutions that continuously make losses at contribution level.

“Our quarter one 2014 unaudited result showed a better performance as the loss trend has reduced from N124 million to N109 million when compared with the same period of 2013.

We expect the performance improvement to continue as we execute the strategic turnaround program, this will get the company back to profitability in 2015,” Oyedotun said.

Stories by Taofik Salako

rable period of 2013. Gross profit also rose from N9.20 billion to N21.12 billion. Operating profit stood at N12.36 billion in 2014 compared with N5.81 billion in 2013.

Profit before tax jumped from N5.15 billion to N9.71 billion while profit after tax doubled from N3.58 billion to N8.26 billion.

The third-quarter performance underlined the continuous improvements in the earnings of the conglomerate in recent period. Interim report of Transcorp for the sixmonth period ended June 30, 2014 had shown that turnover rose by 177 per cent while group operating

profit and pre-tax profit jumped by 145 per cent and 122 per cent respectively.

The report showed that turnover doubled to N21.2 billion in June 2014 as against N7.67 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. Gross profit rose from N5.99 billion in first half 2013 to N14.96 billion in first half 2014. Operating profit for half year 2014 was N9.75 billion as against N3.99 billion in comparable period of 2013. Group profit before tax doubled to N8.02 billion in 2014 compared with N3.61 billion in corresponding period of 2013. After taxes, net profit rose from N2.48 billion in 2013 to N6.89 billion in 2014.

The board of Transcorp recently

appointed Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom as the president and chief executive officer of the conglomerate with a mandate to push the conglomerate’s profit to $1 billion by 2018.

Nnorom took over on September 1, 2014. He succeeded Mr. Obinna Ufudo, who had led the conglomerate since 2011.

Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, said the change was meant to further consolidate the growth of the company noting that the outgoing chief executive had laid a good foundation by delivering on the corporate objectives under the phase one of the corpo-

rate transformation.

“In his three years as CEO of the Transcorp Group, Obinna Ufudo laid a strong foundation of good governance, achieved significant financial returns for the company and played a key role in transforming an ailing enterprise, into an emerging investment powerhouse, with a market capitalisation of over US$1.2bn.

He will be handing over a transformed business to Emmanuel Nnorom. With the implementation of Phase 2 of our strategic intent, we, expect accelerated growth in all spheres of our business, with a clear objective of $1 billion in profits by 2018,” Elumelu stated.

Oando pays N2.4b dividend, targets N30b profit in 2014

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HAREHOLDERS of Oando Plc would receive a total of N2.4 billion as cash dividends as the leading oil and gas company reassures on the prospects of increased returns to shareholders in the years ahead.

At the annual general meeting yesterday in Lagos, shareholders approved the distribution of N2.4 billion, consisting of a final dividend of 30 kobo per share for the 2013 business year financial year and an interim dividend of 70 Kobo per share for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014, bringing total dividend per share to N1.

Interim report and accounts of Oando for the six months ended June 30, 2014 had shown a gross profit of N50.5 billion, an increase of 68 per cent from N30.233 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. Profit before tax doubled by 103 per cent from N6.16 billion to N12.45 billion. Profit after tax jumped by 110 per cent to N8.9 billion in 2014 as against N4.27 billion in comparable period of 2013.

On the outlook for the company, group

chief executive officer, Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu said the company’s strategic refocus on the higher margin promises to create profitable growth for the company and immense value add for its stakeholders in the near term.

“With an eye to the future, we took on our largest and most daring feat with the acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigeria, adding capacity to support our future growth plans. We have succeeded in repositioning ourselves within the sector, and through future acquisitions and innovative efficacy we will seek to up our market share in sub-Sahara’s upstream sector within the next five years to 100,000 boe/d in net production. We remain committed to strengthening our balance sheet and expect 2014 to be another strong year for the Company,” Tinubu said.

He noted that in the first half of 2014, the company has already seen positive indications from its active strategic initiatives; upstream investments, midstream expansion and downstream optimisation.

Management estimates indicated that based on the first half performance, the company is likely to exit 2014 with profit of between N24 billion and N30 billion.

Chairman, Oando Plc, Oba Michael Gbadebo, said the company has already started to reap the rewards of recent strategic initiatives in the previous year.

“We have successfully cemented our leading status as Nigeria’s premier indigenous exploration and production player, whilst also growing the midstream business and refocusing the pioneer downstream business,” Gbadebo said.

According to him, the company will remain on the growth path and continue to work diligently to stay ahead of its peers while creating value for its shareholders.

Highlighting on the impact of Oando’s $1.5 billion acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigeria which has transformed the company into Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil and gas producer, shareholders were assured of further improvements in the

company’s performance as the acquisition is set to increase daily oil production exponentially by 600% equivalent to 45,000 boe/d, annual revenue of over US$600 million, and annual free cash flows of $150 million.

Oando has, this year, recorded several milestones, including the successful acquisition of ConocoPhillips, the largest acquisition by an indigenous player in Africa; in the upstream, OML 125 production increased by 17 per cent to 651,000 bbls, while OML 56 production increased by 30 per cent to 171,000bbls compared to prior comparative period; in the midstream, Oando Gas and Power is extending its natural gas distribution network by 8.0km from Ijora to the Marina business district in Lagos state, positioning the company to benefit from the growing demand for gas and power infrastructure in the country while in the downstream, the completion of the Apapa Single Point Mooring (ASPM) Jetty, a first in Africa; with expected demurrage cost savings and additional income streams.

From Left: Winner of the Business Leader of the Year and Chairman of Stanbic-IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Atedo Peterside, Chairman, CMA Investment Holding, Rakesh Wahi , the 2014 winner, CNBC Africa AABLA Businness Woman of the Year and DG, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh and Group Managing Director, FCMG Group, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, son of Chief Subomi Balogun who represented his father and Winner of Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2014 CNBC Africa AABLA Awards ceremony in Lagos

Oteh emerges West Africa’s Business woman of the year

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IRECTOR General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ms. Arunma Oteh has been announced as West Africa’s Business Woman of the year 2014 at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA).

Oteh was celebrated for her peerless vision and dedication in her role as Director General of SEC Nigeria as she has been an instrumental force in the on going growth and development of Nigeria’s economic landscape.

In an address at the event, Joe Nazzal, head of Reserve said, “The

nominees in this year’s AABLA Awards exemplify the gamechanging vision that has helped to grow the West African economy, with Nigeria making incredible strides in this regard.”

“Johnnie Walker Blue Label is proud to acknowledge all these individuals who, through their tireless innovation and pioneering spirit, have made a lasting impact on the continent’s business sector. The fact that all winners were from Nigeria emphasizes the impact the country’s business leaders are having on the continents’ business landscape”

he added.

In her remarks after receiving the award, Oteh expressed her gratitude to CNBC Africa who she said has changed the landscape of business reporting and has been connecting Africa to the world.

“So I am really honored that I amiable to be some evidence of excellence. I also just want to say that this recognition for me means very much. I had vision, but I had a team around me, the SEc staff who tapped into that vision. We also have had capital market operators who have aligned behind our vision. I want to

celebrate SEC staff, capital market operators and Nigerians.

“This is very important to me because I think it is an outstanding category for what we do at SEC. I think what we have done is to create an enabling environment such that businesses can realize their potential but also such that our nation can realize its potential. But in doing that, what we have seen is that we have been such a role model for other countries around the world because we have been bold, we have done things people have wondered whether they should do” Oteh said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS P ENSION

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Private sector employers shun 18% pension contribution rate

rivate sector employers are not complying with the upward review of the pension contribution rate as stipulated by the Pension Reform Act, 2014, The Nation investigation has revealed.

The Act reviewed upwards the minimum rate of pension contribution from 15 per cent to 18 per cent of monthly emolument.

Following the review, eight per cent will be contributed by the employee, while 10 per cent would be borne by the employer.

This is expected to provide additional benefits to workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts and thereby enhance their monthly pension benefits at retirement.

The Act was signed into law by the President on 1 July 2014. The Act does not specify a commence-

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

ment date. The Interpretation of the Act provides that where no date of commencement is contained in an Act, the commencement day shall be the day the Act is passed or signed into law. Unless a commencement date is inserted before the Act is gazetted, the commencement date will be 1 July 2014.

But while few have adjusted their company policies and effected the new rate, the majority of employers have refused to comply relying on the fact that the Act did not specify an effective date.

Guaranty Trust Bank Spokesperson, Mrs Lola Odedina, while responding to whether or not the bank has implemented this section of the Act, confirmed that the bank has started remitting its employees contribution based on the new rate.

Managing Director, AIICO Pension Managers Limited, Eguarekhide Longe told The Nation that most employers from the private sector have not complied with the law.

According to him, the employers are relying on the directive from their umbrella body, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative

Association’s (NECA) directive that they should not effect the law.

He however, wondered if NECA has such powers to stop the implementation of the law.

The AIICO boss said there is nothing they can do as pension fund administrators to make them comply.

He said: “The employers are hiding under labour union and constitution saying compliance date was not clear. But compliance starts from the day the bill was assented to by the President, Goodluck Jonathan.

“I believe the regulatory authority, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) will enforce the law

and apply sanctions where necessary.

PenCom Head Research and Corporate Strategy, Dr Farouk Aminu said the law cannot change or be delayed.

The employers must obey the law because we are definitely going to effect the law.

Aminu noted that the Commission will embark on sensitisation programme on the new Act in all the six-geopolitical zones in the country.

He said the programme is starting from Lagos State on Thursday November 30 and will go round the other zones.

He said that by the time, the commission is done with the programme, it will begin to enforce the law and sanction those who may continue to disregard it.

Nigeria yet to achieve contributory pension objectives

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From left: Board Chairman, Premium Pension Limited (PPL), AliyuDikko, Ibrahim Babayo, Outgoing Director of PPL and his Wife Mrs. AishatuBabayo during the sendforth ceremony.

Premium Pension sends forth retiring board member

HE board and management of Premium Pension Limited, one of the pension fund administrators in the country have sent forth one of its retiring directors Mr. Ibrahim Alhassan Babayo, at a colorful luncheon ceremony held in Abuja recently.

Chairman of the company’s board Mr. AliyuDikko in his remarks described Babayo as a very productive person who always worked with enthusiasm to uplift the company.

He added that Babayo was an asset to the company noting that the acquisition of their head office has his strong imprints as he worked tirelessly to achieve that feat.

Also commenting at the occasion, a member of the board Nelson Nweke described Babayo as a ver-

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satile person who is highly professional and resourceful.

Managing Director of the company, WilsonIdeva thanked Babayo for his immeasurable contributions and inspirational disposition towards to the management.

He expressed his pleasure working with him, describing him as a special person whose advice the company immensely benefitted from.

Responding, Babayo thanked the foundational board members of the company for the solid foundation laid for the company to thrive in terms of good corporate governance. He expressed his deep appreciation for the warm reception ac-

corded him as well as the cooperation of other board members over the past few years.

Babayo joined the board of Premium Pension Limited on the 19th August, 2011. While on the board he served as Chairman of the Board Information Technology Committee and also as a member of Board Audit, Establishment and nominating committees. Babayo retired from the board of the company after successfully completing his tenure.

The occasion also served as an opportunity to welcome back reappointed directors of the board in the persons of Architect YunusaYakubu and Mr. Usman Zarma. The chairman described them as hardworking founding fathers of Premium Pension Limited.

World’s top-ranked pension funds probed

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ENMARK, home to the world’s top-ranked pension system, will toughen oversight of the $500 billion industry after regulators observed a surge in risk-taking linked in part to more widespread use of hedge funds, Bloomberg has reported.

The Financial Supervisory Authority in Copenhagen will require pension funds to submit quarterly reports on their alternative investments to track their use of hedge funds, exposure to private equity and infrastructure projects. The decision follows funds’ failures to account

adequately for risks in their investment strategies, according to an FSA report.

The regulatory clampdown comes as Denmark deals with risks it says are inherent to a system due to be introduced across the European Union in 2016. The new rules will allow pension funds to invest according to a so-called prudent person model, rather than setting outright limits.

In Denmark, the approach has proven problematic for the only EU country to have adopted the model, said Jan Parner, the FSA’s deputy director general for pensions.

“The funds are setting up for their release from the quantitative requirements, but the problem is, it’s not clear what a prudent investment is,” Parner said in an interview. “The challenge for European supervisors is to explain to the industry what prudent investments are before the opposite ends up on the balance sheets.”

Denmark, which has almost two years of experience with the approach after its early adoption in 2012, says a lack of clear guidelines invites misinterpretation as firms try to inflate returns.

BOUT 10 years after the enactment of the Pension Reform Act, 2004, which introduced contributory pension scheme in Nigeria, Pension Lawyers Association of Nigeria (PLAN) has said that Nigeria is still far from achieving the core objectives of the Pension Reform Act, 2004 repealed by the Pension Reform Act 2014.

President of the Association, MbanugoUdenze, who spoke in Lagos said that the decision of the government to carry out a review of the Pension Reform Act 2004 was a right step in the right direction.

According to him, apart from portraying Nigeria as a dynamic society, which undertakes periodic review of legislations to reflect current realities in the sociopolitical economy, the review also brought about some innovations in the new legislation, which were absent in the old one.

He however said that it is one thing to have a good legislation, it is yet a different thing for such legislation to adequately address the issues for which it was enacted.

Udenze, who is also a senior lawyer and principal partner, MbanugoUdenze& Co, Barristers, Solicitors and Notary Public, said there is a great wall of difference between a fantastic legislation and the practical aspect of it, which is the implementation. He said: “Yes it is a codified law, which is good but the major thing is to see its full implementation. So in my opinion something should be done in respect of its implementation because that is how the objectives of the reforms can be achieved.

“The Pension Reform Act 2014, which as a matter of fact is an improvement on the 2004 Act, is still work in progress because a lot of work need to be done on the part of the employers in order to ensure that the core objectives are achieved.”

He noted that less than 10 percent of the citizens for whom the pension scheme is meant to cover are yet to be covered under it.

He said out of Nigeria’s population of about 170 million people, it is estimated that 30 to 40 percent

of this 170 million people constitutes the working class, who the pension scheme is meant to cover, who are also the productive class.

He argued that among the 170 million population in Nigeria, I am sure that about 30 to 40 percent of them that can be said to be productive and within this 30 to 40 percent working class, how many of them are covered by this pension scheme? I think it is less than 10 percent and this is how you measure whether the core objectives of this Act have been achieved.

To address this challenge, he said there should be an aggressive enlightenment of the Nigerian public by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on the need to be covered under the new pension scheme.

He called on operators in the private sector to also embrace the new scheme, which he described as the best thing to happen to administration of pension in Nigeria.

While responding to allegations that some employers of labour, especially in the private sector do not remit deductions regularly to the employees’ pension accounts, he charged the employees to always demand for updates on their accounts, which will keep their employers on their toes to ensure they remit deductions.

He lauded the Federal Government on the new Pension Reform Act 2014, which he said is an improvement on the first legislation, the Pension Reform Act, 2004, as it introduced some innovations that would engender the achievement of the objectives of the legislation.

“Some of these innovations include the increase in the contribution of the employers and employees from 7.5 percent flat contribution each on the part of both to ten percent for the employer and eight percent for the employee bringing to 18 percent of the employees monthly emoluments as against the former 15 percent.

“Secondly, the Act also provides that for private sector operators, employers of labour with a minimum of three members of staff are eligible to participate in the contributory pension scheme as against the former five members of staff provided in the Pension Reform Act 2004, among several others,” he said.

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Essiet_daniel@yahoo.com 08180714151

Graduation is a moment of joy for every student.Nonetheless, the challenge comes when it is time to search for job.The competition in the labour market has produced a new generation of entrepreneurs setting up businesses to help young Nigerians discover their career paths, DANIEL ESSIET writes.

From employee to job placement business C

HIEF Executive Job Mag Mrs Maureen Iyasele, had a successful corporate career in the oil and gas sector. She is a Chemical Engineer. She was working with Exxon Mobil as a Lead Design Engineer for five years. Despite her success, she felt empty and unfulfilled until she resigned to set up a Youth Centre in Lagos.

She noticed that when students graduate, they are always faced with the challenge of getting jobs when the graduation celebrations are over.

She observed that graduates and potential employers have long noted the gap between what students learn in school and what companies and institutions are looking for in their new employ. She was determined to assist students have the ability and confidence to seamlessly cross the gap from the classroom into the workplace.

For this reason, she abandoned her high paying oil and gas job to create Jobmag, a walk-in job centre where job-seekers can walk in from the streets, and at little or no cost, get the help they require to find jobs. Iyasele opened the centre in

•Iyasele

2010. So she found job the centre to undertake recruitment and coaching projects.

At present, over 5,000 young Nigerians have come in contact with Maureen’s organisation.

The centre helps young people find jobs by training them in skills, such as computer literacy and social media, providing them with career counseling, and matching

them with recruiters and job postings.

Today, the centre operates with a staff close to 30, all of whom Iyasele manages. Mrs Iyasele has had to come up to speed on a vast range of topics from website design, blogging, social media, SEO, and accounting.

According to her, the centre, in her pursuit of offering help to the unemployed, has received about 5, 000 curriculum vitas (CVs) from unemployed Nigerians, successfully helped to upgrade to professional standard.About 1,500 of these CVs and successfully helped about 500 of these candidate secure the jobs of their choice for which they are professionally equipped with corporate institutions and multi-nationals that the JobMag serves.

Initially, it didn’t translatE into profit but as the outfit grew, she discovered ways to make money through recruitment and selection services, workshops and SME support services, to name but a few. For her, there is no quick fix for getting students prepared for the workforce. As such, the centre

supports a number of activities in order to approach the challenge from several different angles. While youths are eager to explore opportunities, she said many are not ready to pay for the training.

Generally,she said the centre provides training focused on building key skills, such as writing a CV and successfully preparing for job interviews. Once prepared, the youths get the much-needed exposure to employers and employment opportunities.

She approaches companies prior to gathering their feedback about what skills they felt would be most in demand. The strong interest shown by firms, demonstrate their willingness to support crucial job creation programmes for young people, as well as the centre capacity to engage the private sector in supporting youth employability initiatives.

As a result of the training, trainees felt they were better equipped to write a quality CV, and feel more confident in their interviewing skills. The centre, according to her, has been working to provide employability programmes that meet the needs of young people and improve their chances of finding jobs, or starting successful enterprises.

Participating youths attend training sessions and clinics and receive

specially tailored coaching sessions.

After completing the process, they acquire skills for employability, entrepreneurship, or service learning activities.

On the whole, she is working in a very difficult market. It is hard to build a presence when a lot of the target market may want to use her services, but may not necessarily have the budget. A lot of companies are trying other methods as an alternative to a job enhancement practice.

The biggest challenge also is the current level of unemployment.

This requires her getting an unprecedented amount of applications for every job which can be hard to manage. She also has to deal with a lot of frustrated candidates who may have been out of work for a long time, and who she may not be able to help, which is always upsetting. She works on helping as many people as she can and try to point those, they can’t in the right direction.

She provides customised, individual counseling and group training designed to help young people get jobs.

Generally, she is working hard to change people’s perception of the recruitment industry through local marketing and networking.

Despite growing unemployment and economic crisis, a lot of female entrepreneurs are joining the wagon of builders, innovators and risk takers fervent in their resolve to transform the economy. They are solving critical socio-economic problems and creating job opportunities, reports, DANIEL ESSIET.

Woman entrepreneur’s hunger for success •From left: Tolu Sangosanya (‘Mayor’ of Dustbin Estate) watching as Rasheed Azeez (Entrepreneurship Youth participant) practises proper orientation of a solar panel. Supervising are Bassey Etuk, an engineer and Dave Agbakoba (Solar Jooce)

Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria awards start-up grants to 50 entrepreneurs

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IFTY young entrepreneurs from Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states have been awarded N300,000 ( $1,800) each by Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria to enable them to start up, or grow, their own businesses. The grants were presented at a special Shell LiveWIRE awards ceremony in Port Harcourt by Sustainable Development Manager, Shell Nigeria, Bolarinwa Onaolapo,.

Over 1,000 young graduates applied for the Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria enterprise training programme this year, and following a rigorous selection process, 300 candidates participated in an intensive enterprise training programme which enabled them to gain the essential skills required to start and grow a successful business.

From these trainees, 50 of the most outstanding business proposals were selected to receive the Shell LiveWIRE grant funding to turn their business idea into a reality.

In addition, six outstanding entrepreneurs who took part in the 2012 Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria programme each received N200,000 ( $1,200) in recognition of the growth their businesses recorded over the past year. This latest funding brings Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria’s financial backing for these businesses up to N500,000 ( $3,100) each.

Programme Partner, the United Bank for Africa, which delivered a session on small business financing during the Shell LiveWIRE enterprise training programme, will also provide free financial and business advice services to the young entrepreneurs.

In another development, LiveWIRE Nigeria, has recruited and trained 34 lead trainers to enable the programme to expand nationally. A special two-day ‘Trainthe-Trainer’ programme was held for the new trainers, representing 17 training organisations from Rivers, Delta, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.

Up to now, the LiveWIRE Nigeria programme has only been available within the Niger Delta.

However in response to the overwhelming demand from young people outside the region, the decision has been taken to deliver the programme nationally this year.

In addition to facilitating the national expansion of the LiveWIRE Nigeria programme, the training enabled the participants to understand and buy into the Shell LiveWIRE v2 approach to enterprise development, including using Shell LiveWIRE’s ‘Value Chain Briefings’ which support young entrepreneurs to align their business model to take up opportunities in the various value chains of Nigeria’s growing economic sectors, namely: agriculture; manufacturing; oil and gas; retail and wholesale; and telecommunications.

Since its inception in 2003, Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria has provided 2,748 young people with funding to start and grow their businesses.

M

RS. Nkiru Nsofor is a graduate of Plant Biology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

After her fruitless search for job, she decided to go into the production of household cleaning products. She started with N5000 in 2006.

She conducted a thorough research and decided to produce something that would be acceptable in the market- a detergent for dish washing and floor cleaning.

At the beginning, it was a challenge to build awareness for the product. Over time,it gained acceptabilityand began to sell. At a point, she had eight employees.

They worked side by side, manufacturing products, labeling, filling, loading, selling and nvoicing them.

The business boomed. But the happy days were shortlived long as she began to suffer police harassment. She was spending money to settle them at each encounter. This was because her products hadn’t the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration certificate.

When the harassment was getting too much, she decided to reduce production volume in case they are confiscated so she would not suffer huge losses. This ultimately affected sales and profitability.

Along the line,a saving grace came through the Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria(AMEN). Her joining the as-

sociation has helped to reduce police harassment as it has assisted members to get NAFDAC registration for their products. While the harassment continued, Mrs Nsofor was forced to reduce her staff strength to two. These were indeed bad times. But she never gave up.

Thanks to all the entrepreneurial experiences she had garnered advising her to fight with all vigour for success and get the best results.

Today, Mrs. Nsofor is happy that she is one of those taking positive action to create an enterprising generation. The business though a micro enterprise is worth N400,000. Funding, however, has been her biggest obstacle. Though she has great idea and a business plan in place, not having sufficient funds is delaying the process.

Since she couldn’t raise money, she had to start small. She still believes that the “shackles have been taken off” her growth because she has not been able to strike a relationship with a company to finance her production for a small margin, giving her funding up front for expansion.

With increasing customers base, Mrs Nsofor said the company requires extra financial firepower so that it can increase its production volume and employ more hands to sell her products to the market. Her goal is to develop a company that will grow into a major enterprise She envisions a company that it will become a household name.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

Italy’s Monte dei Paschi shares Chiquita agrees deal with Cutrale, Safra B suspended twice T RADING in shares of Italy’s Monte dei Paschi bank has been suspended twice.

Monte dei Paschi’s shares dived 17 per cent early on Monday after it emerged as the worst performer in official stress tests. Trading resumed later but was again halted after losses reached 20 per cent.

In all, 24 of 123 banks failed the European Banking Authority (EBA) tests, designed to find out if they could withstand another financial crisis.

Share prices in most EU banks are down following publication of the results.

Lloyds Banking Group shares fell 2.4 per cent after it narrowly passed the tests.

All UK bank shares - Barclays,

RBS, HSBC, Standard Chartered and new joiner TSB - are lower.

Monte dei Paschi bank was founded in 1472 for the purpose of granting loans to “poor or miserable or needy persons”.

Austria’s Erste Bank, Raiffeisen and Germany’s Commerzbank were all up five per cent at the start of trading, although Commerzbank fell back to stand one per cent higher.

The health check by the EBA was based on the banks’ financial health at the end of 2013.

No UK banks failed the EBA tests.

Of the 24 banks that did fail, 10 of them have taken measures to bol-

ster their balance sheets in the meantime.

There are 14 banks that still need to raise more capital. Four are Italian, two Greek, two Belgian and two more Slovenian.

Over the weekend, the European Central Bank (ECB) carried out an overlapping survey of 130 eurozone banks.

The ECB said 25 banks had failed its test, but 12 of those had already taken remedial action.

The ECB’s total is higher than the EBA’s because of Spain’s Liberbank, which passed the stress test but failed the ECB’s Asset Quality Review.

RAZIL’S Cutrale and Safra groups have agreed a deal to buy banana giant Chiquita, just days after shareholders rejected a deal with rival Fyffes.

Fruit juice firm Cutrale and bank Safra offered $14.50 a share last week, in the hope of derailing the Fyffes deal. They had previously offered $14.00.

The deal values the US banana company at about $680m.

All parties said they hoped the deal would be completed by the end of the year or early in 2015.

“We are pleased to make this long-term investment in Chiquita, one of the leading fresh produce companies in the world,” a joint statement from the Brazilian com-

MoboFree marketplace opens office in Lagos

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SOCIAL market place in Africa, MoboFree.com, is set to launch its local presence in Lagos, Nigeria as registered members in the country grow significantly.

With over three million registered users, including 2.2 million in Nigeria and a strong footprint in Zimbabwe, Uganda and Ghana, MoboFree.com is among the largest and most successful mobile social and trusted classifieds platforms in Africa.

MoboFree combines a social network and board of classifieds to create a platform where buyers and sellers can meet, place their ads, negotiate and make transactions safely and totally for free.

The MoboFree technological platform makes buying and selling online easy for any user with any device, not only for PCs and smartphones but also for old phones with small screens (so called “feature” phones).

Cristobal Alonso, Co-founder and Chairman of the board of MoboFree, says “We are excited to be able to provide on-ground support to our growing customer base in Nigeria and and to create locally adapted &

• Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas; Marketing Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu and Business Development Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Daesung Ra, all of Samsung Electronics West Africa, at the launch of Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in Lagos.

Firm, ministry partner on hybrid sorghum development

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IGERIAN Breweries Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) to collaborate on the development and commercialisation of sorghum as part of its sustainability programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, which took place at the minister’s conference room in Abuja, the Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu said the company has invested heavily over the years in the research and development of hybrid sorghum aimed at improving sorghum productivity through breeding and selection programme.

He expressed optimism that the partnership will further expand and strengthen the company’s efforts in developing the sorghum value chain in Nigeria.

Jamodu pledged the commitment of Nigerian Breweries to deploy the high yield hybrid sorghum seeds for large scale commercial production to support the agriculture transformation agenda of the federal government. He praised the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, for his focus and commitment in driving the agriculture transformation agenda, pointing out that the initiative has recorded commendable success so far.

He pointed out that Nigeria has no business depending on food importation hence the need for backward integration. He stated that the ban on barley importation in the 1980s and 1990s made the company to seek for local alternatives; this was what formed the basis for the research into local alternatives. Even after the ban was lifted, the chairman said the company maintained its stand on sourcing local substitute for barley.

As a result of the backward integration which he describes as “the only way we can create jobs,” Chief Jamodu stated that 250,000 jobs have been created as a result of the introduction of the new hybrid seeds.

Responding, Dr Adesina welcomed the partnership and thanked the company for its efforts in developing the sorghum value chain, especially the research and development of hybrid sorghum seeds.

He also applauded the commitment of Jamodu to the development of the country’s economy through his selfless service at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and as a member of the National Economic Management Team.

The minister, who described himself as “a great fan of Maltina” (one of the products of Nigerian Breweries) said agriculture, is serious business because elsewhere

like in the US “farmers are some of the richest people around” pointing out that we have no business importing food because we have all the potentials – sunshine, cheap labour, diverse ecological environment and rivers to be selfsufficient.

He applauded the research done by the company which produced the hybrid seeds that opened new windows of opportunities for Nigerian farmers because sorghum is no longer a subsistence seed, but one needed by industries “which is one of the best ways in creating jobs for Nigerians.”

By adding value to Nigerian farmers, Adesina also commended the company for its ongoing research in using cassava syrup to replace sugar. The hybrid seeds increased farmers yield from 0.5 tonnes to 4 million metric tonnes in less than two years and presently 2.5 million farmers will have access to the seeds as the Ministry and Nigerian Breweries organise them into buying clusters where they can have easy access to purchase the seeds.

The Minister reiterated his commitment to the agriculture transformation agenda and the preparedness of the Ministry to involve credible stakeholders in the development of the sorghum seed sector, as well as provide seed companies access to finance through the Seed Venture Capital Fund (SVCF).

panies said.

The deal represents a 34 per cent premium on the Chiquita share price in March, when a deal with Fyffes was first agreed.

“This transaction demonstrates our board’s commitment to maximising shareholder value and underscores the significant progress Chiquita has achieved over the past couple of years in our financial and operational performance,” said Ed Lonergan, the US firm’s chief executive.

Chiquita shareholders voted against the tie-up with Fyffes, which would have created the world’s largest banana company at the weekend.

customised opportunities that will deliver and exceed desired returns.”

A few months ago the, firm reported that Nigerians are selling unused items worth $526 million on MoboFree.com and shared expectations that the total volume of items for sale in its marketplace will likely reach $1.5 billion by 2015. In view of this potential, establishing a local presence in Lagos is a natural next step in order to ensure more effective operations and achieve our targets.

MoboFree is a leading African social marketplace allowing people to buy, sell and swap products and services with other trusted people.

MoboFree.com combines a social network and classifieds board into one integrated online platform and makes buying and selling online more fun, personal and safe.

Over 3.3 million users are registered on MoboFree and together, they generate on average around 60 million page impressions monthly. More than two million registered users are from Nigeria.

German business confidence falls

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ERMAN business confidence has fallen to its lowest level in almost two years, a survey suggests, raising concerns about the strength of Europe’s largest economy.

The Ifo think tank’s closelywatched Business Climate Index fell to 103.2 in October, down from 104.7 in the previous month.

“The outlook for the German economy deteriorated once again,” Ifo said.

The country’s economy contracted by 0.2 per cent between April and June this year.

There are growing concerns about Germany’s ability to bounce back in the second half of the year.

Earlier this month, the government sharply cut its growth forecast for this year and next, following weak

export and industrial output figures.

“Things have not gone well for German industry and there are no bright spots for industry,” said Ifo economist Klaus Wohlrabe.

Following the latest Ifo survey, which showed confidence at its lowest point since December 2012, analysts said the recent slew of weak data was compounding fears about wider issues outside of Germany.

“We’re in a downward spiral in terms of mood,” said Andreas Scheuerle, an economist at Dekabank.

“The original mood killers - geopolitics, eurozone weakness, German economic policy and deflation concerns - have led to big downward revisions of forecasts and the weaker economic expectations are now weighing on sentiment.”

EasyBusiness Millionaires Hunt winners praise Etisalat INNERS of the 2013 edi-

W

tion of the Etisalat Easybusiness Millionaires Hunt initiative recently paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher and used the opportunity to praise the telecommunications company for the impact the initiative has had on their businesses.

The visit at the company’s head office saw three of the10 entrepreneurs adjudged to have exceptional business ideas share insights on how emerging winners of the inaugural edition have helped them actualise their goals. According to them, the two million naira cash won in the competition meant they were optimally equipped financially while the training at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos

helped them build better business models and gain more traction in their various operational markets.

Receiving the delegation, Willsher expressed delight at the progress each of the winners had made with their businesses. He noted that the initiative did not only give them the desired capital they needed to take their businesses to the next level but gave them fresh and innovative perspectives.

“We are delighted to hear your success stories and see the growth you have recorded in the past six months”, said Willsher. He reiterated the company’s long term commitment to supporting small and growing enterprises with a view to helping them develop into strong businesses that impact on the nation’s economy.

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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for next year’s election. The nation now awaits the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential flag bearer. Five aspirants are in the race. Who gets the ticket? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the search for a credible and nationally acceptable opposition candidate and issues that will shape the •Gen. Buhari (fifth from left), Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and his Lagos, Nassarawa and Rivers State counterparts; Babatunde Fashola,, shadow poll.

Tanko al-Makura, and Rotimi Amaechi; Prof. Tam David-West, Senator Adamu Abdullahi and Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the Eagles Square, Abuja.

2015: Waiting for APC candidate T

HE die is cast between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Both parties are preparing for an epic battle. Many believe that next year’s presidential election will determine the future of the fledgling country. As the election draws near, the parties must confront some challenges. Although the two parties are the main players, there are other contending interests and issues that will shape the contest.

Issues President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been endorsed by the ruling party, has accepted to run. The Commander-InChief in leaning on the power of incumbency. But, the core North, which is insisting on the unwritten zoning or rotational principle, is mobilising against his candidature. Two groups-the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), led by Prof. Ango Abdullahi, are mobilising against his candidature. Although a nominal party chieftain, Dr, Abduljahi Balewa, son of the late Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, has unfolded his presidential ambition, there is no evidence that he is being backed by the Northern establishment.

The strategists in the North are not indifferent to the power of incumbency. A section of the conservative bloc has proposed a sort of negotiation with the Presidency over 2015. A source said that some powerful politicians loyal to the President are mounting pressures on him to dump his deputy, Vice President Namadi Sambo. “If they continue with this pressure, the President may yield, just as he agreed to dump the former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,” added the source.

The second ambition of the President has not only polarised the North, but also the entire country. In recent times, stakeholders are playing ethnic cards, with the Southsouth reminding the North that oil, the source of the national wealth, is domiciled in the region. But, the President has hurdles to cross in the Southsouth. In Rivers State, the miracle of ‘two million votes’ for the PDP cannot be repeated next year. Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s propaganda against the President and the PDP is effective. A

PDP governorship aspirant in the state said: “It may not be easy for the two parties in Rivers. The PDP was the dominant party. But, Amaechi is a factor. Therefore, Rivers will be another battle ground between President Jonathan and the APC.” Next year’s presidential election will also be a battle of ego. Some critics have accused Dr. Jonathan of desperation. Since former military Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari declared his presidential ambition, the reality has dawned on the President that he has a major challenger. A source said that the crowd of supporters at the Eagle Square was intimidating to the PDP. The fear is that, if the APC can put its house in order and there is no post-primary crisis, the party will give the PDP a tough battle.

Unlike 2011 poll, the support base of the President has ebbed away. There is no proof that the masses of the Southwest are rooting for him. In fact, the opposition against his second term ambition is stronger in the Northwest and the Northeast. In the Southsouth, some people loyal to former Governor James Ibori indifferent to his reelection bid. In Rivers, some people are not happy that some oil wells were allegedly ceded to Bayelsa State. Also, cross Rivers indigenes are kicking against the alleged hijack of oil wells

by Akwa Ibom State, based on presidential support. In Bayelsa State, which has the least voting strength in the Southsouth, there is division in the PDP over moves to raise a formidable candidate against Governor Seriake Dickson at the primaries.

However, it is to the advantage of the President that the “political principals and principalities” of Nigeria, who are against his second term, have not indicated their interest in any aspirant in the APC. This group power barons wield an enormous influence over the polity. Despite their interest in power swift, they are at crossroads.

• Kwankwanso and his supporters at a rally in Kano, Kano State capital.

Reflecting on the influence of these power brokers, a politician said: “These people do not want President Jonathan, but they are also afraid of aspirants in other parties. They want an aspirant that can protect their interest. They want an aspirant with a military background. They can’t instigate coup, but they want an aspirant who will not trouble them. That is why one of them is wiping the sentiment that a Muslim-Muslim ticket is not good for Nigeria because he is afraid that the union of the former Head of State and the former governor of Lagos will shake the PDP and result into power shift, “ he added.

Challenges According to the PDP, Nigeria requires continuity. Its National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, said another four years for President Jonathan will give him an opportunity for the consolidation of his Transformation Agenda. However, the APC presidential aspirant, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has described Dr. Jonathan as a clueless President, say-

ing that he has failed the country. He said another four years will lead to the extension of the lean years. Also, Buhari observed that the challenges are overwhelming, adding that the poor economy, failed budgets, insecurity, energy crisis, bad roads, soaring unemployment and corruption may kill Nigeria.

Fifteen years after the restoration of the civil rule, the country is at a standstill and the future appears bleak. Although he Federal Government’s transformation agenda is beautiful on paper, its faulty implementation has led to disaster. The greatest challenges are the poor economy and the insecurity. Despite the rebasing of the economy, its impact is not felt. Thus, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the PDP-Federal Government lied. He emphasised that the economy has not improved, stressing that poverty has been on the increase.

But, more distressing is the insurgency in the North and kidnapping and armed robbery in the South. For almost 200 days, the abducted Chibok girls have not been liberated by secu-

‘Fifteen years after the restoration of the civil rule, the country is at a standstill and the future appears bleak. Although he Federal Government’s transformation agenda is beautiful on paper, its faulty implementation has led to disaster. The greatest challenges are the poor economy and the insecurity’

rity agents, despite the huge investment in security. Frowning at the menace of Boko Haram sect, Lagos APC spokesman Joe Igbokwe said the inability of the administration to end the insurgency has underscored its lack of will and capacity to restore order into a state of pandemonium.

Waiting for APC Eyes are on the main opposition party. The party parade heavy weight and credible politicians across the six geo-political zones who can lead the country. However, there are indications that the APC has zoned the slot to the North. This is because on chieftains from the North have unfolded their presidential ambition on the platform of the party.

APC presidential aspirants include Buhari, Abubakar, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso and Leadership Newspaper publisher Sam NdaIsaiah. Actually, the Turaki Adamawa defected from the PDP to the APC to revive his presidential ambition. In the last few months, he has been on the tour of the country for consultation with his stakeholders. But, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks about his suitability for the exalted position has affected public perception about his ambition. The former leader was full of bile when •Continued on page 46

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POLITICS

2015: Waiting for APC candidate •Continued from page 45

he explained whey he could not hand over to his former deputy at a lecture in Ibadan last year.

House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal may also be aspirant. But, he is in a dilemma. He has not defected from the PDP, but he was sighted at the Sokoto State APC stakeholders’ meeting last week. A woman legislator from Lagos State said the Speaker may be However, the last key defector. However, if he defects, the PDP may push for his impeachment. Many APC chieftains are trying to draft him into the presidential race because he has a national spread. But, sources close •Alhaji Abubakar and his supporters at a rally. to Tambuwal disclosed that he is interested tion. in the governorship race in Sokoto.

Ethnicity and religion The task of selecting a presidential candidate without blemish is challenging. In the APC, there are two strands of opinion that may shape the presidential nomination. A section of the party is pushing for generational shift, claiming that presidential activities nowadays are very rigorous.

They believe that young, dynamic, brilliant, credible and fertile minds are better equipped for the rigour. But, another section is of the view that the criteria should exclude age, adding that merit, antecedents, credibility and public record of an aspirant should be considered.

APC chieftain in Ondo State, Hon. Bola Ilori, said that age is not an issue. He said: “Ajasin became the governor of Ondo State in 1979 at 70. He performed more than governors who were in their forties and fifties. It is about vision and character.”

In 2015, three factors are also important.

For political expediency, the parties will be responding to pressures and constraints imposed by religion, ethnicity and contradiction within the parties. It is gradually becoming a norm that, if a Muslim from the North is the presidential candidate of any major party, his running mate will be a Christian from the South and vice versa. This, analysts contend, has become a stumbling block to merit. Instructively, pairing two people from the religious divides together for presidential elections is not a guarantor of good governance. The potency of religious balance is also debatable. In 1993, the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) Muslim/Muslim ticket of the late Alhaji Moshood Abiola and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe defeated the National Republican Convention (NRC) Muslim/ Christian ticket of Alhaji Othma Tofa and Sylvester Ugoh.

Last week, Buhari said that politics should not be shaped by religion, adding that he was prepared for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

But, Obasanjo, who is opposed to his presidential ambition, said in a statement that religion is an important issue, urging the members of the political class to be sensitive.

Internal democracy There are two dominant views on how the presidential candidate of the APC should emerge. A section has called for consensus candidacy to prevent the tension and confusion triggered by primaries. It is believed that, if this route is taken, Buhari will be the beneficiary. Those opposed to consensus are rooting for democratic primaries. To them, this is the key to internal democracy, But, it appears that critics and party leaders have divergent views about what constitutes internal democracy.

In the PDP, the President is likely to intimidate other aspirants at the primaries, if they insist on struggling for the ticket with him. In the APC, it is not yet clear how this vexed issue will be handled. But, a party source said that, judging by the antecedents of its founding fathers, the APC leaders will be ready to give concessions and build consensus within the organisa-

APC aspirants Buhari He is now an experienced politician. He is a statesman. He is an incorruptible figure in a society that has produced many soldiers of fortune. Buhari fought gallantly on the federal side during the civil war.

Shortly, after the war, he became the governor of the defunct Northeastern State. When the late Gen. Muritala Muhammed became the Head of State, Buhari was appointed as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). In the Second Republic, he was the General officer Commanding (GOC), Third Armoured Division, Jos. On December 31, 1983, Buhari became the Head of State.

The former Head of State had a mission. He wanted to get rid of corruption. He also wanted to restore public discipline. Thus, he stepped on toes. Buhari presided over an administration that intended to return Nigeria to its glorious past. He paid the national debt and ensured that the nation did not incur a new debt. Many corrupt politicians were tried for graft. He also restored national security, which had been threatened by the rising wave of armed robbery. In running the country, he was assisted by a diligent deputy, the late Gen. Tunde idiagbon. Although the regime was accused of high handedness, it was undeterred in its focus and mission to enforce discipline and public morality. However, he was toppled in August 1985.

Buhari was in detention for almost two years. In retirement, he led a quite life. When he became the Chairman of the Petroleum Tax Fund (PTF), he fought the infrastructure battle nationwide without enriching himself.

The Daura-born soldier-turned politician is a veteran presidential candidate. In 2003, Buhari joined the fray. Obasanjo government had started to drift. He contested for the Presidency in that year on the platform of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). He lost his deposit.

In 2007, he also contested against Yar’Adua, but without success. But, the former President later confessed that the poll was severely flawed.

In 2011, Buhari also tried his luck on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He lost to President

•Tambuwal being led to the House by the Sergent-At-Arm.

Jonathan. However, owing to his influence, voters voted out the PDP in Kano and Nasarawa states. Buhari has a mass appeal. Many look up to the General for leadership in the North.

Reality had dawned on Buhari that, unless the opposition figures work together to change the government, the ruling party will continue to mismanage the affairs of the country. Therefore, his party, the CPC, the ACN, the ANPP and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) merged together in the APC. It was a great sacrifice made in the national interest.

Buhari has an ambition to return to power to return the country to the path of honour. But, for him, it is not a do or die affair. His primary goal, according to his associates, is the repositioning of the country. To him, the PDP has failed to make impact 14 years after. “It is not about me, it is about the nation. We need change in 2015. APC will rule this country and bring that change”, he said.

Prominent Northern elite are opposed to his ambition. To them, Buhari is his own man. He may not be able to condone indiscipline. But, the masses are rooting for him. When he declared for the President, the crowd that attended his declaration ceremony sent the Presidency and the PDP jittery. It was not a rented crowd. In 2011, when he ran on the platform of the CPC, the General polled over 12 million votes.

Third Republic when he emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. A grassroots operator, he is a household name in Kano State. His group, the Kwankwasia movement, is waxing strong. In 1999, he became the governor of the state.

But, he was defeated by his rival, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau of the defunct ANPP, who ruled for eight years. Between 2003 and 2007, Kwankwaso served as the Minister of Defence. He bounced back in 2011, when he was re-elected as the governor. It is believed that the governor has performed and there were indications that he was being encouraged to declare a presidential interest before he called it quits with the PDP. Kwankwaso was among the five PDP governors, who defected to the APC. The fact that many big wigs, including state and federal legislators, followed him to the new party showed that he has a large following.

He is today a national leader of the party.

Among those rooting for him is Obasanjo. As the former Minister of Defence, he has the knowledge of the military. But, despite his popularity in Kano, it may be hard to sell his candidature to other zones.

Abubakar

would have been different. But, he deferred to his boss, Obasanjo, hoping to succeed him in 2007. The marriage had turned sour before the poll.

In 2003, the politician from Adamawa emerged as the arrowhead of the progressives. He was the presidential flag bearer of the ACN. But, shortly after the election, he retraced his steps to the PDP. The move infuriated the ACN family. Following his return to the PDP, he visited Obasanjo in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, in a fence-mending move. But, the imaginary reconciliation did not lead to renewal of political contact between the former President and his deputy. Last year, the former President castigated him at a public lecture in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Obasanjo explained why he refused to hand over to him. In the past, Abubakar fought some political battles, using the arsenal of the law, and he triumphed.

In the PDP, Abubakar has been deliberately sidelined. He was among the aggrieved PDP chieftains who stormed out of the party’s rancorous convention in Abuja to form the ‘New PDP. Many believe that Abubakar has a towering political stature. A detribalised Nigerian, he has many friends across the country. But, majority of those rooting for him in 2007 are now mobilising for Buhari.

Nda-Isaiah

Abubakar is another veteran presidential aspirant. He had contested for the seat in 2007 and 2011, but lost his deposit. Had he thrown his hat into the ring in 2003, may be, the story

Nda-Isaiah is the publisher of the Leadership Newspaper. He is not a threat to any aspirant.

‘Unlike 2011 poll, the support base of the President has ebbed away.

There is no proof that the masses of the Southwest are rooting for him.

In fact, the opposition against his second term ambition is stronger in the Northwest and the Northeast’

The choice of a running mate is also important. But, the vice presidential candidate will be selected after the flag bearer has emerged. According to party sources, the running mate may come from either the Southwest or the Southsouth.

Kwakwanso Kwankwano made history in the

Running mate

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

This year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) ended in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, last Sunday. It recorded many firsts. Aside having the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, as special guest of honour (first time the Presidency will be so represented),the festival was led by a woman Director-General, Mrs. Dayo Keshi. Also, the host state, Ebonyi, won the giant gong as the overall best state, despite being a first time host. Nineteen of the 36 states attended the festival, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME, who was at Abakaliki.

‘I will raise the bar for the council’

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IKE at the opening, cheers from the crowd at the closing of this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) at the Abakaliki Stadium, captured the mood and great expectation of the art community.

With an early morning rain providing a soothing weather, states delegation filed out in colourful attires as the curtain was drawn on this year’s festival. For states that won laurels, especially the host, Ebonyi, it was dancing and jubilation galore.

It was the first time in the history of the 44year-old festival, that the Presidency would be represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, who declared the festival open last Tuesday.

Expectedly, the host state justified its 18 years’ wait with adequate preparations for this year’s festival described by many as successful, despite seeming low attendance by states. Absenteeism and lateness of states to the festival may have threatened the objectives of the festival.

Observers blamed this on the delay in release of funds to the state art councils as well as the increasing political campaigns. “It has become a recurring decimal that any NAFEST held a year preceding the general elections always suffers setbacks as most governors are more concerned about how to retain or capture power at the polls. Unfortunately, such shift by the governors is always at the expense of the spirit of the festival,” according to an observer.

For instance, from the Southwest zone, only Oyo State was in attendance, while Edo, AkwaIbom and Bayelsa were the states from Southsouth zone that attended the festival. Delta State came in the morning of the closing day.

Worried by this trend, the newly appointed Director-General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) organisers of the yearly festival, Mrs Dayo Keshi, said the council would as a matter of priority look into the many challenges of the states including lateness to festival, late release of funds, inadequate preparations among others.

“Over two third of the states attended this year’s festival. But, we will be looking at these challenges of the states. We will connect with the governors on the need for full participation of the states. The few states that come early often emerge as winners. NAFEST belongs to us; it gives us the platform to showcase the rich culture of the people and should be nurtured by all. In fact, I will adopt advocacy as part of methods to spread the message,” she said.

Notwithstanding, Keshi described this year’s festival as very successful because the host governor, Chief Martins Elechi showed special enthusiasm and support for the festival, including provision of facilities and security for all.

She observed that the country’s cultural industry is yet to take its rightful position though music, movie and fashion have made significant impacts on the nation’s economy. She stressed that the success of these genres has proven that if the sector is well structured and funded it would contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

“Every local government area has something special and peculiar that can be made economically viable. I am hoping that we would be able to put in place some structures to that effect. Again, we hope to create a market for art and crafts that will attract tourists. But for it to thrive, it needs government support and the creative industry will consequently stem the influx of unemployed youths to the cities,” she added.

On whether she will stick to the existing programmes of the council, she said: “There are always rooms for improvement. Art and Craft Expo and NAFEST are two major programmes of the council. But, I will raise the bar of the programmes. I am quite happy with the concept of NAFEST and AFAC, and I will look at the aspects that will make it economically viable.”

Although the new chief executive appreciates

•One of the states’ contigent on parade

FESTIVAL continuity, but she is not lacking in new ideas that would raise the bar. She is considering how to package the different components of the festival as marketing platform to the public all through the year. According to her, having such cultural events that will attract corporate sponsors will be an added opportunity for the growth of art and crafts.

“It will be a private-public partnership (PPP) at different levels while we still seek sponsorship. The idea of running the different components is to enhance packaging. Once packaging is done right, sponsors will come after us,” she added.

The former director, Culture Industry and Heritage at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation said she was excited

at her new appointment and that it was good someone from the sector was appointed to continue the job. She noted that having worked on the policy formulation side for over three decades, it is exciting to be on the other side to contribute to the growth of the sector.

Asked what she would be remembered for, she said: “I hope that at the end of my tenure, culture sector would have empowered the artists, raised the bar and every part of Nigeria would see culture as most efficient way to show Nigeria to the world. Then culture would be one of the sectors that will not be looked down upon.”

Director, Human Resource Management, NCAC, Mallam Ado Mohammed Yahuza said the festival events were packaged in tandem with the theme of the festival-Celebrating Nigeria @ 100: The role of culture as a vehicle for na-

WHO WON WHAT Overall Best State 1st Eboniyi, 2nd Niger, 3rd Akwa Ibom 4th Anambra, Bauchi, Benue Dance drama 1st Akwa Ibom t 2nd Kogi 3rd Ebonyi 4th Bauchi Art and Crafts 1st Ebonyi 2nd Benue 3rd Ananbra 4th Taraba Traditional Furniture Apartment 1st Bauchi 2nd Ebonyi, 3rd Niger 4th Beune Traditional Wrestling 1st Niger, 2nd Ebonyi 3rd Yobe 4th Anambra.

Traditional Cuisine 1st Ebonyi 2nd Niger 3rd Delta 4th FCT Children Essay Writing 1st Ebonyi 2nd Niger 3rd Ananbra 4th Bayelsa Children Painting\Drawing 1st Niger, 2nd Ebonyi 3rd Taraba 4th Ananbra\Bayelsa Story-Telling 1st Ebonyi, 2nd Akwa Ibom 3rd Taraba 4th FCT Best Costumes Akwa-Ibom.

Largest Contingent 1st Niger State 2nd Bauchi State Most Consistent State Katsina

tional unity. He noted that the emphasis on youths at the festival events underscores that the future belongs to the youths using culture to foster unity of the country. ”.

According to him, Ebonyi State like Bayelsa lived up to expectation despite being a first time host of the festival. “This is not the first time a new state will host the festival. We have been in Bayelsa twice and the festival went well. We always do our survey before the hosting of the festival. In the same vein, Ebonyi State has been generous in providing security and logistics including venues,” Yahuza said.

Earlier at the opening, President Goodluck Jonathan who was represented by Vice president Namadi Sambo pledged greater commitment to the development of the nation’s creative industry.

He expressed delight that in spite of numerous challenges confronting the nation, NAFEST was held in a convivial atmosphere. According to him, it has become obvious that the annual festival is not only strategic to the protection of the people’s culture and tradition, buthas great potentials for engaging the teaming unemployed youths.

He said there is a nexus between arts and culture and the economic growth of any nation.

“The event is high profile in nature and the celebration will manifest abundant grace for the nation outside the country”, he said.

He stated that the one-week cultural fiesta would provide another platform to re-echo the Centenery message with which the nation celebrated its 100 years of nationhood. ”NAFEST is affirming that there is a lot from our culture that binds us. As we move into another century, it is our collective duty to leverage on these for promoting our oneness and uniqueness as Nigerians and as a way of moving the dreams of our founding fathers nearer to realisation”, Mr. President stated.

Commending Governor Martin Elechi for taking the challenge of hosting this year’s festival, Mr. President highlighted the place of the private sector in promoting the festival. He, therefore, assured the provision of enabling environment for any organisation or group that picks interest in investing in the nation’s culture and tourism sector.

This year’s festival featured colloquium, dance-drama, children painting and drawing, traditional cuisine, traditional architecture, story- telling and traditional wrestling among others.

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

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T was a royal dance by the Owo monarch, Oba David Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi.

Yet, there was no drumming except the clanging of iron metals. Decked in full traditional attire - customised beaded ewu okun woven cloth atop a big skirt - with four white feathers (urere okin,) attached to his hair, Oba Olagbegi stepped out elegantly from his palace with a smile and danced to Oja Oba Market.

The monarch was accompanied by the retinue of chiefs and well wishers, who showered praises and panegyrics on him.When the monarch would lead a song his followers would go into frenzy and sing in chorus. All the chiefs would hail him, saying ‘Ologho Baba o! Orisa ma dimi s’Ologho, tu wa pe ghin waaa!.’ (Long live our monarch! ) .

The event was the annual Igogo Festival held recently at Owo, Ondo State.

This year’s festival was celebrated in a low key following the outbreak of Ebola disease.

While some of the chiefs celebrated the festival at home and exchanged pleasantries and gifts others danced round the town.

The annual Igogo festival which showcased the culture and tradition of Owo means different things to different people. Some call it festival of love, others call it the Queen’s festival, while a few others call it festival of unity. It is a only unifying festival that brings men and women together irrespective of their differences and political affiliations. it is over 500 years old.

Owo was agog as old and young, males and females set aside their political differences to dance round the town exchanging greetings and gifts with one another. Children, youths and elders were all ‘armed’ with long sticks painted in different colours. The sticks were used to replace leather drums as they were hitting them on the ground to produce sound in replacement of drums (drumming is forbidden during this period) and singing all kinds of songs.

The male chiefs who were also participants could be mistaken for women because of the false breasts padded with foams and the earrings dangling from their ears. As part of the festival, they are compelled to dress like women, wearing blouses, skirts, earrings, necklaces and brassieres. Not only that, they either plait their hair or braid them or wear wigs on their bald heads!

The festival which started over 500 years ago during the reign of Oba Rengenjen, who unknowingly married a beautiful woman, Oronsen, who possessed supernatural power.

According to history, the monarch fell in love with the strange woman and kept her in the palace. He was so much in love with her that other wives became jealous of their love. However, Oronsen , was said to have made the monarch wealthy by using her supernatural power.

This brought prosperity and popularity to the town . Later, out of envy, other wives, however, became more jealous and were in search of how to cause disaffection between the two lovebirds. Her taboo was that okra should never be mixed in her presence, nor firewood be thrown, and no water should be splashed before her. All these taboos were kept under wraps by the monarch while he warned his household never to try any of these.

The story went on that, until one day when one of the wives got the husband drunk and was made to divulge the secret. One day, the monarch went out on an for hunting expedition while the other wives conspired against the wife and broke the taboos: they splashed

•Oba Olagbegi (centre) flanked by some of his chiefs

Owo celebrates Igogo festival

The annual Igogo Festival was celebrated in a low key due to the Ebola disease, TAIWO ABIODUN was there FESTIVAL water on the ground, threw firewood and mixed okra in her presence. The woman, sensing danger, and having discovered their conspiracy, fled the palace and ran for cover in a thick forest!

But when the monarch returned and was briefed about what had happened in his absence, he grew annoyed. He made frantic effort to bring her back and therefore, instructed the palace guards known as the Iloros, Ayoyos to trace her out. Alas, it was only her headgear that was discovered along the Ulaja groove.

This material was brought back home with long canes to discipline the other wives who perpetrated this ignoble act.

Several efforts were made to locate her but all to no avail. But her voice was always heard weeping for losing such a lovely husband. Her crying was heard but she was never seen. In return for her love, she instructed the monarch to be celebrating her every year to get the town to progress.

During the Igogo Festival, there should be no booming of guns, men and women must not wear caps and headgears, while no drums should be beaten. Wooden sticks and iron metal gongs are used in place of drums, while differ-

Workshop for hoteliers, caterers

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ONE-day workshop for hotels, catering outfits and other stake holders in the hospitality industry will hold on November 21 at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The workshop is being organised by a team of professional stakeholders in the Hospitality Industry.

In a statement by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Bright Uwabor said the theme as Security Challenges in Hotels and Hospitality Industry in Nigeria-The Way Forward.

He said the workshop will afford participants to share experience with security experts and knowledgeable speakers on the current security challenges in the country and establish baseline awareness and integrate security challenges in the Nigerian hospitality industry.

Also, stakeholders will assess and analyse the range of obstacles, risks and capacity in the industry, as well as acquainting participants with the various appliances & gadgets to be used in averting criminal tendencies.

The keynote address will be delivered by

By Nneka Nwaneri

TOURISM the AIG Umar Manko of Zone 2, Nigeria Police, Onikan, Lagos.

Other guests expected include Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke; Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba and Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo.

Highlights of the event will include presentations by security experts, Law enforcement agents, and renowned academics that will address various security challenges in the hospitality industry and proffer sustainable solutions.

A special edition of a Hospitality Magazine will also be published on the event day.

The event will recognise of few corporate bodies and individuals who have contributed immensely towards the development and sustenance of good security network in the Hospitality industry.

ent songs are sung during this occasion.

High Chief Ola Osenenpen, who also dressed in woman’s clothes said: “Nobody should miss the festival, it is a sign of showing love and honouring the king who is the chief celebrator at the festival. I am about 71years old and since I became a chief 27years ago, I have never missed the festival”. On the costs implication, Osenenpen said it cost him much, “I bought drinks and food for my visitors. In fact, I spent money with full happiness. This is our own festival.”

Chief Christianah Fehintola Famuagun,93 the Obanuwa of Owo described the festival as a huge success despite the fact that she is too old and cannot go out again. She said that because of her old age coupled with Ebola warning she could not go out to join the dance but observed it from her home. The septuagenarian in spite of her inability to walk, dressed in her own regalia decorated with beads. According to her, she has never missed the festival for the past 50 years since her enthronement.

She said: “Both the celebrators and well wishers from outside the town were not many , they said it was because of Ebola , I observed my Igogo at home.The festival is important and has to be observed, this is my 53 years I have been celebrating it and I have vowed

A

BUJA hospitality landscape has been boosted with Sandralia Hotel on Utako District of Abuja providing additional 105 rooms.

The Managing Director of the hotel, Morten Ebbesen said the new hotel was conceptualized to take over the Abuja hospitality industry.

He said the hotel is the first of its kind in the country, adding that the design is a replica of hotels in Middle East countries which “nobody has done in Abuja or even in Nigeria.

“We only have 105 rooms but we have enough space, so that in a situation where events take place here, people will see where to park their cars inside the hotel.

This is an added security advantage.

“When you go to other hotels, space is a major problem, even with little events, there will not be space for guests to park.

With the security situation in the country, nobody will want to be engaged in such risk, so with that I know many people will rather patronise us.”

He said that the hotel is been managed

that it must be done. I am among the oldest chiefs that partake in this festival” During an interview, contrary to rumours the monarch denied ever trying to abolish the festival saying ‘Igogo Festival is part of our culture and it is our festival’ he added and that there is thechief priest, Chief Adelanke Ajana who oversees the rites and rituals.

He continued “The federal and state governments through the chiefs of staff advised us that we should be careful in bringing in foreigners because of the Ebola disease. So, they advised us to restrain from bringing outsiders so as not to cause any problem. What that means is that if the festival has to take place it has to be low key and people cooperated. We kept to the advise, people did not troop out enmase”.

On the rituals and rites, the monarch said: “We did everything we were supposed to do for the festival. You can ask the town’s chief priest, Chief Adelanke Ajana who is in charge. I don’t perform rites it’s the chief priests that will do it , but I have to be there when they are praying” Senator Remi Okunrinboye described the festival as a celebration of love and womanhood.

“You can see the coming together of sons and daughters of Owo. It has been there over hundreds of years , we are happy to celebrate it.”

Abuja hospitality industry gets extra 105 rooms From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

by an indigenous management team with a sprinkling of a few expatriates who have been in the business of hotel management for long and have the experience and professional carriage to take the hotel to great heights.

“The facility is 20 minutes’ drive from the airport and 10 minutes from the Abuja city centre. It is equipped with a sprawling swimming pool, poolside bar, open space for children play ground, spacious parking lot and conference rooms.

Sandralia is a new hotel and with the quality we have here, I don’t think there is any hotel that has this amazing quality in Abuja yet. Our aim is to take over Abuja market as we know that Abuja is fast becoming the epicenter of business in the African continent,” he noted.

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MONEYLINK

Chams’ chief faults centralised identity scheme

T

HE Managing Director of Chams Plc, Demola Aladekomo has faulted the centralisation of Nigeria’s identity management system. He said it makes it the process cumbersome and inefficient.

The Chams’ boss who spoke at the 2014 annual lecture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) called for a multi-dimensional approach to identity management as practiced in most advanced countries.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Identity Management: A Catalyst for the New Economic and Financial Service Transformation’ he called for review of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act to allow multi-layered identity assurance scheme.

“No system depends on a single point of failure, such as single national database to meet all identity assurance needs. We need to cross

Stories by Collins Nweze

reference several databases to be able to really ascertain who is who. No single database can do this. We need multiple databases which are integrated into the national database as obtains in other countries,” he said.

Aladekomo said he strongly believe that the only way for the exercise to succeed is for the private sector to do the job.

“The government has empowered NIMC to identify all Nigerians and have a data base of all Nigerians and also have data for all foreigners living in Nigeria. That is their job.

They must get that job done and they have front-end partners that can get the job done for them.

“The preference for foreign contractors and suppliers over the local concessionaires to get the job done is unfortunate and must be addressed because the project was designed by Nigerians for Nigerians. The imple-

mentation should naturally be handled by Nigerian companies with the requisite competence and capacity to handle the job,” he said.

He said allowing companies to implement the exercise will also provide job opportunities for Nigerians, because they will be engaged in the data capture and smart card production exercise.

“This definitely will boost our country’s knowledge capacity base and we will be better off for it, instead of ceding the execution to foreign countries who will take such expertise and knowledge base outside of Nigeria. It is sad that government appears not to have learnt anything from the mistakes of the past.

“The project which started in 1976 is still begging for completion about 38 years later. Interestingly, the only time it recorded any small amount of success was in 1999 when

CBN targets 80% financial inclusion by 2020

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EAD, Financial Inclusion Secretariat of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Akin-FadeyiTemitope has said the apex bank is targeting 80 per cent of the population to have access to broad-range formal financial services by the year 2020.

She spoke during a one-day National Financial Inclusion Strategy Workshop held at Grand Central Hotel Kano, regretted that most Nigerians in the rural areas do not have access to banking system, especially savings account.

According to her, financial inclusion, “is achieved when adult Nigerians have easy access to a broad range of financial services that meet their needs at affordable costs.

The primary services include pay-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ments, savings, loans, insurance and pension.”

She further explained that National Financial Approval Strategy was a strategy that was launched by President GoodluckEbele Jonathan two years ago, pointing out that, “Specifically, that strategy focuses on reducing the percentage of adult Nigerians that do not have access to formal financial sector.”

Kano, she further stated, was chosen as the pilot state because, “Kano is a big potential market for Nigeria.

Kano is the centre of commerce because there are a lot of opportunities here. So we believe that the peo-

Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2195 1.2842 0.8302 1.0889

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

ple of Kano should benefit from these services.”

Mrs. Temitope revealed that CBN was determined to reduce the percentage of adult Nigerians who do not have access to financial services from 39.7 percent as it stood in 2012 to 20.0 percent by 2020, just as she blamed the spate of unbanking among Nigerians on economic incapability, lack of access to financial services and low income rate.

According to her, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy campaign is designed to empower people to have access to financial services, adding that the apex bank has concluded plans to make financial services less sophisticated so as to include even uneducated Nigerians such as farmers, market women and artisans.

a Nigerian company was involved in its implementation,” he said.

However, Director of NIMC, Chris Onyemena, insisted that the constitution stipulates that biometric data is an exclusive legislative item adding that only the Federal Government could do it.

“In this country, we know that some states went ahead to create their own laws to provide for residency cards. The Federal Government after years of limited success and failures established the NIMC vested with the authority to keep biometric information of all Nigerians and the provision for legal residence, whether you are in the private sector or public sector.

That is the position of the law,” he said.

Also speaking on identity management, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Joseph Sanusi said establishing a national database and identifying every Nigerian has been on the front burner over the

last two decades. “It is embarrassing that we have not reached that stage.

All other countries have got it done,” he said.

Bank Examiner, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC), Mrs. Rosemary Oluwanisola said identity management is a constitutional issue because government should take responsibility for identifying Nigerians, but how long is it going to take government to get this done.

FirstBank Sustainability Centre, LBS partner

F

IRSTBANK Sustainability Centre has taken the business of sustainability further through its sponsorship of the International Sustainability conference scheduled for October 30 at the Honeywell Auditorium, Lagos Business School, Ajah, Lagos.

The conference with Leading a Sustainable Business as its theme is designed to stimulate sustainability principles as key components of business development and continuity.

The conference will expound practical insights on minimising business risks, reducing cost, increasing revenues and enhancing brand reputation for businesses.

Participants’ profiles include CEOs

and top executives of corporations, institutional investors, academia, directors/heads of foundations, government agencies and NGOs operating in the social space as well as business regulators and top executives responsible for CSR and sustainability functions.

FirstBank’s CEO, Bisi Onasanya would participate in a C-Suite Panel Discussion themed “Embedding Sustainability Practices: Perspectives from Forward Looking Companies.”

Other global leaders who would particupate at the conference include Professor David Grayson of Cranfield University, Mr. Paul Gurney, Director, Sustainability Services, Accenture Africa, and many more global thought leaders.

DATA BANK

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1.2117 1.2842 0.8148 1.0889

•Aladekomo

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 20/10/2014 15/10/2014 13/10/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

GAINERS AS AT 28-10-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

RAKUNITY

0.31

0.50

0.19

MOBIL

161.50

170.98

9.48

7UP

179.55

188.52

8.97

EVANSMED

2.04

2.14

MAYBAKER

1.87

WAPIC

0.66

GOLDBREW

Inflation: September

8.3%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 350m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 349.97m 349.96m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES October 28, 2014

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39b

US Dollar

154.76

155.76

$97.9

Pounds Sterling

249.6279

251.2409

Money Supply (M2)

N16.42 trillion.

Euro

197.6595

198.9367

0.10

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Swiss Franc

163.8365

164.8952

1.96

0.09

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

Yen

1.4481

1.4575

0.69

0.03

CFA

0.2835

0.3035

0.88

0.92

0.04

NEM

0.76

0.79

0.03

WAUA

230.5372

232.0268

INTENEGINS

0.52

0.54

0.02

Yuan/Renminbi

25.271

25.4352

ROYALEX

0.53

0.55

0.02

Riyal

41.255

41.5216

SDR

230.9483

232.4406

LOSERS AS AT 28-10-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

UBN

8.83

8.25

-0.58

UHOMREIT

47.59

45.22

-2.37

NASCON

8.67

8.24

-0.43

DANGSUGAR

7.51

7.14

-0.37

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

15-10-14 Rate (%) Rate (%) 17-10-14

Overnight (O/N)

11.00

10.917

1M

12.464

12.393

3M

13.281

13.201

6M

14.205

14.110

FOREX RATES

ASHAKACEM

32.08

30.51

-1.57

IKEJAHOTEL

3.11

2.96

-0.15

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

NEIMETH

1.07

1.02

-0.05

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

SKYEBANK

2.66

2.54

-0.12

FBNH

12.34

11.82

-0.52

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

NPFMCRFBK

0.98

0.94

-0.04

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Oct. 28, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.10

T-bills - 182

10.22

T-bills - 364

10.30

Bond - 3yrs

11.52

Bond - 5yrs

11.55

Bond - 7yrs

12.13

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

57

BUSINESS EXTRA

‘ $20b investment needed yearly in downstream’ T HE oil and gas indus try requires an annual investment of $20 billion yearly, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has said.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke, who was represented at the 8th Oil Trading Logistic Africa Downstream Expo, by the Deputy Director, Gas, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Oliver Okparaojiako, said besides the required $20 billion annual investment to support the oil and gas sector’s activities, private sector participation is crucial in attracting additional funding at all levels.

She said the federal government is committed to institutionalising appropriate policy framework to foster invest-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

ment and competition, stating that there is need to stop the fuel subsidy system.

She said fuel subsidy is unsustainable adding that the stunted growth of the downstream sector is attributable to the distortion introduced to the market as a direct result of the regulated regime.

There is need to eliminate this convoluted price subsidy and stimulate competition across the value chain, she said, insisting that the issue of subsidy removal cannot be over flogged.

According to the World Bank, subsidy on petroleum

products in Nigeria and other oil-producing African countries would be unsustainable in the medium term.

“The truth is that heavy subsidy is an unsustainable expenditure even on the long term. It generally promotes energy inefficiency and imprudent consumption. Over the last 10 years Nigeria has taken important steps towards a more deregulated downstream. To provide a competitive market environment and sustain supply, the downstream should be fully deregulated. This is one of our proposals in the Petroleum Industry Bill awaiting passage by the National Assembly.”

• From left: Representative of Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Bankole Olabisi, President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr Bola Temowo , Akabueze, and DirectorGeneral, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Adekunle Hussein at the event in Lagos...yesterday.

Risk management key to economic growth, says Fashola

A

WARENESS of the ex istence of risk as a natural phenomenon to human existence, and the responsibility to manage it for the betterment of the people, is key to driving economic growth, the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has said.

Fashola, who spoke at the Maiden Public Lecture organised by Insurance Correspondents (NAICO), in conjunction with Lagos State Government, with the theme: ‘The Role of Government in Management of Risks in the Society,’ explained that risk is the probability, or the threat of dam-

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

age, loss, injury, or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities, the consequences of which may be avoided through preemptive action.

Represented by Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Ben Akabueze, Fashola noted that people are often impervious to the risks they face on a daily basis, but noted that as a government, “we are responsible for the wellbeing and welfare of the people we serve.

“We have a responsibil-

ity to provide social security for both the young and the elderly; a responsibility to provide security of lives and property, and also a responsibility to ensure that the Infrastructures put in place, are properly maintained in a way and manner that the State can be described as having a developed economy status.”

He cautioned that where we fail to take pre-emptive steps to attend to the risks that come with the responsibilities that have been placed on us, “we would be perceived as a failed government.”

‘$78 oil benchmark not realistic for 2015’

C

HAIRMAN Senate Committee on Envi ronment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki, yesterday described the proposed oil benchmark for the 2015 budget as unrealistic.

Saraki in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said the Executive cannot afford to pretend that all is well, following the 25 per cent drop in oil prices at the international market.

The Senator who is also a

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

member of the Senate committee on Finance, said the government’s position is hard to justify on any economic modeling, or recent policy positions.

He said: “One is left with the impression that this benchmark is not a product of any economic model, but a politically induced decision that does not paint the correct pic-

ture, nor aligns itself to the 2015 forecast.

“These are troubling times for the Nigerian economy.

Our revenue base is caving in under the stress of falling price of oil in the international market, he said, adding that due to the drastic and persistent nature of this fall from the highs of $115 in June of this year, “it is my considered view that we can’t continue to give the impression that it is business as usual.”

Etisalat grows subscriber base to 20m

E

TISALAT Nigeria yes terday said it has achieved over 18 per cent growth since the beginning of this year, a development it said has seen its active subscriber base rise to 20 million from 17 million as at December last year.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Willsher, described the growth as a significant

• Records 18% growth in less than a year

By Lucas Ajanaku

milestone, attributable to the dedication of its workforce at the company and the responsiveness of Nigerians to Etisalat’s innovative products.

“I must emphasise that the remarkable growth we have re-

corded is a direct result of two factors - the commitment of our staff, who serve as a vital link in the chain which drives our operations, and the loyalty and warmth of our millions of subscribers. We can only respond to them by constantly improving our products and service delivery,” Willsher was quoted as saying in a statement.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

NEWS Fed Govt, Boko Haram negotiation on course Continued from page 4

of attention by the international community to this particular unfortunate human tragedy.

“We have seen how the international community has performed excellently in other climes. We have seen the international community playing greater roles in Afghanistan; we have seen them in Pakistan, we have seen them in Yemen; we have seen them in Somalia; we have seen them in Syria and we have been seeing them in Palestine and Iraq.

“But the issue of Nigeria defies any logic. We have been left as if we are not a party to this international convention. I know there is political tension but this is about life, life of people who have elected all of us to come and do what we are doing on their behalf.

“I have mentioned it before and I will mention it again that for us in the Northeast, election and politicking are of secondary importance.

“What is important for us is just to secure and protect the lives of our citizens. This is very primary and this is why we are raising this issue for the attention of the government - the state, federal and the international community.

“The citizens of the Northeast have found themselves in this situation and there is nowhere for them to go.

“They were able to escape the domination of Boko Haram in these areas that have been taken over and where they escaped to, people are not paying adequate attention to their survival.

“The second most important town in Borno, being Bama, is still in the hands of Boko Haram.

The fifth most important town,

being Gwoza, is still in the hands of Boko Haram and people will choose to do something in this country as if the lives of other people are not important because of the belief that ‘my brother is not the one involved’ but I must tell you that it is a circle”.

Senate President David Mark urged the various levels of government to worry about internally displaced persons, saying they are integral part of exigencies to be met in a war situation.

Mark said: “We are in a war situation and in every war situation, one of the key areas that you must worry about is refugees. It is not just to fight the war and fight the various battles but you must also worry about refugees.

“It is an integral part of every plan that you make when you go to battle or when you go to war. The situation with Boko Haram, we have all agreed, is no more an internal crisis but a fullscale war and we shouldn’t leave out any aspect of the planning.

“We have the National Commission for Refugees. I was just looking through the functions now and one of the functions is to look after displaced persons from any war situation.

“We also have National Commission for Rehabilitation, which has almost the same functions. That these two commissions are not working sufficiently or well enough for us to get out of where we are now is what baffles me and I simply can’t understand where the problem is.

“But, having, said that, the United Nations Commission for Refugees is a United Nation agency that is mandated to lead and coordinate an international

action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide.

“My personal advice is that the Federal Government should take the issue of refugees very seriously; the same way in which they want to prosecute the war against Boko Haram should be the same zeal with which they should resettle and rehabilitate all those who are displaced.

“The Northeast is not the only place; anywhere that we have crisis now, there are displaced persons in this country. I have displaced persons in Benue because of the crisis that we found in Benue over a period of time.

“So, it is a holistic approach that the two agencies involved, which are our own agencies, must adopt to look after them.”

Other lawmakers described the situation as “unfortunate” and called on states and the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards curbing insurgents.

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba said Boko Haram and the predicament of displaced persons had placed the country between the devil and the deep blue sea.

He regretted that while Boko Haram members were harassing the people, the consequences, which include large number of internally displaced persons is putting the nation’s economy at risk.

He, therefore, urged both the government and international agencies to act as a matter or urgency.

Senator Solomon Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East) also called on the Federal Government to consider taking care of soldiers and caring for victims as part of its obligation when

fighting insurgency.

He also suggested the establishment of camps in other parts of the country as a way of bringing everybody in terms with the reality on ground and instill the spirit of being our brothers’ keepers in Nigerians.

He suggested that Senators should contribute financially to alleviate the plight of the IDPs. Senator Ahmed Zana (Borno Central) said part of his house was being used as a camp by over 1000 IDPs. He expressed the need for relief materials, stressing that there were no markets any longer in most affected villages where people could buy food.

While supporting the need for camps in the Northeast, Senator Nenadi Usman (Kaduna South), said such efforts should be duplicated in every part of the country where people are displaced either due to violence or natural disaster.

Senator Andy Uba, however, called for personal sacrifice by lawmakers as a way of leading by example.

The Senate yesterday adjourned plenary till November 4.

Resign now, Akpabio tells Tambuwal Continued from page 4

Representatives.

“And, of course, it is the majority party that produces the Speaker of the House of Representatives and that is why I said I expect him as an honourable member, even without prompting, to do the right thing. So, we wish him well in his new political party.”

Cheers, tears as Tambuwal dumps PDP Continued from page 4

the presiding officer, we run the affairs of the House and as people who control the House, we must go the extra mile to protect the interest of our party. We are not going to lose our sleep because Tambuwal defected to the APC. He has gone to APC; he has a political interest in his constituency. His constituency has told him that this is the party under which he can win election. Based on that, we will wish him good luck.”

Ogor, however, admitted that even if the PDP wished, it would be a near impossible feat to remove Tambuwal.

“I think we need to be mindful of the constitution. According to the constitution, you would need a two-third majority to remove a sitting Speaker.

Do we have two-third? That is another matter we need to ponder over. Well will face the party and give our explanations, but I can assure you that the party’s interest will be fully protected.”

Kwankwaso to give security priority Continued from page 4

stood out as the doyen of Africa’s diplomacy, and credible global ambassador of peace and stability as reflected in our leadership of peace keeping operations around the globe. Our neighbours, in particular, then looked to us for leadership and support at critical times for their existence.

“Today, the reverse is the case.

We are sadly on our knees looking for aid and cooperation from our neighbours and the international community to preserve our territorial integrity and wellbeing.

The aspirant spoke on foreign policy, promising an overhaul.

He said: “An APC administration under my stewardship will, as a matter of priority, overhaul our foreign policy initiative and harvest the dividends of our interventions in the economy, security and other critical areas highlighted in this address, to revamp the image of Nigeria and place our country in its right position as the giant of Africa and a key global player in international relations.

“The success of this journey and clarion call by patriotic Ni-

gerians from across the country motivated me to seek the APC’s nomination as its presidential flag bearer for the February, 2015, general elections.

“I am offering myself and soliciting the support of all patriotic Nigerians on this difficult journey,” Kwankwaso said.

Some dignitaries present include Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Senator George Akume, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, Senator Kabir Ibrahim Gaya, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Raji Fashola, Chief Audu Ogbe, Senator Chris Ngige, former Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi, deputy governors of Edo, Yobe and Borno states.

The Kwara and Nasarawa state governors were represented by their commissioners. Others present include former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, former Kogi State Governor Abubakar Audu, Some Members of the House of Representatives and members of the Kano state House of Assembly.

The National Secretary of the party Alhaji Mai Mala Buni led some officials of the party to the event.

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TODAY IN THE NATION ‘The 2014 Nigerian Anti-Ebola Media Campaign was a credit to the media and the country. It totally eliminated the disease called ‘Ignorance of anti-Ebola Strategies’. The methodology should be taught in media schools and university faculties of Communication WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.9 NO. 3,016 and Language Arts across the country’ TONY MARINHO

A

little over a year ago this month, President Goodluck Jonathan made History when he presented 14 new private investors in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the country’s electricity company, with their share certificates and licences. This was at a ceremony in the Presidential Villa on September 30, 2013.

This was the culmination of the power reform started by President Olusegun Obasanjo when, in 2015, he split the PHCN into 18 companies, six for electricity generation (GENCOs), one for transmission (TCN) and 11 for distribution (DISCOs).

This disaggregation of PHCN was itself part of a promise he had made to provide, at least, 4,000 Megawatts of electricity in the country by 2003. In addition to the disaggregation, the law backing the decision provided for independent power generation. About 29 of the many independent companies that applied were licensed to do so.

At the time Obasanjo made his promise, the supply was less than 2,000 MW out of the country’s demand of 5,000. By 2003 he was able to deliver 3,760, a huge improvement over the past but still a little short of his promise.

Actually the demand of 5,000 MW which fell short of our installed capacity of 5,600, was itself light years short of the global standard of 1MW supply per 1,000 people, meaning we should’ve been producing well over 150,000 more than a decade ago if all Nigerians were to have had access to electricity.

As it is, less than half do so even today.

To put all this in global perspective, more than 1.3 billion people around the world, or around 20 per cent of its population, lack access to electricity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Paris based club of 29 or so rich-country members, including the U.S., UK, Japan, South Korea and Turkey. More than 95 per cent of these people with no electricity, says IEA, are in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia. Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, clearly shares in this predicament of severe shortage of electricity as a vital source of energy for growth and development.

The long running failure of government owned electricity company to meet the demand for the commodity led to the conclusion that privatisation was the solution.

Hence, government’s decision to privatise the PHCN as it did telecommunication with relative success.

Four years after President Obasanjo created the 18 companies out of PHCN and provided for independent power generation, hardly any investor, foreign or local, indicated any interest in them. Similarly none of the licensed independent electricity generating companies generated even one watt of the commodity. The general excuse was that the tariff was too low to make any profit. To date this has remained the excuse for the relative lack of enthusiasm by investors in investing in the sector more than a year after the GENCOs and DISCOs have more or less taken off.

P

ERHAPS only President Goodluck Jonathan can say with exactness why he decided to go on another pilgrimage to Israel this month. It was the second time in his four-year term, which he is, from all indications, praying to elongate through reelection next year. When he played the pilgrim last year, it was not without controversy, especially because of the involvement of Stella Oduah, then Minister of Aviation, who was at the time at the centre of a financial scandal that drew a loud public demand for her sack.

However, it is not difficult to guess that Jonathan’s repeat pilgrimage may not be unconnected with the 2015 presidential election. The man, whatever his alleged shortcomings, appears to have a definite religious conviction and faith that his prayer for continuation in office would be answered in the holy space of Jerusalem.

Jonathan’s itinerary in the sacred land

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Crony capitalism at work?

It is acts‘ like this which give privatisation a very bad name. Elsewhere they call it crony capitalism. And as with all counterfeits it is very unlikely to deliver satisfactory goods and services.

Four years ago this month, I said on these pages that our thinking that privatisation was the solution to our electricity problem was a bit of a delusion. Public ownership, I said, may have failed to deliver satisfactory service but neither would private ownership. This was as long as we pursued privatisation in the opaque and self-serving manner that has characterised the decisions of our policy makers since the first indigenisation of the commanding sectors of our economy in the 1970s. Time and again, I said, public assets have all too often been undervalued and sold, not necessarily to the highest and the most competent bidder, but to the most well-connected.

“Consequently,” I said on these pages, “we have, time and again, experienced how promises of more efficient and cheaper goods and services from privatised companies have been broken.” (November 17, 2010).

The September 30, 2013, ceremony, during which President Jonathan launched the privatised electricity companies was itself the culmination of his own version of Obasanjo’s earlier power reform. The president unfolded his own road map in 2011 when he set himself a target of 14,000 MW by 2013 to be increased to 40,000 by 2020.

A little over a year since then it seems we face the grave danger that I may be proved right, at least in one case. On October 8, Daily Trust led the day’s edition with the story that the Kano Electricity Distri-

’

bution Company (KEDC) made an “illegal” payment of N670 million to a sister company, Northwest Power, that was the preferred bidder of the Kaduna Disco. One of the KDEC shareholders, INCAR Power Ltd, owned by the former banking magnate, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, then filed a complaint to the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to say that the transaction was never authorised by the consortium’s board.

A NERC audit had found that this payment and others totalling over N1.3 billion in six months up to April this year were dubious and were mostly on the creature comfort of some of its directors and senior managers.

These payments were made from revenues collected from consumers. Meantime the delivery of the commodity to them has been dismal, to put it mildly.

This apparently prompted a group calling itself “Concerned Consumers of Electricity in Kano”, to publish a full page advert in Trust (September 23) appealing to the president to “intervene in the mismanagement of Kano Disco by Sahelian Energy.” Sahelian is the leading company in the consortium that owns KEDC. The advert was signed by Garba Muhammed as “Coordinator” and four others, Yusuff Bala, Benjamin Agu, Mukthar Kankarofi and Boniface Ononiwu.

The following day Sahelian Energy replied in the same newspaper with a full page advert signed by Mukhtar Baffa Usman as its head of corporate affairs. The company dismissed all

HARDBALL

Re: Gowon at 80 Sir, Reference your piece on Gowon at 80, I wish to draw your attention to this fact: Gowon was born in what is today Kanke, Plateau State (and not Wusasa) in 1934 before his parents left for Zaria in 1936.

Wulima, +2348036005845.

I stand corrected.

MH Sir, Good piece on Gowon. Very educating.

Though, as is typical of you, the mischief element popped up in your barely veiled reference to Chief Edwin Clark. On the whole, a fair discourse. +2347037561399.

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Jonathan and Jesus in Jerusalem included a visit to the Wailing Wall, where he was expected to pray privately before going to Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel, and other spiritually significant sites. Interestingly, the highlight of the pilgrimage was a prayer for Nigeria at an interdenominational church service with the theme, “A day with Jesus for Nigeria in Israel”.

It is not clear whether Jonathan believed that he needed to be in Jerusalem to have a day with Jesus. If that was the case, he missed the point. Or maybe he thought that his apparently uppermost ambition, to remain at the Presidential Villa for another four-year term, was more likely to be realised if he prayed in Jerusalem. If so, he again got it wrong.

It is revealing that Jonathan seems anxious to employ every possible means, including

the allegations in the earlier advert as baseless.

Two days later the Kano consumers’ group rejoined Sahelian’s rejoinder with another full page advert. The well-informed adverts of the group suggested they were possibly fronting for the reserved bidder of the Kaduna Disco, LEDA Consortium Ltd, which has petitioned the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) over what it says is preferential treatment being accorded Northwest, the preferred bidder, in failing to meet the deadlines and extensions for payment for the Kaduna Disco, a failure which should have opened the way for LEDA to take over. The insinuation is that Sahelian has strong connections in the presidency and has so far been allowed to get away with blue murder, in a manner of speaking.

Whether the Kano consumer group is fronting for LEDA or not, the fact is that KEDC has not been providing satisfactory service to consumers in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa, their area of operation. One probable explanation is greed, that is, if you subscribe to the suspicion, as I do, that the money Sahelian paid to Northwest with which it shares directors was to enable it buy the Kaduna Disco.

The Kano Disco is not the only one under suspicions of diverting revenues from providing services paid for. However, it is the only one that has been queried so far by NERC. And as usual, an ethnic and sectional dimension is being introduced into the matter to confuse and bury the issues; partisans of Sahelian are said to be making allegations that its crime is where its main shareholders come from.

Obviously this is nonsense. It would be wrong if Sahelian is the only Disco singled out for a query for diverting its revenues from providing satisfactory services. But then the scale of its “malfeasance”, as INCAR called it in its petition to NECR, is all in a class of its own.

It is acts like this which give privatisation a very bad name. Elsewhere they call it crony capitalism. And as with all counterfeits it is very unlikely to deliver satisfactory goods and services.

The BPE and the NERC have a duty to protect consumers from the greed of a few.

They should do so without fear or favour.

the secular and the spiritual, to advance his pursuit of power. Equally noteworthy is the spiritual support he may be getting from certain quarters. The striking presence of some notable religious leaders among the accompanying crowd spoke volumes about the quality of the prayers that were probably offered on his behalf. In Jerusalem with Jonathan were: Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba; Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide; Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; and President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ayo Oritsejafor.

But did they have a day with Jesus? Or, more importantly, did Jesus have a day with them? It may be clarifying to quote Jesus on the Mount of Olives. In Mathew 25, he spoke

to his disciples about the judgment of “the sheep” and “the goats”. Jesus said: “Then he will say to those at this left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, I was naked and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit me…Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.”

If Jonathan’s record in governance should be judged by the words of Jesus, whom he ostensibly travelled to spend a day with in Jerusalem, he would probably be qualified to be where Jesus referred to as “at this left hand”. In other words, his performance in office, which has observably deepened the country’s harrowing socio-economic conditions, places him among “the goats.”

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