Sep 16, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

UK deputy PM to stop £3,000 visa bond

Agagu: Ondo to mourn for 7 days

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Page 2

NEWS Page 8

•Respite likely for Nigerians, others

•Mark, governors pay tributes

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VOL. 8, NO. 2608 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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PHCN’s investors grumble over assets handover

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NVESTORS in the Power Holding Company (PHCN) successor firms are grumbling.

They are yet to take over the companies after paying the bid price on August 21.

The modalities for their takeover of the firms spread across the country are still being worked out.

By Akinola Ajibade

Besides, labour issues are yet unresolved.

“The entire arrangement is unclear,” an official of one of the investing firms said at the weekend.

The companies, which paid N358.04 billion into government coffers, are: West Power and Gas, the preferred bidder for the Eko

Distribution Company; NEDC/KEPCO, Ikeja Distribution Company; 4Power Consortium, Port Harcourt Distribution Company; Vigeo Consortium, Benin Distribution Company; Aura Energy, Jos Distribution Company; and Kann Consortium, AbujaDistribution Company.

Others are: Integrated En-

ergy Distribution and Marketing Company, the preferred bidder for both the Ibadan and Yola Distribution Companies; Sahelian Power, Kano Distribution Company, Transcorp/Woodrock Consortium, Ughelli Power Plc; Amperion, Geregu Power Plc; Mainstream Energy Limited, Kainji PowContinued on page 2

• ITSEKIRI CELEBRATE PEACE P54 •APC CONDEMNS RIVERS GOVT HOUSE BLOCKADE P2

•SWEET VICT OR Y: Enyimba Football Club of Aba players celebrating with the Federation Cup trophy they won at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos after defeating Warri Wolves 5 - 4 (penalties) VICTOR ORY PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU after a 2 -2 regulation time draw...yesterday

PDP crisis: Baraje faction’s treasurer forced to resign Peace talks stuck as Jonathan meets Amaechi, Ahmed, others

T •Dr. Jonathan

HE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a strange twist last night when the National Treasurer of the Kawu Baraje faction, Mallam Tanko Isiaku Gomna, was forced to resign.

The incident was a replay of how a former National Chairman of PDP, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, was pressurised to resign in 2005.

It was learnt that Gomna was invited to the Presidential Villa in Abuja where he was asked to either resign or forfeit his company’s contracts with

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Federal Ministry of Works.

Gomna, a nominee of a former Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Danjuma Goje, sought for permission to consult but he was asked to make up his mind on the spot.

A source in Baraje’s faction said: “Our National Treasurer was summoned to the Villa in respect of an ongoing road project along Ogbomoso

axis in Oyo State and others with the Federal Ministry of Works.

“On getting there, he was given the option of either resigning as the National Treasurer of Baraje’s faction or losing his plum contracts.”

Gomna reportedlly pleaded to be allowed to consult but he was asked to take a decision on the spot.

The source went on: “Feeling unsafe, Gomna resigned to avoid being harmed. Upon doing so, the forces at the Villa hurled him before TV cameras to announce his resignation.

“But upon coming out, he raised the alarm and called on Baraje’s faction to save his life.”

The Baraje faction, on September 8, constituted its National Working Committee (NWC).

The NWC members are: Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje (Chairman); Dr. Sam Sam Jaja (Deputy National Chairman); Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (National Secretary) and Hon. Maode Umar Hiliya (Deputy National Secretary).

Continued on page 2

•REPORT NAMES 63 POLICEMEN KILLED AT LAKYO P5 •14 DIE IN ROAD CRASH P7

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

NEWS PDP reaches out to Tambuwal over impeachment threat

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•Team Captain of Damilola 29 receiving the champions trophy for the 3rd Edition of U-12/U-15 Boys & Girls Muniru Muse Cup 2013 from wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosu, at Campus Mini Stadium, Ajele, Lagos...yesterday. With them (left) is Senator Oluremi Tinubu

APC kicks against blockade of Rivers Govt House

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has put the blame for last week’s blockade of the Rivers State Government House squarely on President Goodluck Jonathan. The party said what he called Dr. Jonathan’s unbridled disposition toward cheap political vendetta has pushed him to commit impunity and unconstitutionality perhaps more than any other President in the country’s history.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also said the police could not have

blocked Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his guests from his residence if they were not assured of support from higher authorities.

It, however, warned that giving presidential backing to the police – or any national institution at all - to commit impunity and violate the Constitution is the fastest means to destroy such institutions and erode public confidence in them. ‘’In the case of the police, what is happening in Rivers is sending a wrong signal to the polity concerning the role of the force in 2015.

“How can a malleable police

be trusted to be neutral and to help ensure the conduct of a free and fair election - with the President as a candidate in 2015?’’ the APC queried.

The party said the Police under President Jonathan has increasingly become a lawless Force whose allegiance is only to the President and not to the Constitution, a Police Force that has become a tool in the hands of the President to harass, intimidate, arrest and persecute all his real and perceived political enemies.

Said the APC: ‘’Since the outset of the President Jonathan-inspired political logjam in Rivers State and the

implosion of his party, the PDP, the President has been depending on the Police to shore up his dwindling political fortune. The insubordination of the Rivers State Super Police Commissioner Mbu; the police-sponsored fracas in the Rivers State House of Assembly; the assault on the five visiting governors by thugs working under the direction and protection of the State Commissioner of Police and the unlawful occupation of the new PDP secretariats at Abuja and Lagos are clear examples.”

Continued on page 58

PHCN’s investors grumble over assets handover Continued on page 2

er Plc; and CMEC/EUAFRIC Energy JV, which made partpayment for the acquisition of Sapele Power Plc. The pending issues which the new owners will table before the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) tomorrow in Abuja, are inability of government to pay the severance package of the PHCN workers and failure to pay their

P

full pension to the administrators.

The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is yet to come up with the methodology for defining tariff and the transition market, among other issues.

Mr Ransom Owan, Chairman, Round Table Committee of the companies that bought PHCN firms, said government would regulate

the electricity tariffs to protect consumer’s right.

Owan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt yesterday that electricity prices were controlled and governed by NERC as the protector of the consumer.

He said the new PHCN owners would treat the consumers as “kings’’ since they stand to pay for the industry’s financial responsibili-

ties.

“Why won’t the consumer be king when generation, transmission and distribution of power are paid for by the consumer through rates that are controlled,’’ Owan said.

The chairman said the new electricity owners were not expected to exceed the prescribed regulated price by the commission.

He urged consumers to reContinued on page 58

EADERS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reaching out to House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal over New PDP members threat to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan, The Nation learnt yesterday.

PDP Chair Bamanga Tukur has scheduled a meeting with Tambuwal, who was once considered a “rebel” by the party after several claims that he was romancing the opposition.

The meeting is to discuss ways to appeal to the members of the New PDP over the threat.

The meeting, which was at the instance of the Chairman is scheduled for 3pm tomorrow at the National Assembly.

The meeting, according to a source, comes on the heels of the failure of the desperate appeal by the PDP leadership to persuade the Speaker to postpone the resumption date of the members from the annual recess which terminates tomorrow.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Though the agenda for the meeting, according to Tukur, is to present the members of the newly-elected National Working Committee to the PDP Caucus in the House, The Nation learnt that the aim is to appeal to the PDP members to embrace peace.

A source said the Speaker was opposed to the initial plan of presenting the newly elected NWC members to himself alone, and in the alternative offered a broader participation that would include other members of the PDP Caucus.

The source said: “The Speaker was being careful considering the tension over the fractionalisation of the PDP with the new faction attacking the old faction. If he agrees to meet with the NWC members alone, that would have put him squarely in the camp of the PDP with the attendance consequences from the new PDP members who Continued on page 58

UK deputy PM to stop £3,000 visa bond

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OPE rose yesterday for Nigerian first time visitors to the United Kingdom, who may be affected by the planned introduction of £3,000 (about N700,000, (visa bond as British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg vowed to block the implementation of the policy.

The British Government plans a new visa policy that will see some “high risk” first time visitors deposit £3,000 in bond before being given visas.

The deposit will be refunded on departure from the UK within the stipulated period but forfeited if the applicant overstays the visa.

The pilot project is planned to start in November in six countries, including Nigeria where there has been outrage from the government and the people.

Some lawmakers have even urged the Federal Government to consider a retaliatory approach should the UK go ahead with the bond poli-

cy.

The other countries targeted for the pilot scheme are Ghana, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Clegg said yesterday he would try to block any attempt to make foreign visitors routinely pay a security deposit to come to the U.K. Officials and business people in other affected countries have condemned the proposal, and the British government has not said how many visa applicants will have to pay the bond.

Clegg said his Liberal Democrat party and its Conservative coalition partners had “differences of emphasis” on the plan, and details were still being discussed in government.

“I am absolutely not interested in a bond which becomes an indiscriminate way of clobbering people who want to come to this country,” Clegg told the BBC. He said the bonds “are certainly not going to go ahead” on Continued on page 58

PDP peace talks continue on October 7

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors failed last night to resolve the crisis rocking the ruling party.

The meeting, also attended by PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Chief Tony Anenih was adjourned after five hours to October 7.

All seven aggrieved PDP governors – Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) attended the meeting held at the First Lady’s Conference room at the Presidential Villa.

There were three Pro. Jonathan governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Idris Wada (Kogi) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River).

Amaechi, wearing a white shirt, drove himself to the venue around 5:14 p.m. in a Black Range Rover marked Nasarawa AE 153 NBB. He drove behind the Niger State governor’s

Baraje faction’s treasurer forced to resign Continued on page 2 the unfolding events in the polity, and a deep

Others are: Mr. Timi Frank (National Youth Leader); Hon Binta Koje, National Woman Leader; Mallam Nasir Issa (National Organising Secretary); Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze(National Publicity Secretary); Hon. Wadada (National Financial Secretary)and Mallam Tanko Isiaku Gomna (National Treasurer).

In a statement he issued in Abuja, Gwamna said he resigned after a careful study of From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

vehicle.

At the end of the meeting, Aliyu told reporters that the meeting was inconclusive and stood adjourned till October 7.

He said both parties had agreed to stop making inflammatory statements.

He said: “Sequel to the number of meetings convened by leaders and stakeholders. The governors of Adamawa, Niger, Rivers, Kwara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Kano and Cross Rivers states met with the President, the Vice President

reflection of the consequences of such impasse on the party.

“This decision was arrived at after a careful study of the unfolding events in the polity and a deep sober reflection of the consequences of the outcome of such impasse on our party,’’ he said.

According to him, as a lover of democracy, he is of the belief that the impasse will not augur well for the unity, peace, progress and prosperity of the party in particular, and

and the chairman of the Board of Trustees and extensively deliberated on various issues.

“The meetings were cordial and deliberations fruitful with a clear commitment on all sides to resolve all issues raised at the meeting.

“The meeting (last night) also called on all parties to shield their swords and avoid further inflammatory comments on issues particularly during the course of our deliberations as we have all agreed to resolve all the differences.

“In the interim, all parties have accepted to commence

the nation in general.

Gwamna, who pledged his loyalty to the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP, called on all party faithful to unite and ensure the amicable resolution of the impasse in the party.

“Our desire is for the PDP to continue to lead while others follow. As such, we must eschew all vices capable of unnecessarily heating up the polity,” he said, adding: “I pledge my loyalty to the Bamanga Tukur leadership, while calling on all party faithful to do same.”

immediate action and agreed towards complete resolution of all matters and continue to meet until all processes toward reconciliation are totally complete.

“The meetings will continue on Monday 7th October, 2013.

“We use this opportunity therefore to thank all members of our party and supporters for their patience and understanding as we will make sure and ensure that there is progress in resolving the crisis.”

To end the crisis in PDP, the G-7 and Baraje faction had tabled five demands before Jonathan and a seven-man

peace panel headed by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The conditions are: •The sack of National Chairman Bamanga Tukur.

•Return of party structure to governors in Adamawa, Rivers, Kano and other states.

•Sticking to one-term tenure by the President by foregoing re-election in 2015.

•Resolution of NGF and Rivers crises, including the lifting of Amaechi’s suspension.

•Stop the harrassment of governors by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

•Amaechi

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS

A real estate

•From left: Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt.Fola Akinkotu, Director of Airworthiness Mr Bennedict Adeye lika, Director of Air Transport Regulations Mr Justus Wariya and Director of FinanceAlhaji Salawu Ozigi during the maiden meeting of the NCAA Director-General and the Leaque of Aviation and Airport Correspondents (LAAC) at NCAA Annex Conference Hall...at the weekend.

The construction and real estate sectors are growing at more than 10 and 12 percent, a boom for foreign and local construction firms.

Yet, there is still not enough quality affordable housing because business is frustrated by widespread corruption, poor infrastructure and a lack of expertise and financing, writes Reuters

O •Product Manager, Mouka Limited Mr Stephen Uwazota (left) and Sales and Marketing Analyst Ms Bukunmi Ojumu (right)during the prize presentation to winner of the Mouka Connect and Win Facebook Competition Mr Richard Chimieze in Lagos.

•From left: President, Benson Idahosa University Rev FEB Idahosa, President, Campaign for Democracy (CD) Dr Joe OkeiOdumakin, Host, Meeting Point Niyi Adesanya, former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Prof Pat Utomi at a forum organised by Meeting Point in Lagos.

N one of the most exclusive streets in Nigeria’s capital sits a crumbling mansion with an unwelcoming message painted at its entrance: “BEWARE! THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE”.

The warning refers to a popular property scam. In the most elaborate version, robbers break into your house while you are away, change the locks, and then produce multiple copies of fake title deeds. Posing as estate agents, they show buyers around your house and sell as many copies of the deeds as possible. When you get back, your house belongs to six people.

This sort of deception epitomises the tricky nature of Nigeria’s real estate business, but despite the risks, there are huge returns to be had in a market where around 16 million homes are needed just to meet current demand.

Navigating through opaque land laws, corruption, a lack of development expertise and financing, a dearth of mortgages and high building costs will take courage and influential local partners.

“There are sizeable challenges to overcome but in many ways Nigeria represents the perfect storm for real estate investment; huge population, rapid urbanisation and a growing middle-class,” said Michael Chu’di Ejekam, Director of Nigerian Real Estate at Actis, a London-based private equity firm.

Actis has $5.2 billion under management, including two sub-Saharan Africa real estate equity funds totaling $434 million, which it says are attracting U.S. and European investors.

Nigeria’s population of nearly 170 million is bigger than Russia’s and its economy is growing at 6 percent, a combination which is producing a new wave of property buyers from bankers and airline staff to mobile phone and fast food shop owners.

“I see demand from the middleclass higher than ever before,” said Deolu Dara, Associate Vice President at Nigeria-based Avante Property Asset Management, which manages several multi-million dollar residential projects in Lagos.

A successful real estate investment in Nigeria can earn an returns as high as 30-35 percent, while rental income yields in cities such as Lagos and Abuja can easily reach 10 percent, developers and estate agents say.

Middle class •From left:Sales Director, Nokia Middle East and Africa Patrick Dravet; Group Channel Producer Olamide Adedeji; Public Relations Manager, Giditraffic Bethia Idoko and Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria Larry Annetts during the launch of Nokia Lumia 625 at the Nokia/Soundcity LiveLumia Concert in Lagos...at the weekend.

Property in Lagos, a heaving metropolis of around 20 million people, can be among the most expensive in the world with two-bedroom flats

•More beautiful structures like this are springing up across the country.

costing more than $1 million in upmarket areas.

However, the top-end range is dominated by well established players and developers should target middle-income workers in major cities, such Lagos, Abuja and the oil-hub Port Harcourt. The most popular units fall in a price bracket of 20-35 million naira ($123,000-$214,100), developers and estate agents say.

Nigeria’s middle class make up around 23 percent of the population and earn around 80,000- 100,000 naira ($490-$610) per month, according to report by investment bank Renaissance Capital.

In smaller cities and rural areas, a lack of information about land and regulation is off-putting, while a violent Islamist insurgency has made the north of Nigeria unattractive, despite huge unmet demand in cities such as Kano and Kaduna.

The majority of Nigerians live in poverty in shanty towns or in basic concrete block and iron-roofed houses they have built themselves, but building mass housing for the poor is not a popular investment.

“If you know the market, the people, focus on middle class and cherry pick your deals, you can clean out,” added Dara, who said Africa’s biggest oil and gas industry is also driving demand. One foreign oil major bought 300 flats recently.

Nigeria’s construction and real estate sectors are growing at more than 10 and 12 percent respectively, a boon for foreign and Nigerian construction firms, including UPDC, Cappa D’Alberto and Julius Berger.

Yet, there is still not enough quality affordable housing because business is frustrated by widespread corruption, poor state infrastructure and a lack of expertise and financing.

Constructing a block of flats costs three times as much in Nigeria than in South Africa, builders say, and many developments are abandoned when projects run out of money or become slums because they are poorly built.

London-based estate agent Jones Lang LaSalle ranks Nigeria 96th out of 97 on its transparency index, just in front of Sudan but behind six other African countries.

Having support from powerful politicians or business magnates will help to avoid terminal financial pitfalls.

Local partners The construction and real estate sectors are growing at more than 10 and 12 percent, a boom for foreign and local construction firms. Yet, there is still not enough quality affordable housing because business is frustrated by widespread corruption, poor state infrastructure and a lack of expertise and financing, writes Reuters“It’s a business that requires

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS

sector weighed down by corruption

•A landlord warning fraudsters against putting the house on sale

local partners and local knowledge or you’ll run into problems,” Dara at Avante says.

Avante’s chairman is Wale Tinubu, the head of oil and gas firm Oando and a close relative of former Lagos state governor Bola Tinubu, who still wields influence there.

London-based Actis has given directorships to Nigerian energy firm Seven Energy and local conglomerate UAC. Once the supply challenges have been overcome, there remains a problem with that huge latent demand. No mortgages. Unless you are willing to pay a 25 percent interest rate.

The mortgage debt-to-GDP ratio in Nigeria is under 0.5 percent, compared with 72 percent in the U.S. and

over 30 percent in Malaysia and South Africa, government figures show.

“In places like America you seem to be able to buy property without a stress but it just isn’t like that here,” said Ike Ejekam, 31, who is about to buy a newly-built two-bedroom apartment for 20 million naira in a gated community in the popular Lekki district on the Lagos peninsula.

Ejekam represents the new breed of buyers who expect well-built housing with all the modern conveniences.

He works at a branch of a local bank and is using his life savings and funds borrowed from family members to buy his property outright.

“I don’t like to think about mortgages because it scares me when I see

how difficult it is for my friends to get a loan.”

Nigerian banks don’t like giving out mortgages because reliable information about buyers and land is scarce, while there is no secondary market to offset the risks.

Mortgage denied The government says it is trying to fix this by securing a $300 million loan from the World Bank to establish a mortgage refinancing company, which should free up some bank lending.

A Federal Mortgage Bank was also launched this year, which government hopes will help build 500,000 new homes. The bank plans to float a 200 billion naira mortgage bond, the pro-

ceeds from which can be handed over to home buyers with the state guaranteeing against default for five years.

The government is also discussing passing legislation to create a secondary mortgage market and to improve land laws.

“With this sense of urgency we could have a significant improvement in the mortgage market by 2015,” United Bank for Africa CEO Phillips Oduoza told Reuters.

This optimism is also being felt by developers as dozens of well-financed projects are underway, including the Eko Atlantic City - a multi-billion dollar project built from 9 square kilometers of land being reclaimed from the sea in Lagos.

The billionaire Chagoury brothers,

who are of Lebanese descent, are leading the mega-project, which will feature parks, swimming pools and skyscrapers with floor-to-ceiling glass. Banks, including France’s BNP Paribas, Belgium’s KBC and several Nigerian lenders are on board.

In Abuja, UPDC has started its 228unit ‘Metro City’, which consists of well-designed blocks with balconies built in palm-fringed private compounds. Privately owned Churchgate Group is building its ambitious $1 billion World Trade Centre, a series of skyscrapers housing offices, flats and upscale shops.

“Nigeria is a huge real estate opportunity,” said Ejekam at Actis. “The story is getting out, slowly.”

Nasarawa killings: Police seek state of emergency to curb menace

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HE Police have urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in violence-prone areas in Nasarawa State, it was learnt at the weekend.

According to the police, the measure would help address the increasing violence of the Ombatse and other militia groups.

The recommendation was said to have been contained in a memorandum submitted by the Nasarawa State Police Command to the Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the May 7 massacre of 63 policemen and 10 State Security Service (SSS) operatives in Lakyo village.

The submission was signed by the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police (CP), Shehu Umar and presented to the Commission in camera last week.

The commission’s Chairman, Justice Joseph Fola Gbadeyan, granted the request of the police that the submission be considered in camera for security reasons.

The SSS memorandum was also heard in camera.

A source quoted Superintendent of Police (SP) Sam Ewa, who stood in for CP Umar, as telling the nine-man panel that “where a group has overshadowed security agents, the group has become a law unto itself resulting into anarchy. Thus, a situation of anarchy requires stringent measures to curb or to address the menace”.

Ewa was said to have testified that anybody or group of persons involved in the incident must be tried for “treason”.

For the measure to be effective, the police were said to have suggested the “deployment of Federal Forces,” to include the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police Mobile Force, Anti Terrorist Units, Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) and Special Forces from the SSS, “to storm and seal off the operational base of the Ombatse militants.”

The police were said to have added that such special forces would need be backed with necessary military and security hardware.

The police were said to have stressed that any threat to security agents amount to an invitation to anarchy and a direct attack on the the nation.

The police were said yo have informed the panel that the criminal activities of Ombatse show a “deep rooted political, economic and socio-cultural motives” fueling its continuous existence despite its proscription.

Our source quoted the police as saying that

•Why soldiers did not go to Lakyo The dead police officers/men •Mohammed Ozi Momoh •Garba Yakubu •Sergeants Micah Manga •Audu Zarwata •Sunday John •Kabiru Umar •Ocheli S •Onoji Wilson •Zakariah Benjamin •Isiaka Yusuf •Emmanuel Ari •Apagu Chinda •Zailani Ali. •Ediga Obiabo •Sunday Onoja •Mu’azu Daniel •Bulama Lawal •Damodu Gameraja •Jerome John •Ishaya Kulebe •Garba Mamman

•Aliyu Jibrin Zing •Isiaka Momoh •Shu’aibu Abdulraman •Joseph Ovhokwunu •Dogara Igene •Garba Mamman •John Jerome •Lengme Mbok •Daniel John •Matthew Onoja •Abdullahi Ishaku •Ishaya John •Ibrahim Hamawa •Martins Danpankshim •Joseph Amanabo •Stephen Thomas •James Ishaku •John Vani •Daman David •Audu Nanpon •Umar Adams.

•Ibrahim Audu •Christian Ibekwe •Gangven Yaknan •Gapani Sanda •Nanlong Joseph •Michael Onoja •Habila Tasha •Philip Bitrus •Disuku Beti •Emmanuel Audu •Robert Arome, •Godiya Markus •Ekpo Ongye •Ibrahim Sale •Hassan Daniel •Gideon Fadah •Usman Umar •Dogara Yohanna •Umar Adams •Adams Ojepa

Survived without injuries •Emmanuel Katai • Jibrin Saidu •Habila Samuel •Aku Madela •Emmanuel Tella •Cheto Emmanuel •Jatau Ayuba.

•Igbinoba Nelson •Simon Haruna •Enugu Baba •Daniel Omiraji •Bala Yohanna •Sunday Wokhe

•Peter Namko •Ayuba Peter •Abubakar Abdullahi •Daniel Haruna •Abel Sule •Musa Usman

Alive with varying degree of injuries •John Daniel •Silas Musa •Ishaku John

•Haruna Alhassan •Dahiru Ibrahim •Omiragi Daniel

•Garba Dayyabu •Murtala Mallam •Ojo Musa.

The 10 dead SSS operatives •Mohammed Isa Gobir •Benjamin Abughul •Julius Ber •Daniel Johnpaul

•Nimsel Ponfa Stephen •Thomas Nomsule •Paul Samuel •Salihu Suhununu •Aliyu Shehu •Timman Durfa

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

the Ombatse which literally means “our time has come” or “this is our time” was revived by the Eggon ethnic group which sees itself as the largest ethnic group in the state.

The police were said to have argued that most political and economic “creame de la creame” of Eggon extraction seems to be in full support of the Ombatse cult group.

However, the SSS was said to have reiterated the readiness of security agencies to arrest,

investigate and prosecute those responsible for the killing of the security men and others.

The SSS was said to have also recommended that a comprehensive arms recovery programme to mop up illegal weapons in the hands of the militants be carried out.

They were said to have also suggested that both Ombatse and other ethnic militia be made to undergo a deradicalisation programme to be carried out by government in collaboration with security agencies.

The SSS was said to have told the Commission that 30 soldiers billed for the operation were placed on standby in Lafia.

The soldiers, it said, could not be called in for reinforcement when information reached Lafia that the team had been attacked at 9pm on May 7 because it was already dark.

The SSS was said to have added that Ombatse members blocked the road to the village after the attack to hinder access to the scene of the incident.

The only body said to have been allowed into the scene, on May 9, was the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Investigations at the weekend revealed the names of the slain security personnel during the May 7 ambush.

The 102-man team was said to have comprised 92 policemen and 10 SSS operatives.

It was said to have been on a mission to Lakyo village to arrest the chief priest of Ombatse, Ala Agu (alias Baba Lakyo).

They were also said to have been mandated by the Nasarawa State Security Council to search for weapons and other incriminating objects and sealoff the Ombatse shrine.

The 15-kilometre journey, which began from Lafia about 5pm ended disastrously about three hours after.

Only 28 policemen escaped alive. Sixty-three policemen and 10 SSS operatives were said to have been killed (see box).

Another source said revelations at the panel showed that the police lost 47 AK47 rifles, nine auto 06 rifles, one K2 rifle, three long range gunners, two smoke pistols, 1,818 ammunitions and 185 smoke cartridges. The SSS was also said to have lost 10 assorted operational firearms with ammunition.

According to the source, seven police and two SSS patrol vehicles were also destroyed during the incident.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS Membership registration is APC’s concern, says Masari From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

THE Interim Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Bello Masari has said the party is concerned with membership registration across the country.

Masari addressed reporters at Ringim town in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State after the presentation of the APC candidate for the upcoming by-election in the vacant House of Assembly seat and the beginning of the campaign.

The former Speaker explained that the party’s congress would hold soon.

He said: “If you have registered members, then you go for a congress to elect the leadership of the party from the ward level.”

‘NCAA won’t extend aircraft maintenance time’

‘Army can tackle insecurity assignments’

Atiku: I knew I would lose in 2007 poll F

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said he knew he would lose the 2007 presidential election, yet was determined to give “a gift of legitimacy” to democracy through his participation in the poll.

The former Vice President, who lost to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, said he would never stop fighting for democracy - win or lose.

“I went out, voted, went home and waited for my loss, as expected.

“I knew that while I was going to lose a battle, I had won the war – a war to preserve the sanctity of our democratic process,” Atiku said in a statement by his Media Adviser, Garba Shehu.

Atiku explained that after struggling for decades with other patriots to enthrone democracy and wrest power from the military, the choice to defend Nigeria’s democracy was non-negotiable for him.

He said he was faced with

By Joseph Jibueze

a choice of remaining in office as vice president for much longer or defending democracy and the Constitution.

Atiku said: “The tough, correct choice – our constitution – was the path I chose.

And in doing so, I shunned an offer that could have kept me in high office for a potentially long period of time.”

The former vice president said he believed Nigerians would see his position as a battle to save the soul of the country and, therefore, judge him fairly.

But he got what he did not bargain for, he said.

Atiku added: “What I did not see coming was one of the best executed smear campaigns aimed at tarnishing everything I had legitimately worked to achieve in our struggle for democracy.

“The aggrieved power mongers threw every contrived accusation they could at me, from the Economic

and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to the National Council of Privatisation (NCP) committee.

“Despite constant and total vindication at every turn by our courts, in the end, battles are won and lost in the court of public opinion.

And despite zero evidence or guilt, these opponents of democracy remain unyielding in their attempts to smear my hard-earned reputation.

“It never mattered that I had a history of business successes prior to entering politics. It never mattered that from the moment I bought my mother a home as a 14-year-old boy, I was running various businesses to provide for my family.

“It never mattered that as a Customs official, I maintained one of the best ever records of returns to government and always beat my revenue targets. You do not do that by ‘taking’.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

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•Atiku

“Further, during the socalled “53 suitcases” saga in the 1980s, it was my record of service that saved my job.

In the face of intimidation by a ruthless military government, I did my job without fear or favour.

“After leaving the Customs, I used my knowledge and drive to build a very successful string of business ventures.

“It never mattered that my asset declaration forms, which were filed prior to entering office, showed my successful business record of creating jobs and opportunities in Nigeria.

“What mattered was that I was wealthy. And after the smear campaign and various frivolous charges levelled at me by the aggrieved powermongers, public opinion ruled against me.”

Oando to build 50 mega stations, says COO

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

THE Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Folayele Akinkoutu, has said the agency will not approve any request from airlines seeking an extension of time for the scheduled aircraft maintenance.

The NCAA chief also said the agency was carrying out technical surveillance and economic audit on some domestic airlines to ascertain their strength for recertification.

He said airlines, which are not living up to expectation, may be shut down.

Akinkuotu said the era when frivolous requests were granted airlines, when they failed to comply with aircraft maintenance schedules, were over.

According to him, the NCAA under his leadership would not tolerate any infraction that could alter the safety equation.

PDM: we’re learning from others’ mistakes THE newly registered Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has said it is studying the mistakes of other parties in a bid to build a party that it hopes will take over power in the country.

Its National Chairman, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, spoke at a meeting of the party’s stakeholders in the Northwest.

He said discipline and internal democracy would be the watch word of the party, adding that members would be encouraged to claim ownership of the party by contributing to build it financially.

The party’s chairman noted that as the oldest surviving political movement in the country, the PDM was known for discipline, sacrifice and commitment to internal democracy and to Nigeria as a united and indivisible country.

HE General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Gen. Adebayo Olaniyi, has assured Nigerians that the military is not overwhelmed because of the additional security responsibility the army is handling across the country.

Addressing reporters in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, after the closing ceremonies of this year’s Nigerian Army Finance Corps’ (NAFC’s) Ninth Biennial Training Conference, the GOC said the Army was coping with safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and fighting terrorism and other forms of criminality in the land.

Olaniyi said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, had put in place some strategies to increase the capacity of the Army to enable soldiers discharge its responsibilities effectively.

He cited the expansion of the Army’s divisions from five to six, with specific roles as one of such strategies.

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•From right: Senate President David Mark; former Adjutant, Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Lt.-Gen. Ram Kumar Gaur and Maj.-Gen. Surinder Pal Jain, who were Mark’s instructors at the academy, during a visit to the Senate President’s home at Apo Village, Abuja...at the weekend.

Fed Govt spends N1.37b to fight insecurity

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, at the weekend, said the Federal Government spent over N1.37 billion to tackle insecurity in the last three years.

The Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Ita Ekpeyomg, has said the Department of State Security (DSS), the Army and other security outfits have successfully tamed the Boko Haram challenge.

Jonathan gave the figure when he addressed guests at the passing-out parade and commissioning of 385 members of the Cadet Officers Basic Course 27 (COBC 27) at the State Services Academy, Lagos State.

The President, who was represented by the Acting Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, noted that though security challenges had increased in the country, the Federal Government was doing its best to tackle them.

He said the Federal Government provided N237 million in 2011; N300 million in 2012 and N800 million this year.

The minister said it was also

By Jude Isiguzo

because of the Federal Government’s determination to tackle insecurity and terrorism that it enacted the antiterrorism law.

Wike said: “To tackle terrorism, the Federal Government enacted the anti-terrorism law and came up with equipment to fight terrorism.”

The minister told the cadet officers that they were expect-

‘To tackle terrorism, the Federal Government enacted the anti-terrorism law and came up with equipment to fight terrorism.’ ed to be skillful in handling modern technological equipment and have good peoplerelation.

He said: “All the equipment

bought to tackle terrorism will go to waste, if you don’t how to handle the equipment. And people should be able to trust you with information. An informant should not be punished. Also, remember that a man is not guilty until he is proven to be guilty. Carry your duty with all fairness and uphold the rule of law. The era of using brutality to elicit confessions should stop! Innocent people have died through that way.”

HE Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Oando Marketing Plc Mrs Olaposi Williams said yesterday the company will build 50 mega stations in the next five years to boost petroleum products supplies across the country.

Williams spoke at a ceremony to announce modalities for the building of the stations in Lagos.

She, however, did not put a figure to the cost of the project.

She said each of the stations, which would be built in major cities, would have the capacity to dispense at least three trucks of premium motor spirit (petrol) per day.

The COO said the new stations, which she described as one-stop shop, would be located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other key cities in the East, North and West.

According to her, Lagos will have the lion’s share of the stations with 50 per cent; the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 30 per cent and the East and North will get 10 per cent each.

Mrs Williams said: “We hope to build 10 mega stations every year in the next five years, which will bring the number to 50. We are repositioning our retail outlets across the country, especially filling stations, which have been driving our volume.

‘Nigeria’s external trade increases to N5.34t in second quarter’

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IGERIA’S external merchandise trade total rose marginally to about N5.34 trillion in the second quarter of this year, up from about N5.098 trillion in the preceding quarter.

The trade figures represented 4.8 per cent increase.

The positive change, it was learnt, was the result of an increase in export value, from about N3.452 trillion in the first quarter to N3.742 trillion in the quarter under review.

This represents a balance of a trade surplus of N290.8 bil-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

lion, or 8.4 per cent.

The value of imports also decreased from about N1.646 trillion in January to about N1.598 trillion in March.

The Foreign Trade Statistics Report for this year’s second quarter, released yesterday by the Director-General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Dr Yemi Kale, showed that the increase in exports and decrease in imports resulted in a favourable trade balance of about N2.145 trillion in the

second quarter.

This translates to an increase of N339.3 billion, or 18.8 per cent, from the levels recorded in the first quarter of this year.

A further analysis of the merchandise trade on year-onyear basis showed that the value of the nation’s total merchandise trade decreased

by N1.743 trillion, or 24.6 per cent, while the trade balance also declined by 49.7 per cent.

Imports increased by 13.5 per cent while exports decreased by 34.1 per cent.

The crude oil component of

the total trade stood at N2.709 trillion representing a decrease of N321.2 billion or 10.6 per cent when compared with the previous quarter.

On a year-on-year basis, the crude oil component recorded a 23.6 per cent decline.

The NBS report reads: “The total value of Nigeria’s external merchandise trade amounted to N5, 341.1 billion in the second quarter 2013, an increase of N242.3 billion or 4.8 per cent from N5,098.9 billion recorded in the previous quarter.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS 14 die as vehicle plunges into river

•From left: Daughter of the deceased and Secretary to the Lagos State Government Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule; Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during a fidau for Alhaja Asia Omosalewa Alape-Idowu at L.A Primary School, Iba, Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Presidency, CAN to el-Rufai: you’re unstable

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HE Presidency yesterday described former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Nasir el-Rufai, as “a double-minded and an unstable man in all his ways”.

The Special Assistant (News Media) to the President, Mr. Reno Omokri, made this remark in a statement issued in Abuja.

He was reacting to an interview published in the Saturday Sun of September 14, in which el-Rufai said: “Nothing can make Jonathan succeed.” el-rufai said the President “is grossly incompetent, he doesn’t listen, he doesn’t even understand the issues”.

The presidential aide urged the public not to be misled by the machinations of el-Rufai, “a man who is in dire need of prayers and perhaps psychological assistance”.

Omokri recalled that con-

From Augustine Ehikioya & Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

trary to his position in the interview, el-Rufai had at a meeting with Ambassador John Campbell in April 2007 said that Jonathan, the then vice presidential nominee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), “is clean and honest”.

He said el-Rufai told the ambassador that “Jonathan was the only candidate that met Obasanjo’s guidelines on honesty.”

According to him, unknown to el-Rufai, the ambassador kept a record of their conversation, which is now a public record in America.

He said: “Beyond that, Nasir el-Rufai, who had gone into voluntary exile under the presidency of Malam Umaru Musa Yar’Adua after he was accused of corruption and abuse of office while he was Minister of the FCT, felt safe to return to Nigeria as soon

as President Jonathan ascended to power.”

Omokri recalled that when el-Rufai returned to Nigeria in 2010, he visited President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa on May 11, 2010, and was the first major political figure to call on him to contest for the 2011 presidential election.

Omokri said in the double speak nature of el-rufai, he showered encomiums on Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the latest interview, contrary to a damning conclusion on the General in 2010.

He recalled that el-Rufai on October 6, 2010, said Buhari was not a suitable person to rule the country.

“Mallam el-Rufai wishes to remind General Buhari that he has remained perpetually unelectable because his record as military head of state, and afterwards, is a warning that many Nigerians have wisely heeded.

“His insensitivity to Ni-

geria’s diversity and his parochial focus are already wellknown.

“In 1984, Buhari allowed 53 suitcases belonging to his ADC’s father to enter Nigeria unchecked at a time the country was exchanging old currency for new.

“Against all canons of legal decency, he used retroactive laws to execute three young men for drug-peddling after they were convicted by a military tribunal and not regular courts of law.

“Buhari was so high handed that he gave himself and his officials immunity even from truthful reporting.

“That obnoxious Decree 4, against which truth was no defence, was used to jail journalists and cow the media as a whole.

“That tyrannical legislation shows the essence of his intolerance. These are facts of recent history.

“The story of counter-trade and import licensing, the cor-

nerstone of Buhari’s stone-age economic strategy and those whose interests it served, is a tale for another day.” el-Rufai also came under fire yesterday for his comments on the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. el-Rufai, at the weekend, in an interview in a national newspaper (not The Nation) said: “Look, Pastor Oritsejafor is the propaganda chief of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He lacks credibility. He is not a religious leader. He is a religious pretender. From his statements, he is a bigot, he is an ethnic irredentist and no one should take him seriously. It is sad that such a person is the head of CAN. So, he can say whatever he wants to say, but we know who he is working for, we know who gave him his private jet. So, why should we worry about someone like that? He has zero credibility.”

JTF smashes foreign oil syndicate

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HE Joint Task Force (JTF), aka Operation Pulo Shield, has begun investigations to unravel the international dimension to oil theft.

The force, as part of its operations, uncovered a six-member foreign cartel that specialised in stealing petroleum products in the Niger Delta.

It was learnt that the cartel provided market for the booming business of illegal refining of stolen crude.

The cartel was said to have its base in the Republic of Benin with Videgnon Akadje Medard allegedly named as its collaborator.

The Media Coordinator, JTF, Lt-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said members of the group were arrested by troops of the 3 Battalion of JTF.

•21 suspects arrested •67 refineries destroyed From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

He said they were apprehended when the operatives patrolled the Opodibobo creek near Escravos in Warri SouthWest Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said the cartel was led to the area by Sampson Omuti.

He named other members of the group as Romeo Orupade, Adena Wuriya, Blessing Julius and John Lomiegbene.

He said: “A cartel of six suspects conniving with a foreigner, Videgnon Akadje Medard, identified as a Beninoise, who specialises in sourcing illegallydistilled petroleum products in

the Niger Delta area, has been nabbed.

“They were arrested by operatives of the 3 Battalion of the Joint Task Force (Operation Pulo Shield) during a patrol of the Opodibobo creek near Escravos in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

“Items including one big boat containing 11 large plastic reservoirs and a speed boat were recovered from the suspects.

They are undergoing preliminary investigations to uncover their links and other collaborators in the illicit trade.”

Nwachukwu said operatives of the JTF recently arrested 15 other suspects in a series of antioil theft raids in the region.

He said seven of the suspects were apprehended by troops of the 3 and 19 battalions covering the Sector 1 Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the outfit.

Lt.-Col. Nwachukwu said the troops also destroyed 16 illegal refineries and 21 Contonou boats carrying crude oil.

He said the illegal facilities were destroyed at Tukula, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Odi II, Asugba, Beneth Island, Ekekudo, Escravos, Egwa, Egbeokute and Opodiboba in Warri SouthWest, Warri South and Okpe local government areas of Delta State.

According to him, the troops also raided the creeks of Moboko, Irhado, Agbekudo,

Obodo camp, Ajeosoho, Sapele waterside and Omere in Ethiope West, Okpe and Sapele local government areas of Delta State, destroying seven other illegal refineries.

The JTF spokesman said the operatives impounded 503 steel tanks, 22 cooking ovens, 44 plastic tanks, 16 large surface tanks, 12 dugout pits, 329 drums and 13 pumping machines used for illicit activities during the operation.

He said eight of the suspects were arrested by the JTF operatives for oil bunkering in Bayelsa State.

Nwachukwu said the suspects were nabbed by operatives of the 343 Artillery Regiment and Gunboat Company covering the Sector 2 AOR of the outfit.

FOURTEEN people died in an accident at the weekend when a vehicle plunged into a river on the Bahindi-Kende Road in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kebbi Council, Alhaji Tukur Mari, who witnessed the accident, said it occurred at midnight on Saturday.

Mari said in Birnin Kebbi yesterday that the accident occurred when the driver of the vehicle lost control and the vehicle plunged into the Kende River.

He said 14 of the 15 passengers died.

He said the survivor, Malam Shamsuddeen Kende, was receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Dakingari and the dead were buried yesterday morning according to Islamic rites.

The Vice-Chairman of Bagudo Local Government, Alhaji Aliyu Zagga and the District Head of Kende, Alhaji Bello Zagga, confirmed the incident.

Both men attended the funeral of the victims.

186 ex-militants leave for further training abroad

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

ONE hundred and eighty-six former Niger Delta militants, trained under the presidential amnesty programme, yesterday departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos for South Africa, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland for educational and vocational training.

This batch of delegates brings to 16,683 the number of ex-militants so far sent for offshore and local training in educational and vocational fields since the programme started in 2010.

Of the 186 delegates, 60 will undergo 12 months vocational training in South Africa as emergency medical technicians otherwise called “offshore medic”. The other 126 will undergo training in tertiary institutions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Speaking at a pre- departure briefing in Lagos, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, said: “This batch of delegates is the largest to be sent for training in the United Kingdom. This is a feat.”

Kuku, who advised the delegates to be good ambassadors and abide by the laws of the host countries, said the presidential amnesty for youths in the Niger Delta has zero tolerance for misconduct, as over 690 delegates have been repatriated and reprimanded.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS OLUSEGUN KOKUMO AGAGU 1948-2013

Ondo declares seven- day mourning

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NDO State Government yesterday declared a seven-day mourning, beginning from today, in honour of the late former Governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Eni Akinsola, chief press secretary to the governor, in Akure.

It said Governor Olusegun Mimiko had ordered that condolence registers be opened at the Governor’s Office, Lagos and the Abuja Liaison Offices as well as in the 18 local government areas.

The statement added that Mimiko urged indigenes and residents to remember the Agagu family in their prayers.

Dr. Mimiko has promised a

By Leke Salaudeen, Assistant Editor

befitting funeral for the late Agagu, who died on Friday at 65. He returned to the country on Thursday after a trip to the United States of America.

Mimiko paid a condolence visit to the Agagu family in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday.

He said the late Agagu deserved a befitting funeral, adding that the state government would reciprocate his contributions to the development of the state when he was the governor, by footing the funeral.

Paying tributes to his predecessor, Governor Mimiko said: “He was a colossus in all areas of his endeavour. He ruled the academic world and political

•Govt promises befitting funeral life. In social life, he was a man to be reckoned with.

“Nobody can ignore him in areas of his endeavour. He had unusual capacity for hard work whether in academics or politics. His achievements cannot be quantified in dollars or pounds sterling. He was a family man, who impacted positively in his siblings.

“For us in Ondo State, the death of Dr. Agagu is a big loss.

He was a great man and he deserved every honour on his death. We will miss him for a long time to come.”

Mimiko was accompanied by his wife, Kemi, Chairman of Labour Party in Ondo State,

Prince Gabriel Adewale, Commissioner for the Environment and Mineral Resources, Mr. Sola Ebisemi, among others.

A former chaplain to Dr. Agagu, Venerable Sam Odubena, prayed for the widow, the children and the entire Agagu family. He prayed the Lord to give them the strength to bear the death of their father.

Ebisemi described Agagu as a statesman and an intellectual, who left behind good legacies worthy of emulation. He said he was an achiever and a pacesetter.

Said he: “The death of Agagu has created a big vacuum for us in the old Okitipupa

Province and Ondo State as well. The best tribute we can pay him is to continue from where he stopped.”

Prominent Nigerians, who paid condolence visit to the Agagu family yesterday included business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Oba Otudeko and Chief Niyi Adebayo.

In the condolence register, Dangote wrote: “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.” Senator Olajumoke wrote: “Quite devastating and shocking to hear of the sudden death of Segun.

God knows best and as Christians, we cannot query Him. May Segun’s soul rest in perfect peace.”

Adebayo prayed: “May the soul of my dear egbon rest in perfect peace.”

Mark remembers ‘dependable ally’

S

ENATE President David Mark yesterday lamented the death of former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

He described Agagu as a dependable ally, who was one of the few politicians, who played politics without bitterness.

Mark, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Agagu, a former minister of Aviation as well as Power and Steel, was a trustworthy politician and a forthright leader, who stood to be counted when it mattered.

Agagu, he said, neither pretended nor withdrew from saying the truth no matter the circumstances.

Mark said: “As a minister, Agagu distinguished himself as a goal-getter. As the then executive governor of Ondo

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

State, he achieved a lot. As a political leader, he gave his people a sense of belonging.”

The Senate President said Agagu would be remembered as one of the political leaders in the Southwest, who craved to bring his people to the mainstream politics of Nigeria without compromising their interests.

He said Agagu was a quintessential administrator, who was prudent in the management of public resources, adding that he left behind legacies that would stand the test of time.

Mark sympathised with the government and people of Ondo State, especially the bereaved family, saying Nigeria had lost one of its best and fertile-minded politicians.

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sound academic and politician.

Many of our rural areas were opened up in a manner hitherto unimaginable. “The riverine communities effectively got reintegrated into the the state. “ The visionary leader, whose administration arguably ranks next to the unforgettable golden era of the state under the sage, Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin, was also reputed for politics without bitterness. He was urbane, resourceful, genial and frank.

There are indelible imprints of his tenure in virtually every nook and cranny of the state.

Most of the buildings standing in public schools in the state bear eloquent testimony to his vision. It is regrettable that he passed on at this time when his invaluable input is badly need-

F

ceased eternal rest and grant his family, we his associates, members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State and the indigenes the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

Former senator representing Ekiti North, Ayo Arise, said the death was “a monumental and tragic loss not only to the people of Ondo State, but also to all Nigerians.”

He said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti that Agagu’s family, friends, associates and the people of Ondo State, especially members and supporters of

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HE death of former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Olusegun Agagu, has been described as a monumental loss by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said Agagu’s death came at a time his wealth of experience and fatherly advice was needed.

According to the Speaker, the deceased was a nationalist, who championed unity and tolerance among the people.

He described the late Agagu as a fulfilled gentleman, who shared his knowledge and experience with many politicians within and outside his state.

A

•Dangote signing the condolence register at the late Agagu’s home in Lagos...yesterday.

ed in the state.

“Death is a necessary end.

It will come at the appointed time. Certain passages are, however, remarkable. It is true that the death of any person diminishes mankind. When a man of quality like Dr. OLUSEGUN KOKUMO AGAGU departs, the vacuum created becomes more pronounced.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of our departed leader. I must also commiserate with the people of Ondo State for the unwanted visits of this morbid messenger with attendant losses. This death coming after the transition of Omo Ekun, Wunmi Adegbonmire, is one too many for our state.

“May the good Lord grant him eternal rest and let light perpetual shine on him.”

Oni, Arise, Adeyeye mourn ORMER Ekiti State Governor Chief Segun Oni has described the death of exOndo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu as a big loss.

Reacting to the death through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lere Olayinka, he said: “This death has robbed us of one of the finest gentlemen, intellectuals and patriots in Nigerian politics.”

Oni went on: “This death has left me sad. I am short of words. Right now, all that we can do is to pray for the family.

“It is my prayer that the good Lord will grant the de-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Akpabio mourns

Amosun, Kashamu mourn

I’m devastated, says Akeredolu HE governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in last year’s election in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed shock on the death of Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

He said: “I’ve just received the heart-corroding news of the demise of Dr. Olusegun Kokumo Agagu, immediate past governor of our dear Ondo State. I must hasten to state that I am devastated by this news and I am sure that many of my compatriots in the state also feel this irreparable sense of loss.

“Dr Agagu’s tenure as governor in Ondo State witnessed several significant achievements. Many of us are living witnesses to the great achievements recorded under this

His death a monumental loss, says Tambuwal

the PDP should take consolation that the former governor lived a model and fulfilled life.

Prince Dayo Adeyeye, a PDP governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, described Agagu’s death as “a terrible loss to the country,” adding: “The nation’s political space, especially the PDP, will miss him dearly.”

Adeyeye, who commiserated with the Agagu family, government and people of Ondo State, members and supporters of the PDP in the state and Nigeria said: “It is only God that can console us for this painful loss.”

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

•The late Agagu

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GUN State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Buruji Kashamu, yesterday mourned the death of the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

Governor Amosun said it was regrettable, sad and depressing that Agagu, the former Aviation minister, died at a time the nation ought to be tapping from his wealth of experience.

The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, described Agagu as an experienced intellectual, a skilled politician and a committed public servant.

The statement reads: “There is no doubt that the experiences Dr. Agagu acquired all through his dedicated service to the nation in diverse spheres of life is what is need-

ed at this crucial time when we are charting the road map for an enduring democratic rule as well as a durable foundation for the socio-economic emancipation of our people.

“Former Governor Agagu’s services to humanity whenever he was called to serve is exemplary and this is no doubt the example, which every Nigerian, particularly public servants, should follow.”

Amosun, however, took consolation that the late Dr. Agagu lived a fulfilled life, having excelled in all assignments he was called upon to undertake.

According to him, the nation would forever be grateful to him because he worked tirelessly in mobilising the people for its development till his untimely death.

He commiserated with Dr. Agagu’s family and the people of Ondo State, but asked them to take consolation that the history of Nigeria cannot but include his name in the list of statesmen, who contributed significantly to the growth of Nigeria.

Also in a separate statement yesterday, Kashamu said the death of Agagu was “most unfortunate and painful.”

KWA Ibom State Governor Chief Godswill Akpabio has described the death of former Ondo State Governor Chief Olusegun Agagu as a painful loss to the country, Ondo State, which he served for years and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Akpabio, who is also the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, said this in a statement signed by his Special Assistant Media, Mr. Jackson Udom and made available to reporters, yesterday. He noted that “Agagu was a revered leader, whose wealth of experience would have been effective in reclaiming the Southwest states for the PDP. “I am shocked by this death.

It is a great loss to the country because he was a leader with a vast experience, having served as a minister of Aviation and later governor. But the loss is heavier to the PDP family, especially at a time that it needs experienced politicians like Agagu to chart the course for the complete reconciliation and subsequent electoral victory of the party in the Southwest.”

He consoled the wife, children and relations of the deceased and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Ajimobi shocked

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OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday expressed shock on the demise of the former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, saying Ibadan, the Southwest and Nigeria have lost one of their most cerebral and intellectual politicians.

Ajimobi, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the death of Agagu, who lived in Ibadan for decades, was a loss to the people of Oyo State.

The governor recalled that Agagu was a lecturer at the University of Ibadan where he taught Geology and made the state tick as the intellectual capital of Nigeria.

Ajimobi also said he received the death of Agagu with a shock because he possessed the intellectual wherewithal to chart the path of resolution of Nigeria’s current socio-political logjam.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS

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Court urged to expedite Accord chief’s trial

N anti-corruption group, the Oyo Coalition Against Corruption (OCACO), has urged the judiciary and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the trial of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

Ladoja is on trial for allegedly enriching himself and his family through the sales of N6 billion shares belonging to the state.

In a statement by its Chairman Adeyemi Ogunlana and Secretary Opeyemi Ishola in Ibadan, the state capital, at the weekend, OCACO said the delay of the trial, which has been on for close to seven years, was against the interest of the people.

It said: “The lower court ruled that the former governor had a case to answer and he (Ladoja) headed for the Appeal Court. Since then, it has been stalled and we are hearing rumours that the former governor is seeking a plea-bargain. This is unacceptable to the Oyo people.”

The group said there were rumours that Ladoja had returned a “sizeable portion” of the money.

It said a quick resolution of the case would curb corruption and accelerate development.

OCACO hailed the development in the state under the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration, such as road dualisation and repair, as well as the construction of the Mokola flyover and neighbourhood markets.

It said if the N6 billion “taken from the state’s purse” was re-injected into the economy, it would accelerate growth.

The group said: “The slow pace of justice is not desirable to us. First, it promotes charlatanism, as people who ought to have been jailed accuse others of corruption.

Even though the law states that an accused is assumed innocent until proven guilty, it is only normal for the accused to steer clear of contributing to moral issues until the judge pronounces the final judgment.

“It is only here in Nigeria that an accused, who is on bail, will mount the rostrum and the people, whose heritage he is accused of siphoning, will listen to and hail him. In developed democracies, such accused lie low and strive to ensure that dispensation of justice is prompt and immediate. The delay in the trial is also sending a wrong signal to current and future political office holders.”

Amosun inspects roads

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said ongoing road projects across the state will bring development and attract investors.

He assured residents that they would be ready as scheduled.

Amosun spoke at the weekend while inspecting the work done on the Ayetoro/Abeokuta road; the 10km Ayetoro/Olodo road and the 105km Ilara/Ijoun/Egua/Tata/Oja Odan road.

The governor said his regular inspection of the roads was to monitor the projects.

Amosun said: “There is no cause for alarm. Our contractors are working night and day to meet up with the time. We are resolute in our determination to give our people Ogun standard roads, such that will stand the test of time with full compliments.

“For me, there is no rural area in our state. When these roads are completed, they will attract investors and development.”

Thanking the people for their support and encouragement, Amosun said work on the 105km Ilara/Ijoun/Egua/Tata/Oja Odan road had reached 65km. He said the work was getting close to Oja-Odan, adding that “in few months, this place would have been transformed”.

2014: ‘Why we adopted Fayemi’

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ONARCHS in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State have said Governor Kayode Fayemi remains their “anointed candidate” for next year’s election.

Speaking in Oye Local Government Secretariat, the 13 monarchs said the adoption was based on Fayemi’s “unsurpassed achievements”.

The monarchs include the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; the Onitaji of Itaji Ekiti, Oba I.A. Babalola; the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba S.O. Ajiboye; the Onire of Ire-Ekiti, Oba V.A. Bobade; the Apeju of IlupejuEkiti, Oba Onyelu; the Owatapa of Itapa Ekiti, Oba D.M. Ajaja; and the Owajumu of Omuo Ekiti, Oba J.A. Ogundeyi.

Others are the Olosin of Osin Ekiti, Oba P.E. Oyediran; the Elejelu of Ijelu-Ekiti, Oba I.A. Ajayi; the Alafon of Ilafon-Ekiti, Oba Owoeye; the Obadu of Ilemeshob-Ekiti, Oba D.A. Oyewumi; the Obaloja of Oloje-Ekiti, Oba Peter Falade and the Olumojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba S.O. Olatunji.

Speaking for his colleagues, Oba Ademolaju said they were not politicians, “who could deny reality for political expediencies”.

He said: “We have been following Fayemi’s Eight-Point Agenda with keen interest.

Despite limited resources, this administration has ensured

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

total transformation of the state. What we are doing here today is not open to debates.

Traditional rulers are not politicians and have no business in partisan politics. We say it as we see it. We cannot detach ourselves from what is happening in the communities.

“We are the closest to the people and know the developments taking place. We are not politicians, but the dayto-day affairs of our respective communities are our business. If we see positive development, we cannot but say it loud and clear to encourage the person responsible for it.

“Fayemi has kept his promise to the people. There is no sector he has not touched with his programmes. He has ensured transparency and accountability through his open administration style. We are impressed by all these achievements and feel what we can do to sustain the current pace of development is to support him (Fayemi) for a second term.”

On other aspirants, who might seek their support, the monarchs said: “It will not be possible to accommodate other aspirants. We do not blow hot and cold. Our chairman, ancestors and entire sons and daughters of the local government have spoken through us today.”

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); President, Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja (second right); the Secretary General, Comrade Isa Aremu (right); the VicePresident; Dr. Garba Tetengi (second left); Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (left) and others during the association’s visit to the governor in Osogbo, the state capital...at the weekend.

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Mokola flyover not conceived by Ladoja, says Ajimobi

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the weekend said former Governor Rashidi Ladoja’s claim that the Mokola flyover was conceived by his administration is “far from the truth”.

Ajimobi said the recommendation for the construction of the flyover, was made in 1976 by a Committee on Ibadan Traffic Problems.

He said the committee, headed by former Governor Omololu Olunloyo, recommended the construction of flyovers in seven areas -

Mokola, Secretariat, Challenge, Molete, Iwo Road, Dugbe and Adamasingba.

The Mokola flyover, built by the Ajimobi administration, is the second in the state.

The first one, the Molete flyover, was built by the military regime of Gen. David Jemibewon in 1976.

Ajimobi warned Ladoja to “stop peddling lies in his desperation to score cheap political points”.

In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the governor said: “Even if Ladoja dreamt of building the Mokola flyover when he was governor, why did he fail to actualise his dream? Now that our administration has built it, why is Ladoja calling for our heads? Why is he so desperate to pull down our government?”

He accused Accord members

of playing pedestrian politics to please their boss, saying: “Most of them are mercenary politicians. They are very Machiavellian in their approach to politics. They lack principle and go about to get what they want by all means.

“I advise our people not to play such games. We play intellectual and developmental politics, not the pedestrian politics played by Ladoja and his cohorts.”

Ekiti govt intervenes in community crisis

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HE Ekiti State government has intervened in the rift between the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, Oba Adesanya Aladejare, and his chiefs, who are protesting against the monarch’s leadership styles.

The six chiefs -Obanla John Fakorede, Obaloja Pariola, Oisajigan Ejigan, Peteeko Ojo, Alaayo Folayan and Ojubu Olowookere- shunned meetings at the Alaaye’s palace, following their exclusion from the list of obas and chiefs that the government gave vehicles to.

The monarch and the chiefs are expected to attend a peace meeting slated for the office of the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Aderemi Ajayi, tomorrow.

They are expected to be accompanied by selected community leaders.

Sources at the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs said the meeting became imperative, following reports that tension was brewing in the ancient

By Emmanuel Oladesu

town.

Prominent indigenes, including Dr. Kunle Olajide, Dr. Adio Folayan and the President-General of the Efon Development Association, Chief Patrick Ojo, met with the parties and urged them to settle amicably.

Olajide, who is a prince of Efon Kingdom, said: “The chiefs have agreed to return to the palace on Monday (today), but the Alaaye may not be present because he and the Ologotun of Ogotun will be speaking on behalf of Ekiti at the meeting of the Federal Boundary Commission in Ado-Ekiti.”

On Friday, the Alaaye’s wife, Olori Ajike, urged the chiefs to resolve their differences with her husband peacefully.

Many Efon indigenes said the monarch had facilitated development and attracted many projects to the town.

A youth activist, Mr. Caleb

‘There can be no peace in an atmosphere of crisis. Crisis will breed more crises. Therefore, we should do everything to always ensure that we are at peace with ourselves’ Ayegbusi, urged the monarch and his chiefs to reconcile in the interest of peace and development. He said: “Our royal father, Oba Aladejare, is an asset to Ekiti State. He is one of the founding fathers of Ekiti State. He has always mobilised community development. He agitated for the creation of Efon Local Government and it became a reality.

He fought for the establish-

ment of a government college and it became a reality. He called attention to the erosion problem and the government answered him. He has been in the forefront of transforming this kingdom. However, we believe he cannot rule without his chiefs.”

A lecturer at the Ekiti State University (EKSUTH), AdoEkiti, Boniface Ayodele and Mr. Ibukun Falayi, a banker, warned that the dispute could stall development in the town.

Ayodele said: “We are all going to learn lessons from the rift, but I call on our fathers to promote the peace and development at all times.”

Falayi said: “Efon belongs to all of us and it is in our interest to learn to resolve our internal crisis. There can be no peace in an atmosphere of crisis. Crisis will breed more crises. Therefore, we should do everything to always ensure that we are at peace with ourselves. I urge our fathers to embrace peace.”

‘APC’ll implement Awolowo’s blueprint’

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ORMER Lagos State Commissioner for Environment Dr. Muiz Banire has said the progressives will continue to implement the people-oriented programmes of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He spoke at a discourse organised by The Factor Media on “Revisiting Awo’s Imprisonment 5o years After”.

Banire said the late Awolowo’s imprisonment was political and to stop his contribution to the nation’s development.

He said: “The nation lost all that the man could have con-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

tributed to its glory. We deprived ourselves of those potential benefits.”

Banire said the lesson from the late Awolowo’s incarceration was to treat people fairly.

He said the late Awolowo came out of his travails undaunted while his traducers paid for their action.

Banire said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to pursue the late sage’s ideals, which he said were anchored on selfless service to humanity.

He said: “Today we are reminding ourselves of some of the legacies of the late Awolowo, which we must pursue with vigour. For us in the APC, we will continue to toe the line of popular opinion that renders service to humanity.”

APC chieftain Elder James Odunbaku said the late Awolowo left a blueprint that would transform the people’s lives.

He said though he was deprived of implementing it at the centre, the Western region benefited from it.

•Banire

Odunbaku said APC was the hope of the masses.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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CITYBEATS Alibaba, Nse How our officer stage Pepper Soup drama died, by police N ‘It is not T true that he

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

By Dupe AyinlaOlasunkanmi

OLLYWOOD actress, Nse Ikpe Etim, on Saturday, joined ace comedian Alibaba on stage for the performance of a drama, Pepper Soup, which was jointly produced by Play Factory, 2PM Media and Tuale Naija Media. The drama is being presented every Sunday.

The show, which was held in Lagos, attracted guests from all walks of life. Other artistes on the stage were Katherine Obiang, Tuebi Abidde, Caitlin Conaty and Cee Y. The actors' thrilling performance was interspersed with applause from the audience.

Katherine Obiang, a producer, said: "I'm very pleased; everything went according to plan. We are certainly looking forward to the next weeks and we can only get better."

The previous Sundays have seen Wazobia FM's Steve "Yaw" Onu and Omotunde "Lolo" join the cast as Ichela and Ineba.

Pepper Soup is directed by Olusola Roberts and managed on stage by Obi Martins. It is the story of an upcoming musician who gets trapped between two women as he weaves one impossible tale after the other. There is a meddlesome friend and an overly inquisitive servant who further complicate matters.

HE Ogun State Police Command has denied a story in the social media that the late head of the command's AntiRobbery Squad, Mr Folahan Ogunkoya, was killed in a bomb explosion last Saturday.

In a telephone conversation with The Nation yesterday, the command’s spokesman, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said:"It is not true that he (Ogunkoya) died in an explosion. He actually died in a fatal motor accident on Saturday, September 14, 2013."

The late Superintendent of Police (SP) was travelling in his Honda Accord car marked, Lagos MZ 717 AAA, when he suddenly lost control and crashed at Asu Village on Sagamu/

(Ogunkoya) died in an explosion.

He actually died in a fatal motor accident’

By Olukunle Akinrinade

Abeokuta Expressway at 4pm.

The late Ogunkoya was born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State in 1972 to the family of Pa Ogunkoya. Before he joined the police as a Cadet

• The late Ogunkoya

• Wreckage of the car

Assistant Superintendent (ASP) on May 1, 2000, he attended the then Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) in Ago-Iwoye, where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics. He did his Masters of Science at Leeds University, United

Kingdom (UK).

In a condolence message to the bereaved’s family, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Ogun State, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, said: "My heartfelt sympathy goes to the family of the deceased officer who displayed gallantry in the discharge of

duties in his life time. I also commiserate with the people of Ogun State on the sudden demise of such a wonderful crime buster in the state.

His remains were buried yesterday in his home town.

He is survived by his widow and three children.

Conductor causes stir at accident scene

By Olalekan Ayeni

A

TRAILER assistant (conductor) caused a stir yesterday at the Toll Gate on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ota, Ogun State, when a container the vehicle carried fell, thereby causing heavy traffic snarls.

The conductor, whose names could not be ascertained, resisted spirited attempt by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ota, to tow the vehicle as he claimed he must recover his protective charm from the vehicle.

He stripped himself halfnaked, threw himself on the ground and wept bitterly to the surprise of on-lookers. At a point, he threw his body under the vehicle.

"I won't allow you to move this vehicle from the scene unless I remove my charm. It is my second soul. It is my life," he said, adding that he moved about with the "juju" and without it, he is incomplete as a human being. Therefore, he said without finding it, he would rather die on the spot.

The vehicle's driver, Mr Ibrahim Adisa, told The Nation: "He (the conductor) has never been working with me; I just hired him to accompany me on the trip." He said the accident was caused by brake failure.

The FRSC officials forced the conductor into the vehicle and drove it to their office. "We had to do that to ease the traffic congestion that had already built up because of the incident since the conductor did not allow us do it in good time," one of the officials said.

The container was also removed for free flow of vehicles. The drama lasted about forty minutes.

• L-R: Mrs Chiwendu Thaddeus, a beneficiary; GM, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Oke Osanyintolu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Hamed, and his Information counterpart, Mr Lateef Ibirogba ... at the presentation of financial assistance to the occupiers of a distressed building at Jakande Housing Estate in Ejigbo, Lagos PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

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HE Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, has ascribed his administration's achievements to prudent management of resources.

Bamigbetan, who spoke while receiving the executive members of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation (NWF) in his office, explained that the attitude enabled him to make positive impacts on the people.

The President of the NWF, Prince Hamed Mohammed, said the group chose the council chief among the 23 others billed to be honoured for excellent performance.

He said Bamigbetan's achievements in the areas of education, sports, health, youth empowerment and social infrastructure qualified him for the award.

The award ceremony, where former governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor Babatunde Fashola and Senator Oluremi Tinubu will also be honoured, will hold on November 15 at Teslim Balogun Stadium,

The secret of my success, by council chair

By Seun Akioye

Surulere, Lagos.

Bamigbetan, who thanked the visitors, noted that despite the meagre resources available to the council from the monthly federal allocation and internally generated revenue, he adopted strict measures in funds disbursement for maximum impacts. He added

that his transparency enabled him to succeed.

He praised past and present champions of Nigeria's democratic struggle, including the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Asiwaju Tinubu, Fashola, Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola and his Ekiti counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi, describing them as

selfless leaders who put the interests of their people before anything else.

Bamigbetan said: "Following the footsteps of these leaders, my administration has increased the enrolment of children in public primary schools in the council area from 4, 200 in 2008 to 8,000 in 2013. We have also provided free meals, free

uniforms, free desks and benches and notebooks to pupils of the council's nine public primary schools."

He added that his administration had built two additional public primary schools in Dauda-Ilo and Ailegun areas of his domain, in order to bring public schools nearer to residents of the areas.

• Bamigbetan (3rd from right); his Vice, Monsurudeen Bello-Obe; Chairman of the council's Revenue Committee, Sunny Adewoyin (1st right), Prince Mohammed (3rd from left) and other members of NWF … during the visit.

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

RCCG seeks IG's help over land

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HE Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to avert a crisis at Oloke-Asese-Maba and Gideon villages in Ogun State, over the demolition of its structure by land grabbers.

Hoodlums, armed with dangerous weapons and purportedly acting on the instructions of a church, on March 19, were said to have invaded the villages in a Volvo car and Toyota Hiace bus, destroying the headquarters of Ogun Province 8 of the RCCG, which is under construction.

The guard at the site said the hoodlums told him to steer clear because the land belonged to a church, which they were working for. "The thugs threatened to kill me or anybody who stood in

Yoruba union berths in UK

By Segun Ajiboye

TO forge a common front with a platform to uphold their cultural heritage in the Diaspora, Yoruba people in the United Kingdom (UK) have launched the Oodua People's Union (OPU).

At the ceremony, which was held at Unit 9-14, Nice Business Park, Sylan Gove, London, the group's National Coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, admonished Yoruba residents in the UK to see themselves as one big family.

He said: "The formation of OPU is significant in two ways: First, it will serve as a platform for all Yoruba sons and daughters in the UK to contribute to the development of our fatherland. From today, the Yoruba people all over the world will hope to tap from the abundant human resources available in all of you, hoping that you will collectively rise in defence of any member who faces injustice or needs any assistance.

"Secondly, the union is born when major events all over the world point to dangerous directions that demand you to clearly identify with your root to survive the potential dangers of racism, tribalism and religious bigotry that are tormenting the modern world. Fortunately, in Yoruba land, we are too civilised to indulge in these shameful conducts."

"It is only in Yoruba land that you can see members of the same family practise different religions and yet, still live in peace and harmony, eat from the same plate and pursue family interest without any sign of religious difference," Adams added.

Among the dignitaries present were Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo, Olu of Owode-Egba; Oba Mukaila Salako; Oba Michael Ayinde Oderinde, Olu of Sawonjo; Oba E. Olanuloye, of Igbogila; Arc. Mobolaji Falase, President, Yoruba Council of Elders, Europe and USA, and Councillor Adedamola Aminu, Deputy Mayor of Lambert Council.

Afro juju crooner, Sir Shina Peters and Fuji music act, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma entertained guests.

By Uyoatta Eshiet

their way and boasted that nothing would happen because, according to them, they and the police have been 'heavily settled' to look the other way".

In its petition to the IGP, the RCCG urged him to intervene before the matter got out of hand.

The RCCG claimed that it has a Certificate of Occupancy numbered 025748, dated November 7, 2006 issued by the Ogun State government.

Wondering why another church was trespassing on the land, RCCG in 2004, sought to settle the matter amicably with the presiding pastor of the other church.

In a letter, signed by the Assistant General Overseer

(AGO), Admin/Personnel of the RCCG, Pastor A. O. Akindele, the church wrote: "It has come to our notice that your organisation is inadvertently trespassing on the piece of land measuring about 40 acres on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, precisely at Oloke Area. We wish to inform you that this parcel of land belongs to the RCCG and we have been on the land for more than four years.

"We shall appreciate your prompt intervention and Godly directive to one Alhaji who has held himself out as your agent, to desist forthwith from continuing with the trespass".

The RCCG, he said, also sought the help of the Ogun State government which invited both parties in an attempt at settling the

• Site of the demolished church

dispute.

At a meeting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the government said the RCCG, which has the Certificate of

Occupancy, is the rightful owner of the land. The meeting also warned the alleged trespasser-church to leave the land.

Despite this resolution, the said church and its agents allegedly demolished the RCCG's structure on the land.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS Aregbesola blames slow growth on leadership

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•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi shaking an intending pupil, Adebisi Toriola, during the registration of primary schoolage children for the 2013/2014 Academic Session in Emure-Ekiti... on Thursday. With them are Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu (right); Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Kehinde Ojo (on Fayemi’s right) and others.

SUN State Governor Rauf Argbesola has said “weak leadership” is responsible for the nation’s slow development.

He said Africa’s underdevelopment was not due to inferiority to other races.

Argbesola spoke at the public presentation of a book, Work in Progress, by the Osun Development Agenda (ODA) at the Centre for Technology Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife. The governor said there was no historical evidence that other races were superior to blacks.

He said his administration plans to improve the future of the people through quality education.

Aregbesola said: “The priority of our government is on elementary education, which is the most important aspect of human life. If the elementary education is weak, there is no education at all.

“Apart from the provision of infrastructure in schools, we offer free school uniforms and distribute tablets of knowledge (Opon Imo). We have also increased bursary payment and grants for primary and secondary schools.

“Our best intervention in education is the Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme, through which we give the pupils delicious meals. We met 180,000 pupils in public schools in 2010 and

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

now we have over 350,000 pupils.

The convener, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the book was published to review and document the economic, social and political transformation of Osun in the last two and a half years, which were brought about by the Aregbesola administration’s Six Integral Action Plan.

National Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Issa Aremu, in his lecture, “Class Politics and Democratic Development,” said the book captured the “commitment” of the Aregbesola administration towards improving the standard of living.

Lamenting the closing down of many textile companies, Aremu said money needed to service the local economy was being transferred abroad through importation of clothes.

He said Nigeria’s economy might not grow until the government implements policies to enable the country produce its basic needs locally.

Chairman of the occasion and Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande, who was represented by Wale Oshun, said the evidence of development in Osun was physical.

Save me from Obasanjo and Daniel, PDP chieftain begs court

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PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has urged the Federal High Court, Lagos, to restrain security agencies from arresting him.

He alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor Gbenga Daniel had been pressuring security agencies to arrest him because of an advertorial, in which he accused Obasanjo of being behind PDP’s crisis.

Kashamu said they also wanted to force his arrest because of a statement made by a civil society organisation concerning the alleged mass murder of some students in Ogun “through the use of government apparatus” during Daniel’s tenure.

He said he went into hiding because of the threat to his life.

In a fundamental rights enforcement action, Kashamu sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP); the DirectorGeneral of the State Security Service (SSS), the Economic

By Joseph Jibueze

and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Daniel, Mr. Kola Onadipe and Obasanjo.

Kashamu sought a declaration that the police, the SSS and the EFCC cannot lawfully arrest, detain, harass or threaten to arrest him on the basis of the “pressure mounted by Daniel, Onadipe and Obasanjo”.

He said the respondents made “contrived complaints” against him concerning a statement he made about Obasanjo’s secret political manoeuvres against PDP’s unity and integrity.

Kashamu sought a declaration that the threat to arrest and detain him by the respondents is a breach of his right to liberty.

He urged the court to declare that the police, SSS and EFCC are statutorily obliged to investigate alleged surreptitious acts by Obasanjo that “could destabilise peace and good governance in Nigeria”.

Lagos begins immunisation Oteri said N113 million duty was collected on 1,121 vehicles.

He said: “It is pertinent to mention that we arrested a suspect with fake documents for smuggled vehicles recently. Investigation is ongoing and we believe it will help burst a syndicate that specialises in forging customs documents.”

I

MMUNISATION against polio, yellow fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B and measles begins in Lagos today. It will end on Friday.

Speaking with reporters at the weekend, Commissioner for Health Jide Idris said immunisation was the most cost-effective strategy in disease prevention and urged parents to take children below one year to the nearest primary health centres to them for vaccination.

Ogun appoints 26 headteachers, 67 assistants HE Ogun State Teach-

T

ing Service Commission (TESCOM) has appointed 26 headteachers, 67 assistant headteachers and seven zonal secretaries.

TESCOM Chairman Ms. Olubukunola Onabanjo said the appointments were to improve school administration in the next academic year.

Speaking at the induction of the appointees, Ms. Onabanjo

urged them to be diligent, resourceful, dynamic and innovative.

The TESCOM boss urged them to establish a good relationship with their co-workers and shun collection of illegal levies.

TESCOM Commissioner 1 Otunba Timothy Adebowale said the appointments were based on merit.

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) aspirants are jostling for the Senate in the Delta Central District. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines their strengths and weaknesses.

12 jostle for Senate in Delta Central T

HE 12 senatorial aspirants are household names in Delta State.

They are more popular in their senatorial district, Delta Central, because of their involvement in community work, track record of excellence in their professions and philanthropic activities. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not fixed a date for the byeelection, the campaigns are intense.

The seat became vacant on June 30,following the death of the charismatic politician, Senator Pius Ewherido, who represented the zone on the platform of the PDP. He was the only DPP senator out of 109 senators. The deceased hailed from the Urhobo ethnic group. In fact, Urhobo constitute the Delta Central District.

Therefore, the election is an Urhobo affair. Ewherido’s kinsmen believed that he was a good representative of the race and district in the Upper Chamber. Thus, his death was mourned by them during the valedictory session organised by the Urhobo Progressives Congress (UPC).

Apart from the DPP, which is working assiduously to retain the seat, the PDP and APC are also not relenting in their efforts to fill the slot. They parade good credential. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has told the PDP aspirants to go to the field to canvass for support, promising to be neutral.

The aspirants from the DPP include Mr. Ede Dafinone, Chief Richard Odibo and Chief Napoleon Gbinije.

The senatorial election is very important to the DPP. If it retains the seat, it will be a boost to the career of its leader, Chief Great Ogboru, a veteran governorship candidate. He has managed to keep his support base intact, despite the vicissitudes of politics.

The PDP aspirants are Chief Ighoyota Amori, Chief Ovie OmoAgege, Chief Emmanuel Aguriavwodo, Chief Fred Majemote, Mr. Solomon Edoja, Mr. Andrew Oru and Chief Maxmiller Orido. It has been painful to the PDP chieftains in the Central District that the seat had

eluded them since 2011. Therefore, they are putting in more efforts to win the slot. However, post-primary crisis may polarise their ranks. For now, there are two APC aspirants. They are Chief O’tega Emerho and Mr. Festus Keyamo. More aspirants may still emerge.

the Senate”. Some PDP leaders, who are pushing for a consensus candidacy have Majemite in mind. However, it appears that the aspirants will have to slug it out at the primaries.

Keyamo

Amori He is one of the respected leaders of UPC. He is an experienced politician.

Between 1999 and 2007, Amori was the Commissioner for Education in the state. The UPC leader is currently the Political Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. His peers are Seantor Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator James Manager. In 2011, he was a strong contender for the seat in the PDP. But the opportunity slipped away because Ewherido got the peoples’ support. It has been Amori’s ambition to be a Senator, but his ambitionnhas divided his ethnic group again. Some have approached him and appealed to him to jettison the aspiration. But the consummate politician has said that he will not withdraw from the race. He explained that those interested in the race had been advised to come for the UPC’s assessment. Amori exuded confidence, saying that he will win at the PDP primaries.

UPC is a powerful and influential group and sources said that the association may support the PDP during the poll, based on mutual conditions.

However, the unions’ Youth leader, Jaro Egbo, said that it may be difficult to market the Special Adviser. He warned that a situation whereby five Urhobo are in the race in the PDP may breed acrimony, adding that an unpopular candidate may emerge, owing to vote split. He said, if the PDP fails to put its house in order, APC or DPP may snatch victory.

Omo-Agege Omo-Agege is a former Commissioner for Special Duties and Secretary to Government. He emerged as the SSG when he lost the PDP prima-

• Majemite

• Omo-Agege

ries to Uduaghan. Under former Governor James Ibori, he was an Executive Assistant. In Delta, it is common knowledge that Obarisi Omo-Agege has governorship ambition. But the Urhobo elders may have drafted him into the race.

The politician has a solid background in ethnic politics, his late father, Justice James Omo-Agege, being the brain behind the creation of new wards in Urhoboland. He was a community patriot when he was alive. His son continued in his shoes as a defender of the race. In fact, he used his connection to influence many projects in the district as a close ally of Ibori.

While declaring his ambition in an advertorial, he said he had joined the race to serve his people.

But there are some people who feel that Omo-Agege is an inconsistent and desperate politician. They recalled that he had defected to the defunct Action Congress (AC) to fight for the governorship in 2011, but failed. Following that political misfortune, he retraced his steps. His followers were confused.

Some of them went back, but some remained in the opposition. The AC family was pained by his exit. They felt that he should have continued to build the party and position himself

• Keyamo

for future electoral onslaught.

Aguriavwodo He is a rich politician. The former House of Representatives member had served as the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission. During his tenure, he facilitated the siting of many projects to the Urhobo communities. The feeling among his supporters is that he should be compensated with the seat.

Majemite He is a veteran senatorial contender.

The former Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development vied for the position in 2003, but lost to the more experienced Olorogun Felix Ibru. Currently, he is one of the governor’s political advisers. Ten years ago, he had indicated interest in the race. He has the structure and networks. But the former UPC leader, the late Chief Benjamin Okumagba, prevailed on him to step down for Ibru.

Justifying his ambition, Majemite said: “I know the needs of our people. As a lawyer, I know the law making process. I am going there to position the Urhobo in the main stream of Nigerian politics and give them a voice in

Lagos lawyer Keyamo is a civil rights activist and anti-corruption crusader.

He learned law and activism at the feet of the legendary luminary, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN). He is bold and brave. Few months ago, he had joined the governorship race. He said that he was on a rescue mission.

However, Keyamo unfolded his senatorial ambition, following Ewherido’s death. He said he would radicalise the Senate, if voted as a senator. Recently, the lawyer claimed that he had been endorsed by party men. His rival disputed it. He has a hurdle to cross, which is the primaries. He is new in politics, although he claimed that he now has a solid structure. If he wins the race, he will face PDP and DPP candidates at the poll. Many agree that, if Keyamo becomes a senator, he will be an outstanding legislator in the Upper Chamber.

Edoja Edoja is a member of the House of Representatives. He is a former Adviser on Inter-Party Relations and Commissioner for Special Duties. A great urhobo son, he is popular among the youths and market women.

Dafinone He is the son of the great Urhobo leader, Senator David dafinone. He lost the tocket to the deceased politician in the DPP in 2011. Dafinone is an accomplished accountant and businessman like his illustrious father. Recently, a group of elders endorsed the board guru, claiming that he understood the problems and needs of the district.

Odibo Odibo is a grassroots politician. He •Continued on page 18

Battle for National Secretary splits Lagos, Osun PDP

By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

• Oyinlola

C

RISIS is brewing between the Lagos and Osun states Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the choice of the Acting National Secretary. Efforts by the Southwest Caretaker Committee led by the Acting Zonal Chairman, Mr. Deji Doherty, to broker peace between the two warring chapters have not succeeded. PDP stakeholders in the zone fear that the acrimony may affect unity and reconciliation efforts in the region.

The Osun State PDP Chairman, Mr. Gani Olaoluwa, had criticised the Lagos leaders of the party for hijacking the slot, claiming that it was zoned

to his state. Party chieftains also alleged that the Lagos PDP leader, Commodore Bode George (rtd) influenced the appointment of Dr. Remi Akitoye from Lagos as the Acting Secretary, in replacement for Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who was shoved aside from the National Executive Committee (NEC) last year.

Olaoluwa said that Osun State should have produced the Acting Secretary because the former Secretary hails from the state. He therefore, called for the removal of Akitoye to pave the way for the emergence of another chieftain from Osun to occupy the office. He said the move will foster fairness, justice and harmony in the zone.

Ahead of last year’s disputed national convention, the position of the National Vice Chairman (Southwest) was zoned to Ekiti State. The position of the Secretary was zoned to Osun. The National Auditor was zoned to Ogun.

Former Ekiti State Governor Segun

Oni emerged as the Vice Chairman.

Oyinlola became the Secretary. But following complaints by some Southwest PDP chieftains, Oni was removed. Oyinlola was also removed from office in controversial circumstances. Although the electoral commission did not void his election, unlike other 16 national officers, the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has refused to reinstate him.

His case on the issue is still in court, although he has now emerged as the national Secretary of the Kawu Baraje’s faction. Reflecting on his removal, the former Osun State governor said he lost his seat because he is an associate of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Three months ago, when reality dawned on the Southwest PDP that Oyinlola may not be reinstated, the stakeholders endorsed Prof. Wole Oladipo, a chieftain from Osun, for the position. In fact, five states-Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo and Ogun-had agreed to elect him as the Secretary at

the recent convention. Lagos PDP officers shunned the zonal meeting at Ibadan, Oyo State, where the decision was taken. But the election into the office did not hold due to the protracted litigation arising from Oyinlola’s removal. Therefore, the National Working Committee (NWC) asked Akitoye to continue as the Acting Secretary.

Olaoluwa said that, based on the zoning principle, Akitoye is not eligible for the position. “It is inappropriate”, he said, adding that Osun had been short-changed.

However, Lagos PDP has fired back, saying that the call for Akitoye’s removal was belated and borne out of mischief. The Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, berated Olaoluwa for parochialism and faulted the choice of Oladipo for the position by the Southwest congress. He said the claim that the former university don was endorsed for the position was false and unacceptable to the Lagos chapter. He also said that Olaoluwa has failed to understand the provisions of the PDP

‘Section 14(5) states that, where a vacancy occurs on any of the offices of the party, the committee shall appoint a substitute from the zone where the officer originates, pending the conduct if the election to fill the vacancy.

The provision of Section 14(5) is unequivocal that a consequential substitute can only come from the zone and not reduced to the state’

Constitution on the filling of vacant positions in the INEC. Gani cited Section 13(5) and 14(5) of the PDP Constitution to buttress his argument, submitting that Akitoye’s choice complied with the law. He said the alternate recommendation by Olaoluwa could undermine the Southwest PDP. The Publicity Secretary stressed: “Section 14(5) states that, where a vacancy occurs on any of the offices of the party, the committee shall appoint a substitute from the zone where the officer originates, pending the conduct if the election to fill the vacancy.

“The provision of Section 14(5) is unequivocal that a consequential substitute can only come from the zone and not reduced to the state. It is thus unintelligent to argue that the Acting National Secretary must emerge from Osun State per se. Moreover, Lagos State is even better strategically positioned to be preferred above Osun State because, unlike Osun State, Lagos State delivered victory to the party in the last presidential election”.

Gani urged Olaoluwa to concentrate his efforts on how to reconcile the PDP factions in Osun, instead of acting against the wish of the party. He said: “We are convinced that the National Chairman of the PDP is comfortable with the services and support of the current Acting National Secretary”.

18

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

POLITICS Former House of Representatives member Usman Isah Ambaka spoke with BUKOLA AMUSAN on the zoning principle in Nasarawa State and other partisan issues.

‘ KWASIEC released fake results’ All Progressives Congress (APC)chairmanship candidate for the Offa Local Government re-run election Saheed Popoola spoke with AUGUSTINE AVWODE on the controversy that has trailed the election.

2015: ‘It’s turn of Nasarawa North to produce governor’ H H

OW would you assess the re cent development in Nasarawa State?

There have been good political developments in the state. I say this because people are becoming more conscientised. They want to know and enforce their political rights.

Their consciousness of what to expect from the government has also grown. Where the government is going wrong and where the government need to sit up. So, as far as that aspect is concerned, Nasarawa State is developing, especially, in the areas of physical infrastructure. In short, we are beginning to see the dividends of democracy in the state, unlike what obtained in the past.

What I am saying is that the the present government has scored a pass mark as far as physical development is concerned.

This is the era of politicking, are you satisfied with the zoning structure in the state ?

I want to believe that the zoning arrangement is about to be thwarted or violated because of the quest of the incumbent governor to go for a second term. I believe the concept of zoning is what is sustaining the system nationally. So, in Nasarawa State, the Nasarawa South West Senatorial District produced the first democratically elected governor in the person of Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu now a sitting Senator. He served for two terms from 1999 to 2007 without any rancour and without any struggle. It then shifted to Nasarawa South in 2007. Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma from Nasarawa South emerged as the Governor without any struggle because we believe we ought to respect the zoning arrangement so that stability will be ensured and development can be guaranteed.

He was supposed to have come back for a second term from 2011 to date but unfortunately something happened somewhere and he was edged out and we have the incumbent governor who is also from the same zone but from a different party, the CPC. Normally, for the spirit of oneness and for the spirit of democracy and the principle of zoning, we believe that zone has finished its own turn. We now bring it to Nasarawa North which is already waiting for the incumbent governor to finish his term so that it can take over. But now that the governor wants to come back again, it would mean a violation of the zoning policy in the state.

We are, however, saying that there is the need to respect the principle of zoning and respect that gentleman’s agreement. We are saying that we should allow Nasarawa North to produce the next governor of the state in the spirit of fairness and equity. Our argument is that Nasarawa South has finished their term, irrespective of the party, whether its PDP, APGA or whatever, they have done their two terms.

If he wants to come back again it means Nasarawa South would rule the state for 12 years. That is total violation of the principle of zoning and the spirit of living together.

I am from Nasarawa North, and if I don’t speak out now posterity will judge me. I am a stakeholder and I feel this thing has to be corrected.

Anybody can come from Nasarawa North and be the governor, but all I want is that the zoning arrangement should be respected. That is why I am appealing to the incumbent governor and all the stakeholders in Nasarawa State to consider and reconsider the second term ambition

of the incumbent governor to cede power to Nasarawa North. Let the North produce the next governor irrespective of the party.

Has the governor publicly declared his intention to re-contest?

It is obvious that he is coming back and because I know its not as easy as it is for you to just relinquish such a lucrative position. It takes a whole lot, a man of his words and a man that is not given to power. There are indicators and from what I see from his body language, he is sure to seek a re-election. I am a politician and I have been in the system. There are some things somebody will do that will tell you that he is still interested in coming back. The way things are going it has become apparent that he wants to contest. But whatever it is, he has the right to contest, being an indigene of the state. But we are appealing, that it is not right for him to contest again because of this zoning arrangement on the ground.

If other zones have not relinquished the position he wouldn’t have the opportunity to contest, or rather, he would have contested with people from other zones. But because of the respect we have for that arrangement we allowed him to contest, and that is why we produced him today. So, he should as a gentleman, also respect that arrangement and give the next slot to Nasarawa North. That is my appeal to him and that is my appeal to all stakeholders in Nasarawa State.

All those that have the yearnings of Nasarawa State at heart, all those that will want to see development in Nasarawa State, should allow this zoning principle to get to certain level. By the time we are fully matured and developed, all the advanced democracies of the world observe zoning in principle, so why can’t we adopt same? I am appealing to his Excellency and all the stakeholders in Nasarawa State to consider Nasarawa North and now is the time for us to do it.

Are the stakeholders in Nasarawa North Senatorial District just sitting down and expecting the next ticket to be handed to them or they are also negotiating with the other senatorial districts?

No, the Nasarawa North Senatorial District is not just folding its arms and waiting. There are three dimensions of leadership. There are some leadership positions that you get while sitting in your room, there are some you have to go out and get, and there are some you have to fight to get. So, these dimensions of leadership is what is applicable now in Nasarawa State in the zone. There are some that believe that if it is our time, it will come our way. That the governor and the people of Nasarawa South ,will feel it is right

‘Anybody can come from Nasarawa North and be the governor, but all I want is that the zoning arrangement should be respected. That is why I am appealing to the incumbent governor and all the stakeholders in Nasarawa State to consider and reconsider the second term ambition of the incumbent governor to cede power to Nasarawa North’

• Ambaka

to give it to Nasarawa North. Some believe that we have to stand up and work for it while some believe we have to fight for it. But I believe in the principle that if leadership is not given to me, I will fight for it and that is why I am speaking, not on behalf of Nasarawa North, but as a native of Nasarawa North. If others feel they should fold their arms and wait, then so be it. But I believe that I have to struggle for whatever I want and for whatever is right for me. But I am not struggling for myself but for the sake of posterity. Even if this is not achieved now, it will be on record in history that one Hon Ambaka spoke out.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered four more partiesd, what does this portend for democracy in the country?

It is one of the beautiful things that have happened to this country. We have been having oppositions upon oppositions unlike the first republic where the parties had their stronghold in the regions. Apart from that period, we have never had a situation whereby there has been one credible opposition like the emergence of the APC. This registration will bring back the dignity of Nigerians as far as democracy is concerned. APC as a party we believe will check the excesses as well as the propensities of the ruling PDP and put it on its toes. No leadership is strong, if it does not have constructive opposition. The situation now is that it is either APC takes over the government and the PDP becomes the opposition or APC will remain a leach on the PDP to ensure that the party stays away from iniquities.

But it’s has been argued in some quarters that the emergence of APC could be likened to pouring an old wine in a new bottle, do you have a contrary opinion?

Whatever their definition, the bottom line and most fundamental thing is that three different opposition parties agreed to collapse into one. Of course, it could be same old wine, but the perception is different.

The new branding would give it a new focus and it will keep the ruling PDP on its toe. The fact that there are some people out there watching it and expect them to right the wrongs. Yes, it could be old wine in a new bottle ,but all we want to achieve is to check the excesses of the ruling party and ensure that things are done right.

OW would you describe the experience you have just had? For me as a person, it is a very bad experience. But the fact really is that it is not even as bad for me as it is for Nigeria. Without mincing words I would say this kind of development is not good at all for our democracy. And it is in this regard that I believe that we all need to pray a lot for this country and the democracy we say we are practicing now.

Were the results announced at the various polling booths?

Yes, they were announced at the polling booths. All the results were declared there and then. We have 86 polling booths in Ofa Local Government and the results were declared at each and every unit and everybody heard the results, copied them and kept them in their possession. At the collation centre of each ward, results were declared, at the centre that is, the local government secretariat, the results were already collated and were ready for announcement but the Returning Officer absconded. So they carried the results to Ilorin. But instead of the Returning Officer to announce the results in Ilorin, it was the chairman of Kwara State Independent national Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) that announced the results and you just wonder, who really, is the Returning Officer for the election is. As at now, nobody knows. I want to tell you sincerely that the election was peaceful, and there was no problem at all throughout the period of the election. So, nothing could have warranted the announcement of the results from Ilorin, instead of the spot where the election took place at Offa. The results KWASIEC released are false and bogus.

The Commissioner of Police in the state have appealed to those who are bitter and planning peaceful protests to shelve the idea and go to court. How do you react to the advice?

The reason why he said that, I guess, is because he knows the truth; that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election. He knows the truth but does not know how to say it. The fact is that he has the original results collated from the polling booths to the wards to the council levels. He has the original results with him and there is not counter result anywhere, not even with those people that are announcing the rubbish. But the CP and the state Director of the SSS, they have the authentic results. And since we have been declaring and announcing this result, they have not come out to fault it or say this is a contrary result. It has not happened. The only thing they have is the bogus results they have announced.

And we told them that the APC got 11, 500 plus in the election and that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) man, Mr Olanipekun got 4, 600. But curiously, they announced 35,000 for the PDP and 20,500 for me. And we are asking them, where is the breakdown of the results, nobody has it. And nobody knows. It is that bad.

The results by KWASIEC show a very wide margin of about 30,000 votes.

How do you see this?

What they are trying to do is to be smart by half. They don’t know how to rig.

If you want to rig, you do that from the cradle; you don’t rig from the head down to the bottom. That shows that they are not politically sagacious or are they perfect riggers. How can you just go and announce the results of an election in which 56,000 people voted? How long do you think it will take that number of people to cast their votes? For goodness sake, the election lasted for only four hours. Accreditation started by 8 pm and lasted till 12 pm. Then voting began till 4 pm and it was over. The question is how long does it take one person to vote?

That is the question KWASIEC must be ready to answer. They will have to tell the world how it was possible for 56000 people to vote within four hours in 86 polling booths. So can see that they are very dumb and they are not calculated riggers. That is their headache anyway. We are hitting them hard now by telling the whole world. Apart from the fact that they don’t know what they are doing, we want to expose their folly and diabolical intentions. We owe it a duty to save the nations democracy from the hand of those who want to hijack it for their selfish agenda. We all must keep in view the fact that 2015 is just by the corner.

Are you going to heed the advice of the CP by exploring the legal option?

The CP is not in a position to advise us on what to do. We know what to do and when to do it and where to do it. Even before the election we were in court in a pre-election matter. As I speak with you now, that matter is in the Court of Appeal, and we believe that we would get our judgment at the Court of Appeal.

When the Tribunal was constituted, though we have our reservations about it but we would still go before it. We are going to do that because we are law abiding citizens of the state and the nation.

What would be your appeal to the people at home?

We are a peace loving people; I will appeal to them to remain peaceful. If APC supporters were not to be a set of peaceful people, you could have heard of violence in the area long before now. We are the cheated party, bet we try to call our people together and appeal to them to exercise restraint. We are more than them, they know that. In the event of any violence, it will be so bad for them because we outnumber significantly. And the question to ask is why would anyone resort to violence, because of election? I have been chairman before for two years. We love our people, we love our community and we will continue to champion their cause and come 2015, we are going to take over the state.

•Popoola

Crowded senatorial race in Delta Central •Continued from page 17

is versed in Delta politics. The politician has worked for the success of governors, senators, House of Representatives members and council chairmen. He is very active on the field as a strategist.

Gbinije He is a former federal legislator under the PDP. But in 2007, he left the party after losing the primaries to Joyce Overah. Since then, the businessman has been a member of the DPP.

Emerhor The banker and insurance magnate is a force to be reckon with in the race.

Since registration of the APC, he has been up and doing, mobilising support and wooing many people into the fold. He is experienced, matured and accommodating to party members.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

19

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Who will be left in Egypt?

Extortion by another name • What Nigerians need is uninterrupted power supply, not NERC’s levy on generators

L

AST week, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, took steps to ensure stricter regulation of the generator-import trade with the publication of the ‘Guidelines for obtaining Clearance Certificate for the importation of generating sets and related matters’.

Among its many highlights, one that perhaps stands out is the new regime of levies imposed on different categories of imported generators. Henceforth, a unit of 100KVA generator would attract a N25,000 levy; those between 25kva and 100kva – N3,500. For the smaller generators with capacities ranging between 5kva and 25kva, theirs is a levy of N1,000; and for those between 2.5kva and 5kva, it is N250; even those between 0.45 Kva and 2.5 Kva are not left out; theirs is a levy of N150.

NERC also set the fee for the renewal of import licenses at 10 per cent of the fee paid on the initial certificate.

The guidelines, according to NERC chairman, Sam Amadi, cover every import from fully assembled generators to knocked-down parts, either for domestic assembly or retail as spares. To qualify for generator-import license, NERC expects importers to submit annual report of generating sets or knocked-down parts imported by them in the last 12 months.

The report is expected to cover details about capacity and the number sold.

Considering the lack of regulation in the trade, the new guidelines would seem inevitable. And, to the extent that the

country has today become a huge dumping ground for all kinds of generators, with scant considerations for quality and environmental standards, such measures are most welcome to sanitise that subsector of our foreign trade.

But the more fundamental question is whether the NERC guidelines are altogether altruistic – borne of concerns for safety, consumer interest or the environment. This is very much in doubt. Indeed, it seems driven more by revenue than anything else. To start with, the much we know is that the responsibility for enforcing quality and environmental standards does not reside with NERC – that responsibility, with due respect, lies with another agency – the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

What does the measure seek to achieve? To discourage importation of generators? If it is – we consider it flawed – to put it mildly. The point to note here is that generator-trade didn’t become big business in the country because Nigerians love the purring of their generators; or that they hated the inept Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Nigeria became the world’s leading importer of generators because the government failed to guarantee public power supply.

For the power-starved citizens forced to purchase generators, either for business or pleasure, the levy amounts to double jeopardy –in the event of being forced to pay additional costs without guarantees of improved public power supply. Perhaps, only NERC can afford to revel in

the folly of imagining that the levy is a disincentive to the trade without the government seriously addressing the demand-supply gap.

Much as NERC needs funds to run its operations, we do not think that the way to go is the extortionate path that seeks to take from the citizens in return for nothing. The idea that NERC can impose just about any levy because it has the powers to do so – without considerations for what is fair, equitable and just, is wrong. Nigerians didn’t ask to be rid of their corrupt and inept PHCN only to find themselves in the bosom of an inconsiderate regulator. It would be a good idea for NERC to shelve the levy until when electricity consumers are availed the clear choice in public electricity supply. At this time, it is still premature.

‘For the power-starved citizens forced to purchase generators, either for business or pleasure, the levy amounts to double jeopardy –in the event of being forced to pay additional costs without guarantees of improved public power supply.

Perhaps, only NERC can afford to revel in the folly of imagining that the levy is a disincentive to the trade without the government seriously addressing the demand-supply gap’

Lessons from outside •Nigeria relies on foreigners to drive its educational policy!

F

OR a nation that likes to stress its sovereignty, it is strange that Nigeria continues to depend so heavily on the goodwill of others to achieve fundamental national development goals.

The latest example of this anomaly occurred in Abuja when the former British Prime Minister, Mr Gordon Brown, outlined a series of financial initiatives designed to boost the country’s Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme.

Speaking in his capacity as the United Nations (UN) Special Envoy on Global Education, Brown told a conference on Accelerating Progress in the Attainment of Education for All in Nigeria that about US $500 million would be ploughed into the UBE over the next few years by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Development Commission of the European Union, the

‘It is ironic that the outside world appears to value educational development in Nigeria more than Nigerians themselves. The envisaged contributions to the UBE by multilateral funding agencies reflect the international community’s understanding of the importance of education in the maintenance of international peace and security. As the Boko Haram scourge has tragically shown, the less educated a populace is, the more susceptible it will be to being used in the perpetration of large-scale violence’

United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, and the Global Partnership for Education.

What is galling is not so much the infusion of foreign funds, but the palpable inability of successive Nigerian administrations to give education the priority it so obviously deserves. The country’s educational statistics are a veritable disaster area. Nigeria has a literacy rate of 48.66 per cent. Over 10 million of its children are out of school, the highest number in the world. Its citizens enjoy about nine years of schooling, which is lower than the sub-Saharan African average of 9.3 years. Educational institutions are beset by infrastructural decay, poor funding, widespread cynicism, corruption and despondency, all of which have resulted in several industrial actions by teachers. Currently, the country’s federal and state-owned universities have been closed for several weeks due to a strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The UBE programme has been in existence since 1999, but its impact is mixed, at best. There has been conflict with states and local governments that have constitutional responsibility for overseeing primary education, especially where the UBE Commission did not consult benefitting states about their proposed interventions. Primary school teachers continually complain of delayed salaries and the inadequacy of teaching inputs. Many parents and guardians have voted with their feet and sought admission for their children and wards in private schools.

It is ironic that the outside world appears to value educational development in Nigeria more than Nigerians themselves.

The envisaged contributions to the UBE

by multilateral funding agencies reflect the international community’s understanding of the importance of education in the maintenance of international peace and security. As the Boko Haram scourge has tragically shown, the less educated a populace is, the more susceptible it will be to being used in the perpetration of large-scale violence. On the other hand, the more educated a people are, the better-equipped they are to take active roles in the overall development of their nation.

It is time for Nigerian governments at the federal, state and local government levels to take education much more seriously than they hitherto have. The current practice of building model schools should be accelerated to cater for the country’s growing population, and should be adapted to the cultural norms of specific parts of the country. Greater effort should be made to ensure that all schools are properly equipped, resourced and staffed. Educational professionals should be given better salaries and conditions of service in order to attract and retain talented individuals. In obtaining funding, increased attention should be paid to the concerns of donor agencies, especially regarding transparency and accountability in the management of funds.

In addition, there must be a readjustment of cultural attitudes away from the acquisition of wealth to educational attainment as the ideal goal of citizenship.

A country where rapacious selfenrichment is celebrated at the expense of everything else cannot provide fertile grounds for sustained educational development.

T

WO years after thousands of Egyptian protesters risked their lives to bring down the dictator Hosni Mubarak, the military-controlled government in Cairo is expanding a repressive system that may ultimately be worse than the one Mr. Mubarak built and managed.

On Thursday, with much of the world distracted by Syria, the Egyptian generals and the civilian officials they have appointed extended a countrywide state of emergency for two months. And after overthrowing Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first freely elected president, two months ago and trying to crush his Muslim Brotherhood allies, security forces have also begun to round up other dissenters, a chilling warning that no Egyptians should feel safe if they dare to challenge authority.

That was not the kind of country that most Egyptians envisioned during the 2011 revolution when they sought democracy and freedom and demanded jobs and education.

The repression and intolerance will ensure more instability and make it impossible for Egypt to revive its economy and play a constructive role in the region.

The 1950s-era state of emergency law, which removes the right to a trial and curbs on police abuses, was for decades a hated symbol of Mr. Mubarak’s excesses. Although the law stayed on the books, the state of emergency was suspended after Mr. Mubarak’s overthrow.

The military leadership revived it last month and has extended it until November, citing the security problems that have only grown worse since Mr. Morsi’s ouster.

Just as troubling, the government has moved from singling out the Brotherhood and other Islamists to going after liberal and left-leaning activists and journalists. The April 6 group, which has been praised internationally for its role in the movement that brought down Mr. Mubarak, said Wednesday that police had raided a local office without a warrant and detained several activists for hours.

That same day, the government also filed charges in a military court against Ahmed Abu Deraa, a journalist covering Northern Sinai, where the military is facing growing violence

by Islamist militants and has sought to bar news coverage there. Mr. Abu Deraa’s reporting has contradicted claims from the military about operations in Sinai.

There seems to be no end to the draconian controls as the military seeks to restrain the news media, manipulate the courts, misuse security services and restrict civil society groups. If it prevents the Muslim Brotherhood from operating at all, as many expect, it will go even farther than Mr. Mubarak. The process of revising the Constitution that was put in place by the government seems as flawed as the one implemented by Mr. Morsi. The results are almost certain to be regarded by many Egyptians as illegitimate.

All this comes on top of a crackdown on peaceful demonstrators after the coup that killed more than 1,000 people. The Obama administration has quietly suspended assistance to the Egyptian government and called off military exercises, but it will soon have to decide whether to allow the transfer of other aid to the military. Given the government’s insistence on repressing its people and pursuing a self-destructive course, that money should be withheld.

– New York Times

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20

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR The blockade on the road to the Rivers State government official quarters on Thursday by the Nigeria police, thus effectively preventing the governor and his entourage from passing even when the governor came down to see if the blockade could be lifted, depicts the abysmal level of impunity and primitivism that the current administration in Aso Rock that controls the police has descended to.

Similarly, the justification of such acts by the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) through its National Publicity Secretary, is questionable because if truly they intended only to prevent access to the so-called Secretariat of the

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Blockade on Rivers’ Govt. House primitive

factional PDP, then they could have done that by sealing it off, as they did the headquarters in Abuja without resorting to closure of a major road. That they didn’t do that only revealed the apparent intention to embarrass the governor and the

over 70 former speakers of State Houses of Assembly, who had been in the state for a meeting. Such culture of impunity by this

administration can only heighten the climate of fear and violence in the land, and that is unhealthy for our democracy. When the governor of a state who is the number one citizen and the Chief Security Officer is capable of being subjected to such

Oriire LG educational policy commendable

S

IR“Appreciation of the good contributions of others humanises us all. When you recognize the goodness in others, you are actually laying the building blocks that will make mankind endure and survive, it does not diminish you, and the world is increasingly richer for it”.

It is in line with this submission of a prominent journalist, Kunle Ajibade that I want to use this medium to appreciate the giant strides of Hon. Jacob Bamigboye, chairman Interim Management Committee, Oriire Local Government, Ikoyi-Ile Oyo State in the educational sector of the local government since he became the chairman. The local government is one of the largest local governments in Oyo State in terms of land mass and population. It is rural and agrarian. Hitherto, previous administrators had unconsciously maintained the status quo ante by empowering the people in the local government through the provision of farm implements, commercial motorcycles and vehicles at a subsidised rate to encourage major occupation which were farming and transport services. Inversely, little effort was made to change the perception of the people towards education which can lead the local government out of the woods. If efforts were made, they did not yield much impact in terms of candidate’s performances in the

WAEC/NECO examinations, student’s admission into tertiary institution and increment in the number of indigenes in the workforce of Oyo State. It is so pathetic that Oriire Local Government has just two of its indigenes in the workforce of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education and in the lowest cadre.

However, the appointment of Bamigboye as interim management chairman of the local government has brought about a major change in the educational policy of the local government. He was a teacher before his appointment. This in fact could be said to be a contributory factor to the priority he gives education and for the huge success he made in this wise. As a matter of fact, the administration has been paying the SSCE NECO/WAEC fees of the SS3 students of the local government since 2011 when he became the chairman. In addition, he made it a duty to distribute writing and other learning materials to pupils and students of both public primary and secondary schools in the local government at the beginning of a new session. Besides, many blocks of classroom have been built or renovated in the last two years.

Most importantly, two strides that forced me to write to commend him perhaps are the distribution of new benches and tables to all primary schools in the local government and payment of

bursary to the students of Oriire origin in the nation’s tertiary institutions. The former is significant because the previous table and benches were withdrawn from the schools. The latter is equally important because of the number of beneficiary and the amount paid. In actual fact, students pursuing courses like medicine, engineering and law were paid N20,000 each, while students in other discipline got N10,000 each.

Although, the allowance may be meagre in view of the inflation in the country, the motive of the chairman which is to encourage

educational advancement of Oriire is commendable.

Obviously, a new chapter has been opened in the local government as far as educational pursuit is concerned with the giant strides mentioned above which is unprecedented. It is hoped that the parents would grab the opportunity and give education of their wards the priority it deserves and to stop using them as labourers in the farm, wheel-barrow pushers in the market and conductors for pick-up vans and other articulated vehicles.

• Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso.

harassments, it shows that other citizens are not safe either.

Furthermore, the penchant for disrespecting court orders on the issues at stake by the players in the PDP crisis is a clear violation of the constitution and the laws of the land; these acts of lawlessness and dictatorial tendencies must stop now.

And finally, these events in Rivers State and others across the country once more reinforces the urgent need for the creation of states and local council police, and the National Assembly in the ongoing Constitutional Review must see to it that the constitutional provisions regarding the control and deployment of police contingents are amended to accommodate this, so that every state and local government has its own police subject to its peoples representatives in the state and local assemblies. We call on the lawmakers to set aside selfish considerations and do this for the growth of this nation. This is the only way to prevent the incessant heating of the polity; it is the only lasting way to preserve our democracy and collective freedom because a situation where the entire police force of the nation is under the control of the Presidency is not healthy for a constitutional democracy, and often results in abuse of authority and powers, as we are increasingly witnessing.

• Eneruvie Enakoko Conscience Reports, Onikan, Lagos

New Dawn for transportation in Ogun

S

IR Monday, September 9, was another red letter day in the history of Ogun State. It was the day brand new taxis (‘Tear Rubber’, in local parlance) were introduced on Ogun roads by the government, the first of such since the creation of the state in 1976.

Sixty-one Nissan Almera saloon cars were introduced on Ogun highways by the Amosun-led administration. On the same day, 89 Nissan Sunny saloon cars were launched, thus bringing the total number of brand new taxis to 150.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, used his clout to negotiate and insist on a price astonishingly far below the market price for the cars!

Will Ogun State Metro Taxi Scheme

go the way of the previous schemes in the transport sector before the advent of the Amosun administration?

Certainly not. Our experience with similar initiative, the Ogun State Bus Mass Transit Scheme (BMT), inaugurated on August 23, 2012, has proved to be an outstanding success.

The 150 brand new fully airconditioned Nissan Sunny/Almera brands of vehicles, named “Igba Otun” (New Dawn), indeed, marks a new dawn in the economic development of Ogun State.

We all have at one time or the other accused our leaders of not replicating at home what they see abroad.

Well, here in Ogun, the excellent road network with modern features

you see abroad is being replicated; the flyovers; the model schools; urban renewal; opening up of rural areas; the farm estates/ plantations; direct and indirect employment generation schemes; observance of international best practices; free education; free health (Gbomoro); the brand new modern luxury buses (not ‘Tokunbos’); the air-conditioned taxis; courteous, responsible and professional drivers and conductors... Yes, Amosun is reproducing in Ogun the good things he sees abroad.

It’s a new dawn for the good people of Ogun State.

• Soyombo Opeyemi Abeokuta

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

COMMENTS

Indeed, things are falling apart I

T is becoming very evident today that in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), things are falling apart as the centre is no longer holding. A political party in power for 14 years, dominating and reigning over a nation denigrated by the many more years of military misrule is now integrated into the crisis it implanted through its unfocussed administration.

What has been the benefit of democracy to the federation under PDP? Absolutely nothing. A nation once on the pathway of greatness has been dumped into the valley of failure and letdown. Today, hardly is anything working.

Nigeria remains down infrastructural. Power? Education?

Agriculture? Jobs? Security? Just name it; it has been a story of lost glories. Notwithstanding the opinionated fabrication of some ministers that ought to be rolled off with the nine fired last week, the economy has collapsed.

Nigeria is not where it should be today because of lack of leadership of value. The government in power will only be narrating figures on performances, and not the reality of impact on the lives of the citizens. Few months ago when President Goodluck Jonathan was marking his administration’s mid-year, he had nothing to deliver than a presentation of worthless publication that no serious Nigerian bothered to analyse.

The undependable environment here has been discouraging economic growth. Viable and serious foreign investors would prefer even a less endowed country to a place of deteriorating infrastructure, absolute corruption and security uncertainties. Today, many remarkable manufacturing companies had discarded Nigeria for Ghana or other smaller neighbouring countries. This is why the once-flourishing textile industry in the country is dead. Today too, many of those in power would crave their children attending schools in Ghana than here at home where institutions are shut down for months simply because of strikes over government laxity in education development.

Now, in several parts of the nation, not many would sleep with both eyes closed. Where Boko Haram terrorists are not slaughtering the innocents, kidnappers or armed robbers would be stealing the peace and joy of the undefended. Those who pretend to be contended with what is going on are chiefly those seizing opportunity to steal the good of the land.

T

HE system that fed Daniel Oikhena’s foreign fetish functions unhindered as official and unofficial responses to the 13 year-old’s illegal attempt via Arik Air’s wheel compartment to land in his cherished United States of America indicate. Attention appeared devoted to excising wanderlust from the fresh-faced teenager when the escapade symptomises a growing socio-cultural malaise.

Isolating the popular stowaway from rampant cases of desert ‘pilgrimages’ and stormy Mediterranean voyage to hostile ports of Italy and Spain elevated official negligence to high art.

Daniel’s late August emanation as Lagos State’s non-august visitor highlighted the country’s lingering state of dysfunction from decades of poor leadership as demonstrated by incendiary approach to the 2015 general elections and slipshod handling of a national strike by university lecturers. Despite efforts by the authorities to manage the Daniel affair, the notoriety of illegal emigration and near-collapse of the national structure clearly erode national ethos.

What does the Nigerian desperately seek to get away from?

Why did Daniel lack counsel? Are the allegations of maltreatment, despite his parents’ denial, true? How did the lad manage to replicate a stunt from at least one of the American films he may have watched? Are movie stunts, shorn of technological garb, simple enough to be replicated anywhere?

I digress with the latter query, subject to the reader’s indulgence, of course. Nonetheless, I will submit a solution.

Not necessarily deploying common formula that parents and guardians limit the hours children spend in front of the TV as wholesale aping of Nollywood actors and American superstars little accentuate development of the young mind. Wards with fertile imagination and more than a healthy dose of adventure and iron will, as young Daniel’s demeanour implied, also require special attention from teachers as well.

But by what means should these traits be determined? Well, I leave that to the experts. What if the relevant ministries and child welfare agencies in the land are, in common with other ministries and government agencies, staffed by political appointees? Then we shall have to do things right for once, shan’t we?

In place of the more temporary curtail of adolescent daydreaming, let the state address obsolete facilities and wield the big stick on errant officials. Let the system support parenthood with roles as correct as possible. And let negative impact of American popular culture on Nigerian youth through social networking sites, fashion, music, films and language be countered with indigenous language, art and cultural material packaged for or not for profit by experts with government supervision.

To refine young minds and achieve analytical depth, leisure should transcend late-hour frolic. Tours to amusement arcades, recreation centres and theme parks could compete with trips to shopping malls, nightclubs and bars. Thoughtful movies, cultured music and exciting games at film theatres, art galleries and secure stadia should displace the drumbeats of war.

From 1999 till now, civil rule has been much in name only as democracy. The afflictions that have drowned the country have not manifest good governance of the people by the people for the people. Rather, it has been civilian rules of few elite for the personal benefits of the scanty.

Corruption has been so deeply embedded to drag the masses down to penury in the midst of plenty.

Beyond being partisan, PDP has not made positive and hopeful impacts on the nation that could make it a worthy political party beyond its pride assertion of being the biggest party in Africa. Many joined the party, not because of its rational or cogent ideology, but just because it is the big party that can enforce itself to retain power through manipulations. After all, one of its yanked-off national chairman once boasted that the party will rule Nigeria for 60 years – whether or not it performs creditably, and whether voters devote to it or not.

The fact is that this ailing nation is blessed with quality and prudent personalities; yet, apart from in few states, the valuable ones are hardly the ones in power controlling the affairs of the nation. Ongoing crisis in PDP is a demonstration of the caliber of leadership aspiring self-actualisation in governance instead of focusing on committed service to the people.

Why the reality is that Nigeria belongs to all and everyone has the right to aspire to the highest office in the land, the quality of leaders and what they have to offer must be the core objective of voting them into office rather than ethnic indigenization or geographic locality. Non-compliance to rules of commitment has been the source of Nigeria’s consistent depressing tales. In developed democracies, leadership is based more on what office holders have to offer to the people. Whenever there is an error of making the wrong choice, retaining failure on ethnic basis would never be the portion of a focused nation determined to make progress.

The current siege by President Jonathan on Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other perceived political enemies is most disproportionate to moving the country forward. Patriotic Nigerians and lovers of freedom must be opposed to any self-centered struggle that can crack the nation. Egocentric brains pushing a non-performing president to enforce his way back to office for second term by all means are the actual adversaries of the nation. Muhajedeen AsariDokubo and his likes threatening to dislodge Nigeria if Jonathan is not returned to power lack insight. It is obvious they are being sponsored to act on behalf of ambitious individuals instead of in the interest of their nation. What is not being fathomed is that intimidation to put everyone in the pocket of destructive militants cannot mobilize voters. Rather, desperation can only make people stand up to halt any drift to sectional tyranny.

If Jonathan does not want to allow restoration of peace in PDP and the nation’s polity, then those pushing him are working to his eventual discredit. They must be functioning to turn Nigeria into a Syria. The way PDP has largely seen itself as winner of elections is through manipulation of mandates. But let them now know that a Robert Mugabe cannot have the privilege of his unending reign in Zimbabwe in Nigeria. After all, General Olusegun Obasanjo, with all his autocratic tendencies by means of his undemocratic military background failed to enforce himself on this nation as a third term president.

Believe it or not, with the on-going crisis in PDP, God might have already started His work of change. It is unlikely the failed party will have one voice again. The faithful God will do what is best for the people, not what is desired by a desperate leadership. For leaders not ruling with the fear of the Lord, the land will be downgraded and become disillusioned. President Jonathan moved from being shoeless to becoming number one citizen not by his power but by the grace of God. The way he eventually emerged as President was not through the likes of silly talks and threats of Niger Delta militants. The time he spends on the throne is also not what matters; it is the legacy that he will leave behind as a leader that will determine how he will end. General Sani Abacha is not being honoured by his northern brethren today because of his ruinous tenure which was even of no benefit to his own people.

Truly, virtually all parts of this country want political power at all cost for personal aggrandisement and not for the general good of the society. The main motivation is because of oil money. But the ignorance is that Nigeria would not be able to fund this pricey system of government when oil resources run out as that is when this delusion we are leaving will be dawn on both politicians and the masses.

PDP’s alleged zoning of power has not worked, and it will never work as long as leadership is not about quality in performance. Alternative big political parties are emerging so that people can make the choice they want. Already, voters are becoming wiser choosing those who execute well in the states. Governors Babatunde Fashola and Adams Oshiomhole are unarguable examples. The gubernatorial elections coming up next year in Ekiti and Osun states will also further proof the true hearts of the people who are tired of the nation’s failure and want apparent positive impact of governance in their life to be retained for completion.

For now, let President Jonathan concentrate on his tomorrow by reviving the nation that is falling apart under him. If not, and he is only desperate to contest in 2015, let him know that Nigerians would prepare for a do-or-die election, tougher than ever experienced.

A terrible waste of youth

By Olubanwo Fagbemi Eventually, the tense youth would sooner stroll through a city park or read a book than practice violence.

But the onus rests not with the government alone. The private sector, driven by the rich and successful, if monopolistic, should invest in social facilities targeting the youth. Donation of laboratories, libraries, furniture, hostels and flood relief materials in tandem with establishment of youth-based facilities across the country would consequently please the optimistic and disarm the critic.

The country operates in the zone of minnows because talent continually slips catchment. Contrast, for example, the productivity of United States of America’s baseball, basketball, athletics and football collegiate systems with the scenario of local sports policies gathering dust and principals and gamesmasters ruing technical equipment. The U.S. nurses successive generations of world-beaters and commercial icons thus while raw talents pummel the innocent beneath bridges or chase after motor vehicles on Nigerian highways to hawk sachet water.

And we mourn the dearth of Olympic sprinters and pugilists.

With serial erection of opulent edifices by corrupt businessmen and officials daily gobbling playgrounds across the country, the society continues to chew its young and spew ambition. Idle youth find expression in the south as kidnappers cum robbers, and in the north as ‘Civilan JTF’, the vigilante youth group meant to assist security agents fighting the Boko Haram scourge.

You have heard of ‘dogs of war’; well, now you have ‘pups of war’. It’s war for sport; strife for school; AK-47s for pens; body bag for school bag; and body count for medal count.

No system can be more irresponsible than one that allows its promising youth to be devoured by professional terrorists. What happens when the terrorists prevail as occurred with the mowing of 24 young fighters in Borno State recently? The army or government goes on to pacify surviving but broken relatives with tokens? Members of the youth militia, despite heeding the call to serve their communities, hardly signed up to die for the country.

Crime-fighting should be reserved for the well-trained aided by technology and welfare. As significant, administrators must seek to constantly match policy with manpower recruitment so as to forestall troop decimation and protect collective integrity.

No true citizen would desire otherwise.

At an estimated 70 per cent of the population, the youth is the strength of the nation, functioning as the most critical sector for planning and administrative purposes. Officially for leadership failure, the sack of erstwhile Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdulkadir, indicted the government’s selection and appointment process as much as rife conjecture of the former

minister’s ‘sin’ of fraternising with opposing figures. Subsequent ceding of supervision to the sports ministry barely convinced as it signified official rating of the ministry’s relevance to national development.

The Nigerian child lives a brutish life. The late author and irrepressible wit, Quetin Crisp, noted of life: “You fall out of your mother’s womb, you crawl across open country under fire, and drop into your grave.” I say of our youth: “You push out of your mother’s womb, you crawl across lacklustre country under sentimental fire, and drop into an intellectual grave.”

Despite the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) singsong, inadequate maternal and child healthcare as the first obstacle precedes basically flawed education marked by poverty – with or without school shoes – fraudulent textbook supply, and inadequate teacher training and motivation. With youth guidance and counselling at deplorable levels, lucky is the child that eventually matches career choice with talent and commensurate training.

The space science and astronomy classes initiated by the Lagos State government may be a brilliant idea but once implemented it must be sustained and improved by successive administrations for enduring relevance. That would help filter the system for minds inclined to greater ideals and, better still, spare an embarrassed nation further blushes from archaic learning.

Beyond psychiatric test for young Oikhena or talk of separating the boy from an apparently unfit home always lay the blueprint for action. Failing to evolve with the times is, in spite of our hapless selves, failing to save Daniel from himself, let alone reining in Leroy Ugaga, the 25 year-old wannabe that attempted despicable rehash from the same base in the wake of Daniel’s futile shuttle. That, people, is the real McCoy. He, besides apathetic officials, needs psychiatric treatment more.

Nigerian society with its peculiar values failed the stowaway, and we must quickly institute reform to avert youth atrophy.

Scholarship award from Southwest-based socio-volunteer group, De Raufs, may have tempered agitation somewhat, but Daniel’s parents and the government fatefully bear the standard in youth welfare revolution.

‘Idle youth find expression in the south as kidnappers cum robbers, and in the north as ‘Civilan JTF’, the vigilante youth group meant to assist security agents fighting the Boko Haram scourge. You have heard of ‘dogs of war’; well, now you have ‘pups of war’. It’s war for sport; strife for school; AK-47s for pens; body bag for school bag; and body count for medal count’

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 , 2013

22

COMMENTS

T

HOSE opposed to the compelling imperative of restructuring through a national conference, must now have cause to reason to the contrary. Contemporary developments in the country have shown very unmistakably that we can only continue to postpone this idea at our own peril. Events regularly underscore the need to engage the distinct groups in this country to fashion out safe routes out of the nation’s unresolved problems of existence.

The war of attrition in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP and efforts to recruit leaders from all sections of the country to resolve it can in a way, be regarded as PDP’s version of a national conference. What the party is currently passing through is a crisis of confidence among leaders due to failure to evolve acceptable templates to nagging issues of our federal order.

One of it is the location of power at the centre and which of the geo-political divides should have control over it. That there is constant and very bitter struggle for power among the various ethnic groups to control the centre is no longer news. The fact of this inordinate struggle underscores the point that we are yet to arrive at an ordered way of circulating power between and among the various interest groups.

But more than anything else, it clearly pictures the mutual suspicion and mistrust among these cleavages regarding the use to which they intend to deploy political power.

Its logical corollary is that the struggle for power is fuelled by general thinking that those who hold it do so largely for the interest of their primordial units and members of their immediate families. That is what foremost Afro-American political scientist Richard Joseph referred to as prebendal politics.

Or how else do we rationalize the inordinate domination of primordial sentiments in the current agitations for power shift? The fact that sections of the country are threatening fire, lime and brimstone should they fail to capture power come 2015 is a sufficient signal that all is not well with the power matrix

‘Only agreements reached by the federating nationalities hold the key for the peace, progress and development of the country’

I

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Restructuring versus power shift in this country. It is a clarion call for all to sit down and address the power equation and all the issues that constantly breed suspicion and mistrust among our diverse peoples. If there are no problems with our federal order, such issues as which section of the country the president comes from would not have assumed the dangerous dimension it has now taken. It is obvious that all is not well with us as a country. It is also no less obvious that a way has to be fashioned out to resolve these recurring deficits and fault lines if we are to record any genuine progress as one indivisible country. These sore points include rising insecurity, increasing slide to primordialism, fiscal federalism; devolution and rotation of power and resource control.

Scepticisms on the capacity of the federation to give hope to its constituents and the slide towards centrifugalism have been in the upsurge of recent. They got to such a point that two former rulers of this country, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida had to issue a joint statement lamenting that even (those they referred to as) patriots are beginning to question the basis for the continued unity of this country. Both personages should know what they are talking about.

Embedded in this statement, is the current mood of the country.

If after 53 years of independence and nearly 100 years of coming into being of this amalgam, patriots are still questioning the basis for our continued unity, then the frustrations of millions of ordinary people whose hopes this country has dashed can be better imag-

T could have passed for the ultimate evangelical statement if the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, had abdicated rather than eat his words. By such spectacular somersault, he would have delivered a potent message about his awakening, for that was what his attempted corruption of culture was all about. In the end, however, he demonstrated a rather disappointing failure of conviction.

There is a fitting Biblical metaphor for his spiritual superficiality. In the well known story about The Rich and the Kingdom of God, a man approached Jesus, saying, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” The answer he got was unexpected. Jesus replied, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”

It is evidential that the Itsekiri monarch was not actually ready for such spiritual sublimity, though he desired the image of a committed Christian, which itself was an aberration on account of his position as the official custodian of indigenous religion. There is no doubt that he has luxuriated in royal splendour since his ascension to the throne in May 1987, which makes the new spiritual awareness that he flaunted 26 years after a study in the complexity of faith.

It is unclear how long he had nursed the ambition to overturn the cultural situation of his people, but when he eventually unveiled his mission, it would appear that he underestimated the depth of devotion to ancestral values in Warri Kingdom. Or, ironically, perhaps he derived overconfidence from his apparent sovereignty, which itself was informed by the very customs he wished to extinguish. Apart from the legal colour of the edict he issued in order to achieve his purpose, nothing else gave credit to his background as a lawyer and the second university graduate to take the kingdom’s throne. The idea he championed was not thoroughly contemplated, and betrayed certain confusion about religion.

“The New Order of Iwere Kingdom”, which he tried to decree, was food for thought, particularly its proscription of the 533-year-old royal title, Ogiame , and substitution with a nebulous reference to “a royal priest in the Order of Melchizedek.” The diction of the edict demonstrated the burden of ignorance. It read: “I also repent of the name and title of “Ogiame” that my ancestors and I have borne, as it connotes our allegiance to Umalokun (god of the river) and other deities of the sea, all of which are

ined. Our leaders must fashion out the right atmosphere to tap into the temperament of the citizenry. Information gathered will be a veritable tool in fashioning out policies and measures that will catalyze co-habitation and launch the country on the path to peace, progress and development.

Before now, the ruling party had been under the illusion that all is well with us. This has resulted in the rebuffing of genuine agitations for restructuring through a national conference. Because a parasitic class monopolized the apparatus of governance and deployed it to self-serving ends, the impression had been conveyed that as long as they hold tenaciously to power, safety nets have been evolved for the nation’s political stability.

That accounts for recurring references to the limitations imposed by the constitution against such a conference. But erudite constitutional lawyer, Professor Ben Nwabueze who spoke for the patriots has said there is a way out if the leadership is committed to the idea.

For him, the 1999 constitution is a product of decree 24 of 1999 and once we repeal that decree, all impediments to full blown national conference by the 390 nationalities to fashion out a peoples’ constitution would have been removed. He therefore does not see any reason for official ambivalence to get the federating nationalities on a conference table especially now the controversy over power shift is upbeat.

Good enough, President Jonathan told the

nation a fortnight ago, that his regime is not averse to the conference. As a matter of fact, he said his administration was reviewing the possibility of a national conference among Nigeria’s various ethnic nationalities. The only snag he noted is that the constitution appears to have given that responsibility to the National Assembly.

But Nwabueze has offered a way out through the repeal of the decree giving authority to that constitution. The fact of that decree is a potent reason that constitution cannot approximate the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian people as they were not party to it.

The question now is the propriety of the current negotiations within the PDP on power shift in 2015 when it is just a mirror to the systemic infractions that have held this country down over the years. Are we not about to fritter away a golden opportunity to redress all nagging issues of our federal order by confining that negotiation to power shift within the PDP in such an unstructured manner? And to what extent can whichever way the matter is resolved assuage the feelings and aspirations of the multifarious ethnic nationalities that also desire a shot at that office? These are the issues to ponder.

The current negotiation within the PDP is limited in time and scope and therefore inherently deficient in charting the path for sustainable peace and progress of the country. It is incapable of addressing the fears, mutual suspicion and mistrust that propel bitter struggles for power among constituent units. What is now required is for Jonathan to set the stage for a national conference where the nationalities will brainstorm on various issues of our federation including but not limited to power rotation. This will not only save him the heat generated by raging agitations for power shift but more importantly, chart a roadmap for power sharing in a more ordered and sustainable way. The matter could also be resolved by diluting the concentration of power and financial resources at the centre through devolution. These are the real issues that must engage the minds of all those who do not desire the disintegration of this country. And only agreements reached by the federating nationalities hold the key for the peace, progress and development of the country. Jonathan has a golden opportunity to take advantage of the crisis in the PDP to transform this country for good through this conference. His contentious ambition to run again is also better resolved through it.

God save the king

By Femi Macaulay false gods.” The Olu said, “We have also been worshipped as gods by the people under our rule and in our domain,” and prohibited “all sacrifice of wine, blood, food, water, kola nut and other items (known and unknown) offered in Iwere land.”

However, it was the peak of cultural and religious sightlessness when he declared, “On behalf of the royal bloodline, the throne, the people of Iwere land, I publicly enter into a new covenant with God.” This represented the most devastating blow against indigenous religion, and carried all the weight of backward thinking. It was reminiscent of the logic of British colonialism and the Great Commission promoted by the early white missionaries. Consciously or unwittingly, he painted the outdated image of a dark continent and locals living in spiritual wilderness.

Intriguingly, the Olu could not locate the Almighty in Iwere culture, at least in the sense in which he understood the concept. His perspective was tragic and worrying because it revealed an abysmal lack of understanding about the place of indigenous religion and culture in a global village of multiple faiths. A primary lesson of this “collision of altars” is the difficulty of indigenous religion in the context of a diverse globe in which certain faiths have the advantage of apparent numerical dominance.

The example of Susanne Wenger, the departed famous Austrian artist who became a priestess of Yoruba religion, has relevance in this drama. She championed a crusade for the conservation of nature in the Osun Osogbo Grove in Osun State, which is the site of perhaps Nigeria’s best known cultural and religious festival in honour of a river goddess; it is also an official World Heritage Site. She was, interestingly, accommodating of all paths that led to divinity. Contemplate this quote: “There are innumerable ways to get spiritually involved. But you must find your own way.” There is no doubt about the global recognition of Yoruba religion, which is reinforced by the fact that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2005 added the Ifa Divination system to its list of the “Masterpieces

of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”

The Atuwatse II, who was known as Godwin Toritseju Emiko before kingship, is perfectly entitled to the demands of his “informed conscience”, but so are others who may not share his publicised Christianity. It’s a pity that he prompted a communal revolt by his role, which was essentially anti-people. However, he also helped, inadvertently, to encourage a re-examination of the pervasive syncretism across the country. For the rebellion against his edict was not necessarily a vote for purity in the practise of indigenous religion; it was more like a call for moderation in the zeal for the foreign faith.

For sure, he will now need the inscrutable benevolence of the Almighty to retain the dignity of his office, having succeeded in self-demystification. Things will no longer be the same, even if he sits on the throne. It is noteworthy that rescinding the edict does not translate into the diminution of inclination; and social pacification does not eliminate suspicion. In the end, Wenger’s words ring true. With profound insight, she reasoned, “We can only hope that the things we believe are true.”

• Macaulay is on the editorial board of The Nation

It’s a pity that he prompted a communal revolt by his role, which was essentially anti-people.

However, he also helped, inadvertently, to encourage a reexamination of the pervasive syncretism across the country. For the rebellion against his edict was not necessarily a vote for purity in the practise of indigenous religion; it was more like a call for moderation in the zeal for the foreign faith.

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

JOBS

Why interest rate is high, by Access Bank GMD -P. 28 News Briefing CBN loans N848b to banks monthly THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) advances an average of N848 billion to Deposit Money Banks monthly to boost their liquidity, The Nation investigation has shown.

- Page 26

Total’s investments in Nigeria hit $10b FRENCH oil giant, Total, said its investments in Nigeria in the past five years(2008-2012) have exceeded $10 billion and has added 2.2 billion barrels of oil to it’s production between 1966 and 2012.

- Page 26

NITEL workers want inclusion in bidding THe Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL) branch of the Senior Staff Association of Communication, Transport and Corporation (SSACTAC) said it would participate in the bidding of the guided liquidation of the company proposed by the Federal Government.

- Page 29

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa-$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N12.1 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8.4% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $46.9b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

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

-Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

Exploring the paint sector potential - Pg 37

‘FAAC to disburse actual collections only’

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ENCEFORTH, rev enues accruing to the three tiers of government would be limited to actual collections into the Federation Account and not what was initially budgeted, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama has said.

Dr. Ngama, who briefed the press at the end of the Federation Allocation Accounts Committee’s (FAAC’s) meeting last week, said the decision arose because the benchmark used for this year’s budget was bloated, thereby making its implementation unrealistic.

All the parties decided to distribute only actual collections and not what has been budgeted, he said, adding that while the nation’s production of crude oil has appreciated to about 2.4 million barrels per day, it would take 90 days before its impact is felt.

He explained that this month’s FAAC meeting had to be adjourned so that more money could be sourced to fund the shortfall in July. He said it took the Committee two months to fund the July

• Committee to harmonise remittances from revenue earning agencies coming From Nduka Chiejina (Asst Editor), Abuja

shortfall, adding that they are still looking for money to make up the difference.

He said the Federal Ministry of Finance has brought its share of the shortfall, which was shared to states on Thursday. He however noted that it was not enough as the share of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( N N P C ) w a s still b e i n g awaited.

Ngama assured that the difficulties encountered with this year’s budget on the Federation Account disbursements would be addressed next year, as plans are afoot to work with the National Assembly to come up with a realistic budget benchmark, as both the Executive and the Legislature have learnt their lessons.

For example, N467 billion was the total revenue shared last year, whereas

Power firms may push market capitalisation to N35tr

T

HE 13 power generation and distri bution companies could push the market capitalisation from N11.58 trillion to about N35 trillion if they eventually approach the market for fund, the Managing Director, Bgl Securities Limited, Sunday Adebola has said.

He spoke against the backdrop of the recommendation by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) that the firms should approach the capital market for funds, among other strategies for growth.

He said: “If the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies can pay $559,446.773 to the government, they can push the market capitalisation further to N35trillion, given the fact that the market is deep enough to carry out bigticket transactions.

“Let say 10 of the companies approach the market for fund, and each of them contributes N2trillion to the market, that is N20 trillion.

When you add N11 trillion and N20trillion, that is N31trillion. However, this is based on the ability of the government to facilitate the listing of the firms by putting in place an enabling environment.”

He urged the government

By Akinola Ajibade

to provide strong co-operation to guarantee investments, adding that the Pension Commission (PenCom) and the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) need to be involved to make the coming of the firms to the market easier.

“PenCom should be allowed to invest in the power firms through the PFAs. When PenCom give investment waivers to the PFAs, it would be easier for the firms to raise finds from the market. The only institution that can bring longterm investments is the PFAs. Most of the investments in power firms are long-term, which is the core business area of PenCom. Investments in traded securities help in providing funds to bridge infrastructural gaps, of which power is one of them,” he added.

Adebola said investors would like to take a product that offers higher level of comfort, noting that policy changes have destroyed many noble ideas in the country.

He said former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s decision to privatise the refineries was halted by the late President Umaru Yar’ Adua.

this year, N623 billion has so far been shared, and more cash is still been expected, thus forcing the government to source for funds to make up for the shortfalls.

Ngama lamented that from January to date, the actual revenue shared by the three tiers of government are “far higher than last year’s.”

He said this year’s budget is bloated, adding that what “we are collecting is far in excess of even what was budgeted for last year, but because the budget this year has been taken to a level that it is not supposed to be, that’s why when there is a little hiccup, the gap shows”.

He said the government

was making efforts both from their side, “we have some non-oil surplus and that of excess crude we have already paid. NNPC also will contribute; the one we (Federal Ministry of Finance) is bringing, we have already paid”.

Ngama said the Federal Government would set up a committee to harmonise the remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) Account and if deemed necessary, may recommend amending the Fiscal Responsibility Act, saying that what operates now is fluid and not scientific.

He said based on his suggestion, the Federal Government has given the goahead to set up a committee to find a way forward

• Dr Okonjo-Iweala

and if necessary, amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act. He said the ministry had identified three types of agencies that pay their revenues to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) that the Federal Government invested in, adding that they would render good accounts.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

Nigerian, Italian firm sign furniture deal

MONDAY - FRIDAY

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

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

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

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

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

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

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

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LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

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

08.00 18.00

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

A

• From left: Prince Samuel and Mr Cleani, at the event in Lagos... last week.

T

CBN loans N848b to banks monthly

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) advances an average of N848 billion to Deposit Money Banks monthly to boost their liquidity, The Nation investigation has shown.

The fund, a Standing Lending Facility (SLF), given at 14 per cent, is an overnight credit available on banking days between 2 pm and 3.30 pm, with settlement done on same day value.

The CBN had at last month’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting maintained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 12 per cent, and kept the symmetric corridor of +2 per cent around the MPR for SLF. However, the SLFs are available only to banks and discount houses that have executed the Nigerian Master Repurchase Agreement (NMRA) with the regulator.

The NMRA, covers the operations of the SLF and addresses issues relating to pricing, duration, custodian as well as default resolution in lending.

According to the CBN Economic Reports for July, first and second quarters’analyses, the regulator advanced a cumulative N5.94 trillion to the beneficiary financial institutions during the period, bringing the monthly average to N848.7 billion.

A total of N2.78 trillion SLFs were

By Collins Nweze

advanced to banks in the first quarter, the figure dropped to N2.56 trillion during the second quarter, and stood at N599.7 billion in July this year. The decline in the SLF demanded in the second quarter, compared to the first, this was attributed mainly to the adjustment in the investment pattern of banks following the restrictions placed on standing facilities by the CBN in the third quarter of last year.

The SLFs intakes are expected to rise further after the apex bank on August 7, mopped up over N1 trillion from the financial system. Subsequent mop ups, following the increase in the Cash Reserve Ratio on public sector deposits rose by 38 per cent to 50 per cent.

The total Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) was N6.1 trillion during the second quarter of the year, representing a decline of 84.5 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter.

The development was attributed to the liquidity condition in the banking system during the quarter. The rate for the SDF was maintained at 10 per cent, or two per cent below the MPR. July also saw a daily average SLF of

N14.17 billion advanced for the 23 working days, while interest received stood at N0.36 billion.

CBN data indicated that during the month, total assets and liabilities of the DMBs amounted to N22.7 trillion, showing an increase of 0.8 per cent above the level at the end of the preceding month.

The regulator’s data showed that the level of liquidity in the money market further increased in July due to the injection of N1, 266.18 billion. The injections comprised the repayment of OMO matured Bills, Statutory Revenue Allocation (SRA) and Value Added Tax (VAT) to the Federal, states and local governments, Joint Venture Cash call and Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment programme (SURE-P), as well as contractual obligation and arrears of February Statutory Revenue Allocation.

Also, there was a N11.9 trillion banks’ credit to the domestic economy, which rose by 0.4 per cent above the level in the preceding month. The breakdown showed that relative to the level at the end of the preceding month, credit to both the private sector, state and local governments rose by 0.9 and 9.4 per cent, respectively, which more than offset the 11.1 per cent decline in credit to the Federal Government.

Total’s investments in Nigeria hit $10b

F

RENCH oil giant, Total, said its investments in Nigeria in the past five years ( 2008-2012) have exceeded $10 billion and has added 2.2 billion barrels of oil to its production between 1966 and 2012.

On global level, the company’s total capital expenditure budget last year was about $24 billion, out of which 80 per cent was allocated to upstream activities, while production stood at 2.35 million barrels oil equivalent (mboe) with adjusted net income increasing by 17 per ent to $16 billion.

It said budget for Research and Development (R&D) increased by $0.2 billion from $1 billion in 2011, to $1.2 billion in 2012.

The data is contained in its last yrear’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report, made available to The Nation. However, the firm did not disclose the specific contributions of the country’s operations to the performances within the period under review.

Last year, the company spent N10.83 billion on CSR actions, which included integration of its

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

activities into the local cultural and social environment to encourage social harmony, such as environment protection, sports and leisure and other cultural events.

Others include economic, human capital and social development actions, such as investment in education and vocational training, entrepreneurship and small and medium scale support, including agriculture and fisheries, access to education, energy, health, water and communication.

Under the human capital development, the company gave scholarships to 9,425 students made up 5,188 beneficiaries in the host communities of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states and 4,237 under the national merit scholarship scheme in the 36 states.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Total Upstream companies in Nigeria, Guy Maurice, said the company would strive to excel in capital, expertise and technology to deliver world-class energy solutions and projects in the country.

Maurice, who has spent five years as the chief executive, said: “Our leadership role as a major player in the Nigerian hydrocarbon industry demands that we take seriously the challenges of our operating environment and the expectations of our communities, authorities and partners.”

He said last year particularly presented very unique challenges, including the Ibewa incident, the flood disaster, noting that they impacted heavily on the company’s onshore operations.

“We wish to place on record the wonderfully supportive roles played by our communities and the professionalism of our teams in Nigeria and France, which enabled us to quickly surmount the challenges and achieve far-reaching success in delivering our corporate social responsibility,” he said.

He also noted that Total has come out very strongly to support government’s efforts at eradicating the malaria scourge in Nigeria. “This intervention we believe will help improve the health of many Nigerians.

By Simeon Ebulu

N indigenous firm, Origin Group Limited has signed a sole representative agreement with Fantoni, an Italian furniture manufacturing company to distribute and market their products in Nigeria, its Group Managing Director, Prince S.J Samuel, has said.

He explained that this was “a Sole Representative Agreement between Origin and Fantoni, which means that for any of their product, Origin Group will be the sole distributor.”

He said Fantoni is doing business in excess of a million euro per year in Nigeria, adding that, there are over 100 distributors for these products.

“Put together, we are assured of over two million euro per month.

“If we are able to do this together for the next two-three years, we would have been set for the next phase which would have prepared us for the manufacturing stage,” he said.

Fantoni Export Director, Andrea Cleani, said Nigeria is the next destination for the company. “Nigeria will be our next destination for several reasons, because of the richness of the country, the population and level of education, adding that doing business is something special.

Cleani said Fantoni is starting with an agreement of distribution, with the Origin Group, adding that in the future this arrangement will develop into something much bigger, considering the size of the population. “We will give them the freedom and the possibility to be alone in the market and to handle it to the benefit of the companies,” he added.

The Origin boss explained that the objective of this agreement is the need ensure that the products supplied to Nigerians are good and can meet up with the standard, adding that as a development company, Origin Group should be able to pioneer some of these things. He said Fantoni is familiar with the Nigerian business terrain and that Origin Group will also be able to create support for the furniture industry Prince Samuel said the partnership will cover home furniture, office furniture, as well as for school use and also compatible for wall partitioning.

Zonal Head, Victoria Island Zone, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Origin Group bankers, Omowunmi Kalejaiye, said the bank is lending its support for the deal because it holds much promise, adding that the prospect for a furniture manufacturing plant and eventual employment generation are laudable.

“Whatever support we can give in our own little way, we would be proud to be associated with an organisation, like this,” she said.

Dangote Cement rewards distributors with N800m

D

By Akinola Ajibade

ANGOTE Cement Plc has rewarded distributors with bonuses of N800million for the year ended 2012.

The distributors, picked from the 36 states, and Abuja received between N2million to N60million at a ceremony in Lagos.

Speaking during an event with the theme: Cementing partnership, the company’s Chairman, Aliko Dangote said the organisation would continue to reward its distributors for growth.

He further said the event was organised to appreciate the distributors for their contributions to the company.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

27

THE CEO The rate at which banks lend customers money is high, but they pay little or nothing for keeping savers’ funds. Why is this so? It is because of the cost of operations, such as buying generators and AK 47 rifles, says the Group Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, at an interactive session with journalists in Lagos. Deputy Business Editor SIMEON EBULU was there.

Why interest rate is high, by Access Bank GMD Outlook

spending from taxes and whatever we have. We can ensure that government at least knows that people are watching and people will see, loudly and shapely things are not going well.

We also operate in some African countries, we can see how democracy impacts on the banks in that country. So we have good macro economic stability over the past 13 years, but that has been eroded by the poor commodity prices.

Monetary policy tightening means you have to raise interest rate to make your currency attractive vis-a-vis the dollar. What is happening is that other currencies are becoming more attractive like the US dollar, pound sterling, the euro, among others. In this regard; people’s observation is that the economy is going to be fixed. So, there are people who are going back to invest in properties in the US. Property prices are going up in the US again, property prices are going up in Europe again,. So the only thing the Central Bank of Nigeria has to do today is to tighten our economy, if not, our economy is going to be hammered just the same way as in Britain.

A

CCESS Bank intends to be known as the most respected African bank. We are going about it in a sustainable way with a philosophy. We have a reputable and sustainable banking philo-sophy, a philosophy that has propelled tens and thousands of people who work with us to deliver tangible solutions of reputable financial services across Nigeria.

We have a responsive banking system services, it is a privilege which carries a great responsibility. As a bank, you have the privilege to invite millions to deposit their money with you, because you know it is based on trust that people save with you as a bank. So that confers a responsibility on you.

We want Africa to work the same way Asia works, and we want an African bank that works the way American banks works. African institutions must change. We are going to do the things we do to gain the respect of the world, and the financial position in Nigeria will change, and we will all be the better for it. When we achieve the financial position we are trying to create, things will change.

Access Bank has 6.5 million account holders. We are in leadership position in respect of corporate account, and the process is growing significantly, today we are one of Nigeria’s biggest corporate banks, I don’t think anybody will doubt that.

Presently, there are institutions of a similar pedigree like Barclays, HSBC etc. These are banks that dominate the entire value chain that they operate, and our example in Nigeria is First bank. Some get there by virtue of instinct, FirstBank has done creditably well, they are the first, but you know, it’s not everybody who started earlier could get to where FirstBank is.

Cashless Lagos is a deciding factor in which transacted volumes are moving from the traditional way of banking you used to know, not that cash is not there, or that cheques are not there. If you look at the growth of payments’ movements, cash and cheques are growing at a regular rate. The other payment methods are growing rapidly. It is obvious that the time will come when automated payments system will dominate transactions.

The focus of this presentation is to tell you about our direction, with respect to retail and SME, because that is the new Access Bank. In 60 days time, Access Bank will launch a solution that will allow you to, from your computer, take money out of all your bank accounts and consolidate in one without paying an extra fee. You will have to give the instruction from day one, that is how this thing is done in the world today, this is another first from Access Bank.

What our plan says is that by 2015, we are going to be the world’s most respected African bank, a multi channel bank, multi channel in essence. We want to move from being Nigeria’s corporate bank leader, and by 2015, our target is to be a high performing Nigerian diversified banking leader. Our inclusive banking strategy projected the Bank as the National Champion for

On why the CBN protects the naira

• Aig-Imoukhuede

Profile Institutions attended

University of Benin; Nigerian Law School; Harvard Business School, United States.

Qualification

BL; LLB.

Previous position

Executive Director, GTBank.

Present position

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc

Experience

Over 24 years

women. Specifically, we have 2.6 million female customers.

On monetary policy tightening You see democracy is good for the growth of the banking sector in Nigeria. Events in the past 10 years have assisted the fiscal and

monetary stability of the country, thus leading to growth in the financial sector because we have functioning institutions that require more financial system focus.

I do not see any thing in the next 10 years that will be fundamentally different from the current monetary policy perspective. Things should be normal as it has been

over the past 10-15 years.

There is a difficult side also of democracy. On the difficult side, we are talking about the proper functioning of government so that government does not spend beyond its limit, and when government spends, that functioning is in the best interest of the economy and the public, as far as government is

‘When you came here, you saw about four generators backing one another, we maintain our multi-channel system and other infrastructure. In addition, the cost of running a bank’s branch include two generators, two AK47 rifles, these are the realities.

These are the things that make interest rate to be high in Nigeria’

Over the past 20 years, every time the Nigerian currency gets hammered, a banking crisis follows.

This of course leads to the devaluation of the currency. This is caused by three major reasons; Nigeria is solely dependent on oil as source of foreign currency, it monetises this foreign currency through constitutional requirement that the nation’s foreign currency go into one account, and the three arms of government share it.

And because Nigeria is not manufacturing locally and it is significantly import dependent, any currency depreciation affects the cost of goods and services in Nigeria.

So when people argue that when you devalue the naira usually it is good for export, I begin to wonder on such postulation. That can be obtainable when you are manufacturing and have a diversified economy which Nigeria does not have.

Unfortunately when this happens, the economy will be in a trauma which could lead to unemployment. The CBN knows this and it is more focused on price stability and financial system stability. These are challenges and if not properly handled are bound to cause another banking crisis. Do you think we are ready for another banking crisis so soon? I guess it is too early. So, when you are between the devil and the deep blue sea, what do you do? You enter the sea, because I do not want us to dine with the devil. The CBN and its leadership believe in the real sector. So, when you see it come up with polices contrary to their area of focus, then you know that their challenges are significant, I believe that, and it is a reality.

However, by God’s grace I believe that all these will become a thing of the past in terms of what is happening globally. Business will resume as normal, all things being equal.

On the wide disparity between interest •Continued on page 27

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

28

THE CEO

Why interest rate is high, by Access Bank GMD things right and know that our customers’ resources must be cherished and kept with the greatest level of professionalism.

•Continued from page 27

on savings (three per cent) and lending rate (22 per cent)

View on inclusive banking

Not all bank customers save at three per cent. There are several more people who save at 10, 11 per cent. that is number one. Secondly, not all people borrow at 22 per cent, these are several who borrow at 12 per cent.

Recently we shared statistic from all the banks with CBN on average cost of funds, and it will interest you to know that the average cost of fund across all Nigerian banks, is 11-12 per cent. For the First-tier bank, such as Access, First Bank, GTBank, among others, the average cost of funds ranges within 3.5 to four per cent. For the Second-tier, the average cost of funds ranges between six and eight per cent, while for the Third-tier, the average cost of funds ranges between eight and 13 per cent. Now for the first-tier, our average lending rate is 14 per cent and we have about nine per cent left.

When you came here, you saw about four generators backing one another, we maintain our multi-channel system and other infrastructure. In addition, the cost of running a bank’s branch include two generators, two AK47 rifles, these are the realities. These are the things that make interest rate to be high in Nigeria.

For inclusive banking, we have made a significant commitment, and what we have done is that we are beginning to serve the under banked, using technology in a very ingenious way. So, out of the technology, we are able to help people who are less privileged and need banking services, also we are able to ensure that people who don’t have easy access to financial services are drawn into the market, and what that does to all of us is that, it tells on the increasing financial inclusion in the country and more importantly deepening what is important to economic growth.

Rapport with customers Our belief is simple, if the individual small businesses flourish, banking services will spread across the country. So why won’t we support them? And in any event, by supporting them, hopefully, there will be some reacting factor which will ensure that there is a flow of income. We also told our staff that there must be financial inclusion which will basically help to break things like social barrier, cultural barrier that basically prevent people from attaining financial success.

For instance, generally people don’t allow women to have access to finance based on their understanding of the place of a woman in a society. So when you allow it to continue this way, you will have income disparity between men and women. To overcome this, we have an initiative that is designed to empower women and bring them in to the industry of entrepreneurship, and also, to start supporting those who need financial support, not only by giving them money, but exposing them to best practice of entrepreneurship and repositioning them for growth.

On Access Bank’s customers and charges One thing that should be clear is that we put our customers at the centre of our business. There is nothing a customer is charged for that is not documented. Internationally, there are conditions attached to every account and different charges because there is cost in running an account. But because we know the problem here in Nigeria and Africa, so also the reputation risk issue, we have put in place professionals to look into customer service. So if a customer arrives with an issue, it will be resolved immediately, not only that, we initiated peace champions where 99 per cent of issues are resolved in favour of the bank’s customers. It is a standard thing in retail banking that some things happen, but the most important thing is that when a customer writes us, we ensure that the issue is resolved immediately, and I must attribute this to the existence of an effective customer relationship management that we have on ground.

Whenever our contact centre is called, we respond promptly. I think in Nigeria, we have an edge over our competitors. Also having a multi-channel banking approach, you need to upgrade and within that context, we think we are reliable. However, business in Africa comes with its own challenges. We have a functioning credit card that you travel with all over the world with 99 per cent assurance, to make it cheap for people. We have a centre in Egypt where our Coordinator works from. But the recent crisis in Egypt forced us to move it to London, you can imagine what we have to pass through every day to ensure our customers are satisfied. More over, at the back of the card, there is a number of our contact centre which is situated in Lagos and can be reached from every part of the world. We also have good number of professionals who work around the clock to attend to customers’ needs.

On difficulty of access to money by entrepreneurs in Access Bank Truth is you cannot satisfy everybody.

Nonetheless, we came out with a product programme for 13 sectors and once you are in that sector, there is a product unit to basically approve your facility as quickly as possible. Supposing you are in education, hospitality, travel, and so on, you don’t need to talk to us, there is a product programme unit which will screen you immediately and give approval or rejection depending on what is required. We know that obviously, this is a good initiative but it has to be managed with care so as not to increase nonperforming loans. Those product programmes are designed to support entrepreneurs who are deserving of our support. So that is how it works, if you have an application just go through that process and you are there.

Other inclusive banking initiatives

• Aig-Imoukhuede

‘Do you think we are ready for another banking crisis so soon? I guess it is too early. So, when you are between the devil and the deep blue sea, what do you do? You enter the sea, because I do not want us to dine with the devil’ Improving on customer relationship First of all, we create a starting point. Treating our customers fairly has to be a way of life to all Access Bank staff, this is a corporate culture. People have to attest to this on an annual basis. Normally, there are things to do to ensure that customers at every bank are treated equally, so treating our customers fairly to us, is a way of life. However, we have gone beyond that to carry out research work on Nigeria, our population, and we ask this question after wards- what do these our customers really need? What do we have to do to satisfy them? When we had a small client base, it was easy compared to now that we have about 6.5 million, perhaps 20 - 30 million, and we have put in lots of resources in that segmentation and it helps us to create things that will meet with the different needs of our different customers.

Now out of all that, we told ourselves that to do what we really need to do, we have to create for ourselves a brand new customer experience; as a result of that we invested lots of time in studies, tools., visiting international markets, asking ourselves what can we do differently to lift up the overall customer experience. In 2001, I read a book called “buy out”. It is a book you cannot let down once you start reading, believe it or not, this book has altered the banking landscape in Nigeria and that is what triggered Access Bank in respect of risk and the understanding of what we have to do. But I will tell you something, there is a new story in town, there is a book called “Outside in”

which is basically about creating a brand new customer experience, and because we are a customer-inclined people, we have gone through the book and we are convinced that this will cause a new revolution as far as customer service is concerned in this country, not only customer service, but customer experience. We have come out with about 200 initiatives and we are going to alter how people understand banking in this country and when your children come out of school to work with Access Bank, the experience will be equivalent to international standard.

I spoke to you initially about our multichannel system on how to see and understand the transaction that is going on online. Because of this, we created 24-hour multiple contact centres which means, Access Bank does not sleep, you will be able to do anything through our e-practice, call our contact centres and get things done. One of the things that make us proud is that we run an integrated contact centre that is multilingual, and also on the social media. To crown this, I mentioned to you what a license does to a bank and it is a privilege to have one. Our promise as a bank is in three faces, namely- speed, security and service.

And what makes it a privilege is that people’s hard-earned income is kept in a place that there is security. Our promise about speed is largely around the speed transaction, it’s all about getting to the customers, resolving customers’ issues and getting back to the customer the same day. Service is about creating a new customer experience.

The idea has make us neat, clean and tidy.

We are fame, secure institution, we do not need the police around us because we do

We are targeting one million mobile phone customers in the next 12 months. The bank is dedicating and focusing on SME markets through series of initiatives and activities that would activate development across key sectors of the economy. This is aimed at highlighting the bank’s commitment to economic empowerment of individuals and growing entrepreneurs. The bank has identified 13 critical segments of the economy which are already benefiting from its empowerment programme.

To drive the initiative, the bank has created a full division (Business Banking Division) to support the needs of these segments and the SME market in Nigeria. The bank has instituted a full division dedicated to serving SMEs customers of over 200,000 today.

Access Bank as a driver of industry defining initiatives The bank has identified and is set to implement about 200 different initiatives that would change the face of banking. The initiatives will be rolled out one-after-the other from the coming week. Amongst them is the Bank’s planned multi-channel banking platform initiative and a host of others.

We are leading the adoption of sustainable banking principles in Nigeria and beyond.

Access bank led the adoption of International Finance Reporting Standard (IFRS) in Nigeria. We are leading the drive for lending in Nigeria’s real sector. The bank is the engineer for public policy advocate.

Pursuit of health focused MDGs. Building capacity in public sector for effective public policy outcomes. Employee volunteering impacting on hundreds of communities.

A leading corporate bank with significant retail growth potential of 87 per cent profit in Nigeria and 13 per cent in other branches in parts of Africa.

We want Access Bank to be seen as a tier 1, customer focused Bank which is already the second largest Customer base with 6.5million customer base. The second with ATMs/POS of 1,552/8,480 and the fourth bank with 349 branches. The fourth bank with largest balance sheet of N1.74 trillion.

A

29

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

L ABOUR

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NITEL liquidation: Workers want inclusion in bidding

HE Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL) branch of the Senior Staff Association of Communication Transport and Corporation (SSACTAC) said it would participate in the bidding of the guided liquidation of the company proposed by the Federal Government.

Its President, Comrade Elias Kaza, told The Nation that SSACTAC has decided to participate in the bidding as stakeholders, and called on its members to support the government, noting that as a technical team, they were ready to partner with whoever is coming as co-investors.

He said the union is putting finishing touches to their plan, since they are aware that the guided privatisation process will take-off soon.

“That is why we have come here to put our position in place, we

Stories by Toba Agboola

believe this time around, it is going to be successful,” he said.

Elias, who is also the National Adviser of the parent body of Trade Union Movement, said the purpose of the meeting was to brainstorm on the forthcoming guided liquidation of NITEL as proposed by the Federal Government.

“We have come here to examine and X-ray the past attempts that have been made to privatise NITEL and the possibility of the success of the guided liquidation.

We have resolved as members of the entire workforce in NITEL to support government’s intention to effectively and finally privatise NITEL as we continue to notice the rusting away of the system all

over the country.

He said it is not in the interest of Nigeria to see the former national carrier’s assets that could be meaningful to national economic grow, rusting away.

“So, we are in support so that we can successfully conclude this long process of privatisation of NITEL,” he said.

On outstanding salaries of NITEL workers, he said in July, the Federal Government released funds for payment of 15months salaries to all workers of NITEL and MTEL, adding that subsequently, their monthly salaries are being paid by the Accountant- General’s office.

He said the outstanding is the casual workers entitlement which is still in the office of the Vice President, we have been assured

that very soon, they will be sorted out,” he said.

He urged the government to contribute to the productivity of the workers by giving them the wherewithal with which to work, saying the workers have conveyed their decision to the government.

The union leader said the worth of NITEL has diminished greatly, fearing that not much can be realised from its liquidation. “The amount that would be realised from its sale would not be enough to pay off the creditors. All the equipment have deteriorated and become scraps due to disuse,” Elias said.

In a statement, the association said that in the alternative, if government could not revive the distressed company, it could estab-

ILO urges focus on workers’ safety

T

• Dr Illo (left) and Dr Onosode at the event.

IGU, NUPENG laud Dangote’s $9b investment in refinery T HE Dangote Group’s $9 billion investment in oil refinery and petro-chemicals, has received commendation of the African Region of the Industrial Global Union (IGU).

The African Region Chairman, Issa Aremu said millions of private sector workers organised in national and global unions in Africa identify with the investment, particularly the patriotism of the President/ Chief Executive of Dangote Group of industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

Aremu said the signing of deal was made possible because of the Federal Government’s efforts at promoting backward integration policy and buoyed by its job creation potential.

He said: “It is significant that the refinery will be Nigeria’s first private and Africa’s largest petroleum refinery with a projected daily production output of 400,000 barrels a day, the same capacity of the combined four Nigerian government-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, which we all know, operate at less than 30 per cent of their capacity. Millions of private sector workers, organised in national and global unions in Africa, identify with the investment.”

He lamented that though Africa is a resource rich continent, it has low levels of industrialisation, with materials being exported in their raw form, adding that labour is excited that the Dangote Group of industries is changing the narrative of the continent from that of ‘resource curse’ to resource beneficiation, value addition and mass employ-

• Refinery to employ 85,000 workers

ment through industrialisation and internal articulation of the African economy. Industrialisation is it for Nigeria if it must be part of the leading economies of the world, to get millions of youth to work, keep them out of violence and crime and above all, out of poverty.”

Aremu said the natural resources of Africa should be for the welfare of all Africans, not for the profiting of a few, especially foreign capitalists, adding that this refinery will definitely decrease Nigeria’s scandalous unacceptable dependence on oil imports.

In a related development, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) said it is delighted over the proposed refinery/petro-chemical and fertiliser complex expected to start production in 2016.

In a statement its Secretary, Isaac Aberare, said the investment would go a long way in ending the perennial scarcity of petroleum products and put an end to the current massive importation of products.

While commending Dangote for the project, Aberare called on other private investors and the multinational oil companies, to take a cue from the renowned industrialist, against the drop of the fact that 18 firms were granted licences to establish refineries under the Obasanjo regime and they did not

lish another company similar to NITEL. Government needs to revive NITEL so that it would be a national carrier to checkmate the excesses of Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) operators in the country.

“If they cannot revive NITEL, they should set up another company to checkmate the high tariff charged by GSM operators”.

It was also stated that there were about 400 workers left in the distressed organisation (NITEL) whose welfare needed to be considered.

The Federal Government planned to re-start the sale of NITEL through a guided liquidation process. The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) said that this would begin with the appointment of a liquidator.

In 2010, many foreign companies bid for the telecoms firm but the winners could not pay on time.

do anything.

The statement reads: “The refinery and petrochemical plant will add value to the oil and gas industry, which is at present experiencing a downturn and save the use of scarce foreign exchange to procure imported fuel and materials. The Dangote Refinery will turn the tide, as it will also become a major foreign exchange earner in the export of refined petroleum products.

“The Union believes that the refinery, when it finally makes a debut in 2016, will reduce or eliminate products scarcity in the country. We, therefore, call on the other investors and the multinational oil companies to take a cue from Dangote, especially 18 firms that were granted licences to establish refineries about three years ago and have not made any move to even clear the sites.”

Dangote said about 8,000 engineers would be needed for the takeoff of the $9billion Dangote Refinery/Fertiliser plant in Ondo State.

Speaking in Abuja, Dangote said the project, when completed, would provide jobs for 85,000 Nigerians.

He said the group had secured a $3.3 billion loan from a consortium of banks for the project.

According to him, importation of petroleum products will end by 2016 as the plant will start production in the next three years.

HE International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called on the Federal, state and local governments to make the health and safety of their workers a priority, stressing that recent statistics on the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among adults in the world shows that Nigeria has the second largest number of people living with disease ILO-HIV Technical expert, Dr. Runo Onosode, who made the call in Lagos while presenting the keynote address on HIV/AIDS in the workplace and link to occupational safety and Health, at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), in Lagos, said the programme was a collaboration between Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NISTF) and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

She said: “We commend the efforts of NSITF in collaboration with NECA to ensuing safety in the workplace in the country because it is on record that Nigeria has the second-largest number of people living with HIV as the prevalence rate among adults’ ages 15 to 49 is 0.9 per cent.”

“The human cost of this daily adversity is vast and the economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at four per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year that needs urgent attention like the ongoing enlightenment forum.”

Onosode , who emphasised that youth and young adults in Nigeria are more vulnerable to HIV, with young women at higher risk than young men, however, said: “There are many risk factors that have contributed to the spread of

HIV, including prostitution, highrisk practices among itinerant workers, high prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), clandestine high-risk heterosexual and homosexual practices, international trafficking of women and irregular blood screening.”

Chairman, NSITF, Dr Ngozi Olejeme, said the committee set up last year on workplace safety would continue to implement the safe work intervention project of the fund.

“The joint committee will continue to identify and intervene appropriately in improving the health and safety infrastructure of companies/employers, which facilities fall below acceptable standards in the country,” she said.

NECA’sDirector-General, Mr Mr Olusegun Oshinowo stressed that the project was inspired by the realisation that human capacity was the most valuable asset in any business.

“To any business, the human capital is the most valuable asset and as your most valuable asset, common sense and enlightened self-interest dictates that you pay special attention to that very valuable asset. That is what has informed NECA’s interest in this project,” he said.

Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Ilo who represented the Minister of Labour and Productivity Emeka Wogu emphasised the importance of human capital development to the development of any nation.

He however pledged the commitment of the ministry to ensuring the successful completion of the project.

NLC condemns detention of officials

T

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the arrest and detention of officials of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) by the Lagos State Police Command, calling for their immediate release.

In a statement, the Congress alleged that the union officials were arrested while picketing the Head office of Diamond Bank Plc to press home their demand for better working conditions, as well as the reinstatement of 200 sacked workers as directed by the National Industrial Court (NIC).

NLC pointed out that the con-

tinued detention of the affected workers violated their fundamental human rights and portrays the Nigeria Police in bad light as a “cash and carry” strike force.

The statement signed by the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Olusegun Rotimi, berated the management of the bank for engaging the services of the police in industrial relation issues that could be resolved through dialogue.

It directed the management of the bank to recall the sacked workers without further delay, failing which it threatened to take necessary action against the bank.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

30

EQUITIES

NSE warns stockbrokers over poor reporting

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-09-13

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has warned stockbroking firms against delay in submission of their monthly transaction reports.

In a circular to all dealing members, the NSE frowned at delay in submission of monthly transaction report by stockbroking firm noting that several operators were yet to file their reports for July and August 2013.

The circular signed by head, broker dealer regulation, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Olufemi Shobanjo, stated that all defaulting stockbroking firms must submit their monthly report for the period ended July 31, 2013 by September 13, 2013.

The affected stockbroking firms included Allbond Investment Limited, Belfry Investment and Securities Limited, CDL Capital Markets Limited, Crane Securities Limited, Deep Trust and Investment Limited, Fittco Securities Limited, Funds Matrix and Assets Mgt Ltd, Gombe Securities Limited, Kundila Finance Services Limited, Lakesworth Investment and Securities Limited, Lighthouse Asset Management Limited, Mact Securities Limited and Maxifund Investment and Securities Plc. Others were Spring Trust and Securities Limited, PIPC Securities Limited,

• Custodian & Allied explains delay in earnings report •-Equities slide by 0.84%

By Taofik Salako

Profund Securities Limited, PSI Securities Limited, Security Swaps Limited, TransAfrica Financial Services Limited, Transworld Investment Limited, UIDC Securities Limited, Waila Securities and Funds Limited and WizeTrade Capital and Asset Mgt Limited.

Meanwhile, the management of Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc has sought for investing public understanding over the delay in the release of the earnings reports of the company.

In a note to investors made available by the NSE, the company stated that the delay in the release of the audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2012 and interim reports for the first and second quarter of 2013 was due to full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for all its three companies including the subsidiaries, Crusader General Insurance Limited and Crusader Life Insurance Limited.

It noted that the accounts of the companies within the group have just been approved by the National Insurance Commission (Naicom),assuring that it

would soon release all the earnings reports.

Aggregate market capitalisation of quoted companies on the NSE dropped by N97 billion last week as most equities fluctuated downward. Total market value of all equities closed weekend at N11.494 trillion as against its week’s opening value of N11.591 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the common index that tracks all equities on the NSE, depreciated by 0.84 per cent from 36,403.95 points to 36,098.07.

All other sectoral indices followed the overall downtrend. The NSE 30 Index, which tracks 30 most capitalised stocks, dropped by 0.66 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods Index dwindled by 0.73 per cent while the NSE Banking Index, NSE Insurance Index, NSE Oil and Gas Index, NSE Lotus Islamic Index and NSE Industrial Goods Index decreased by 0.81 per cent, 2.96 per cent, 0.64 per cent, 0.13 per cent and 0.74 per cent respectively.

Total turnover stood at 1.07 billion shares worth N13.14 billion in 23,190 deals. The financial services sector remained atop activity chart with a turnover 770.43 million shares valued at N5.61 billion in 13,088 deals; representing about 72 per cent of aggregate turnover.

Trading in the trio of Unity Bank Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc accounted for 223.499 million shares worth N1.98 billion in 2,748 deals, contributing about 21 per cent of total turnover volume during the week.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-09-13

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

31

MONEY LINK

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MoneyGram kicks off promo

$600m forex auctioned at WDAS

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week sold $600 million at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS).

Data from the CBN showed that $300 million was offered and sold last Monday.

The transaction was at a marginal rate of N155.76 to a dollar while the weighted average rate stood at N155.77 to a dollar.

The highest bid rate was N155.79 to a dollar and the lowest bid rate was N155.79 to a dollar. All the 20 banks that

Stories by Collins Nweze

participated in the bid were successful.

Also last Wednesday, the CBN offered and sold $300 million at a marginal rate of N155.76 to a dollar. The weighted average rate of the transaction stood at N155.77 to a dollar.

The highest bid rate was N155.79 to a dollar while the lowest bid rate was N155.76. All the 18 banks that participated in the transaction had

M

O N E Y G R A M International has begun the 2013 edition of its incountry annual Gear Up for School project through which it will distribute learning materials to thousands of public school students drawn from the south-west and South-south regions of the country.

In a statement, it said the project which started in 2011 enables it in collaboration with its agent banks in the country, distributes educational materials at the beginning of the academic session to select public primary schools. This is to underscore the primary commitment of

successful bids.

The naira however lost 44 kobo week-on-week at the interbank market, to close at N163.16 to a dollar from N163.60 to a dollar previously.

The Bureau De Change and parallel markets remained within the same rate week-on-week, and closed the week at N164.50 to a dollar and N165.00 to a dollar.

A lso, the Federal Government offered a total N70 billion, in bonds on Wednesday, which in effect mopped up liquidity in the system.

Segun Agbaje is Banker of the Year

T

HE Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Segun Agbaje has been announced the 2013 Banker of the Year – Africa by the World Finance Banking Awards.

In a statement, the bank said the World Finance Banker of the Year Africa Award is conferred on outstanding bankers who have achieved the most with regards to innovation, profitability and sustainability of their organisation.

It said the award also takes into recognition an individual that has been an influential and inspirational leader, has overseen strong financial performance for his organisation and has successfully guided his institution to new heights in its indus-

try.

According to World Finance, Segun Agbaje has won the coveted “Banker of the Year – Africa 2013”. It said the category was one of the most sought after categories in the 2013 Banking Awards, adding that someone has to win and the judging panel confirmed that Mr. Agbaje is at the vanguard of African Banking and has earned the reputation and recognition as a truly accomplished and highly respected Banker, locally and internationally.

It said his commitment to leading an efficient institution has ensured that GTBank maintains higher margins and the lowest cost to income ratio amongst its peers, despite a relatively smaller branch network when compared to its peers in the country.

UBA Foundation embarks on CSR

U

BA Foundation, the corporate social platform of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Nigeria’s health sector especially in the area of improving and contributing to the reduction of infant mortality rate in the country.

In a statement, the UBA Foundation recently donated incubators to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano , as part of the campaign by the Foundation to give as many premature babies as possible a chance of living through the

•GTBank CEO, Segun Agbaje

FirstRand records 20% rise in profit

F

IRSTRAND Ltd, South Africa’s second-biggest financial-services company, said fiscal full-year profit climbed 20 percent as it lured more customers.

According to Bloomberg, normalized income, which takes

into account asset sales a year earlier, rose to 15.3 billion rand ($1.54 billion) in the 12 months through June, from 12.7 billion rand a year earlier, the Johannesburg-based company said in a statement today. Earnings per

share excluding one-time items increased 20 percent to 2.72 rand, in line with the median estimate of five analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

While FirstRand has failed in its goal to buy assets in Ghana,

Nigeria and Zambia, its consumer unit has attracted more customers in South Africa and expanded in India. Rand Merchant Bank, the company’s investment banking unit, started operations in Nigeria in December.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 13-09-13

SYMBOL JOSBREW PORTPAINT TRANSEXPR THOMASWY VONO COSTAIN FBNH AFRIPRUD RTBRISCOE UNILEVER

O/PRICE 6.84 4.96 1.03 0.66 1.81 1.2 15.2 1.95 1.35 58.75

C/PRICE 7.52 5.45 1.13 0.72 1.94 1.25 15.65 2 1.38 60

CHANGE 0.68 0.49 0.10 0.06 0.13 0.05 0.45 0.05 0.03 1.25

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) 149.7450 (S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N) Parallel Market 153.0000

O/PRICE 0.99 3.63 0.57 0.88 0.67 0.85 0.84 2.16 2.59 0.67

C/PRICE 0.9 3.31 0.52 0.82 0.63 0.8 0.8 2.07 2.5 0.65

CHANGE 0.09 0.32 0.05 0.06 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.09 0.09 0.02

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

July ’12

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 13-09-13

SYMBOL WAPIC IHS MULTITREX IKEJAHOTEL INTENEGINS ABCTRANS AIICO MANSARD FIDELITYBK UTC

donation of modern Incubators to teaching hospitals across the country.

Managing Director/CEO of the Foundation, Ijeoma Aso said the lender places priority on the health sector and that the donation to the hospitals was in fulfillment of the foundation’s key objective of improving the lives and well being of the communities where UBA has presence.

Speaking at separate presentation ceremonies held in Enugu and Kano, chief medical directors (CMDs) of both institutions respectively described UBA Foundation’s donation as a laudable and innovative gesture. ‘’Some of our old Incubators in the hospital were purchased as far back as 1972, which is 41 years ago, even some of our consultants here were not born then. So you can see why we are very grateful to UBA for this wonderful gesture” said Obinna Onodugo, the acting Medical Director of UNTH, Enugu , while receiving the Incubators.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

MoneyGram to the provision of sound education to the Nigerian child, especially indigent pupils at the grassroots.

This year, the project will provide books to nine schools, drawn from the South-West and South-South regions of the country. This is in demonstration of the brand’s commitment to the global campaign to promote reading culture in the kids as the reading mind is described as a rich storehouse for development ideas. MoneyGram said it will remain at the forefront of championing meaningful development of the continent and its peoples.

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 141.19 153.72 0.80 1.16 1.18 100.00 1,000.00 1,820.49 13.64 1.39 1.87 11,004.94

9.08 1.00 140.70 153.19 0.78 1.16 1.16 100.00 1,000.00 1,816.36 12.97 1.33 1.80 10,680.29

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

32

ISSUES

• NAICOM building

The changing face of insurance

• Insurers in race for survival

It has been a year like no other for the insurance industry. It has been rules, rules and rules. To the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the rules will positively impact on the fortunes of the industry, but operators fear that they will create uncertainty. The reality is that many of the operators are struggling to survive. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO reports that only the strongest will emerge by the end of this year.

Continued on page 33

33

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

ISSUES

The changing face of insurance Continued from page 32

F

OR insurers, it has been a year of strict rules. The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) introduced these rules to make insurance firms sit up: The rules may have become imperative because of the challenges faced by the firms, many of which are struggling to survive.

Towards this end, NAICOM strengthened its supervisory and enforcement rules by ensuring that financial information, such as returns and solvency are accurate.

NAICOM also strengthened its supervision of insurance and reinsurance companies and brokers. It also moved to tackle money laundering and the financing of terrorism, among others.

It mandated the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) from last year; and set up the oil and gas policy guidelines.

But the major challenge of insurers is the very low level of penetration and patronage in the country.

Following the recapitalisation of the industry in 2007, insurance premium income, which represents about one per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), has grown from N105 billion in 2007 to N300 billion this year.

The industry total assets have risen steadily to N635 billion while the number of operators in the sector has similarly increased remarkably over the period. The sector now has 2,250 insurance agents, 579 insurance brokers, 66 loss adjusters, 57 insurance companies, and reinsurance companies.

Other developments that have taken place and include the enforcement of compliance with compulsory insurance in line with the Insurance Act 2003, the sanitisation and modernisation of insurance agency system, wiping out of fake insurance institutions, and introduction of risk-based supervision of institutions under the Commission.

To facilitate financial inclusion, NAICOM created avenues for micro-insurance, agricultural insurance and Takaful insurance (an Islamic insurance policy) to evolve. The establishment of a complaint bureau by the commission is with the primary objective of addressing genuine complaints from customers.

A code of corporate governance was also put in place to strengthen governance in the companies.

The commission also embarked on public enlightenment campaign to educate the public on insurance. It strengthened its relationship with other regulators, both within and outside the country through the signing of Memorandum of Uunderstanding (MoU) and enhanced collaboration in pursuing mutually beneficial interests.

According to NAICOM, these initiatives aligned with the strategic objectives to be achieved by the sector as articulated in Vision 20:2020.

The objectives are to ensure insurance credibility and protect policy holders; embark on risk-based capitalisation of insurance companies; embed the governance and risk management framework for the insurance companies and to diversify and integrate insurance products into financial services for long term financing.

To achieve these objectives it was envisaged that there would be increased financial literacy and awareness, human capital development and attraction of expertise, integrated and linked Information Technology (IT) systems, improved legal and regulatory framework.

Director of Inspectorate, NAICOM, Mr Barineka Thompson said insurance regulators have done well in the past decades, adding that the regulators recognised that operators should not be strangulated with too many rules, but must be determined to do everything to protect the rights of

policyholders.

He said: “The commission believes that regulators should not over regulate but there should be proportionate regulation, so companies do not go out of circulation.

“Primarily, the role of the regulator is to preserve the interest of the insured.

The fallout of the recent economic meltdown across the globe justified the conservatism of insurance regulators and operators. We tightened the knots and not a laissez faire attitude.”

He further said that regulatory agenda and renewed need for increased growth, cost reductions, profitability and return on capital remained central themes for insurers and practitioners.

He noted that being able to respond appropriately to the challenges in the industry would mark out the successful insurers in this new era.

It will also define in the next few years, the direction of the industry and mark it out as another period to rise to the challenge, he said.

Director-General, Nigeria Insurers Association of Nigeria, Mr Thomas Sunday said the benefits of the economy would only serve sector and enhance its ability to realise its potential when discipline and high ethical standard is given a priority.

He urged operators to uphold ethical standards to get public confidence needed to boost the sector.

He said insurers must comply with the code of conduct of the profession and other relevant laws and regulations, adding that they must also act with the highest ethical standards and integrity.

“Insurance operators must act in the best interest of their clients and provide a high standard of service while treating the insuring public fairly. The benefits of ethical conduct will make the industry to become more attractive to investors while corporate risk exposure will be reduced.”

Stating the characteristics of insurance, he explained that insurance is a means of financial intermediation.

"Its operations involve exchange of things of unequal value and the article traded is a promise. Assets are held in trust while the supply chain involves people of various interests which at times could be conflicting," he added.

But the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr Fatai Lawal, differs. According to him, the review of regulatory and operational guidelines in response to the volatile environment will not help the growth of the industry He lamented that operators are also under the pressure of business owners to deliver huge returns on their investment, an uphill task for any manager who must not cut corners or compromise professional event.

An expert, Mr Muftau Oyegunle said accepting that shaping the future of the industry lies with every one would make a difference.

Ostensibly referring to the avalanche of regulations, he said: "However, unacceptable things may be (with the industry) today, making conscious efforts to improve on the spot we are privileged to occupy at the moment in the industry, is the panacea

‘

•Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

• Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel

•Managing Director, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr Wale Onaolapo

• Managing Director, International Energy Insurance Plc, Mrs. Roseline Ekeng

for a better tomorrow.

"The insurance landscape is constantly in flux and the forces shaping the industry in the next five years will differ from those that shaped it over the past few years."

He identified forces that would challenge the strategies of insurance carriers in the country.

"These forces are shifts in growth from mature to emerging markets, increases in the development and consumption of technology; an escalation of both risk and regulation; changes in consumer behaviour; and in the competitive landscape. These will create a sea of challenges in which today's high performers and those that are aspiring to be high performers in the future will need to navigate.

"For our economic survival and that of our companies, we need to collaborate technologi-

cally to move the industry forward. The foreign companies are gradually positioning themselves for the mass products and it will be unfortunate if the companies lose out. Although these forces might not be new, what is new is their intensity and the speed at which they will take effect."

He also said the critical factors that will shape the future of the industry are technology, innovation; know-how, collaboration and service delivery.

He noted that the availability of credit to individuals and business organisations with ease and low interest rate is necessary to accelerate economic growth, particularly the mortgage industry. Accurate population census and national identity card are factors while the review of the Land Use Decree will also be an enabler, he added.

According to him, the impact of the 'No Premium No Cover' enforcement is an example of what legislation can do to the industry as most underwriters have reported better cash flow position.

The questions are: What happens if the Third Party Insurance Act is enforced? Can the Federal Government become a disciplined buyer and state and local governments partner with the industry on specific products?

Micro insurance, health insurance, agricultural insurance and other products that would benefit the masses would require government's critical support for success, he added.

Being able to respond appropriately to the challenges in the industry will mark out the successful insurers in this new era. It will also define in the next few years, the direction of the industry and mark it out as another period to rise to the challenge

’

34

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 , 2013

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria (GSK Nigeria) Plc has been at the centre of the stock market transactions in recent period. The global deal between GlaxoSmithKline, United Kingdom, (GSK UK) Plc, the majority foreign core investor in GSK Nigeria and Suntory Beverage and Food Limited, an ambitious Japanese drinks company, appears to excite investors but it also has wider implications. Capital Market Editor, TAOFIK SALAKO reports that GSK is stepping into a new horizon with larger opportunities but also potential threats

G

What new horizon for GSK?

LAXOSMITHKLINE Consumer Nigeria (GSK Nigeria) Plc fluctuates between gains and losses, underscoring differing investors’ perspectives of the future of the leading healthcare company.

GlaxoSmithKline, United Kingdom (GSK UK) Plc, the foreign majority core investor in GSK Nigeria, had last Monday announced the global sale of its Lucozade and Ribena drinks to Japanese company, Suntory Beverage & Food (SBF) Limited in a deal valued at £1.35 billion, about $2.1 billion. The deal, which is awaiting final approval

by European regulators, is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. The two brands-Lucozade and Ribena, are iconic and popular brands with Nigerian consumers and while GSK Nigeria has a large portfolio of pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare products, Lucozade and Ribena accounted for more than 50 per cent of the group sales and operating profit in 2012. GSK Nigeria has two distinctive business categories- pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare. Pharmaceuticals consist of prescription drugs and vaccines while consumer healthcare segment consists of oral care, over-the-counter medicines and nutritional products.

With some of Nigeria’s iconic brands such as Macleans toothpaste, Panadol brand of paracetamol and then Lucozade and Ribena variants, GSK Nigeria relies heavily on its consumer healthcare business. In the last audited report ended December 31, 2012, consumer healthcare products accounted for N17.878 billion in sales, 70.6 per cent of group turnover of N25.308 billion. Pharmaceuticals segment accounted for N7.430 billion, 29.4 per cent of group total sales. Lucozade and Ribena, which sales grew by 26 per cent during the year, were both the main drivers for the consumer healthcare business and the group’s total sales, accounting for more than 70 per cent in each instance.

The announcement of the global sale came with a much-awaited confirmation- that GSK Nigeria will retain the exclusive rights to the Lucozade and Ribena. Throughout the controversial bid by GSK UK to increase its majority equity stake GSK Nigeria earlier this year, the right to produce and market the Lucozade and Ribena drink brands for the Nigerian and other African markets was the pawn on the chessboard of the aborted transaction. Investors has since waited with baited breathe as GSK Nigeria rounded off discussions with GSK UK on retaining the rights to the Lucozade and Ribena.

The board of GSK Nigeria has confirmed that the company will continue to bottle and distribute Lucozade and Ribena for Suntory. According to the company, GSK Nigeria has agreed the terms of an exclusive contract under which SBF will supply certain ingredients of Lucozade and Ribena, with effect from January 1, 2014. The company also assured that it remains within its profit forecast for the ongoing business year ending December 31, 2013. Besides, it noted that the full financial impact of the new arrangement with SBF will be phased in between 2014 – 2015 with possible marginal decline in GSK Nigeria’s overall long term operating margin by some three to four percentage points. It wasn’t overkill.

Investors responded positively to the sale agreement. GSK Nigeria’s share price recorded the highest gain of N3.20 on Monday to close at N67.20 per share, playing a contrarian stock in a market that was pervaded by losses by several highly capitalised stocks. The stock market’s average price index had indicated a decline of 0.08 per cent. What-

•Chairman, GSK Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye

ever happens to GSK Nigeria is important to the Nigerian stock market. The most capitalised stock and highestpriced stock in the healthcare sector, GSK Nigeria opens today with market capitalisation of N61.23 billion, more than 82 per cent of the total market capitalisation of the the 10 stocks in the sector. Total market value of the healthcare sector stands at N74.66 billion. GSK Nigeria is the blue-chip representative of the healthcare sector in the exclusive list of dominant stocks at the NSE. It ranks within the top 30 stocks, a group of stocks that largely determine the overall market direction.

A win-win deal?

Last week’s announcement opens a new vista for GSK Nigeria, it brings into the company additional strategic partner. While GSK UK, which holds majority equity stake of 46.4 per cent in GSK Nigeria, retains its interests, Suntory views GSK Nigeria as a springboard for an ambitious African expansion. This opens up prospects of additional strategic growth initiatives, products and supports for GSK Nigeria. SBF is a major food and beverage company. It held 20 per cent share of Japan’s non-alcoholic drink market in 2012. SBF is reported to have amassed a war chest of some ¥500 billion, about $5 billion, for takeovers and expansions after it successfully held Japan’s largest initial public offering this year. Suntory Beverage has said it plans to acquire companies in Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America to help double sales to ¥2.0 trillion by 2020.

The Tokyo-based company derived about 31 per cent of group turnover from overseas markets in 2012 compared with 25 per cent in 2011, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

SBF views the GSK deal as a major linchpin in its expansion strategy. According to SBF, the GSK deal will allow it to expand in countries where GSK already operates including Nigeria and Malaysia. Chief executive officer, Suntory Beverage and Food (SBF), Nobuhiro Torii said the company aims at 5.0 per cent annual sales growth in Lucozade and Ribena, which it expects to provide “stable profits”. SBF almost doubled 2013 first-half net income to ¥12 billion on the back of increased cost efficiency and sales growth in Asia. With the mind on African market, SBF’s eyes are firmly fixed on GSK Nigeria, which has proven consistently o surpass growth targets on both Lucozade and Ribena. Such strategic relationship holds prospects for additional funding, new products, increased global affiliation and further

diversification of GSK Nigeria’s growth base, thus insulating the company to some extent from the utter shock of franchise realignment and negative spillovers from global restructurings and acquisitions. SBF had bought 51 per cent of PepsiCo Inc (PEP)’s soft-drink business in Vietnam earlier this year. It had in 2009 bought France’s Orangina Schweppes Group for ¥300 billion and New Zealand’s Frucor Beverages Group for •600 million. SBF, which held 20 per cent share of Japan’s non-alcoholic drink market in 2012, the second-biggest after Coca-Cola Co’s 28 per cent, will likely give desired focus to Lucozade and Ribena. Lucozade and Ribena had combined sales of about £500 million in 2012. That sales prospects now belongs to Suntory, in addition to GSK’s Coleford manufacturing site. SBF may also want expand the global sale of its Boss coffee brand, especially in Nigeria which has a large market for coffee. In learning the curves, it is also unlikely that SBF’s parent company-Suntory Holdings, which sells whiskey and beer, may explore opportunities in Nigeria’s large whiskey and beer market, thus further cementing the group’s interests in Nigeria.

Besides, global products portfolio restructuring is expected to increase GSK UK, UK’s biggest drugmaker, focus on its main pharmaceuticals business. GSK UK has earmarked to sell some older products to enhance its bigger business of developing new medicines. It plans to use the proceeds from the sale of Lucozade and Ribena to partly deleverage its balance sheet.

Nigeria is a large market for prescriptive drugs and vaccines. With the renewed focus, GSK UK will want to give additional push to its prescriptive drugs’ market share in Nigeria.

Both partners-GSK UK and SBF, thus bring additional peps to GSK Nigeria.

Inconclusive deal But the potential risks are that of conflict of interest of the strategic partners and ability of GSK Nigeria to develop well-suited business streams that enamour drug-aggressive GSK UK and drink-aggressive SBF. Many multinationals have opted to divest from their Nigerian subsidiaries because of global products realignment and restructuring. However, many other new global acquirers have also strengthened their Nigerian subsidiaries and affiliates. The long-term outlook for GSK UK’s business and equity interests in GSK Nigeria is still

evolving. Although the GSK UKSBF-GSK Nigeria’s deal on Lucozade and Ribena suggests a positive closure of one of potential threats to GSK Nigeria’s future standing, the negotiation appears to have just started. With its renewed global focus on prescriptive medicines, GSK UK will also aim to streamline its global network and enhance this in line with the demand of the drug business. It will need to be convinced that GSK Nigeria, with its dominant consumer healthcare business, can provide a stronger and competitive platform to achieve sales and profit targets. Pearson, UK recently divested its shareholdings in Longman Nigeria Plc, which subsequently changed to Learn Africa Plc, because of its global products realignment and concern that its Nigerian affiliate was not well-suited for its new business focus. In the healthcare sector, the restrictive and ethical nature of prescriptive drugs and vaccines sometimes provides disconcerted multinationals with incentives to go private without any considerable adverse impact on their Nigerian operations. Pfizer sold its equity and pulled out exclusive rights from Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals but the multinational has remained active in the domestic drug market.

GSK UK had rested the argument for its push for a dominant controlling equity stake in GSK Nigeria on its future ambition to invest substantially and further develop the Nigerian subsidiary. Nigerian shareholders and other investors had in July rejected GSK UK’s ambitious share purchase bid aimed at increasing its shareholdings in GSK Nigeria to 75 per cent. GSK, which currently holds majority equity stake of 46.4 per cent GSK Nigeria, holds 443.91 million shares of GSK Nigeria’s current outstanding shares of 956.70 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each while other investors hold the balance of 512.79 million shares. GSK UK had pushed to acquire 273.46 million ordinary shares out of the other shareholders’ holdings to add 28.58 per cent to push its post-acquisition holding to 75 per cent. It offered N48 per share. According to the proposal, GSK UK would acquire additional shares of GSK Nigeria on a pro rata basis from existing shareholders, implying that the proportionate percentage will be deducted from all other shareholders and added to GSK UK. Other shareholders had protested vehemently against the of-

fer price and the element of compulsion, forcing the multinational to step down the acquisition bid. Nigerian shareholders were also concerned about the prospects of their future shareholdings. With 75 per cent equity stake, GSK UK will be able to push through any future major changes including mergers and acquisition, delisting, shares buy back, changing of public limited liability status, new capital issues and restructuring among others. Extant Nigerian laws require 75 per cent shareholdings to approve such major changes. In recommending the aborted transaction, the board of GSK Nigeria had reasoned that increased GSK ownership underlines GSK’s long term support of GSK Nigeria’s strategy. The board said it unanimously believed that the proposal was in the best interest of the continued growth of the GSK Nigeria, the shareholders, employees, customers, the community and Nigeria. According to directors of the company, increased equity stake will encourage GSK UK to make new substantial investments in the Nigerian subsidiary.

In announcing the withdrawal, Chairman, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria (GSK Nigeria) Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, told the scheduled court-ordered meeting of shareholders that GSK decided to step down the acquisition bid to consider appropriate amendments that will make the offer more acceptable to shareholders. At a media parley after indefinite suspension of the court-ordered meeting, Osunkeye explained further that GSK UK and GSK Nigeria were ready to renegotiate everything and come up with a win-win transaction that would be beneficial to all stakeholders. According to him, the company will go back to the drawing board to work out a fair and persuasive deal that offers better price and remove element of compulsory purchase of shareholders’ holdings.

He said while the company would be anxious to return with a new proposal, it would not put a timeline for the new deal. Both GSK UK and GSK Nigeria have since not made any announcement on the comeback bid, which leaves an open-ended question on future relationship. There is also future possibility, no matter how remote, of SBF seeking equity interests in GSK Nigeria, to gain some sort of control on the management of its Nigerian market.

Investors only need to worry about the future; consumers are oblivious of the changes in the company. GSK Nigeria’s financials have continued to show steady growth. Half-year report ended June 30, 2013 showed group sales of N14.0 billion as against N12.85 billion recorded in comparable period of 2012. Profit before tax increased to N2.1 billion as against N1.9 billion while profit after tax improved from N1.3 billion to N1.4 billion. Audited report for the year ended December 31, 2012 had shown a turnover of N25.31 billion and profit before tax of N4.17 billion. The strong wind of change can propel GSK Nigeria hither and thither, the future of the healthcare leader lies in stringing up acceptable deals that consolidate its pharmaceuticals business without jeorpardising its booming consumer healthcare.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

35

MONEY MARKET REPORT

Govt earns N645b from oil, says CBN The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) economic reports for July showed that oil receipts still dominated revenue stream of the Federal Government. The report released at the weekend analyses financial, fiscal developments in the real and external sectors of the economy, as well as international economic issues of interest, writes COLLINS NEWZE.

R

EVENUES from oil rose 0.2 per cent to N645.65 billion in July, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) economic report for the month has said.

The report released at the weekend said the revenue data constituted about 61.5 per cent of the government's total earnings. It said the rise in oil receipts, relative to the budget estimate, was attributed, largely, to the increase in receipts from petroleum profit tax (PPT), royalties, and domestic crude oil and gas sales during the month.

Also, gross non-oil receipts, which stood at N404.53 billion, represented 38.5 per cent of the total revenue, and was higher than both the provisional monthly budget estimate and the preceding month's record by 34.6 and 79.1 per cent respectively. The rise in receipts relative to the monthly budget estimate reflected, largely, the increase receipts from corporate tax, Customs and Excise duties and Customs special levies.

The Federal Government estimated retained revenue was N365.72 billion, while total estimated expenditure was N431.09 billion. Therefore, the fiscal operations of the Federal Government resulted in an estimated deficit of N65.37 billion, compared with the provisional month budget deficit of N73.92 billion, the report said.

Forex The invisible sector accounted for 44.1 per cent of total foreign exchange disbursed in July, followed by industrial sector, which accounted for 17.8 per cent. Other beneficiary sectors, in a descending order included the minerals and oil sector, 15.6 per cent, food products, 10.8 per cent manufactured product, 7.8 per cent, transport, 2.8 per cent and agricultural products.

Estimated aggregate demand for foreign exchange by authorized dealers under the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS), Bureau-de-change (BDC) and WDAS Forwards contract was $4.20 billion, showing an increase of 36.1 and 62.6 per cent above the levels in the preceding month and corresponding month of 2012.

The development relative to the preceding month's level was attributed to increased demand at WDAS and BDC segments by 25 per cent and 34.7 per cent, respectively, arising from excess liquidity in the banking sector. A total of $3.99 billion was sold by the CBN to authorized dealers, reflecting a decrease of 22.1 per cent below the level in the preceding month.

The report explained that under the WDAS segment, the average exchange rate of the naira against the dollar was at N157.32, even as the currency depreciated marginally by 0.1 per cent below the level in the preceding month.

Similarly, at the inter-bank and Bureau De Change segments, the average exchange rates depreciated by 0.7 and 0.9 per cent to N161.12 per dollar and N162.39 per dollar, respectively below their levels in the preceding month.

The report said the premium between the WDAS and Bureau-de-change rates widened from 2.3 per cent to 3.2 per cent in the month.

Similarly, the premium between the inter-bank and WDAS segments also widened to 2.4 per cent in the review month from 1.7 per cent in the preceding month.

Broad money On month-on-month basis, broad money 9M2) fell by 5.0 per cent, due largely to the 1.2 and 17.8 per cent decline in foreign asset (net) and other assets (net) of the banking system,

Nigeria Interbank T-Bills True Yield Fixing

the preceding month and the corresponding period of 2012, respectively. The development relative to preceding month reflected 1.2 per cent increase in currency outside banks.

Total deposits at the CBN amounted to N6.08 trillion, indicating a decline of 0.4 per cent when compared to the preceding month. The development reflected largely the decline in private sector and Federal Government's deposits, which more than offset the increase in banks' deposits. Of the total deposits, the percentage shares of the Federal Government, banks and private sector were 54.1,39.7 and 6.2 per cent, respectively, compared with 62.5, 29.6 and 7.9 per cent of June.

Discount Houses

Primary Market Auction (PMA in Million)

•Source: Financial Market Dealers Assocociation of Nigeira (FMDA)

Bonds

By Collins Nweze

respectively. Similarly, narrow money (M1) fell by 6.0 per cent contrast to the 2.9 per cent growth at the end of the preceding month, due wholly to the 7.4 per cent decline in its demand deposit component.

Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Bonds of 5,7,10 and 20-year tranches were reopened and auctioned during the quarter. The total amount offered, subscribed to and allotted for the tranches were N299.80 billion, N517.89 billion, and N235.61 billion, respectively. The marginally rates ranges between 11.19 to 13.50 per cent, which was higher than the range obtained in the preceding quarter.

In the review period , N32.06 billion worth of FGN Bonds matured and were repaid, resulting in a net withdrawal of N203.55 billion.

Relative to first quarter of 2013, the total amount offered, subscribed to and allotted stood at N285.00 billion, N607.05 billion, and N285.00 billion, respectively. The amount sold showed a decline of 17.3 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter.

Deposit/lending rates The report disclosed that banks' deposit and lending rates dropped during the review month. The spread between the weighted average term deposit and maximum lending rates slowed by 1.34 percentage point to 16.89 per cent. Also, the margin between the average savings deposit and maximum lending rates narrowed by 1.94 percentage points to 20.60 per cent. The weighted average inter-bank call rate fell to 10.61 per cent from 11.59 per cent in the preceding month, reflecting the liquidity condition in the interbank funds market.

Provisional data indicated that the value of money market assets outstanding as at end of July 2013 was N6.5 trillion, indicating and increase of 2.2 per cent at the end of the preceding month. The development was attributed to the 55.3 and 22.0 per cent increase in Bankers' Acceptances (Bas) and Commercial Paper (CP) respectively.

Inflows Foreign exchange inflow and outflow through the CBN were $5.78 billion and $4.89 billion, respectively, and resulted in a net inflow of $0.89 billion. Foreign exchange sales by the CBN to the authorized dealers amounted to $3.99 billion, showing a decline of 22.1 per cent below the preceding month's level.

Relative to the level in the previous month, the average naira exchange rate against the dollar depreciated marginally to N157.32 to a dollar at the WDAS segment of the market.

Similarly, it depreciated at the bureau-dechange and interbank segments of the market.

Non-oil export receipts increased by 281.9 per cent above the level in the preceding month. This was attributed largely to rise in

The economic policy for the second quarter ended June, also showed that total assets/liabilities of the discount houses stood at N344.2 billion, indicating a decline of 4.3 and 17 per cent below the levels recorded in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2012, respectively. The report said the fall in assets relative to the preceding quarter was accounted for largely by the decrease in claims on the state more than offset the rise in claims on the state governments and banks.

It said the fall in total liabilities was attributed, largely to the decrease in money at call and other liabilities, which exceeded the increase in capital and reserves and other amounts owed to discount houses.

Discount houses' investment in Federal Government securities of less than 91-day maturity decreased by 2.2 per cent to N148.41 billion and represented 52.5 per cent of their total deposit liabilities.

At this level, discount houses' investment was 7.5 percentage points below the prescribed minimum level of 60.0 per cent for fiscal 2013. Total borrowing by the discount houses was N78.9 billion, while their capital and reserves stood at N19.5 billion. This resulted in a gearing ratio of 4.1:1, compared with the stipulated maximum of 50.1 for fiscal 2013.

Capital Market operations

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

receipts from the industrial, manufactured and agricultural products sectors.

Banking system credit At N138.8 trillion, aggregate banking system credit to the domestic economy, increased by 4.0 per cent, on month-on-month basis, compared with the growth of 0.4 per cent at the end of the preceding month. The development reflected , largely, the respective increase of 0.7 and 17.6 per cent in claims on the private sector and the Federal Government, respectively.

Currency in circulation The currency in circulation during the month stood at N1.4 trillion, showing 2.2 per cent rise in the review month, in contrast to the decline of 2.2 and 0.1 per cent at the end of

‘The Economic policy for the second quarter ended June, also showed that total assets/liabilities of the discount houses stood at N344.2 billion, indicating a decline of 4.3 per cent below the levels at the end of the preceding quarter’

Activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed mixed developments during the review quarter. The report showed that the volume of Traded securities declined by 16.6 per cent to 26.5 per cent billion shares valued at N336.59 billion, in 380,946 deals, compared with 31.8 billion shares valued at N254.98 billion in 383,014 deals in the preceding quarter.

The banking sub-sector maintained its dominance as the most active with a volume of 12 billion shares valued at N110.5 billion in 87,743 deals.

Provisional data on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) bond market, indicated a turnover of 2.22 billion units, worth 251 billion, in 13,396 deals, compared with 2.51 billion units worth N2.9 trillion in 14,641 deals in the preceding quarter.

Fed Got revenue The data showed that total federally collected revenue during the second quarter of 2013 stood at N2.3 trillion, representing a decline of 2.3, 5.2 and 16.4 per cent below the levels in the preceding quarter, the corresponding quarter of 2012 and the proportionate budget estimate, respectively.

Also gross of receipts stood at N1.8 trillion, which constituted 76.5 per cent of the total, and declined below the proportionate budged estimate and the level in the preceding quarter by 6.2 and 1.9 per cent, respectively. The development relative to the preceding quarter was attributed to the decline in all the components of oil revenue.

36

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

INSURANCE

IGI, Mutual Benefits, others yet to submit annual accounts A

BOUT six months after 2012 financial year ended and three months after the June 30 deadline given insurers for the submission of annual accounts, some insurance giants in the industry are yet to submit their International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) accounts to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

According to the 2012 financial statements submission status of insurance companies byNAICOM as at August 27th, 2013, out of the existing 57 insurance companies and two re-insurance companies, 31 companies submitted their accounts out of which only nine got approval.

Veteran insurers like Industrial and General Insurance Plc (IGI), Royal Exchange Insurance Plc, NICON Insurance, Niger Insurance, Goldlink Insurance Plc, Mutual Benefit,Cornerstone, International Energy InsurancePlc (IEI), make the list of companies that are yet to submit their report.

Others are Union Assurance, African Alliance Insurance Plc, Alliance and General Life Assurance Plc, Capital Express, LASACO Life, Mutual Benefit Life, Anchor Insurance, Great Nigeria Insurance, Guinea Insurance, Linkage Assurance, Oasis Insurance, Staco Insurance, Standard Alliance Insurance, Universal Insurance Plc and Unic Insurance.

Out of this group, IEI, Cornerstone, Niger, Oasis, Staco, Standard Alliance and Universal Insurance are quoted on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and risk suspension by the exchange.

Section 26 of the Insurance Act, 2003 states that failure to file annual returns constitutes a ground

Stories by Omobola ToluKusimo

for cancellation of operating license and an insurer shall be deemed to have failed to file its annual returns if the provisions of Section 26 of the Act are not met 12 months after the end of the financial year.

The nine companies that got NAICOM’s approval are Mansad Insurance Plc, ADIC Insurance Ltd, WAPIC Insurance, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance, Oasis Insurance Plc, FBN Life Assurance Ltd, Continental Reinsurance Company Plc, AIICO Insurance Plc and Leadway Assurance Company Ltd. Others like Custodian & Allied Ins. Plc, Unitrust Insurance Company Limited, Crusader General Ins. Ltd, UBA Metropolitan Life Ins. Company, NEM Insurance Plc, Law Union & Rock Insurance Company, Zenith General Insurance Ltd, Zenith Life Insurance Ltd, Standard Allied Life Assurance, Crystal Life Insurance, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, FIN Insurance Ltd, Unity Kapital Assurance Plc, Equity Assurance Plc, Lasaco Assuarnce Plc, Prestige Assurance Plc, PHB Insurance Plc, Regency Alliance Company have submitted their annual accounts but are being queried at different levels by the regulator.

At a parley with all the CEOs of insurers in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, expressed concerns over the delays in the submission of 2012 annual accounts and common errors noticed in the reports already submitted by some insurance companies.

At the meeting which was held behind closed doors, Daniel stressed the need to speed up the

process to avoid further delays in the approval of accounts by the commission and warned of grave consequences of further delays of submission and approval of the accounts to the affected companies.

The Nation learnt that the commissioner who did not hide his disappointment over the development said the commission will not hesitate to wield the big stick when necessary.

Meanwhile before the meeting with the CEOs, NAICOM also held a meeting with Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) of the affected insurance companies where they accepted there were challenges but promised to do the needful.

The meeting was addressed by NAICOM Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Admin, George Onekhena and Director, Supervision, Nicholas Opara. The two officials also took time to address some areas of challenge to the companies.

But in spite of these meetings, the companies are still struggling and are yet to submit.

It was learnt that while some are having challenges in getting their auditors and actuaries perfect their accounts, others may have got their hands soiled with several irregularities and misstatement in the activities of their companies and are afraid of being exposed and sanctioned.

One of the embattled CEOs who spoke on condition of anonymity said his company has not submitted because of the issues of IFRS. He said there are also challenges with external auditors as most of them have just changed their previous auditor as required by the law.

“But as I am speaking with you

• Chairman IGI, Remi Olowude

now, our CFO is in Abuja ready to submit the account to NAICOM,“ he said.

The managing director of one of the old insurance companies in the country explained that some of the big companies are having issues because of their size especially those who have branches in other African countries.

There is also the challenge of information technology, he said.

“For us, our challenge has to do with size. It is the first time we have to do a full blown financial result on IFRS. “We are also faced with the problem of lack of good actuaries in the country. It is a bigger problem for us because as a composite insurance company that operates general and life businesses, we are required by the IFRS standard to produce two actuarial valuations for the two businesses. Before now, we were only required to do valuation for general business.

“The number of actuarial firms in the country is too small and it is a big challenge. Although the actuarial scientists in Nigeria are coming up with initiatives to develop that part of our business need, we are going to set up our own actuary in the company.“ An industry observer said it is

A

Public buildings: Lagos, NIA collaborate

T

HE Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) has said it is collaborating with the Lagos State Government Building Control Agency on a proposal to enforce the provision of Part 111 section 48 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 3 of 2010 Laws of Lagos State.

According to NIA, this is in line with the state domestication of Sections 64 & 65 of the Insurance Act 2003.

Director-General, NIA, Mr. Sun-

day Thomas said Lagos State and the association will mount an enlightenment campaign to sensitise the public before the commencement of enforcement.

He stated that it is expected that this will improve members businesses’ in these classes of business and also deliver the benefit of insurance to the people of Lagos State.

He further disclosed that the representatives of the governing council led by Professor Joe Irukwu,

(SAN) met the representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Rodoyo Wenrhan to explore the potentials of the insurance industry as an economic growth driver in Nigeria.

He said the objectives of the mission was to ensure stability is sustained within the system.

He said the IMF stated the outcome of the meeting is expected to be published with recommendations made on how to move the industry forward.

H

• Managing Director Niger Insurance, Kola Adedeji

worrisome that these companies have not submitted their account and had not got approval from the regulator.

He however urged NAICOM not to relent in enforcement of laws guiding the industry as this will bring out the true state of the industry and investors will be guided appropriately.

AIICO grosses N17b

IICO Insurance Plc, has recorded growth in its financial year ended December 2012 postingN17 billion gross premium income as against the N14.6 billion posted for the financial year ended December 2011.

According to the audited results of the company released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the company also recorded a profit before tax (PBT) of N2 billion in the year under review as against the previous year.

Meanwhile, net premium earned reduced from N12.3 billion to N12 billion following reinsurance expenses which increased from N2.3 billion to N4. 9 billion

• From left: Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Joseph Obah, AGM/Head, Corporate Communications & Brand Management Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc (STI), Mr. Segun Bankole, Miss Insurance 2013/ 14, Sefiya Sadiq and MD/CEO, STI, Mr. Olawale Onaolapo during Miss Insurance courtesy visit to STI to solicit for management's support for her pet project.

• Managing Director Mansad Insurance, Yetunde Ilori

Commenting on the performance of the company, the Group Managing Director, Mr. David Sobanjo, said the company is well positioned for continued profitable growth.

He stated that despite the prevaling economic challenges, the unflinching efforts of management at improving the overall operation and service delivery have remained the reason consumers and clients consistently rely the firm.

Speaking on the company’s outlook, he said: “The company is looking forward to another good year and enthusiastic about the growth opportunities that lie ahead. We are confident we will exceed our future performance figures this year.”

Hurricane states not doing enough to improve codes

URRICANE prone states with weak building codes have done nothing in the last 18 months to improve their codes and are falling further behind on best building practices, according to the latest update to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety’s “Rating the States Report.”

According to insure.com, the update looks whether the 18 states along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts have improved their building codes since the last report in January 2012.

The institute found that most of the states with strong building rules in 2012 have updated to the most recent model building codes, while the states with low scores in the original report have done nothing to improve their codes.

The institute plans to issue a new report in 2015, which will revise the rating for each state based on actions taken since the original report. The January 2012 report scored states on a 100-point scale on the strength of their building codes and enforcement.

States that acted to improve their codes in the last 18 months, along with their original scores: Florida (95); Virginia (95); South Carolina (84); Connecticut (81); Rhode Island (78); Maryland (73); Georgia (66); New York (60); and Alabama (18).

Building codes are intended to increase the safety and integrity of structures, thereby reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from hurricanes and other hazards.

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Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Exploring the paint sector U potential

37

The paint manufacturing terrain is rough and competitive. It shrinks daily as some local manufacturers who produce sub-standard paints close shop almost as they open. Stakeholders believe that the sector holds opportunities for the teeming population of job-seeking youths. They want the government to channel some of its empowerment programmes, such as the ‘You Win’, meant to support small and medium entrepreneurs who are not over 40 and the Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (Sure-P) into the sector, writes OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE.

NEMPLOYMENT has hit a danger ous bend, forcing the three tiers of government to introduce programmes to aid job creation and breed entrepreneurs. It is not uncommon to see many young graduates roaming the streets looking for jobs.

Against this backdrop, stakeholders believe that the paint manufacturing sector holds a lot of promise for massive job crea-

tion. They believe that indigenous quality paint manufacturers, if empowered, can meet local requirements, create jobs and also train young school leavers as painters to meet the industry’s need. They contend that there are opportunities for painters in construction, shipping, fabrication, automobile, real estate and general engineering.

However, they want the government to come out with a deliberate strategy to sup-

port players in the sector to build capacity in terms of human capital and soft funding. This is more so when the government is partnering the private sector to meet the over 17 million housing gap.

Artisan painters and paints are needed to deliver such huge target.

The Chairman, DN Meyer, Mr Remi •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

38

JOBS

Exploring the paint sector potential •Continued from page 37

Omotoso, regretted that the government is not encouraging paint manufacturers who have unquantifiable capacity to create jobs by allowing all manner of paints importation into the country.

He said: “Our system is so porous that all manner of things happen even with all the regulatory agencies at our ports and borders.

Government should channel the Sure-P fund into the sector to stimulate paint manufacturing because if production capacity increases more young people would be employed and trained even to be self–employed as painters.”

Omotoso said manufacturers needed soft funding from government with low interest or interest free to increase the production capacity and take youths off the streets.

He recommended a tripartite synergy between home owners, government and the paint manufacturers with landlords encouraged to paint their houses at a bargain price by paint manufacturers, who having received grant from government in terms of a soft loan will be expected to employ a certain number of unemployed graduates and also train paint artisans. He said the idea if adopted by the government would be a win-win one as a large army of the unemployed would be gainfully employed.

He recalled that the Lagos State Government had once muted such idea when it encouraged landlords to paint their houses.

Omotoso stressed that if the policy was pursued, it would save many paint companies from going under and also create jobs for youths who are not gainfully engaged and are exposed to all manner of vices.

Omotoso spoke of the level of encouragement his firm received when it collaborated with a major bank to offer painting services to individuals and developers at an agreed fee and repayment period. The partnership which lasted for three years created thosands of jobs. He noted that if the government is serious about tackling unemployment, the paint sector should be of interest because of its ripple effect in job

creation.

Managing Director of Paddy Paints Limited Mr. Patrick Ughe also corroborated Omotoso, asking the government to consider a deliberate policy to empower manufacturers to absorb some un employed youths. He said when he started his business five years ago he could only employ six lower to middle cadre staff but today due to a soft loan he received from a cooperative, there are 50 people in his employ. He said as a small-scale industrialist if he could employ such number of people, the big multinationals and medium-scale firms would make a positive impact as far as employment generation is concerned.

He also said other ways the government could help them create jobs is through training and capacity building. He recalled the difficulties and tough terrain he experienced when he started but for his determination to succeed having left his paid employment.

He said: “I was so determined there were mistakes here and there but I kept learning on the job because l attended all training seminars that I knew of and read a lot of books on business management and entrepreneurship to develop myself further. But how many entrepreneurs can afford to do it except government offers a helping hand to people like us to improve on our skills.”

Ughe said inexperience was a big challenge to him as he was busy trying to make ends meet than thinking of quality.

He said: ”We did not really un-

• Labour Minister, Chukwemeka Wogu

derstand the nitty-gritty of the business and we made mistakes.

There were times that we produced a particular paint and got it wrong completely. We didn’t have a laboratory to test the chemicals that we were buying that is where l think government can come in to help us. At a point we were just busy mixing those chemicals expecting that we would get a good result. If the thing turned bad, we went back to it again. So, we lost money, reputation, customers, and valuable time and even the lean staff we had when we couldn’t pay them again we had to sack them.”

This was our experience and l can imagine what happened to

• Omotoso

others like us. Ughe also spoke of the vast opportunities available to paint manufacturers if they are properly positioned by government in its quest to fill the yawning housing gap. According to him the construction sector is the highest employer of labour and if there is a deliberate government policy to encourage a key sector in the supply chain, the nation would be happier for it. He regretted the number of jobs lost by our local painters due to poor skills.

He said: “A situation where developers and home owners source painters from neighbouring African countries is rather unfortunate.”

Ughe said if he was empowered

‘I was so determined there were mistakes here and there but I kept learning on the job because l attended all training seminars that I knew of and read a lot of books on business management and entrepreneurship to develop myself further. But how many entrepreneurs can afford to do it except government offers a helping hand to people like us to improve on our skills’

by government through soft loans, he could set up a training school for painters because some of his big-time clients ask him for referrals when they need painters. He regretted that he has not been able to satisfy his growing clientele.

A painter in Magboro, Ogun State, Alhaji Mukaila Olabode said he and his colleagues have not been getting big jobs, especially from the many manufacturing companies and developers on the Lagos/Ibadan axis which would have been good for them and their families because of their poor skill.

He regretted that he has not improved on his painting skill because paint companies no longer have budgets to train them regularly as they are merely surviving.

He pleaded with the government to help the paint companies so that it will benefit people like them who don’t have any other source of earning. He said the only option left for him is to start Okada business which is dangerous at his age.

Investigations revealed that with technological developments in the industry, big firms are seeking for painters with HND and OND qualifications while some companies provide apprenticeship to expose illiterate painters to modern techniques. But all these require government’s deliberate intervention to succeed.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

How to make a good impression in an interview A

N interview is not only meant to assess your skills, but also to assess your personality. Therefore, before you go for any job interview, it’s very advisable that you prepare adequately. Whether you are going to be considered for the job or not is determined by the kind of impression you create on the interviewers.

One thing which all successful individuals have is the ability to make a good impression: whether you are the Oscar Ibru or Tony Elumelu, it’s essential that you have the skills to make yourself memorable.

The following smart tips are meant to guide you on how to create a good and admirable impression in an interview:

Dress decently The type of dress or clothes you

By Olu Oyeniran

put on says so much about you.

The first judgment that interviewers make is basically based on your dress code. Do not dress in casual or dirty clothes. Instead, look for official clothes and make sure that you are groomed properly. By doing this, you will definitely stun the interviewers and they will have to think so hard before saying no to you.

Arrive on time One of the most important factors to take into consideration whenever you are invited for an interview is time. It’s very advisable for you to arrive for the interview at least 20 minutes earlier before the scheduled time.

This will give you enough time to organise and recollect yourself well. Being punctual for the in-

terview will also show the interviewers how serious and reliable you are for the job.

Be confident Self-confidence is also one of the most determining factors in an interview. No one wants to recruit a timid or uncertain person for a serious job. During the interviewing process, just be yourself and provide relevant answers to the questions being asked. Maintain eye contact and stand straight while talking to your interviewers.

Whenever you are asked a question, give a correct answer. If you are not sure about it, be honest and say that you do not know instead of fumbling. However, you should be very careful not to be overconfident. Do not go inside with chewing gum in your mouth or with your hands inside your

pockets.

If being confident is a permanent or temporary challenge for you, then act it, a la Nollywood

Ask smart questions In most cases, you can will given a chance to ask the interviewers a few questions at the end of the interview. Given a chance, ask intelligent and relevant questions that can show your deep interest in the company or organisation.

Some of the best questions that you can ask include the following: • How does the organisation show that it values its workers or employees?

• What do you expect me to do in order to help your company achieve its goals?

• What are the challenges that I might face in the job if hired?

Be careful not to ask questions related to payments or benefits as this might show how greedy or money-hungry you are.

Show appreciation Before you leave after the interviewing process, do not forget to thank your interviewers. You can show courtesy by giving them a firm handshake and saying kind words such as “Thank you,” “I am much obliged,” or “I would be glad to hear from you again.”

•Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

39

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

Defects of over-celebrating degrees and job titles Level playing-field

GOKE ILESANMI

D

EVELOPMENT has continued to elude us in Nigeria because we place too much emphasis on certificates not knowledge; on previous job titles or fruitless experience not skills and achievements. It is not surprising that we despise polytechnic certificates and place so much emphasis on university degrees. This negative trend has led to desperate pursuit of university certificates of just any type by the citizenry.

In short, most organisations openly or diplomatically deny polytechnic graduates opportunities to apply. This unnecessary discrimination is daily breeding intellectual mediocrity in our society. It has also derailed the career focus of most serious students that have natural preference for the highly-technical polytechnic education, by forcing them to go to the university and do just any available course to get a degree. The result is telling negatively on our national development.

For instance, if we had allowed effective competition between polytechnic and university graduates, there would have been healthy intellectual rivalry and better intellectual empowerment, and our country would have been the better for it in terms of development. Even though I did not attend a polytechnic but was a polytechnic lecturer, my personal experience in 2004 confirmed (still confirms) that the assumed superiority of university education over polytechnic education is often a figment of our intellectual imagination.

On Wednesday, April 7, 2004, the defunct Gateway Bank Plc then managed by Mr. Samuel Olatunji invited me to facilitate a training programme on “Business Writing and Communication Skills” for the new management trainees at the permanent training camp at Ofada in Ogun State. Other consultants were invited too. The new management trainees were nicknamed “Omega Set” because they were a special breed of intellectuals consisting of those who had secondclass-upper and first-class bachelor’s degrees; as well as polytechnic graduates that had upper credit and distinction.

Intellectual demystification At the end of weeks of rigorous training and written-test assessment, the person that eventually emerged the indisputable overall best management trainee in the camp was a lady that graduated from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State. She had even become a chartered accountant before completing her Higher

National Diploma programme. If the bank had not accommodated best products from polytechnics and universities, would anybody have ever imagined that the polytechnic graduate could outshine even first-class degree holders from the universities? Definitely, no!

International example In a related development, the international columnist website ezinearticles.com based in the U.S, allows all brilliant people, through rigorous screening, to write and compete on the platform without racial or intellectual discrimination. That was how within two weeks of joining the platform, I was able to win multiple awards of International Platinum Columnist, Best Columnist and Expert Author in October 2010, and was subsequently inducted into Hall of Fame, with my name written 42 times with different decorations. I was told to post one of the award badges on my website, and it is till there.

Though I won the awards when we were 351,000 columnists, I did not initially know the value of what I had achieved until I saw that most of the writers there are professors at Harvard University, Cambridge, Oxford, renowned international consultants, authors, etc. Later, Christopher Knight, the CEO of the global platform sent a congratulatory letter, award certificate and gifts by courier to me in Nigeria in January 2011. Also, Larry James, regarded as “America’s Guru of Networking”, a columnist on the platform too, wrote to seek my permission to quote me as his international authority in his article entitled “Effective

Networking=Soaring Prosperity” (Google it for confirmation). Could I ever have achieved the feat if I had been discriminated against as we do in Nigeria?

Another dimension Another form of discrimination that is daily frustrating fresh jobseekers and moderately-experienced employees is the tendency to always emphasise long job experience or specific job-title experience. The question is, if the longexperienced person being sought for the post was never employed by someone before, could the prospective employer be thinking of employing him or her now based on experience? NO. Another thing is that the fact somebody currently has the same job title or has held the same position as the one that is now vacant does not mean that other moderately-experienced or inexperienced candidates who have not held such a title before cannot outperform him or her, especially with little or no training.

Employers are supposed to allow a level playing field, real competition for vacant positions.

Research Research confirms that with the discriminatory recruitment process by employers in Nigeria and beyond, companies are unknowingly creating their own skill gap. While much of the skill deficit in organisations is caused by absence of highly-skilled labour for vacant positions, a recent study of 2,000 companies by CareerBuilder suggests that employers may unwittingly be playing a part. Half of hiring managers said that they were concerned about the expand-

ing skill gap, and at the same time say they limit their candidate pool by only looking at applicants with specific job titles.

There is need for employers to stop waiting for perfect candidates and instead create them by training brilliant fresh and moderatelyexperienced applicants to become highly skilled. Architect Taofik Popoola, Managing Partner, Quaditect Consultants is my Nigerian model of chief executive officers that have strong passion for training young employees and constantly empowering the experienced ones. Organisations should broaden their search to ensure they are not immediately writing off top candidates. Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder says in his company’s research, 55 per cent of hiring managers who have job openings for which they cannot find qualified candidates said they typically hire people who have held the same title as the vacant position.

Parting shot The habit of screening applications through past job titles is not an objective way of selecting ideal candidates with wealth of potential. Our emphasis should be on necessary skills, competence and achievements not just experience.

We should establish connection between a job and the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Also, our over-emphasis on degrees in Nigeria must stop for us to develop through intellectual competition.

PS: For those making inquiries about our ongoing Public Speaking and Business Presentation training programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details.

Till we meet on Wednesday.

WORKPLACE MATTERS

A

More information on good CV and job opportunities

S discussed halfway last week, in the EDUCATION sub-segment, you list education in reverse chronological order, degrees or licences first, followed by certificates and advanced training. Set degrees apart to make them easily visible. Put in boldface whatever will be most impressive. Exclude any details about college except a major one.

Include grade point average only if over 3.4. List selected course work if this will help convince the prospective employer of your qualification for the target job.

You can include advanced training, but be selective with the information, summarising the information and including only what will impress the prospective employer. If you are working on an uncompleted degree, include the degree and, in parentheses, the expected date of completion (expected 200x). If you did not finish college, start with a phrase describing the field studied, then the school, then the dates.

Professional affiliations

Here, you include only those that are current and will be relevant and impressive. This is a good section to include your membership of a group targeted for special consideration by employers, if you belong to one.

Civic/community leadership

This segment can be included if the leadership roles or accomplishments are related to the target job and can show skills acquired. For instance, a treasurer

By Goke Ilesanmi

of a community, who has had a lot of achievements in this position, can include such accomplishments in his or her CV if he or she is seeking a job in a corporate organisation as a finance manager. So also can a successful Sunday School teacher in a church include his or her achievements if or when looking for a teaching appointment in a school.

However, you need to be careful as far as the inclusion of political affiliations is concerned, as they could be a plus or minus with an employer or company.

Publications: Only published works should be included here and summarised if they are many.

Personal interests/ Hobbies

This segment has advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: It can indicate a skill or area of knowledge which is related to the goal, such as “playing football”, for somebody looking for a job as a Physical Education teacher; or “travelling and networking”, for somebody looking for a job as a marketing or sales manager. It can show well-roundedness, good physical health, or knowledge of a subject related to the goal. It can create common ground or spark conversation in an interview.

Disadvantages: It may be irrelevant to the job goal and curriculum vitae purpose, and therefore may be meaningless. You probably should not include a per-

sonal interests segment. Your reason for including it is most likely that you want to tell your prospective employer about yourself. But do not forget that your CV is an advert of a kind. If this segment would powerfully move the prospective employer to understand why you would be the best candidate, include it, otherwise, forget about it.

References

Put “References available upon request” at the end of your CV. Do not include references as part of your CV. Instead, prepare a separate reference sheet and bring it to the interview if or when it is requested by the prospective employer. Last year, a young man that came to prepare his CV in our office narrated how he had earlier applied for a job in a particular company with his old CV on which he included his references. Unfortunately, the manager collating the CV just saw the name of a lecturer that had allegedly failed him (the manager) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as one of the applicant’s references.

He deceptively asked the young man if the lecturer was his uncle. Thinking that the cheerful facial expression of the manager meant that the lecturer had done him a favour before, the young man quickly answered “Yes”.

Immediately, the manager threw his CV away on the excuse that his lecturer-uncle was a wicked man that had “deliberately” failed him in his course at UNN. If the young applicant had not included references on his CV, he

would not have been disqualified at the point of submission.

Three types of CV Chronological CV The chronological CV is the most traditional structure for a CV. The Experience section constitutes the major focus as we do in Nigeria. Each job or the last several jobs are described in some detail and there is no major section of skills or accomplishments at the beginning of the CV. This structure is primarily used when you are staying in the same profession, in the same type of work, particularly in very conservative fields such as law and the academia. However, it is recommended that the chronological CV should always have an objective or summary, to guide a prospective employer.

One of the advantages of a typical chronological CV is that it may appeal to older, more traditional prospective employers and be best in very conservative fields. Additionally, it makes it easier to understand what you did in what job. It may help the name of the employer stand out more, if this is impressive. The disadvantage is that it is much more difficult to highlight what you do best.

Functional CV

The functional CV highlights the major skills and accomplishments right from the beginning.

It helps the prospective employer to see clearly what the

applicant can do for him or her, rather than having to read through the job descriptions to find out. It helps target the CV towards a new direction or field, by lifting up from all past jobs the key skills and qualifications to help prove you will be successful in this new direction or field.

Actual company names and positions are in a subordinate position, with no job description under each. The functional CV is a must for career changers, but is very appropriate for generalists, for those with divergent careers, for those with a wide range of skills in their given profession, for students and for those who want to make slight shifts in their career direction. It is pertinent to note that this type of CV has its own advantages and disadvantages. It will help you most in reaching for a new goal. It is a very effective type of CV, and is highly recommended. One of the disadvantages is that it is hard to know what the applicant did in which job, which may be a negative to conservative interviewers.

Till we meet on Wednesday.

• To be continued •GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Certified Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

40

Taxation Value Added Tax Administration in Nigeria

V

ALUE Added Tax is a form of consumption tax that has been embraced by many countries worldwide. Because it is a consumption tax, it is relatively easy to administer and difficult to evade. It is a tax only on value added to a product or service by its manufacturer or distribution. It is ultimately only the end consumer tax.

The purpose of VAT is to generate revenue for the government.

Key facts about VAT; •The spending borne by the final consumer and it is invoice based •Chargeable at a flat rate of five per cent.

•Collected on behalf of the Government by registered persons •VAT is a tax on spending. The tax is borne by the final consumer of goods and services because it is included in the price paid.

•The tax is at a flat rate of five per cent.

•The tax is collected on behalf of the Government by businesses and organisations which have registered with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) for VAT purposes, •A business or organization which has registered for VAT is classified as a "registered person". Such persons will pay five per cent VAT on goods and services purchases but can claim credit for this tax (called input tax) when sold.

•Five per cent VAT (called output tax) is included in the price of all goods and services supplied by registered persons.

•VAT returns (and payments) are normally made monthly to the FIRS Integrated Tax Office on or before 21st day of the month next following that in which the supply was made.

No individual, business, organisation or government agency is exempted from the tax. Only some goods and services and specifically specified activities are exempted.

Rationals and Nature of VAT: •It is a broader base tax.

•It is also realized from Imported Goods.

•VAT as a Consumption Tax is almost impossible to avoid by any consumer of a VATable products.

•VAT is comparatively easy to administer and collect.

Nature of VAT VAT is a self-assessment tax, paid as the taxpayer renders returns. It has two parts to it: N'000 i. Output Tax xxx ii. (Input Tax) (xxx) The net is VAT payable at due date for payment.

VATABLE Persons •A VATable person may be a Trader, a Professional, a Group of Professionals (Partnership), a corporate entity like a Public or Private Company, a duly registered Association, Club or Charity, so long as they are engaged in one form of Economic or Business activity.

•Every VATable person has an obligation to register for VAT payment with the local TAX office under whose jurisdiction it carries out its operations.

•The registration covers all the business activities of the Vatable person or entity. A VATable person is expected to register with the FIRS for the purposes of the Tax, within six months of commencement of business operations.

•Every Contractor hoping to transact any business with any Government Ministry, Statutory body and any other Agency of any of the three Tiers of Government, shall be expected to show evidence of VAT registration with the FIRS as a pre-condition for obtaining a contract.

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Mashi

No individual, business, organisation or government agency is exempted from the tax.

Only some goods and services and specifically specified activities are exempted.

VAT Administration •Value Added Tax is administered and managed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, whilst the Nigerian Customs Service enforces the administration and collection of VAT on Imports. The Tax is collected on behalf of the Government by Businesses and Organisations registered with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) - Integrated Tax Offices for VAT purposes.

VAT Exempted Goods " All medical and pharmaceutical products. " Basic food items " Baby Products " Educational materials: Book etc " Fertiliser, Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine, agricultural Machinery including associated transportation equipment " All Exports (Products), excluding non-oil exports which enjoy zero-rated status. " Plant and machinery for use in the Gas Utilization, Downstream operations in the Petroleum Industry " Plants and Machinery imported for use by Companies in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) or Free Trade Zone, provided that 100 per cent production of such Companies are for Export, otherwise tax shall accrue proportionately on the profits of the Companies. " Commercial Vehicles and associated Spare Parts.

•Non-Oil Exports •Goods purchased by diplomats •Goods purchased for use in Humanitarian Donor Funded Projects.

"Humanitarian Donor Funded Projects" include projects undertaken by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Religious and Social Clubs or Societies recognised by Law, whose activities are not for profit, and are in the public interest

VAT Returns All registered VATable entities have to make regular VAT returns and either pay to, or receive from the FIRS, the difference between the Input Tax and the Output tax. This effectively means that every registered business organisation is obliged to maintain records and accounts of all VATable transactions. Such records of supplies made and received include Tax Invoices, Cash Books, Sales and Purchase Day Books, Ledger Accountsparticularly VAT Accounts etc.

Note: To claim credit for Input tax, a registered person must produce a "Tax Invoice". A Tax Invoice contains the following information •Taxpayer's name, address and VAT registration number and TIN number.

•Customer's name and address.

•Nature and date of supply - description of goods or services supplied •Gross amount of transactions.

•Rate of any cash discount offered.

•Rate of VAT •Total Vat payable.

Note: A Tax Invoice shall be issued on supply, whether or not payment is made at the time of supply.

Remittance of VAT •All VATable persons are to remit to their respective Local VAT Offices, the Net VAT payable (Excess of Output Tax over Input Tax) at the time of filing their VAT returns, which must be within 21 days of each Transaction Period.

•Monthly remittances are to be made through the FIRS designated Banks to the Local VAT offices, which will thereafter issue receipts on confirmation of such payments.

•With effect from May 25, 2007, however, all Vatable Persons Tax and other Tax collecting agents shall pay remittances direct into designated Federal Inland Revenue Service Accounts. All current and existing Bank Account holders shall have a unique Tax-Payer Identification Number (TIN) to be provided by the Federal Inland Revenue service.

VAT Sharing Ratio In sharing the revenue derived from VAT to the three tiers of Government, the Federal Government through its Revenue Allocation Commission applies the following sharing formula: •Federal Government 15% •State Governments & FCT Abuja 50% •Local Governments 35% 100% Remittance of VAT and VAT Sharing Ratio Offences and Penalties • Failure to make attribution • Payment of N 5,000 • Failure to notify change of address within a month of change • Payment of N 5,000 • Failure to keep Records and Accounts •Payment of N2, 000 for every month the failure continues •Failure to collect tax •Payment of 150 per cent of Tax not collected plus interest of 20 per cent flat.

•Failure to submit Returns •Payment of N5, 000 for every month the failure continues •Failure to issue Tax Invoice for goods sold/services rendered •Fine of 50 per cent of cost of goods/services for which no Invoice was issued, on conviction •Evasion of VAT On conviction, a fine of N 30,000 or twice the amount of tax evaded- whichever is greater, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

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PREMIERSHIP

NATION SPORT

More to come from Everton, pledges Martinez

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OBERTO Martinez believes there is still more to come from his Everton side following their 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday.

Steven Naismith scored on the stroke of half-time to give the Spaniard’s side their first Premier League victory of the campaign following three consecutive draws.

This means Everton are now one of only two clubs with an unbeaten record in the top flight this season - local rivals Liverpool being the other but manager Martinez has insisted his team still have hunger to improve.

“To be able to beat a team like Chelsea, to keep a clean sheet the way we did it, it gives you great, great satisfaction,” the former Wigan boss said.

“But that group of players there is not just happy with that, they want to work hard and be better at what we want to do.”

Martinez went on to say he is delighted with the depth of

his squad after they inflicted Chelsea’s first league loss of the season without several first-team players.

“You’re looking around at the players that were missing today - Romelu Lukaku, Arouna Kone, Steven Pienaar, the list goes on,” he added.

“You’re starting to get that really strong dressing room that’s not just 11 or 12 players that can play. It’s real good competition for places and for me that’s very important going forward.”

•Martinez

Lescott nears City exit

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Diving won’t be tolerated, Moyes warns young D

AVID MOYES has warned Ashley Young to stop diving after the winger was cautioned for simulation during Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Referee Jon Moss booked the former Aston Villa man in the 18th minute of the clash at Old Trafford on Saturday after he

appeared to initiate contact with Kagisho Dikgacoi in the area.

Young then went on to controversially win a penalty just before half-time when he again went down under pressure from Dikgacoi - an incident that resulted in the Palace midfielder being sent off, even though replays

Wenger lauds Ozil debut

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RSENE Wenger has heaped praise on debutant Mesut Ozil after he played a key role in Arsenal’s 3-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday.

Ozil arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Real Madrid for a club-record fee on transfer deadline day, and set about repaying some of his new club’s reported £42.5million outlay with a superb performance at the Stadium of Light.

The Germany international had been a doubt in the leadup to the game due to illness but, despite not being 100 per cent fit, showcased his ability throughout the game and created Olivier Giroud’s firsthalf opener.

And manager Wenger admitted he was delighted by his new signing’s display, particularly before the break.

“He was like the team. He had an outstanding first half and dropped physically in the second half,” the Frenchman said.

“He was sick on Thursday night and I decided only today to play him this morning. He had a stomach bug and didn’t feel well, but he dropped a bit physically in the second half but his first half was outstanding.”

Wenger went on to laud the performance of striker Giroud, who broke the deadlock with his fourth Premier League goal of the season before setting up Aaron Ramsey’s second strike with a deft throughball.

“I’m extremely happy with Giroud today, not only because he scored but his overall link-play is improving from game-to-game. I think he is becoming a very important player for us,” he added.

However, the France international could be set for a spell on the sidelines after being withdrawn late on with a knee injury - a prospect that concerns Wenger.

“We are very thin at the moment … he is the player at the moment that would be very difficult for us (to replace),” he stated.

•Ozil

showed initial contact between the players had come outside the box.

The 28-year-old has garnered something of a reputation for simulation and was given a warning about his conduct from former United boss Alex Ferguson after incidents against Villa and Queens Park Rangers in April 2012.

And Ferguson’s successor Moyes has now indicated Young will face further censure after this latest episode.

“I don’t like diving,” said the Scot.

“He deserved to be booked if he dived. I’ll say to Ash it’s not what I want. The Palace lad held his leg out but I think Ash put

his leg into the Palace lad’s leg.”

Moyes went on to express his sympathy with Palace manager Ian Holloway for the incident that led to Dikgacoi’s dismissal and Robin van Persie opening the scoring from the spot.

“I don’t like the rule where every time it is the last man it means it is (a red card),” he added.

“I thought it was harsh. If I was Ian Holloway I would be disappointed. Okay, it might be a penalty. But I don’t think the boy made a challenge to wipe him out.

“Unfortunately that is the rule.”

Mackay proud of Cardiff comeback

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HE Bluebirds rallied after falling behind at Hull and have now claimed four points from losing positions, earning a point thanks to Peter Whittingham’s excellent finish Malky Mackay paid tribute to his Cardiff team’s resilience after they battled from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw at Hull City.

Mackay felt his team showed “great resilience” in gaining the fifth point of their debut Premier League season as Peter Whittingham scored a superb volley to cancel out Curtis Davies’ first-half strike for Hull.

The stalemate at the KC Stadium means the Welsh outfit have now drawn eight of their last 11 league games, a run that started when Cardiff were still in the Championship last term.

Cardiff have become tough to beat under Mackay, much to the Scot’s delight.

•Mackay

He said: “I thought both teams went hard at it to try to win.

“We both had spells of possession and at times both had chances.”

Saturday’s result against a side that they were promoted alongside back in May comes after a solid 0-0 draw with Everton last time out prior to the international break.

ANCHESTER CITY defender Joleon Lescott has expressed his desire to leave Etihad, reports Daily Mail.

The 31-year-old has started three of four Premier League matches for the Citizens this term as Matija Nastasic and

•Lescott

Vincent Kompany have been struggling through injury, but that did not persuade him to change his mind about leaving.

Lescott has held talks with boss Manuel Pellegrini and sporting director Txiki Begiristain recently, and having been informed that he is behind Kompany and Nastasic in the pecking order, the England international has decided to quit Eastlands.

Seeing as how he won’t be signing an extension to the contract that expires at the end of the current campaign, the experienced defender could easily be moving clubs in January.

His former club Everton are reportedly keen, while few other Premier League sides are likely to join the chase for the player who has featured in 213 Premiership matches, scoring 21 goals.

Crystal Palace manager admits referees have tough job

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RYSTAL PALACE manager Ian Holloway gritted his teeth, kept his temper in check and conceded Premier League referees have an impossible job.

Holloway has only just started a two-match touchline ban, in addition to receiving an £18,000 fine for an eruption after the opening-day loss to Tottenham, so he wisely opted to keep his counsel after watching his side reduced to 10 men in a 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Referee Jon Moss opted to dismiss Kagisho Dikgacoi for bundling down Ashley Young just before the break.

The foul itself was a debatable call. That TV replays showed the first contact took place outside the box and there were defenders around to cover merely compounded Holloway’s woe.

“It is a weird feeling being up in the crowd and see how partisan their fans are,” said Holloway.

“They were shouting for everything.

“They were shouting for stuff before we even kicked off. If you are in the middle and you have that whistle, it is very hard.

“I am glad I don’t have it.”

There were some who argued Young had dived anyway, which would have warranted a second yellow card for the Manchester United winger given he had already been booked after looking for a penalty after initiating contact with Dikgacoi earlier in the half.

•Holloway

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OTHER SPORTS

Alexander: I can beat Mayweather after seeing off Khan D

EVON ALEXANDER admits he was hugely impressed by Floyd Mayweather’s boxing masterclass against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, but believes he has the craft and guile to beat his fellow American.

Mayweather stretched his unbeaten fight record to 45-0 with a clinical display against the previously unbeaten Canelo, eventually winning by a majority decision after one of the judges, CJ Ross, inexplicably scored the bout 114-114.

The scorecard was an insult to Mayweather who once again underlined just why he is considered the finest boxer of his generation and why some are already lining up to proclaim him the greatest of all-time.

Alexander was among a 17,000 capacity crowd at the MGM Grand Graden arena in Las Vegas to watch the bout, and left waxing lyrical about Mayweather’s “excellent” performance.

The IBF welterweight champion is scheduled to defend his title against Briton Amir Khan on December 7 with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer confirming this past week it will “probably” take place in Brooklyn, New York and NOT Dubai as had been mooted.

Khan has already publicly declared he wants a shot at Mayweather should he prevail against Alexander, and now the champion has confessed he has the same ambition.

Alexander, 25-1 in his professional career, is adamant he has the necessary tools to end Mayweather’s unbeaten record and his hoping to be given a chance to prove it.

Asked if he will target a fight with the 36-year-old should he overcome Khan later this year, Alexander said: “Heck yeah.

“Skills is what is going to give Floyd problems. If you don’t have skills and are fast just like him, then you’re not going to beat him.

You’ve got to have the smarts like him, the skills like him and the defence like him.

And does he have the ability to beat him? “Heck yeah. He don’t fight too many slick southpaws like me... if he did, then it would have been a loss.”

•Alexander

Massa: Alonso even better than Schumacher

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UTGOING Ferrari driver Felipe Massa believes that Fernando Alonso has been the best of all his teammates at the team, claiming that the Spanish driver is “more perfect” than seventimes world champion Michael Schumacher.

Massa joined Ferrari in 2006,

partnering Schumacher for one season until the German driver’s first retirement at the end of that season. His replacement, Kimi Raikkonen, led the team to a drivers’ and constructors’ championship double in 2007, with Massa then taking the mantle for 2008, missing out on the championship by a single

•Schumacher

point. He was then joined at the team

by Alonso in 2010, and Massa had nothing but good to say about the Spaniard in an interview with Sky Sports.

“I’ve always had very strong teammates. I always learnt that you need to be perfect because if you’re not perfect they will be in front of you,” he explained.

“For sure I’ve had some tough times as well with strong teammates. The one [I] was suffering more [against] was Alonso. I think maybe he’s more complete.

Schumacher was very, very good. He was amazing and a very complete driver as well.

“But I think maybe Alonso is even more perfect.”

Massa also underlined his desire to stay in Formula One and add to his tally of eleven grand prix victories, with Lotus confirming earlier this week that they had spoken to the Brazilian driver’s management.

“I want more,” Massa said. “I want to win more races; I want to make more pole positions. So when you’re not happy you need to try and carry on and try to do more.”

I was booed and almost quit, says Bolt HE world’s fastest man Usain Bolt has revealed that he came close to giving up sprinting in 2006 when he was booed by Jamaican fans for pulling out of a race injured.

The star, who was only 19 at the time, began his leg of a 4 x 400m race at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, but soon had to stop after pulling his hamstring.

As he limped off the track, some home fans decided to boo him. Some even shouted that he’d simply given up because he knew he wasn’t going to win.

In an exclusive extract from his new book, Faster than Lightning: My Autobiography, serialised in The Times, Bolt describes how the incident left him questioning his ability as a

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top-level sprinter and his desire to continue his promising career.

Bolt wrote: “Honestly, I had never imagined a time when a Jamaican crowd — my own people that had cheered me on so loudly when I’d won the World Junior Championships in 2002 — would boo me as I came off the Kingston track.

“Forgot the pulled hamstring, this was pain on another level. I was only 19, and the criticism hit me hard.

“First of all I questioned my ability: I’m not good enough for this sport... I questioned the Jamaican fans: Wow, I got booed in front of my national crowd when I was giving it my best.

“Then it got worse: Three years ago I started this life. Three years I’ve been injured. Is this really working?

Should I really continue? All these things that I do, no matter how hard I try, this might not be for me. This track-and-field thing is tough...”

Luckily for the world of athletics, a chat with his coach Glen Mills was enough for Bolt to see sense and continue on his way to becoming the world’s fastest man.

•Bolt

Federer to play doubles in Shanghai

•Federer

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OGER FEDERER will make a rare appearance on the doubles court when he teams up with Chinese number one Zhang Ze at the Shanghai Masters, organisers said. Federer, with a record 17 Grand Slam singles titles and now striving to stay at the top of the game, has played doubles only once this year although he won the Olympic title in 2008. “We know that Roger does not play a lot of doubles through the year so having him take to the doubles court in Shanghai is a wonderful addition to what is already shaping up to be a fantastic week of tennis,” tournament director Michael Luevano said. “It is just amazing that Roger has chosen to play with a Chinese player. It is a great testament to his affection with China and his Chinese fans, he really could have played with anyone.”

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NATION SPORT

LEWANDOWSKI

I can play even better A

crushing victory, a new club record and another weekend at the top of the Bundesliga table. Matchday 5’s 62 win over Hamburger SV was a satisfying day indeed for Borussia Dortmund.

The Yellow-Blacks attacked Hamburg more or less non-stop in the second half and six goals from a total of 32 shots might even be considered a modest return.

Robert Lewandowski notched twice to take his tally to four for the season, and after the game, the 25-year-old announced his delight to be playing with such an able supporting cast in attack before casting an eye over Dortmund’s opening fixture in the UEFA Champions League.

Robert Lewandowski, it looks as though you and the team are enjoying yourselves a lot right now.

The season is really up and running now and I like playing every three days.

Bundesliga, Champions League and the DFB Cup as well - I prefer all that than playing once a week.

And if things continue to go as well as they did against HSV this weekend…

Well we played really well and deserved to win by a comfortable margin. We could even have scored more than six goals if we had been a little more composed in front of goal, but we can be really pleased with the result as it is.

Was there a moment of panic when Hamburg suddenly brought it back to 2-2?

In that moment I did ask myself, “what’s going on here?” But I was always sure that we would get back in front. We were much better than them, and we took our foot of the gas at 2-0. But we knew we were good enough to win this game.

Going forward, BVB looked irresistible

at times. Were you yourself surprised at how well the team played in attack?

We were really impressive. It’s easy to see that in Henrikh Mkhitaryan and PierreEmerick Aubameyang, we have two attacking players of real quality. In fact, I think that from game to game we can play even better. Obviously, Micki and Auba still need a bit of time to properly integrate themselves into our style of play, but you saw today how good they are and how much they bring to our team. And as I said, I think we can play even better!

Mkhitaryan is a different type of player to Mario Götze. As a striker, is that something to which you have had to adjust?

Well obviously, every player has his own strengths and brings his own qualities to the table, so it’s normal in football that you have to make adjustments. I play the way I play, but as I said, Micki and Auba are two great players and we can all play together.

With five wins from five, Dortmund are not only top of the league but have also set a new club record for the best start to a

Bundesliga season.

Five straight wins is fantastic for us, but we can make it six in the next game. The match in Nuremberg won’t be easy, we know that. But we have a chance of collecting another three points there. Hopefully we can keep this good start going and make it even better.

Before that, BVB are in action in the Champions League away against SSC Napoli in the opening game of the group stages next Wednesday. What are you expecting from the encounter?

It’s going to be difficult for us, as Napoli have a really good team. But I’m hoping that we can start the campaign off with a win. It would send out just the right signal for us.

We don’t have to be worried, though.

They’re a strong team, but so are we.

How far do you think Dortmund can go in the Champions League this season?

It will be tough and the other clubs won’t underestimate us. For me, I’d like another year like last season, and to maybe go one step further this time!

“It’s going to be difficult for us, as Napoli have a really good team. But I’m hoping that we can start the campaign off with a win. It would send out just the right signal for us. We don’t have to be worried, though.

They’re a strong team, but so are we.

How far do you think Dortmund can go in the Champions League this season?

It will be tough and the other clubs won’t underestimate us.

For me, I’d like another year like last season, and to maybe go one step further this time!”

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MOTORING THE NATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Poised to transform the transportation sector, Ogun State government last week churned out 150 cars as part of measures to also ease human and vehicular movements in the state.

TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

•The ‘Igba Otun’ taxis

•The mini buses

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HE days of the prevalence of old and rickety taxi cabs in Ogun States are numbered if what happened at the government house at Oke Mosan is anything to go by.

The Gateway State launched the first phase of the Taxi Scheme with 150 brand new fully air-conditioned Nissan Sunny/Almera brand of vehicles known as “Igba Otun” meaning, “New Dawn.”

No doubt, it is a new dawn in the overall development of the state’s transportation system.

Last week launching was a follow up to the 23rd September, 2012 launch of the Ogun State Bus Mass Transit Scheme during which 50 small capacity mini-buses and seven high capacity buses were unveiled.

The exercise was the outcome of review of the urban transport operation within Ogun State, including some survey, which showed that shared taxis are the most heavily used mode of transport for local journeys, with okadas also playing a significant role.

According to the research, the taxis are operated by the informal sector and their widely dispersed ownership presents particular difficulties for regulation and the maintenance of good quality standards. Most of the taxis in operation are over 20 years old and the passenger limit for the average taxi cab is seven passengers per saloon car.

Last Monday’s inauguration of 150 cars, according the government, was to complement last year’s launched of the mass transit scheme.

While the buses have been able to take care of our inter-city transportation, the new cars would enhance intra-city transportation.

According to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Gbenga Opesanwo, the cars purchased in collaboration with Sterling Bank would be handed over to the lucky drivers with 10 per cent deposition.

•The high-capacity buses

New dawn in Ogun transportation The drivers, who must be members of either National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have four years to pay the balance.

On after sales service, Opesanwo told The Nation that arrangements have been concluded with CFAO motors, the suppliers of the cars to take charge.

“The idea of the scheme, he said, was to gently but surely introduce the best practices into the road transportation sub-sector, give the existing stakeholders a hint of the benefits they stand to reap if they embrace modern and efficient ways of operating, provide them with the opportunity to make an informed decision to embrace change and consequently, transit from the ad-hoc, inefficient, informal operations which has characterised transportation in Ogun State since its creation in 1976.

“I am heartened to report that we have recorded evident, albeit varying degrees of success since the scheme was inaugurated.

With particular reference to our pilot intercity operations between Abeokuta and IjebuOde for instance we have, between November 2012 and June 2013 transported just a bit over 700,000 passengers on the few buses dedicated to the route. It remains the service of choice for many who commute daily from Ijebu-Ode to Abeokuta to work and transact business, returning to their homes in Ijebu-Ode at the close of work/business each day.

“In April, this year, we commenced our

intra-city pilot scheme - the Metropolitan Bus Service - within Abeokuta metropolis. Between said April and June, we have successfully transported nearly 300,000 passengers. The less obvious result, amongst others, of the aforesaid respective pilot schemes is that, for the first time, we are opportune to have real-time data of ridership which is an invaluable tool in transportation planning and which will assist prospective investors in the sector in a dispassionate evaluation of their options.

“While the residents of Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Mowe-Ibafo and environs have continue to enjoy a snippet of our vision for the transportation sector, I am seizing the opportunity to assure commuters in Sango, Ifo, Idi-Iroko, Ogijo, Sagamu, and other rural communities, that the wind of change steadily but certainly blowing across our transportation sector will, God-willing be berthing in their respective communities soon.”

The state governor Ibikunle Amosun described the event as “another step in the fulfillment of our ‘Mission to Rebuild’ Ogun State.

Undoubtedly, all the aspects of our “Five Cardinal Programme” continue to witness successful implementation. We have been able to transform Ogun State from what some people call “back-water economic status” to a more buoyant and economically viable state where opportunities abound for every genuine investor.”

Amosun said: “Our state’s new socio-economic status has also brought with it some attendant challenges usually associated with modern development. There is now an influx

of more people, coming to find greener pastures as a result of more investment and job opportunities. Apart from the fact that we have been able to provide the security that enhances development of investment, it also infers that we must be able to ensure free flow traffic of people, goods and services. It is for this reason that we have intensified efforts on our road construction projects. It is noteworthy to state that some of the roads under construction which we have styled “Ogun Standard roads” have been completed while others are at various stages of completion. Apart from the fact that these roads when completed will further enhance our transportation system, they also add aesthetic value to our environment. In essence, it will make travelling more comfortable and worthwhile for the good people of our dear state and visitors from other places. These roads are, therefore, means to an end. The end, being to improve the standard of living of our people.”

The governor called on all stakeholders in the transportation industry to come together to ensure the success of this programme.

“Law enforcement agencies such as Police, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), TRACE, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and the transport unions such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and all others must come together to ensure the success of this Mass Transit programme and ensure that our roads become safer for all users,” he said.

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MOTORING

PAN, France firm revive partnership N IGERIA’S giant auto maker, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited (PAN) has revived its partnership with its foreign Technical Partner, Automobile Peugeot France (AP France). According to the company’s new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ibrahim Boyi both partners have enjoyed long term business relationship, spanning over four decades.

In a statement Pan Head Corporate Communication Musa Bashir Usman quoted Boyi saying that the deal is being rekindled for a renewed commitment to polish the technical and commercial agreement before the end of the year.

Both parties, according to Boyi, would focus on enhancing commercial, technical and investment rela-

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

tionship which components are transparent pricing negotiation for cars and spare parts, based on Global Pricing Structure.

This development is coming at a time the Peugeot Dealers Association of Nigeria (PDA) has assured the new PAN Management of its loyalty and support, as management settles in their task of restructuring and redirecting the firm.

At a Special Dealers Forum held

by PAN for its Peugeot dealers, Boyi stressed the urgent need to turn around the company, which he described as a national monument, to meet the aspiration of its founding fathers.

He said effective workforce (human Resource), dealership (Supply

chain) were fundamental and critical to attaining the desired goals.

The Managing Director promised to resolve whatever problems that might have existed between the PDA and PAN in the past.

“We all have a common interest and the common interest is the effective performance of PAN and its products in the market” he stressed, pointing out that the main objective of the new management is to build customer/dealership loyalty and at the same time leverage on government policies and incentives that will ensure benefits and concessions towards ensuring corporate and brand leadership.

“We will work with the dealers to see how we can proliferate after-sales care and support; we would ensure Peugeot affordability and accessibil-

ity wherever the customer is so as to guarantee efficient after-sales support across Nigeria,” he added.

PDA Chairman Chief Onyemuche Nnamani pledged his association’s continuous loyalty and support, adding that the it has confidence in the ability of the new Management going by their enviable track records and wealth of experience. He also pledged that the Dealers would henceforth stock enough Peugeot vehicles in their showrooms and warehouses; buy and stock spare parts; send its staff members for training and re-training; and uphold the Peugeot brand standard.

Meanwhile, the new management and the leadership of PDA are due in Berlin, Germany to consummate the synergy.

•Boyi

Firm test-runs vehicles

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HE four-month testing for the JAC range of cars and trucks initiated by Autoland, a division of Elizade Motors, has reached its 90th day.

As part of the monitoring plan for the vehicles test programme, members of the participating companies were invited for an interview to evaluate the performance and adaptability of the vehicles to the roads and climate.

Among the supervising personnel was Mr Oloyede Obagbuwa, the Coordinator of the JAC project and the Head of Operations, Autoland.

He reiterated the aim of the entire test-run process, which was for Elizade Autoland to ensure that the vehicles perform satisfactorily and are compatible with the Nigerian roads and climatic conditions before marketing the brand.

The two-hour session chronicled the satisfactory performance of the vehicles as reported by representatives of companies and organisations using these vehicles.

The participating companies ranged from blue chip firms, SMEs,

taxi/cab associations to credible individuals that use the vehicles for work purposes. A majority of the participants expressed their satisfaction with the performance of the vehicles.

Ramon Badmus from Syndicated Metal Industries Ltd said the vehicles are strong, fuel efficient and rugged. He added that the trucks are strong and can travel long miles.

Ganiu Alayo of Lagos State Taxi Drivers Union spoke on the shock absorbers, saying that they are strong. He based his comments on information gathered from users of the vehicle.

On the after sales service, Obagbuwa said plans are in place to ensure that facilities are ready for proper maintenance before the end of the year, in terms of technical staff and spare parts.

He also said the vehicle would enjoy three years or 100,000km after sales service as is the hallmark of vehicles sold under the Elizade franchise.

Kia posts 5.9% sales in August

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IA Motors Corporation has announced its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for August, recording a total of 224,988 units sold. This figure represents a 5.9 per cent year-onyear increase.

Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in Korea, China, North America and Europe of 21.6 per cent (39,000 units sold); 13.1 per cent (42,778 units sold); 3.1 per cent (59,527 units sold) and 1.4 per cent (41,545 units sold), respectively.

August sales in General

Markets decreased by 3.8 per cent (42,138 units sold); cumulatively thus far in 2013, Kia’s global sales have increased by 2.9 per cent year-on-year to reach 1,840,786 units.

Kia’s bestselling model in overseas markets for the month of August was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 36,587 units sold. The Sportage compact SUV was the second best seller with 30,237 units delivered, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ or ‘K3’ in some markets), Optima D-segment sedan and Sorento mid-size CUV followed with 29,497, 23,125 and 18,127 units sold, respectively.

•Winner of the Hyundai motor, Miss Yemi Olumiluwa posing with the car

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ISTURBED by the attendant discomfort to road users on the new vehicle number plates policy, a human rights activist, Dr Patrick Otekpo has urged the Federal Government to slow down on its enforcement.

Otekpo said the directive was an attempt by the government to further impoverished Nigerians and impose more financial burden on the citizenry.

He said the introduction of the new number Plates lacks human face and economic consideration on the masses was unacceptable.

According to him, the Federal Government lacks the data base and records on the poverty level in the country, hence the ‘’unreasonable’’ policy of the new number plates and drivers’ licence.

The National President of a Civil Society Organisation, Niger Delta Youth Awareness Initiative (NDYAI) called on the government

New number plates: Activist cautions govt From Damisi Ojo, Akure

in the interest of justice to take a look on the policy and implementation of the new number plates and reverse the policy to the barest minimum.

He said: ‘’To ameliorate the sufferings of the citizenry rather than adding to their present plight of insecurity challenges, food shortage, underdevelopment, political inconsistencies and economic hardship, possession of a new number should be restricted to newly purchased cars applying for registration numbers’’.

The activist noted that the cost of the new plate number was too high, saying it should be reduced

to affordable level.

Besides, Otekpo said the October 1 deadline for the enforcement of the new number plates should be extended.

He stressed that if the policy was for uniformity, registered cars prior to the policy should be treated as renewal with payment of token and not fresh registration which amount to double taxation.

His words: ‘’A caring government that has the welfare of its citizens at heart, should know ordinarily that most car owners in the country cannot afford three square meals daily talk less of renewing plate number at a high cost as some of the cars in Nigeria when valued will only appreciate a little

SAFE DRIVING

Employers’ inhumanity to drivers

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S I am fond of saying, driving is a complex activity which involves the gathering, interpretation and execution of information from multiple sources (front, back, right side and left side) to enhance effective and safe vehicle control.

Of all the professions in the world, driving is the most complex in that it involves the use of several body organs simultaneously (Brain, Hands, Legs, eyes, ears, and noise).

By my own personal rating, Drivers are the most important persons or workers that should be well taken care of by every Employer because an error committed by them often lead to loss of irreparable lives and valuable properties compared to the errors committed by other pro-

fessionals.

It is however dishearthing that in Nigeria, Drivers are being subjected to various forms of inhuman treatments that are unheard of in other parts of the world, particularly in the developed countries and some developing countries.

Most Drivers in Nigeria are being used as slaves by their Principals (Boss). He is the one that will wash the Car (s) in the morning in the house of his boss, drive him or her during the office hours, return to the house of his boss to wash clothes, clean the compound or do other menial jobs in his Principal’s house before going home late in the night to prepare for the next day assignments.

Whenever a Driver drives his Principal out of town, either on official or

private trip, the Principal will lodge in a comfortable room while the Driver that stressed himself through the journey will be made to fold himself and sleep inside the car at the mercy of the hungry mosquitoes thereby signaling to chronic fatigue syndrome malaria fever which are part of the causes of safety hazards on the road.

In the area of remuneration, the salaries of most Drivers are nothing to write home about, considering their relevance in any workplace. This has pushed many Drivers to take up extra hustling such as okada riding and kabukabu work after office hours which is risky for driving job. When it comes to training and re-training, Drivers are the less-considered. Only very few OrganiSations and Employ-

ers appreciate the need to re-train their Drivers and this is not being done as frequently as it ought to be.

Unless we want to deceive ourselves, Drivers need more regular training than the other Staff (including the management Staff) of any Private and Public Organisation.

The Vehicle Technology, the Health of Drivers, the Road and the Driving environment are dynamic, changing frequently thus necessitating a more frequent re-training of the Drivers to update them to effectively meet the safety and security challenges in every part of Nigeria.

I hereby use this forum to once again appeal to all the Employers of Drivers in the public and private sectors to treat their Drivers right at all times so that they can

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

be equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to cope and excel. They should also be motivated to put in their best for the safety and security of their Principals and Employers. Life has no duplicate.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS Fed Govt begins Hajj flights in Borno From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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EDERAL Government’s inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj to Saudi Arabia started at the weekend in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, at the event at the Maiduguri International Airport, monitored the over 520 pilgrims board a Max Air Boeing 747 aircraft.

The choice of Maiduguri, the President said in a statement yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, Umar Sani, was a signal that peace had returned to Borno State.

Jonathan said his administration was working hard to ensure the protection of life and property of the citizenry.

He said: “The choice to hold the Hajj 2013 inaugural flight in Maiduguri is an indication of government’s efforts at ensuring that the life and property of Nigerians are sacrosanct. It is also to send signals that peace has finally returned to Maiduguri and its environs.”

The President advised Nigerian pilgrims and officials to offer special prayers for the country and be the nation’s good ambassadors.

He said: “This administration has always been supporting the welfare of Muslims. In that regard, the administration has assisted Nigerian pilgrims through the provision of consular, medical and exchange support services through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

“Let me enjoin all pilgrims to dedicate themselves to the spiritual revival of their souls so that they can achieve good life on earth and aspire for an eternal bliss in the hereafter.”

246 for Hajj in Ekiti From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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WO hundred and forty-six intending pilgrims from Ekiti State will perform this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia from Ekiti State.

The Chairman of the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alhaji Ganiyu Olowoyo, gave the figure at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

According to him, the figure includes the chairman and secretary of the board and represents 135 men and 113 women.

Olowoyo said the intending pilgrims passed through strict screening by eminent Muslim scholars and some government officials.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Kayode Fayemi for his support for the intending puilgrims.

He said: “The governor was so passionate about the board’s activities that he granted an accelerated approval to this year’s Hajj budget proposal.”

The Amirul-Hajj, Alhaji Afolabi Ogunlayi, urged the intending pilgrims to always obey the guidelines for the holy pilgrimage.

•Choirs of Cathedral St. Jude, Ebute-Meta, Lagos; Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos and Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, during the third Cathedrals’ Choir Festival at Cathedral of St. Jude, Ebute Meta, Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Three killed, houses burnt in renewed Nasarawa crisis T HE police in Nasarawa State said yesterday three people were killed in a renewed communal crisis in the state.

Many houses were also burnt.

Police Commissioner Shehu Umar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia, the state capital, that the clash was between suspected members of Ombatse and Alago groups in Obi Local Government Area.

Shehu said the command had drafted a team of security personnel to the area to restore normalcy.

He said: “Three persons

•Nasarawa orders security operatives to deal with trouble makers

were killed while many were injured during the clash. But so many houses, which we cannot account for, were burnt.”

NAN gathered that the incident, which started on Thursday night at Angwan village, left the area deserted.

NAN also learnt that many of the residents had sought refuge in neighbour-

ing towns.

The Nasarawa State Government said yesterday it had taken measures to restore lasting peace to all parts of the state.

Deputy Governor Dameshi Barau-Luka spoke in a state broadcast in Lafia, the state capital.

He said the broadcast followed the eruption of fresh violence in Obi and Assakio

towns and their environs on Friday.

The deputy governor said the Tanko al-Makura administration would not fold its arms and watch people unleash terror on its “innocent” people.

Baerau-Luka said: “The government wishes to state categorically that it will not stand by and watch heartless criminals in our state to unleash a reign of terror on innocent citizens of the state.

“We want to assure the public that the state government has taken necessary measures to bring the matter under control.”

N1.58b for Bauchi post-election violence victims

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AUCHI State Deputy Governor Sagir Aminu Saleh yesterday urged the eight-man joint-committee set up by the federal and Bauchi State governments to judiciously share the N1.58 billion compensation for victims of the 2011 post-election violence in the state.

Saleh, who is also the Chairman of the committee, spoke at the inaugural meeting of the committee in his office at Bauchi.

He noted that the money would give succour to victims of the post-presidential

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From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

election violence, which occurred in 12 local government areas.

Ten members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), among other residents, died in the violence.

Property estimated at millions of naira were also destroyed.

Saleh said: “There is nothing one can do about it.” He, however, prayed that “such does not happen again”.

The committee, which has two weeks - with effect from

September 14 - to complete its assignment, is “to disburse the N1.58 billion to victims of the 2011 post-election violence in the state; pay to the victims of the 2011 post-election violence whose names appear on the authentic list”.

It is also “to liaise with the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu Presidential Committee on the 2011 Post-Election Violence and the State Emergency Management Agency to obtain the authentic list of victims of the 2011 Post-Election Violence in the state”.

The committee is expected to submit a weekly progress

report to the Governor’s Office through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG)” and “to submit a final report on the disbursement of the relief fund to this office (SSG’s Office) within two weeks from its first sitting”.

Members of the committee are: Saleh, (Chairman); Ibrahim Jahun, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, (of Presidential Committee on 2011 Post-Election Violence, the representative of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Resident doctors threaten strike

HE National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to go on an indefinite strike, if the Federal Government fails to pay the accumulated salaries of its members within two weeks.

The two-week ultimatum followed the alleged refusal of the government to implement an agreement with the doctors in line with the provision of the Integrated Payroll Payment System.

The ultimatum will end on December 30.

NARD warned that it would not rescind its deci-

•Issue two-week ultimatum From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

sion on the strike.

In a communiqué by its National President, Dr. Jubril Abdullahi, issued at the end of the union’s 31st annual general meeting in Kano, NARD said it would not tolerate the chaos the government was creating in the health sector.

Abdullahi decried the alleged selective payment to some doctors while others were not paid for four months.

He warned that the union

would not tolerate any arrangement that negates the provisions of the union’s agreement with the Federal Government.

NARD said it would also not tolerate the Lagos State casual system of medical doctors.

The union stressed that it would not allow the government to toy with the medical profession.

The communiqué noted that though the association dialogued with the Federal Government on the matter, the

Lagos State Government refused to resolve the matter.

“We unanimously condemn the inability of the Enugu state to implement the issue of benefit to resident doctors in the state,” NARD said.

The communique added: “The Federal Government is playing game with the issue of budgetary allocation for the training of specialists.

Though we had some deliberations, but uptil now nothing has been done. To make the matter worse, the government refused to issue a White Paper on the agreement reached.”

Katsina first batch of pilgrims leaves for Saudi From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Mohammed El-Zaharadeen, Katsina

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HE first batch of 530 pilgrims for this year’s Hajj from Katsina State left for Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

It was learnt that the first batch of the pilgrims were from Kankia zone, comprising Ingawa, Kankia, Kusada Musawa and Matazu local government areas.

Kabo Air will convey 15,738 passengers to the holy land.

The airline said it had mobilised logistics, personnel and aircraft to ensure hitchfree operations.

At the farewell ceremony, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema said over N1.2 billion had been spent to ensure the success of this year’s Hajj.

He urged the intending pilgrims to put their leaders, the state and the country in their daily prayers for peace to return to the country.

Six expectant mothers from Niger barred From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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IX women intending pilgrims from Niger State have been barred from this year’s Hajj because they were said to be expectant mothers.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ibrahim Sule, spoke yesterday in Minna, the state capital, at the beginning of the inoculation of intending pilgrims from the state against yellow fever, polio and cerebral spinal meningitis.

Sule said the women were discovered by the medical team during the screening of the women intending pilgrims, in line with the directive of the National Hajj Commission.

Travel documents of the affected women have been recovered by the medical team to ensure the ban on their pilgrimage is enforced.

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS Akwa Ibom to boost rice cultivation From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

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ICE cultivation and production in Akwa Ibom State have received a boost, following the introduction of Power Tiller Machines – a Japanese technological advancement, which is designed to assuage some major challenges in rice value chain.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Godwin Afangideh, stated this during the start of a two-week training programme on Sawah eco-technology on rice production.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with the State FADAMA Coordination Office.

Afangideh, who presented the machines to two benefiting FADAMA Community Associations, said poor land preparation, irrigation and drainage of the field for rice cultivation would soon become history with the introduction of Power Tiller Machines.

The commissioner identified other major difficulties in the rice value chain as lack of capital, drudgery, lack of processing and storage facilities as well as value addition.

He hoped that the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government, which has been embraced and domesticated by the Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration.

College honours Uduaghan

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has been awarded an honourary fellowship of The National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

The award was confirmed at the 31st Annual Convocation, according to College President, Prof. Victor C. Wakwe.

According to the invitation sent to the governor, the investiture will hold on Thursday at the college’s premises in Ijanikin, Lagos.

The award comes as the medical community has been acknowledging the governor’s pioneering efforts in boosting maternal and child health through a comprehensive coverage that gives free health services for expectant mothers and free healthcare for children, up to five.

Uduaghan, a medical doctor with a distinguished career, has been executing an ambitious programme of rehabilitating, upgrading and equipping many hospitals in Delta State.

Under the project, the 60-year old Baptist Hospital in Eku was upgraded into a modern health institution with state-of-the-art facilities.

•The monarch with his wife and Hon Imilar (left) at the thanksgiving...yesterday.

Olu, Itsekiri celebrate return of peace •Uduaghan to leaders: don’t incite youth to violence •Leaders hail monarch’s peace effort

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HE Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, yesterday led thousands of Itsekiri people in a thanksgiving service marking the return of peace in the kingdom, days after protesters demanded the monarch’s abdication over a controversial edict.

The people rose against the monarch eight days ago because of his controversial edict ”New Order in Iwere Kingdom”.

The uprising lasted till last Tuesday when the monarch bowed to the people and withdrew the edict, which proscribed the Ogiame title because of its perceived fetish connotation and allegiance to Umalokun (god of the sea).

The edict also banned the Itsekiri national anthem (Ara olorire) because it worshipped the monarch.

It irked members of the ruling houses, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Itsekiri Legacy Rebirth, traditional council of chiefs and thousands of youths, who launched a massive protest and laid a siege to the palace.

However, the atmosphere at the palace (Aghofen) yesterday contrasted sharply with the unruly crowd who defied the edict from September 7 -10.

There was a rapport between the monarch and his people, who trooped out at a reception to pay him the customary homage, amid chant of ‘Ogiame Suooooo’.

Thousands of gaily dressed Itsekiri indigenes, who attended the ceremony, said they were happy that the protest was peaceful and violence-free.

They said it was a sign of the maturity and respect the people have for their monarch.

Prominent Itsekiri leaders, members of the Warri Council of Chiefs and politicians, who spoke at the ceremony, also praised the monarch for listening to the voice of his people.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who attended the service with his wife, Roli, described the fourday protest as a test of the traditional throne, as well as the political leadership at the state and federal levels.

The governor also slammed Christian leaders for not practising the faith they profess.

He decried the role played by “some (religious leaders), who claimed to quote the Bible and instead to use that Bible quotation to bring about peace were busy using it as an instrument of disunity.

“If not for the love of God on our side, what will the people of Iwere Kingdom say today?”

The governor also lamented the role of some Itsekiri leaders during the crisis, advising that community leaders must ensure peace and unity in their communities.

He said: “Leaders should work for peace rather than inciting youths to go to war.”

Uduaghan praised the wisdom of the Olu, chiefs in the kingdom, community and religious leaders in ensuring that the protest did not escalate into violence.

He urged his Itsekiri kinsmen and Deltans to use their position to foster peace and unity rather than as a weapon of personal aggrandisement.

Speaking in the same vein, Ayirimi Emami, the Uwa Oyibo Yami of Warri Kingdom, praised prominent Itsekiri leaders, who waded into the face-off and ensured that it did not snowball into a major crisis.

“The Itsekiri people remain one united nation under one monarch and one God. We are grateful for the wisdom of the king and how he has led the people of Iwere Kingdom all these years.

“Peace has returned and for this we are grateful to God for using our king, Ogiame Atuwatse II, to achieve this peace. All Itsekiri people remain committed and supportive of our monarch at all time.

May God continue to guide and guard him for us,” Emami stated.

Prince Omolubi Newuwumi, an Itsekiri youth leader, who led the protesters for the four days, said yesterday’s ceremony was to show the world that the Itsekiri nation remains indivisible, adding: “We (Itsekiri) are always loyal to our monarch.”

The District Pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Sam Aboyemi, in his opening prayer, thanked God on behalf of Olu for his wisdom and leadership attributes.

He said: “Let God be magnified and established in Iwere Kingdom. The land shall not be sold but shall be redeemed by the blood.”

Delivering a sermon titled: ‘Mystery of the Womb and Mystery of the Tomb, Bishop Mike Laju reminded the people that their history is different from their destiny, stressing: “Your history is yesterday but your tomorrow is your destiny.”

The cleric, who took his sermon from Isaiah 7:14, assured the congregation that “what we have not seen in Iwere Kingdom, God is going to bring it to pass”.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Amos Utuama (SAN), Speaker of the House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, Hon. Irene Imilar , Commissioners Joseph Otumara (Health), Paulinus Akpeki (Housing) and Misan Kubeyinje (Agric).

Others are Ighoyota Amori, Thomas Ereyitomi, Paul Odili, Communications Manager to the governor and almost all the members of the Warri Council of Chiefs.

Delta Central: ‘APC has not adopted Keyamo’ From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin and Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

Emerhor gets UN award

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NSURANCE guru and Urhobo politician Olorogun O’tega Emerhor will on October 26receive the United Nations World Peace Ambassador Award at the Nigerian National Merit Award House ( NNMAH), Maitama, Abuja.

A statement by the Director, UNPOLA Peace Award Centre, Ramas O. Asuzu, and the Secretary, Award Organising Committee, Samuel Edoghotu, said Emerhor was nominated because of his service to humanity.

The statement said: “With this award, Emerhor becomes the first Deltan to be appointed as Peace Advocate.

“He will be decorated with the apparel of the United Nations and issued a Certificate and an International Identity Card as well as a UN flag to be hoisted at any place of his choice.

“He would also have the rare privilege of owning the UNPOLAC customised vehicle number plate, in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC.”

From Shola O’Neil, South-south Regional Editor, Warri

•Ikimi

HE National Vice-Chairman (Southsouth) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, at the weekend, said the party has not adopted Festus Keyamo as its candidate in the forthcoming Delta Central by-election.

He said while the APC regrets the untimely death of Senator Pius Ewherido, who represented the district , neither the Senate nor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the seat vacant.

Ikimi said it would be premature and misleading for anyone to claim that he had been adopted for the senatorial election.

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The APC chieftain said: “The only organ that has been put in place for the APC so far is the interim National Executive Committee led by Chief Bisi Akande as national chairman. I serve in the committee as National Vice Chairman (Southsouth).

“The party is in the process of putting in place state harmonisation committees in the 36 states; thereafter membership registration will

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•’Ogboru did not endorse aspirant’ begin nationwide leading to congresses at the unit, ward, local and state levels.

“A special case was that of Anambra State where membership registration was conducted to enable the party hold primaries to elect a candidate for the governorship election slated for November 16.

“I appeal to those behind the pub-

lications and reports to desist from acts capable of heating up the polity or even misleading Nigerians.”

The Delta State Chairman of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Tony Ezeagwu, has said neither the party leadership nor its governorship candidate, Great Ogboru, has endorsed any aspirant for the by-election.

Ezeagwu spoke during a tour of local government party secretariats in the district.

He described the rumour as unfounded and false information.

New PDP dares police in Bayelsa

HE new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plans to open its secretariat in Bayelsa State this week, despite the warning by the police that they would not welcome the group in the state.

The interim leader of the group, Richard Kpodo, said the police had no right to issue a statement stopping them from exercising their rights.

Kpodo said: “The constitution guarantees the freedom of association. The new PDP will go ahead with its decision to open an office in Yenagoa this week.

“We are not intimidated by the

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

police. We have not committed any offence; so we will go ahead with what we are doing and dare them to arrest us. Nigeria is not a lawless society.”

Kpodo debunked insinuations that they were loyalists of former Governor Timipre Sylva fighting and they were merely fighting for Sylva’s frustrated opportunity to seek a second term in office.

“Contrary to this, we are people who are genuinely interested in what happens to the party.

“I worked for Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as director of Operations, Centre for Youth Development. I was Senior Special Assistant, Strategy and Policy Monitoring to President Goodluck Jonathan during his tenure as governor. Sylva, during his administration, appointed me SSA on Security.

“So what do they mean when they call us Sylva’s loyalists? We are committed PDP members who care so much about what happens to the party both at the national and state level.”

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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NEWS Ebonyi suspends headteacher From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

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HE Ebonyi State government at the weekend suspended the Assistant Headteacher of Girls Secondary School, Azuiyiokwu in Abakaliki Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Education, Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo, announced the suspension of Mrs. Azu Awa at the end of a meeting with headteachers and their assistants.

He said Mrs. Awa should proceed on indefinite suspension for alleged acts of insubordination, misconduct and dereliction of duty.

The commissioner said she would remain suspended, pending the report of a disciplinary committee, which would look into the alleged offences.

Chibueze-Agbo warned that the government would not tolerate indiscipline or acts capable of truncating the transformation programmes of the government.

“Let me say it again that this government is determined to reposition the education sector.

“In pursuing this goal, we shall resist any attempt to derail our cause.

“It is, therefore, important that our teachers, head teachers, who are stakeholders to support government.

“The progress of any society depends on the vibrancy of its educational system.

“What we have done (suspension) is to reinforce our zero tolerance to mediocrity, unproductiveness and indiscipline in the system,” Agbo said.

Obi wins APGA award

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has received the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) most faithful party Man of Our Time Award.

The APGA Ambassadors Forum presented the award to the governor at the weekend during its special gettogether at Ojukwu Park, Amawbia.

Presenting the award, APGA National Chairman Victor Umeh said the honour was well deserved and recalled that since the party’s inception, Obi has remained faithful and had continued to fight for the progress and growth of the party.

Umeh said the governor was able to transform and elevate the state to a pride of place because of prudent and transparent management of available resources.

He perceived that the party’s governorship candidate, William Obiano and his running mate, Nkem Okeke, would build on the strong foundations already laid.

Obi thanked the party for the gesture and assured that he would remain in APGA as long as he remained in politics.

He expressed satisfaction that the state had become viable and a reference point in the country with enough potential to attain greater heights under Obiano and Okeke.

Protest in Anambra over PDP candidate

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HERE was tension in Anambra State, as youths from Anambra North yesterday protested the alleged replacement of Tony Nwoye as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16 governorship election.

The youths, under the aegis of the “Odimma Anambra North Youths Ini-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

tiative”, marched on the local governments in the senatorial zone.

They warned the party against replacing Nwoye, saying this would spell doom for it.

Their leader, Obiora Okafor, said it would amount to political suicide for PDP, if it removes Nwoye, who is

from Anambra North.

He said Nwoye’s candidacy was the answer to the district’s long agitation to produce a governor.

Okafor called on the party’s National Working Committee to disregard such a plan.

He said those behind such moves were enemies of the party.

“All we are saying is for PDP to respect the people’s

wishes. It has conducted a primary, which was adjudged to be transparent and Tony Nwoye emerged winner.

“So, any idea to replace him is akin to thwarting the people’s wishes. We all know that he was certified by the screening committee and he contested and won.

So he should be allowed to contest the election,” Okafor said.

•From right: Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta Kingsley Kuku; Managing Director, FEAN Nigeria, Baw Allen Onyema and Principal Manager, Aviation Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta, Capt. Perekeme Porbeni Ajube at the graduation of Niger-Delta delegates in Lagos... at the weekend.

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APC united, say Okorocha, Udenwa

ORMER Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has resolved its differences.

Udenwa, who is the chairman, APC State Elders Council, spoke to reporters after a meeting at the Government House, Owerri.

The ex-governor said allegation of differences among the party hierarchy in the state do not exist.

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He said he never had any personal differences with Governor Rochas Okorocha as regards the party leadership.

Udenwa said: “We have no differences at all; but whenever you want to start something new, planning may be a little difficult and people read meaning as though we have personal differences.”

He said all rough edges that existed in the party had

been straightened and urged all to support the change proposed by APC. Udenwa regretted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had failed to address indiscipline, which remained the bane of the nation’s socio-economic development.

Okorocha averred that the party’s unity was not in doubt, stressing that members of the merger parties and the All Progressives

Grand Alliance (APGA) were united.

He described APC as a party with good programmes and elaborate manifesto to deliver the desired change for the state and the nation.

The governor said APC was the only party with structures up to the polling booth level and hoped that the party would take over the Government House in 2015.

Peace pact: MASSOB disowns Uwazuruike

GGRIEVED members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) insisted at the weekend on pursuing the actualisation of an independent Biafra state as against the unity pact agreement signed by their leader, Ralph Uwazuruike.

The members, who distanced themselves from the plan to jettison the agitation for a united Nigeria, vowed to continue with the struggle, until “Biafrans are liberated from perceived oppression by the Nigerian government”.

The MASSOB leader had during a meeting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with other separatists, including

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Dr Frederick Fasehun, Asari Dokubo, Hamza alMustapha, Mohammed Abacha and Yerima Shetimma, issued a communique in support of the unity and coexistence of Nigeria.

The group, under the umbrella of the National Unity Alliance (NUA), headed by Fasehun, founder of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC), posited that it would no longer be manipulated by mischievous and power thirsty politicians to disintegrate Nigeria for selfish reasons.

But back home, the action

of the MASSOB leader was seen as a betrayal of the cause for which many had been killed, maimed and displaced during the civil war fought more than 40 years ago.

It has also generated widespread criticisms among members of the group, who had sustained the Biafran struggle in the last 13 years.

One said: “We felt betrayed. We have wasted substantial years of our lives fighting for the independence of Biafra. Most of us have died in the process, while many others are languishing in prisons across the country.

“Apart from this steep price, we have equally paid

Uwazuruike

through our nose to fund the movement. But we are not going to allow all these sacrifices to go in vain.

“For us the struggle for Biafra has just begun. Our collective destiny is greater than any person or group of persons.”

Abdulsalami visits Nwodo over wife’s death

F

ORMER Head of State Gen Abdusalami Abubakar yesterday visited Ukehe, the home of John Nwodo Jnr to commiserate with him on the death of his wife, Justice Obiageli Nwodo.

She died recently in a London hospital.

Nwodo was the Minister for Information during the Abubakar military regime.

Gen. Abubakar described Nwodo as his younger brother, noting that death is a destiny that everybody bears and prayed God to grant the family fortitude to bear the loss.

The former Head of State said ever since Nwodo served in his cabinet, their relationship has become stronger.

He described Nwodo as the bridge between him and the rest of the world.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

“He is an astute and focused young man who produced results. I came to know his wife who was in the same profession with my wife.

“She bore her sickness with dignity and courage. I pray she rests in peace,” Abubakar said.

He told Nwodo that though it’s painful to lose one’s partner, death should not deter people from moving on.

Nwodo said Gen Abubakar has been a close friend of his family, noting that the former head of state visited his late wife in the hospital before she died.

The ex-minister recalled the humility of Abubakar, and how he ran the country with free hand.

Enugu PDP primaries result From Chris Oji, Enugu

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released the results of the chairmanship primaries conducted on Saturday for the November 16 local government elections.

The results were contained in a statement yesterday by the state Chairman, Vita Abba and Secretary, Steve Oruruo.

The statement reads: “Following the peaceful and transparent conduct of the PDP primary election in the 17 local government areas of Enugu State on September 14 and subsequent collation of all election results, the state leadership of the party hereby announces the winners of the primaries as follows: “Christopher Nwobodo (Aninri), Nze Mathanus E. (Awgu), Cornelius Nnaji (Enugu East), Emeka Edeh (Enugu North), Agbo Victor Oguejiofor (Enugu South), Emeka Ozoagu (Ezeagu), Ozoemena Festus O. (Igbo Etiti), Onu Bonaventure C (Igbo Eze North), Ozioko Festus (Igbo Eze South), Nnamani Augustine (Isiuzo), Pastor Iyiogwe Sam (Nkanu East), Afam Okereke (Nkanu West), Ugwu Charles Kenechukwu (Nsukka), Onyemechi IK Jideofor (Oji River), Nwodo Amechi (Udenu), Iloeje Chinedu Ifeanyi (Udi) and Cornelius Onwubuya C. (Uzo-Uwani).”

‘Make Enugu Airport the best’

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

MINISTER of Aviation Stella Oduah has challenged the people of the Southeast to make the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, one of the top three airports in West Africa.

The minister made this statement in Awka, the Anambra State capital at a conference by the league of Anambra professionals.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr George Ossi Afamefuna, the minister urged the governments to draw up a road map to achieve their goals.

“This is what we did upon assumption of office. We found civil aviation in a deplorable state and drew up a road map to transform the sector.”

Support for Aregbesola’s second term From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

AN Ibadan rights activist, Muktar Gbadeyanka, has appealed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) members to allow Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola to run for a second term.

In a statement yesterday, Gbadeyanka enjoined the people to vote for Aregbesola so as to consolidate and initiate more people-oriented projects in the state.

He said: “He has given governance a new face lift and re-written the story of the state. Aregbesola is a silent achiever who has done so much for the state.

He deserves a second term.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

56

FOREIGN

Syria hails US-Russia deal on chemical weapons

ANALYSIS

Syria: who wins?

ROM the outset, Syria’s chemical weapons have been a dominant source of concern for the US, the west and Israel. Would the regime use them - possibly even against Israel - if it found itself in a desperate corner? What if radical rebels took over? Now, thanks to their apparent use by the regime, an initially credible military threat from the US, muscular political intervention by Russia, and diligent diplomacy by Moscow and Washington, those weapons are scheduled for destruction.

Problem apparently solved, more neatly than anyone would have dreamt. But for Syrian minister Ali Haidar to hail it as a victory for Syria is creative indeed. These are weapons Syria never even admitted having, and vehemently denies using.

Yet it is being obliged to let them be destroyed, and to allow international inspectors instant, unfettered access to hitherto top-secret sites.

It is a bitter pill for Damascus, however brave a face it may put on it.

China, France, the UK, the UN, the Arab League and Nato have all expressed satisfaction at the agreement.

On Saturday, US President Barack Obama said in a statement that the deal was an “important step” but urged Syria to “live up to its public commitments”.

“If diplomacy fails, the United States remains prepared to act,” he said. The Pentagon said the US military was still in position for military strikes. In an interview with the ABC network on Sunday, Mr Obama confirmed that he had exchanged letters about Syria with newly-elected Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. In an allusion to the dispute between Iran and the West over Iran’s nuclear programme, Mr Obama said: “What they should draw from this lesson is that there is the potential of resolving these issues diplomatically.”

“My view is that if you have both a credible threat of force, combined with a rigorous diplomatic effort… you can strike a deal,” Mr Obama added.

The timetable for the process is described by analysts as extremely ambitious.

It envisages Syria providing a full inventory of its chemical weapons in one week, all production equipment being destroyed by November, and all weapons being removed from Syria or destroyed by mid-2014.

Mr Kerry and Mr Lavrov said a UN resolution could be sought under Chapter VII of the UN charter, which allows for the use of force, if Syria fails to comply.

Agreed target dates •Completion of initial on-site inspections by November •Destruction of production and mixing equipment by November •Complete elimination of all chemical weapons material and equipment in the first half of 2014 However the Russian foreign minister said force remained a last-ditch option.

Russia and the US have agreed on an assessment that the Syrian government possesses 1,000 tonnes of chemical agents and precursors, according to a US official.

The US believes the materials are located in 45 sites, all in government hands, half of which have useable quantities of chemical agents.

But it is thought that Russia does not agree on the number of sites, nor that they are all under the government’s control.

The military leader of the anti-Assad Free Syrian Army has rejected the deal, saying it it a ploy by Russia to buy time for President Assad.

On Sunday the Syrian National Coalition, the main umbrella opposition group, demanded in a statement that the ban on chemical weapons be extended to the Syrian government’s use of ballistic missiles and air power against civilian population centres.

Fighting continued inside Syria yesterday, with heavy shelling reported by government forces on suburbs of Damascus, where fierce fighting has been taking place for several days.

Several deaths were also reported elsewhere in the country, including in the central city of Hama where the UKbased activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that rebels, including Islamist fighters, had clashed with government forces and pro-government militias.

In comments to a press conference after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Kerry said he understood the opposition’s contention that removing chemical weapons would not stop the killing in Syria.

However, he insisted the deal was a “step forward” in eliminating those weapons from the government’s arsenal.

Mr Netanyahu said: “What the past few days have shown is something that I have been saying for quite some time, that if diplomacy has any chance to work, it must be coupled with a credible military threat.”

Mr Kerry is due to go to Paris to meet his French, British and Saudi counterparts on Monday.

More than 100,000 people have died since the uprising against President Assad began in 2011. Millions of Syrians have fled the country, mostly to neighbouring nations.

However, on Saturday, Italy’s coastguard said more than 500 people, mostly Syrians, had been rescued off the Italian coast.

Millions more have been internally displaced within Syria.

F

•Courtsey BBC

•Assad

HE US-Russia deal on Syria’s chemical weapons is a “victory” that averts war, a Syrian minister says.

The framework document says Syria must provide full details of its stockpile within a week - with the chemical arsenal eliminated by mid2014.

If Syria fails to comply, the deal could be enforced by a UN resolution with the use of force as a last resort.

The US had threatened to attack Syria which it blames for a chemical attack in August which killed hundreds.

President Bashar alAssad’s government denies the allegations and has accused the rebels of carrying out the attack.

Syria recently agreed to join the global Chemical

T

Weapons Convention, and the UN said it would come under the treaty from 14 October.

John Kerry: “We cannot have hollow words in the conduct of international affairs” The framework deal was announced on Saturday after three days of talks in Geneva

by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

“We welcome the agreement,” Syrian Reconciliation Minister Ali Haidar told Russian news agency Ria Novosti, giving his country’s first reaction.

“On the one hand, it helps Syria come out of the crisis and, on the other, it helps avoid the war against Syria depriving those who wanted to launch it of arguments to do so,” Mr Haidar said.

“It’s a victory for Syria achieved thanks to our Russian friends.”

Agreed target dates • Completion of initial on-site inspections by November • Destruction of production and mixing equipment

by November • Complete elimination of all chemical weapons material and equipment in the first half of 2014 However the Russian foreign minister said force remained a last-ditch option.

Russia and the US have

agreed on an assessment that the Syrian government possesses 1,000 tonnes of chemical agents and precursors, according to a US official.

The US believes the materials are located in 45 sites, all in government hands, half of which have useable quantities of chemical agents.

But it is thought that Russia does not agree on the number of sites, nor that they are all under the government’s control.

The military leader of the anti-Assad Free Syrian Army has rejected the deal, saying it it a ploy by Russia to buy time for President Assad.

On Sunday the Syrian National Coalition, the main umbrella opposition group, demanded in a statement that the ban on chemical weapons be extended to the Syrian government’s use of ballistic missiles and air power against civilian population centres.

Fighting continued inside Syria on Sunday, with heavy shelling reported by government forces on suburbs of Damascus, where fierce fighting has been taking place for several days.

Several deaths were also reported elsewhere in the country, including in the central city of Hama where the UK-based activist group the Syrian Observatory for

Insurgent fighting spreads in Philippines

•Members of the Philippines military surround fighters from the Muslim rebel group, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the city of Zamboanga. The fighters are using civilians as human shields causing the military to maintain coverage but halt any advances in the hope of a negotiated settlement.

I

NSURGENT fighting has spread to another town in the southern region of the Philippines, as troops continue to battle the Muslim rebels in Zamboanga City, where over a hundred residents are being held hostage.

The insurgents mounted new attacks in the predominantly Christian outskirts of Lamitan in Basilan Province Thursday morning, according to Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay.

Authorities said they had been monitoring the movements of rebels in the area and that many residents had already been evacuated. Five people were missing, however, and two were wounded, Furigay said.

The Basilan island province is a boat ride away from Zamboanga City on Mindanao island, where Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters have been holding residents hostage in a number of the port’s coastal neighborhoods since early Monday morning.

The fighting has caused an estimated 15,000 residents to flee, many seeking refuge in a nearby sports stadium.

As of late Wednesday, 12 people had been killed, including two civilians, a police officer, a soldier, and eight rebels, according to an official tally reported by The Manila Times. Another 36 people had been wounded, including 3

Human Rights said that rebels, including Islamist fighters, had clashed with government forces and progovernment militias.

In comments to a press conference after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Kerry said he understood the opposition’s contention that removing chemical weapons would not stop the killing in Syria.

However, he insisted the deal was a “step forward” in eliminating those weapons from the government’s arsenal.

Mr Netanyahu said: “What the past few days have shown is something that I have been saying for quite some time, that if diplomacy has any chance to work, it must be coupled with a credible military threat.”

Mr Kerry is due to go to Paris to meet his French, British and Saudi counterparts on Monday.

More than 100,000 people have died since the uprising against President Assad began in 2011.Millions of Syrians have fled the country, mostly to neighbouring nations. However, on Saturday, Italy’s coastguard said more than 500 people, mostly Syrians, had been rescued off the Italian coast.

Millions more have been internally displaced within Syria.

• PHOTO: AFP

policemen and 12 soldiers.

A busy port, Zamboanga, has a population of around 800,000 and is the Philippines’ sixth most populous city. The city, parts of which resemble a war zone with tanks in the streets and snipers on the top of buildings, remains under curfew.

Under the leadership of founder Nur Misuari, the MNLF is part of a rebellion that began 42 years ago and has claimed 150,000 lives. The recent fighting is understood to be an effort to derail peace talks with a rival separatist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which the government began last October.

The MNLF rebels in Zamboanga are surrounded by military forces and have been using civilians as human shields. An Associated Press photographer reported Wednesday about villagers,

believed to be hostages, waving white cloths in front of a house and yelling, “Don’t fire, don’t fire.”

It is the second such attack by the MNLF on Zamboanga City, the last one was in 2001 when dozens of hostages were taken and many were left dead.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the military had stopped rebel movement in and out of the Zamboanga areas but are mindful of endangering hostages.

“At the moment the AFP is standing down to pave the way for possible negotiation.

This is being done by the crisis monitoring committee.

We want to assure everyone that we are doing whatever we can to ensure that there will be a peaceful resolution to the crisis,” he told The Phil-

ippine Star.

While Misuari wants an autonomous region for a large part of Mindanao, he has made no public appearance or statement since the recent rebel incursion.

Presidential adviser on the Peace Process, Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles, defended the government’s position, saying Misuari had not been excluded from the peace process but had been uncooperative in previous negotiations.

“I do not want to openly speculate about what is in his mind … but this pattern on his behavior on the table should be looked at. What would make Misuari happy?

It seems that all our work does not seem to make him happy. … Therefore what does he want?” she said at a press conference, reported by ABS-CBN television.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

57

Syria wrap up and how about Philippines

M

UCH had been said and written, interpreted and extrapolated about what happened and what did not happen in Geneva over the weekend and if the course of peaceful co-existence in this our now troubled world is anything to go by , I think there is something for everybody to sleep upon without much of braggadocios or grandstanding.

Back to our friend again, Thomas Paine, these are times that try men’s soul and we can just hope that at the end of the day the end justifies the means.

The gladiators and their stakeholders (that much maligned word again) must be wondering why and what happened that changed the whole kaleidoscope within four or five days, when the bombs should have started dropping on Damascus instruments of mass death by now.

As the Turks and of course the Syrian opposition are pointing out, did President Obama chicken out knowing well that the lower house in United States Congress largely dominated by the opposition Republican Party can always nix his Syrian war effort for domestic political advantage and expediencies?

What actually led to this softening of America’s posturing on enforcing what was initially deemed an effort at eradicating IRRESPONSIBLE use of weapons of mass destruction by a dictator against his own people? Was this a policy summersault or some

kind of inklings to the inner workings of the United Nations Arms Inspection Reports.? We have had many reactions on this Syrian war within with all possible scenarios (both worst case, as in intelligence manipulation, tilting against Assad and in favour of the rebels coalition and best-case as in the Damascus regime actually using the MWD’s against their own citizens only to blame the West or actually out rightly denying possession of those weapons in the first instance, only now to accept to put them under international verification, control and ultimate destruction.

Throw in this volatile mix, Putin’s Russia which has been and continue to be the major supply of Syria armoury and you start to wonder if there are not enough room for mischief and manipulation on both sides of the ideological divide.

Then move your argument to the United Nations where a disingenuous Russia has been advocating for THESE things to be settled and you wonder why America should acquiesce to such ridiculous theatre of absurdity knowing well that the heavily vested military and economic veto-wielding powers in Russia and China will ambush any sane argument at the jaw-jaw only United Nations Plaza in New York.

As we stated last week, I hold both my brother Brian Browne and ex-Minister Femi FaniKayode both in high esteem for

Global Focus DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor sms 08134230367

daborgu@gmail.com their opinions on the issue of war and peace in Syria. But both locally and globally, war is an extension of politics by other means. People die and stakes are high. But we should not delude ourselves that a Russian alternative could have surfaced in Geneva had America not put the imminent use of force in the chemistry. Neither would a recalcitrant dictator like Assad would have even blinked. Finally, he did blinked and even if the Syrian Freedom Fighters amalgam did not like what they are seeing on the table right now, it is a different pot of potato that has already manifested as a game-changer. Lives will be spared from indiscriminate dispensation of chemical war arsenals on innocent civilian population in Syria, at least for now.

In the mean time, the onus is back on Russia and its surrogate, Syria, to now buy all the time they need, while the international community figures out how to punish those responsible for the massacre of August 21, which killed almost 2,000 people in one single day including almost 500 children, as the world watched in horror.

As to the final question of who made America the police man of the world, I think we should just hold the collective feet of our pretenders in power in most,

especially third world countries to fire and ask them who made them marauders of our treasuries and usurpers of our commonwealth. Nigeria is on another spiral of power mongering malady with a palpably incompetent power drunk element playing with a nation’s democratic destiny in Rivers State, democraticallyelected governor albeit unconstitutionally with the misuse of the Federal apparatus of power at the behest of his hellbent political cronies and a VAIN DAME. Are we asking the right questions? Who made Robert Mugabe a dinosaur on his county’s so –called democracy at age 89? Where do we stop counting? These things are no rocket science, but at a point in time someone just has to bell the cat. At the international stage, if not America, why not America?

We are all ears.

In Other News Philippine troops continue to battle insurgents in Zamboanga city according to BBC news monitored over the weekend.

Zamboanga is the sixth largest city in the Philippines, and a vital hub for the economy of the southern part of this Asian nation. For the past five days, it has been more or less shut down by a confrontation between the army and a group of insurgents from the Moro National

Liberation Front (MNLF).

Yet the MNLF, the group that started its armed campaign against the central government back in the early 1970s, was also the first to make peace, in 1996.

After that, its leader, Nur Misuari, was the governor of an autonomous region for five years.

So why did his followers land in Zamboanga, heavily armed, and then take over several districts of the city?

The insurgents, numbering around 180, are believed to be led

by Habier Malik, a veteran MNLF commander who has been involved in many other armed attacks in the past, including a similar one in Zamboanga 12 years ago.

For their part, the MNLF gunmen in Zamboanga have said they are fighting for an independent state, not the autonomy the government is negotiating with the larger MILF insurgent group. The struggle definitely continues unabated.

In Egypt, we learnt deposed President Morsi detention has been extended for another 30days while former dictator Mubarak will be facing a new trial over the 2011 anti-democracy clamp downs.

Mali was getting a much needed reprieve following its recent peaceful presidential election but now suffers a little hiccups from the Tuaregs once again from the northern part of the country.

The State of Colorado is not spared of Mother Nature’s over generousity as its been raining cats, dogs and flooding.

Emergency workers are on top of the situation.

Well, that will be it for us this week and always remember our globe to keep it ticking. See you next week.

FOREIGN

Mubarak judge orders trial media blackout

A

N Egyptian judge has ordered a media blackout during the next phase of the retrial of Hosni Mubarak.

Judge Mahmoud elRachidi said the sessions, to be held on 19-21 October, would involve national security issues.

Mr Mubarak, 85, appeared in court on charges of complicity in the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising.

Defence lawyers are seeking to blame Islamists from the Muslim Brotherhood and foreign forces for the deaths of about 850 people killed in the unrest.

Mr Mubarak was jailed for life in June last year for contributing to the killings.

But he appealed against his sentence and a retrial was ordered.

Killing of demonstrators in 2011, “influence-peddling” and profiting from the export of gas to Israel Illicit gain Allegations of appropriat-

ing for his family funds allocated annually for upkeep of presidential palaces Receipt of gifts from stateowned press institutions He is on trial along with his two sons, the former interior minister, and six security chiefs.

Certain parts of his original trial were also held behind closed doors.

Judge Rachidi had promised more transparency with

the retrial.

However, the judge said on Saturday that all journalists would be barred from the next hearings and forbidden from quoting lawyers.

“This decision does not go against my previous promise to the media, because I had announced from the start that the people will know about everything, except for proceedings of hearings, in order for us to allow

the witness to testify,” he said.

The interior minister’s lawyer said the people called to testify had information on who killed the protesters, and “which foreign factions joined forces with the Muslim Brotherhood in the events of the 28 January [2011] to cause chaos and the killing of protesters”.

The Muslim Brotherhood’s

Top Pakistan officers killed ‘by Taliban’

T

WO senior Pakistani military officers and a soldier have been killed in a roadside bomb close to the border with Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Taliban have said they were responsible for the deaths.

One of the men who died was a major general - a rare high-ranking casualty in Pakistan’s war against militants.

The blast happened as the Taliban outlined a number of pre-conditions it wants met before it will take part in peace talks with the government.

The three men were returning from inspecting the army’s border posts in Khyber Paktunkhwa province when the blast hap-

pened.

According to the Associated Press news agency, the most senior of them - Maj Gen Sanaullah Niazi - was the top commander in Swat Valley, where the military carried out a major offensive against the Taliban in 2009.

Pakistani political parties have endorsed peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban to end a decade of fighting.

But the Taliban are demanding the release of prisoners and the withdrawal of troops from the country’s tribal areas - where they mainly operate.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has pushed for negotiations, but it is unclear what steps he will take to facilitate this process, analysts say.

Cambodia: Opposition protests poll ‘fraud’ HOUSANDS of Cambodians are protesting, for the second weekend in a row, against the ruling party’s narrow election win in July.

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy warned protests would continue until election irregularities were properly investigated .

Police used water cannons to disperse protesters who tore down barricades near the Royal Palace.

T

On Saturday, talks between Mr Rainsy and Prime Minister Hun Sen failed to resolve the political deadlock.

Analysts say Hun Sen, 61, faces one of the biggest tests of his 28-year rule.

The prime minister has repeatedly vowed to stay in power until he is in his seventies.

In the July vote, his People’s Party (CPP) won 68 seats, compared with 55 for

the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

The national election committee confirmed the results earlier this month.

But Mr Rainsy and his followers accuse Prime Minister Hun Sen of rigging the vote.

With all state institutions - including the election commission - under the thumb of Hun Sen, protests are the only way opposition sup-

porters can challenge the result, correspondents say.

Up to 20,000 activists, workers and monks gathered in a public park in Phnom Penh under the watchful eye of riot police on Sunday.

Rural protesters were transported to the capital in large convoys of buses and trucks.

Marchers carried signs reading “Where is my vote?” and “Long live democracy”.

candidate won Egypt’s first free election last year, but was eventually overthrown by the military after widespread protests.

Mr Mubarak was freed from custody shortly after the overthrow, and placed under house arrest.

During his 29-year rule the Brotherhood was outlawed.

CHANGE OF NAME OLOYEDE

ARIRIESIKE

I formerly known and addressed as Oloyede, Obasoyen Aimienoho, now wish to be known as Obasoyen Aimienoho. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

I formerly known as ARIRIESIKE Veronica Ifeyinwa Miss now wish to be addressed asMrs. OKEREKE Veronica Ifeyinwa all former documents remains valid. The general public please take note.

ODUSHOLA I, John Abiodun Olushola, on behalf of myself, wife and children, formerly called and known by the SURNAME of Odushola, give public notice to the effect that we have formally renounced and abandoned the use of my former surname of Odushola and assumed in place thereof the surname of OLUSHOLA. General public should please take note.

IBEMESI

I formerly known and addressed as Uchenna Gladyse Ibemesi, wish henceforth to be known and addressed as wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uchenna Gladys Ngonadi, general public take note.

58

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

NEWS Tukur’s group backs Jonathan

T

HE crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday threw darts at “renegade” members as it bemoaned the state of affairs in the ruling party.

The Bamanga Tukur-led leadership also sued for peace in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, which urged estranged members to fully utilise the window of dialogue and reconciliation offered by the party.

“The on-going muted skirmishes and well-organised theatrics aimed at portraying the President in a bad light are not necessary because, as members of one big family, no challenge is insurmountable.

“This tactic is antithetical to democracy but not an unfamiliar rule of engagement.

However, it is important that we avoid over-stretching it and shutter not, glaring overtures to reason so as not to play into the waiting hands of the desperate, wishing to incite the people and destroy

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

our common destiny,” Metuh said.

According to him, the problem in the party was a challenge which could be resolved within the ambit of its existing crisis resolution mechanism.

He regretted that cleavages within the party were being exaggerated by “some politicians” desperately looking for quick photo-ups through sensationalism in the media.

“We wish to assure our members therefore that we are still capable of resolving our challenges and urge them to be more committed to our progress. We shall emerge stronger”, Metuh added diffidently.

Reaffirming the support of the Bamanga Tukur- led PDP for President Goodluck Jonathan, the party spokesman said the President’s achievements were being under-reported by the media.

In a veiled swipe at the me-

dia, Metuh said the administration’s weak points were being unnecessarily celebrated by those he described as detractors, just to gain prominence.

He said: “While the inconsequential makes the banner, the essentials and the substantial in the consistent though quiet transformation of the nation are tucked away in obscure riders.

“Very unfortunately, the easiest way to gain prominence today is to attack the President and the leadership of his party, not on issues of governance or on alternative direction of governance, but on the pedestrian that borders on sheer mudslinging.

“The media is a critical building block of democracy and the Nigerian media has stood firm across the decades.

It must not relent.

“In all this, our firm support for the President as the leader and symbol of our party in government remains total. We shall neither waiver nor allow

PDP reaches out to Tambuwal over impeachment threat Continued on page 2

•Tukur

narrow sentiments stand in the way of the absolute resolve of our great party to better the lot of all Nigerians”.

The statement added that the nation would benefit the more if detractors of the President pick him or his party on issues of development so as to enrich the practice of democracy.

have been screaming for the impeachment of President Goodluck Jonathan and a clean break from the Bamangar Tukur- led Party.

Another reason for the meeting is the belief that the there are moves by the new PDP to remove members of the leadership who belong to the PDP. There were report that members of the New PDP would meet today meet today on how to reconstitute the leadership of the National Assembly, which is made up of PDP. According to the source “we are meeting to primarily set a new agenda for the 7th Assembly using our large

number which is hovering around 95 to 125 Reps and 55 Senators,” the source said, adding: “We equally have the strong voices of 137 All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Green Chamber who have vowed to support our cause. “if you add 137 to 95, we are clearly in the majority in the House of Reps and we will speak with one voice.

“This large figure of Reps will speak in one voice in all proceedings bordering on bills and motions.

“We will handle all matters as one large family to bring down those tyrants who are enemies of democracy in the old PDP.”

UK deputy PM to stop £3,000 visa bond Continued on page 2

that basis.

“Of course in a coalition I can stop things,” he added.

Immigration is a sensitive political issue in Britain, especially with the unemployment and austerity measures brought on by the economic crisis. Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to cut net immigration from 252,000 a year in 2010 to below 100,000 a year by 2015.

While that plays well with the Conservatives’ right-ofcentre supporters, it has been trouble for the centrist liberal Liberal Democrats, who are holding their annual con-

ference in Glasgow, Scotland.

The party is sagging in opinion polls, 18 months ahead of a national election, and many members have expressed unease about the compromises involved in coalition government. Earlier this month, one of the bestknown Lib Dem lawmakers, Sarah Teather, said she was quitting because she felt the party no longer fought for social justice and liberal values.

Clegg defended his party’s participation in the coalition, saying it had made the government fairer and more liberal.

11 Boko Haram suspects arrested in Adamawa •Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN (middle), former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire (right) and Delta Central PDP Chairman, Chief Tom Amioku during an enlarged Delta Central Senatorial District Executive Committee meeting of the party in Udu…yesterday

APC kicks against blockade of Rivers Govt House Continued on page 2

‘’President Jonathan, however, should be told in clear and unambiguous language that Nigerians will resist all machinations by him to turn Nigeria into a police state,’’ it said.

The APC also said those who have been struggling to distance the President from the crisis in Rivers are being clever by half, since it is clear to all Nigerians that the President is the puppeteer in the crisis from day one, hence it has festered despite all efforts to end it. ‘’As far as the crisis in Rivers is concerned, the buck stops on the President’s desk.

Here is a President who decided, unwisely, to make the election of the Nigerian Gover-

nors’ Forum a referendum on his administration’s credibility. Even after he lost woefully, he has failed to learn his lessons, as he has continued in his hot pursuit of a fellowelected political leader. ‘’Today, no thanks partly to his political vendetta in Rivers and elsewhere, the President’s political empire has collapsed completely and no amount of police repression, subversion of the constitution or reign of impunity can savage it. ‘’President Jonathan has proven himself to be incapable of managing success. A President who presumably won a pan-Nigerian mandate, whose party controls 23 out of 36 states and has an overwhelming majority in the Na-

tional Assembly has, in a period of less than 30 months, frittered all away and is today left with less than 16 state governors and lost control of the National Assembly. ‘’President Jonathan today holds the unenviable record of being the first sitting President of the country to suffer the indignity of being walked out upon by governors and federal legislators elected on the platform of his own party; as well as senior members of the same party at its National Convention in the full glare of local and international media. ‘’Under his watch, his party which at the height of its self delusion pride itself as the biggest party in Africa that is destined to rule the country

for the 60 years has now imploded and the fallout of this implosion is threatening the fragile unity of the country.

President Jonathan, more than any other President in the history of the country, has promoted and encouraged impunity and unconstitutionality, encouraged divisive policies and exploited religious and ethnic differences - all in his attempts to cling to power till 2015 and beyond,’’ the party said.

APC, therefore, said President Jonathan should be held responsible for the current climate of impunity, unconstitutionality and overheating of the polity that is threatening the peace and stability of the country.

PHCN’s investors grumble over assets handover Continued on page 2

main confident as their interest would be protected in the regulation of tariffs.

Owan also said all existing employees of PHCN would be paid off 100 per cent by the Federal Government in line with labour unions demand.

He said the new owners of PHCN also had an agreement with the government to retain some PHCN employees for a period of six months for continuity.

“After being paid off by the Federal Government, the new electricity firms would take over from where govern-

ment has stopped and pay the retained staff for the next six months,” he said.

Owan said retention of some staff would enable the new owners build up the business and try to turn it around for the benefit of the country.

He said the management of PHCN would continue its work with the equipment on ground, adding that the company had 60 per cent of the shares while the Federal Government still owns 40 per cent.

Former President, Senior Staff Association of the defunct National Electric Power Authority, Mr Godwin Ifena-

cho, said the reforms’ objectives might not be achieved unless urgent steps are taking to address the loopholes in the privatisation process.

Ifenacho said government had failed to provide a clear cut programmes on the handing over.

He said: “It is disheartening to note that there are problems on the handing over process despite the fact that the companies after they have fulfilled their own side of the deal. The BPE appears not ready to handover assets to PHCN’s successor companies, hence the problems we are having. Why

has the government not paid the severance package in full?

What is delaying it? Does that mean that the government does not have enough money to pay the workers? Are there facilities on ground for the firms to start on a clean slate?

These are the questions the government must answer to win the confidence of Nigerians that have been expecting improved electricity,’ He said the government would be setting a bad precedent if it failed to allow the private operators to start on a strong footing.

T

HE military said yesterday that 11 suspected members of Boko Haram have been arrested in Michika, Adamawara state.

Lt. Col. Beyidi Martins, the Commanding Officer of the special commands battalion, said yesterday that six of the suspects were brought to Maiduguri and five were brought to Mubi. He said two died in Mubi from injuries after being beaten up by the Ci-

vilian Joint Task Force that helped capture them.

The Civilian-JTF is a vigilante group formed by residents to combat the Boko Haram network.

The cooperation between the military and vigilance group came a day after police said members of Civilian-JTF beat killed a policeman in Maiduguri after one of their members was shot dead.

‘Illiteracy rising in Nigeria’

R

EPRODUCTION Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) has raised the alarm over the rate of illiteracy the country. Nigeria is lagging behind as the level of illiteracy rises, it has been observed.

While blaming it all on bad leadership, REPRONIG said this year’s World Literacy Day has raised the dust over the need for government to revisit the issue by formulating policies to best address the decay.

REPRONIG according to a statement signed by its Chairman, Professor Olu Obafemi and Executive Director, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, maintained that the consistent underfunding of education and the near contemptuous attitude of government to education “portrays it as an entity that does not realise that only education holds the key to the future.

“Year in, year out, Nigerian governments, over the years, have shown that they do not believe that education is the key to any meaningful future,” the statement said.

It raised concern over the government’s role in the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), saying it is regrettable. “For about 80 days now, education

By Evelyn Osagie

has totally stopped in the 71 federal universities in the country, with the threat by lecturers in the Polytechnics “threatening to resume the strike they suspended earlier on.”

REPRONIG also urged the government to start implementing the minimum 26 per cent of the annual budget funding requirement for education as prescribed by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Education funding in Nigeria has always oscillated between six and nine per cent. The highest it has ever gone was 12 per cent.

“In this year’s budget, only eight per cent was allocated to education. And as information from various ministries and government agencies has revealed, even the amount budgeted was not released either on time and/or in the quantum intended… For how long are we going to continue like this?

Governments should change their attitude towards educational policies, education funding and the curriculum of education that their schools run More importantly, policies should be drawn up that emphasis people-oriented, technology-aware and knowledge enticing activities”

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

SPORT EXTRA Debut goal was great for Bale —Ancelotti

Klopp thrilled with ´crazy´ Reus

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C

ARLO Ancelotti was delighted Gareth Bale got off to the best of starts in his Real Madrid career after the winger netted in the 2-2 draw against Villarreal on Saturday.

The •100 million arrival was handed his first start for his new club and immediately repaid Ancelotti’s faith with a goal when he slid in Daniel Carvajal’s cross.

Although Giovani dos Santos ensured Villarreal took a share of the spoils with a late goal, Ancelotti was pleased to see Bale hit the ground running alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I was happy he got to score his first goal for Madrid. It’s great for him. He played in a game that was tough for everyone,” the Italian noted to reporters after the match.

“He showed a good attitude on the pitch. It was the first time they [Bale and Ronaldo] played together. We swapped their positions from time to time because they kept cutting infield. But it’s nothing particular.”

Asier Illarramendi was also handed his full debut, and Ancelotti was pleased to see the midfielder get some playing time under his belt after a lack of action so far in 2013-14.

“I think they [Bale and Illarramendi] were good, but suffered a bit at first. I did not give them 90 minutes because that is not possible in the first game. But they had a good debut,” he said.

Diego Lopez was retained between the posts at the expense of Iker Casillas and single-handedly kept Madrid in the game with some superb stops - although Ancelotti believes his side should have won the game irrespective of the Spaniard’s exploits.

“Diego was responsive, intelligent and played very well,” he said. “I do not know if he saved us from defeat but maybe with more care we could have won the match, because at 2-1 it was easier for us.

“With a little more attention, especially in midfield, we would have won the game.”

Saturday’s draw leaves the Santiago Bernabeu outfit fourth in La Liga on 10 points, two behind leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

•Ancelotti

•Messi (l) and Neymar

Neymar-Messi combination is bearing fruit, says Martino B

ARCELONA coach Gerardo Martino says the NeymarLionel Messi partnership is bearing fruit after their 3-2 La Liga win over Sevilla.

The Camp Nou hosts looked headed for a comfortable win when they went 2-0 up on 75 minutes, courtesy of the Brazilian starlet teeing up the Argentine with a low left-cross that Messi dispatched into the roof of the net.

And Martino said the muchvaunted partnership was firing on all cylinders to silence the critics.

“It seemed to be a worry, as it was asked to me after our match with Atletico (in the Supercopa de Espana), his link-up play with Leo and now they’re doing great; this is the second goal where Neymar assists Messi,” Martino said.

“As long as we can work as a team, the individual performance will be brighter and we’ll be a more solid team, fresher, more effective, and that can lead us to close the matches with less problems and more authority.”

On Neymar in particular, Martino said: “He played a spotless match from any point of view.

“It’s not just what he does attacking but also the job he does for the team even helping the defenders.

“We’re very happy about what he’s adding to the team.”

Martino said Alexis Sanchez, who scored a 94th-minute winner, had already displayed his quality prior to his goal, and is showing signs of top form as part of Barca’s all-star attacking line.

“Alexis didn’t need the goal (to prove anything),” Martino said.

“It’s truly welcomed as it was the one which has given the victory to us but there wasn’t a real need for him to prove anything.

“I see him really confident, really fit, involved in the game.

“It’s true that he can have a bad night about his relationship with the ball, but on the other hand he always offers alternatives as his job to recover the ball, it’s very generous.

“These are values much appreciated by the managers.”

On Sevilla’s late comeback, Martino credited opposing coach Unai Emery with making some effective changes.

“I think that the substitutions from Sevilla in the second half by bringing on more attacking players caused more problems to us, but also we found some free spaces to attack which we could take advantage to close the match,” he said.

G

•Higuain

Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, the side that lost last year’s Final

to Bayern Munich.

“We have to stay calm and enjoy the victory over Atalanta. We’ll talk about Dortmund the day before the game.”

However, teammate Dzemaili was more eager to comment on the Germans, who thrashed Hamburg 6-2 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

“We are not afraid of Borussia Dortmund,” the Swiss international told Sky Sport Italia.

“They are an excellent side, but we are aware that we can beat anyone at the San Paolo. They are in good shape and won 6-2, but we want the victory.

“It is a very difficult group, but we will give it our all to reach the last 16.”

The other match on Wednesday is Olympique Marseille-Arsena

•Klopp

Sammer laments lack of Bayern emotion

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ATTHIAS Sammer has criticised Bayern Munich for “playing without emotion”, despite their unbeaten start to their Bundesliga title defence.

Bayern sit just two points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund having dropped just two points in their first

Higuain: Bring on Borussia ONZALO Higuain and Blerim Dzemaili insist Napoli “are not afraid of Borussia Dortmund” in the Champions League.

The Partenopei maintained their 100 per cent Serie A record after three rounds by beating Atalanta 2-0 Saturday.

Higuain was on target, his first goal at the Stadio San Paolo, and explained how well he is settling in.

“I am very happy for the goal and satisfied to have given my fans a moment of joy,” the former Real Madrid striker told Sport Mediaset.

“The rapport with Rafa Benitez is ideal, as we work well together and hope this is on the beginning, because we want to aim high.”

Napoli open their Champions League campaign at home to

ORUSSIA DORTMUND manager Jurgen Klopp lauded Marco Reus for his performance in the club’s 6-2 win over Hamburg on Saturday.

Klopp was full of praise for the attacker after he found the net to help Dortmund maintain their perfect start to the Bundesliga campaign by demolishing Thorsten Fink’s men at Signal-Iduna Park.

But the coach was particularly impressed by the “crazy” ingenuity Reus showed by leaving the ball for Robert Lewandowski to make it 4-2 with the second goal of his hat-trick.

“I’ve told Marco that he has earned a place in heaven for that,” Klopp told Sky. “I’ve never seen anything like it.

Usually, when the ball comes like that, you give it all you’ve got to blast it in, yet he just let it through to Lewi (Lewandowski). It’s crazy.”

Reus himself was thrilled with the way his team kept going despite surrendering a two-goal lead to be level at 2-2.

The 21-year-old believes he has rediscovered his best form, and is eagerly anticipating the UEFA Champions League fixture with Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo on Wednesday.

“We didn’t give up at 2-2 and demanded more of ourselves, now we focus on the Champions League,” he told the official Bundesliga website.

“More intensity like that over a full 90 minutes and we’ll be difficult to beat. I’ve got my rhythm and confidence back. All I care about is football, I love it, and I love this team. Now onto Napoli.”

•Sammer

five games of the season, and they picked up another win against Hannover at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

After a goalless first-half, Pep Guardiola’s side sparked into life after the break and claimed victory through goals from Mario Mandzukic and Franck Ribery.

However, sporting director Sammer has questioned the champions’ desire to emulate their feats of last season, which saw them land an historic treble.

“We are playing lethargically at times, playing football without any emotion and just going through the motions,” he said.

“When you are struggling in the first half, then you’ve got to help each other out in the tackles and bring a bit more emotion into play.

“Instead, we are too relaxed and just watch - we’ve won five titles in the last 15 months, Franck Ribery’s been named best player in Europe and he’ll probably also win the Ballon d’Or. “It’s not that we are not working, just we’re not showing any emotions at all.”

Sammer also defended new manager Guardiola, and feels the players have failed to show the same commitment they showed last term.

He added: “It’s all about Pep. Pep here, Pep there, Pep’s great, Pep’s poor - we’re finding it all great because we’re no longer in the limelight and this affects you subconsciously.

“We’re all hiding behind the coach.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

60

SPORT EXTRA 2014 WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF

NFF wants Senegal for Eagles

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HE General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Barrister Musa Amadu has confessed that among all the possible countries that Nigeria may likely meet today, he prays that Nigeria should be pitched against Senegal for the play-off for the 2013 World Cup. In a chat with the NationSport in Abuja at the weekend, the Scribe of the NFF declared, "If I have my way I think I prefer we meet Senegal in the final play-off for the 2014 World Cup slated for Brazil..

"Yes I know that Senegal is a very strong opponent and shouldn't be treated with kid gloves. But my preference for meeting Senegal in the play-off for next year's world cup is that the Super Eagles will be playing them on a neutral ground in their home match

•Prays to avoid Cameroon, Egypt From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja since their home ground is under suspension from FIFA. "This will be a big boost because the Eagles will play without any tension and not be intimidated by Senegal's home fans.

Amadu also disclosed his preference for the Eagles to meet Ethiopia if the Nigerian miss out on the chance to play against the star studded Senegal national senior team.

"Ethiopia is another strong opposition but I think the Super Eagles can muscle them out on a good day and while playing to their (Nigeria's) full capacity.

But like I said I will prefer the choice of Senegal as our playoff opponents for the 2014

World Cup",n Amadu told NationSport at the weekend.

The NFF Scribe, however, prayed for Eagles not to meet Cameroon and Egypt in the final face off for the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier.

"Personally speaking when it comes to competitive matches I don't usually like Nigeria to play against the likes of Cameroon and Egypt but most especially Cameroon because we have this rivalry between us that dates back several years. A meeting with Cameroon does not usually go the way of Nigeria. This is the reason why I won't pray for Cameroon in particular to be pitched against the Super Eagles in the final play-off for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil", Amadu confessed.

‘We’re happy Eagles accepted bonus’

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HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed happiness over the acceptance of the $5,000 win bonus by members of the Super Eagles team as proposed by the Football House as a result of the lean purse of the Federation.

The Super Eagles players have been rejecting the slashed win bonus due to financial problems facing the NFF which made them to come out boldly to declare that the NFF will no longer pay the $10,000 it used to pay which the players revolted against in June shortly after the 1-1 score draw away to Namibia in Windhoek.

This later resulted to mutiny when the players threatened not to honour the FIFA Confederation Cup that the Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi set up a probe panel which has

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja since submitted their report to the Minister. But the Minister is yet to make the report public.

General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Musa Amadu, however, reveal to NationSport that the players have now embraced the $5,000 win bonus offer and that all is well between the Federation and members of the team.

"Super Eagles' players have fully accepted the $5,000 win bonus because we did not hide the fact that we don't have enough funds to continue to pay", Amadu disclosed.

He, however, explained that the amount spent on the Africa Cup of Nations had eaten deep into the Federal Government’s N1.5 billion annual grant for the

PUBLIC NOTICE OKON DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Notice is hereby given that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for Registration under ‘Part C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Prof. Celestine Ntuen Chairman 2. Dr. Samuel D. Ukonne Vice Chairman 3. Engr. Isidore Akpakpan Secretary 4. Engr. Aniefiok S. Udoh Member 5. Barr. Paulinus. J. Idio Member 6. Rev. Fr. Raymond Idiong Member 7. Engr. Ime Ekrikpo Member 8. Engr. Savior B. Etok Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To provide a vocationally marketable skill training and placement of youths for employment.

2. To provide human dignity through gainful employment.

3. To provide programs that will reduce unemployment and crimes especially among the youths.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr. Paulinus James Idio (JP), Legal Practitioner.

2013 budget approved for 'Sporting activities' for the Football Federation.

"The budget approved for the NFF this year was N1.5 billion out of which N790 million was used for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Mind you the N1.5 million budget was meant to cover all sporting activities (such as Super Eagles, U- 23 national team, Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets, U-13 national team, Super Falcons, Falconets and Flamingos). The rest (N710 million) if you put into consideration the Federation's activities won't be enough to run our programmes.

Our winning tradition saw us through -Anyansi Agwu

By Tunde Liadi, Owerri

E

NYIMBA'S Chairman, Felix Anyansi Agwu has attributed the Peoples Elephant's success in the final of the 2013 Federation Cup in Lagos to the club's rich tradition of winning titles.

The Aba Millionaires came back from behind twice to force Warri Wolves to a draw before winning the game dramatically on penalties at the Teslim Balogun Stadium yesterday.

In a chat with NationSport, Anyansi Agwu stressed that he was never perturbed even when Wolves were in the lead because he knew his boys would never disappoint him.

"I was never shaken when Wolves led twice. I knew that the pact I signed with God was for him to guide our path to the trophy. I thank God we ended up winning. It has been a while that we won a trophy and I am glad that we won to halt our goal drought," Anyansi Agwu told NationSport.

Enyimba's Bright Esieme and Ugwu Uwadiegwu in the 63rd and 82nd minutes drew the Peoples Elephant level after Musa Najere and Joseph Osadaiye's strikes in the 22nd and 78th minutes have put the Seasiders very close to halting their winless record in the cup competition.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

62

SPORT EXTRA AFROBASKET CHAMPIONSHIP FALLOUT

Pa Alaiya for burial October 26

Our players lacked discipline, T commitment — Bakare C

OACH of the Nigeria's men basketball national team, D' Tigers, Ayo Bakare has blamed indiscipline and lack of total commitment by his players for the not-tooimpressive performance at the last Afrobasket Championship in Cote d' Ivoire.

The Nigerian team failed to book a place in the next World championship, although they still have the opportunity of playing for a wild card in a playoff that will be staged soon.

Bakare told NationSport in Lagos at the weekend that though injuries played a role in the outcome, the level of commitment displayed by the players was suspect.

"Well as you know the national team is from one assignment to the other. So when you are given an assignment and you finish with it you report to your employers which is the federation and we expect them to decide what happens next.

I can only tell you what has happened previously but I cannot tell what will happen in the future.

"This was the best assemblage of players that we had for a long time but it comes with it's own

By Innocent Amomoh challenges. Sometimes the most gifted players’ I am sorry to say are not the most disciplined. Sometimes the most talented players are not the most committed.

"We are learning lessons as a country. Be careful what you wish for yourself, because at times you don't get what you wish for. Afrobasket 2013 came with its own challenges.

The level of commitment and discipline wasn't what we expected it to be. But again as a country we are learning," he said. Meanwhile, Bakare also commended his captain, Olumide Oyedeji for investing in the just concluded children basketball camp ehich held in Lagos.

He said:"This is a great initiative. I call it a great initiative because it has been sustained, it is not easy to sustain a programme like this for years, eight years, ten years or more is a huge task. I think people should take a cue from what Olumide has done or is doing. It is not easy people to take the risk of giving back to the pot that fed them. Maybe his upbringing and personality allows him to

do it. But we can't force anyone to follow suit and see it as an example. Some others have made money and still making money from the sports. Why they don't do the same I can't seem to place a finger on it right now but I know they have their reasons for not

embarking on such projects which I cannot fault.

"It has to do with one's up bringing. But things like this should be a source of inspiration for others. That is why I am here just to give my captain clear support for what he is doing," he said.

•Bakare

Max Air, Zaria MTN share top honours

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Umar Kabir, Muhammdu Seriki and their Argentine import, Fernando Bourdieu edged out top rival, Abuja Rubicon in a tense final to retain the coveted title for the second year running.

The Aliyu Musa-led MTN team who were playing their first Katsina international tournament, defeated all their group opponents, before facing host Katsina Dammarina in an explosive four chukker final that thrilled from start to finish.

“We want to thank our supporters for their trust and urging us on even when we fell behind in the third chukkers. It was a great experience that would motivate us throughout the season, because defeating a strong and experienced teams in the race, take a lot of courage,” declared an elated

Musa.

The MTN Regional Manager who said that the Katsina tournament was a huge success, congratulated other winners like Zaria BIZ team and Katsina Masanawa for carting home the Talba Cup and glittering General Hassan Katsina respectively.

“I want to specially thank the Katsina Emirate Council, the polo club and the all the players and polo enthusiasts for their support and loyalty to the MTN brand and for making the international fiesta the biggest and the glamorous polo event in the country,” Musa who said the communication giant will continue to promote the noble game of polo because the sponsorship is in line with MTN’s bid to tap into the passion of its high value

Ighalo falls at home with Granada

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IGERIAN striker Jude Ighalo could not save his La Liga side, Granada from the bitter pill of a home defeat as visiting Espanyol secured a lone goal victory in Sunday’s Week 4 clash at Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes.

After playing over 60 minutes without breaking the deadlock, Granada thought they could count on their Nigerian import to save the day having scored vital goals previously; Ighalo was introduced into the game in the

66th minute to replace Spaniard Dani Benitez.

However, while the Nigerian striker fired blanks, the visitors got a vital goal in the 76th minute through Lazaronte who connected well with a pass from Portuguese midfielder Simao to put Espanyol in the lead.

Attempts for a possible comeback for Granada did not yield any result as the visitors jealously guided their onegoal advantage and secured maximum points in the day’s early kick-off in the La Liga.

•Ighalo

customers by connecting with them through the brand’s life enriching products and services that suits their life styles and aspirations.

Senator Hadi Sirika’s Rubicon that failed in their bid for the Nigerian Cup title came back strongly to outpace max Air in a grudge final game of the tournament, to win the prestigious Dikko Memorial Cup. The grand finale decided before a full house that included emirs, Katsina State Governor, and members of the National Assembly, saw the Abuja based Rubicons gave their teeming supporters plenty to celebrate, with a convincing 4-2 defeat of Max Air.

Quarters, Ososo, to be followed by an interdemoniational service.

Burial proper will hold on Saturday, October 26 at the family compound, while entertainment of guests follows at the same venue. The late Moses Alaiya is survived by wives and several children including General Manager/ Editor-in-Chief of SportsDay Newspapers, Ben Alaiya, is also the Media Officer of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Amb. Giwa sets target for Giwa FC

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MTN/KATSINA POLO HE prestigious MTN international polo tournament came to a climax Saturday, with Katsina Max Air and Zaria MTN teams finishing tops in their respective cup categories.

Defending champions, Max Air made good their pretournament rating, defeating Abuja Rubicon to retain the Nigerian Cup, while Zaria MTN team defeated a crowded field of fifteen teams, to finish runners-up in the Coomassie Cup. The first title of the MTN powered event that was decided before a full house at the legendary Sir Usman Nagogo polo ground was the event’s biggest honour, the Nigerian Cup, which saw the top firing Katsina Max Air emerging the proud winners.

To clinch the coveted title, quartet of Lawal Mangal,

HE Alaiya family of Ososo, Akoko Edo Local Government area of Edo State has announced burial programme for the late Head of the family, Pa Moses Jemila Alaiya, who died on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at the age of 72.

A statement from the first son of the late Alaiya, Ben Alaiya, said the burial will commence on October 25, with his lying in state at the Alaiya compound in Ikpena

HE proprietor of newly promoted premier league side Giwa FC, Ambassador Chris Giwa has told his players to strive to match the pace of the elite division and seek a continental ticket in their first season in the top flight.

Amb. Giwa who praised his supporters and fans in the country and abroad for their words of encouragement and congratulatory messages since the club gained the berth about two weeks ago said their place in the premier league was collectively achieved.

Speaking through the Public Relations Officer of the club, Yemi Matthew, Ambassador Giwa opined that the promotion was a dream come true and he has called for the support of all in the team's quest to campaign in their first ever season in the top flight next season.

He has thus asserted that he has instructed the technical crew of the team to embark on scouting for new players to fortify every department and thus have a team that can confront all the top teams in the

By Tunde Liadi premier league.

"Our promotion was made possible through the grace of God, our collective sacrifice in the management and commitment of the players and technical crew. The Plateau State Football Association, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN) and our teeming supporters are also given thumb up.

"We are in the premier league to make impact. We are going to recruit players that worth their salt. We shall soon commence scouting of players that can compete with Rangers, Enyimba, Pillars and other top clubs. We won't just make up the number.

"We will strive to seek continental ticket in our first season in the premier league," Giwa FC's mouthpiece, Matthew quoted the club's financier.

Giwa FC gained a place in the premier league with about three matches to the end of the season.

They are joined by Taraba United.

Lobi resumes training for Warri Wolves •Beats amateur club in practice match

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OBI Stars' players and officials will resume after a three day break today ahead of their Wednesday's Matchday 32 Glo Premier League tie.

The Makurdi Bombers pummelled Nembe City 3-0 last Wednesday to move to 15th on the log with 41 points and the players and officials were granted some days rest to allow them to recover from bruises, knocks and to recharge their batteries for the remainder of the league season.

Before embarking on the break, the 2013 Federation Cup semi finalists defeated an amateur side, Young Professional 1-0 in a practice match meant to fine-tune and

By Tunde Liadi maintain their turbo charged form before confronting Warri Wolves on Wednesday.

Club Supremo, Dominic Iorfa highlighted the importance of the break on the players and officials:"we have given them the break to help them recoup lost energy after going through congested fixtures in both the Federation Cup where we lost in the semi final to Enyimba under a very cloudy circumstances. We have also been playing league games ever since.

"I expect them to come back on Monday(today) really refreshed and raring to go," Iorfa said.

Ministers declares Abuja National Stadium ready for use

T

HE official handover of the rehabilitated Main Bowl pitch of the National Stadium Abuja to the National Sports Commission

by Julius Berger PLC, the contractor that fixed it, will take place on Tuesday, September 17, 2013.

As part of activities marking the handover, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria will take on local side, Amakson Soccer Academy, in a friendly match.

Secondary schools in Abuja will also participate in athletics competitions.

Side attractions will include performances by Whizkid, Ice

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

Prince Zamani and White Nigerian. Leading comedians in Abuja will also perform on Tuesday starting from 3pm.The contract to rehabilitate the Main Bowl pitch of the National Stadium Abuja was awarded to Julius Berger in January this year, after a disruption of power supply to the stadium affected the regular wetting of the pitch which made it to be overgrown by weed.

The scope of work completed

by Julius Berger includes, removal and replacement of

the topsoil; planting the approved specie of grass, well watered and nourished until roots are established; and maintenance of the pitch, including watering and trimming of the grass. It also provided new water sprinklers for the stadium.

Last week, the Sports Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi gave assurances that the Commission has a plan for the regular maintenance of the pitch and also stating that there will be regular activities at the stadium after the handover.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

63

SPORT EXTRA Fashola honours Ernest Okonkwo, Ishola Folorunsho •Names TBS Media tribune named after duo

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HE Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) on Sunday commissioned the Teslim Balogun Stadium Media Tribune in honour of late sports commentary icons, Ernest Okonkwo and Ishola Folorunsho.

Fashola in company of top Lagos state executive members, Bolaji Ojo-Oba and some mebers of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and that of the League Management Compnay (LMC), unveiled the stand named after the Radio Nigeria sports commentators.

Okonkwo, during his days coined house-hold names for ex-Green Eagles stars like 'Mathematical' (Segun Odegbami) 'Chairman' (Christian Chukwu) and 'Justice'(Adokiye Amiesimaka).

While late Folorunsho was

By Rasaq Oboirien

known for putting his listners in suspense as he was nicknamed 'Mr. Its a goal.

Meanwhile, ACE Nollywood actor, Chinedu Iheideize 'Paw-Paw' was star guest at the finals of the 68th Fedration Cup as he came to cheer Enyimba to win its first title of the season.

The popular house-hold act, dressed in white safari suit matched with black shoes, was cheered by fans at the reserve stand located below the VIP section.

Paw-Paw could not hide his passion for the Peoples Elephants when he stood to celebrate Enyimba's equalizer as Eseme Bright cancelled out Najara Musa's 23rd minute goal with a low drive in the 62minute.

Enyimba cinched the trophy 7-6 on penalties after a regulation time score of 2-2.

Pillar of Sports congratulates Enyimba, Rivers Angels

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HE Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike has congratulated winners of this year's Federation Cup, Enyimba Football Club of Aba and Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt who lifted the coveted trophies in both male and female categories respectively.

Ejidike described the gritty finals as ‘scintillating and memorable’ as they brought to bear memories of good old days of Challenge Cup with the level of organisation by the Lagos State government.

The Nigeria Pillar of Sports praised the undaunted spirit of Enyimba FC who defeated hard fighting Warri Wolves in epic final.

Ejidike described the Peoples

Elephant as one of the most consistent Nigerian club side that has done the country proud at both national and international levels.

The Pillar of Sports in Nigeria called on Abia State government to give all necessary financial and moral support to Enyimba as they clinch continental ticket.

The Nnewi-born sports philanthropist commended Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola for rising up to the challenges by re-enacting the memories of Federation Cup. He called on corporate firms and state governments to emulate Governor Fashola in rekindling the glamour of Nigeria's most celebrated championship.

•Action during the Federations cup final match between Enyimba and Warri Wolves at the Teslim Balogun stadium yesterday Photo: BOLA OMILABU

Nigerian goalkeepers lack showmanship —Raymond King •Praise Enyimba’s Eseme Bright F ORMER Nigerian football goal tender, Raymond King has said that current crop of goalkeeper in Nigeria lacks the showmanship that was characterized with goalkeeping years back.

Speaking exclusive to NationSport after the finals of the Federations Cup between Enyimba of Aba and Warri Wolves, the ex-international said though good goalkeepers abounds in Nigeria, they however lack the entertaining aspect of the act.

“The goalkeepers are two fantastic young men, Femi Thomas and Okiemute Odah, they showed their class. Yet people say there is a dearth of goal keepers in the country.

Enyeama is still around, Ejide is still there, and Agbim is still

By Innocent Amomoh

waiting. And all other young goalkeepers like the ones we saw here today.

“The goalkeepers had a good game; the only thing I discovered is that they lacked the showmanship as goalkeepers which made the game thick in those days. They should be a little more creative. Do something spectacular; create something on your own. In my days, myself and Peter Rufai will not be this boring in goal especially during the penalty shootout. I remember when it was time for penalty shootouts; we went to players and

tried to intimidate them before they take any kick. For us then it was like a psychological warfare. But today the goalkeepers were too cold and that was why they could not make any impact when the penalties were being taken. There’s the entertaining aspect of goalkeeping and that is the area I want them to work on,” he said.

On the match he said: “I saw good football played after a long time. I must be frank with you I was sitting with all the ex-internationals and every one applauded good football.

I hope the Enyimba player on the right full-back position

will get invited very soon to the Super Eagles”.

Speaking on the state of football in Nigeria the consultant on goalkeeping matter said: “Most of the problem with our football today is as a result of the administrators I must be frank with you. When a team wants to win by all means and we allow them do those things, then it is not good for our football. The coach cannot do it alone; it is either with the help of the team manager and other officials in the team. I am looking at a time when these administrators will ask themselves frank questions and provide positive answers.

I think that will serve as the beginning of redemption for our football. I am saying this with my heart”.

2013 FEDERATION CUP

Warri wolves’ coach: We were not disgraced

•Donatus

Yusuf: we want league title now •Dedicates FA Cup to God

E

YINMBA FC coach Salisu Yusuf believes Peoples Elephants can win the doubles this season after beating Warri Wolves to win Federation Cup title on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Enyimba came back from behind twice to lift the trophy after penalty shoot out. The full time ended 2-2.

Yusuf made history with Enyimba for winning trophy as a coach,having won the title as a player with El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in 1991 and 1992.

By Taofeek Babalola "We thank God for winning the FA Cup. Our tactics worked for us and we thank God that we won the trophy. We came back twice to win. When Wolves scored I told my boys not to be panicked and still go for it. I dedicated this to Allah for his mercy over us. " The Federation Cup has come and gone and we can now focus on the league title which I believe we can still win it. There are more matches to be played in the league and we are still hopeful,”

W

ARRI wolves’ coach Solomon Ogbeide, has said he may be disheartened but not totally disappointed with his players, including the Super Eagles player Azubuike Egwueke, who lost a penalty for Warri Wolves that gifted Enyimba a 5-4 win and claim the 2013 Federation Cup trophy.

The game which was prosecuted at the Teslim Balogun Stadium yesterday ended 2-2 on regulation time with Enyimba coming from behind twice.

“All the players did their best but it was not sustained, I planned to bring on

By Paul Oluwakoya

somebody who will stabilise our midfield but that was when they got their first goal. “I am proud of my boys including Azubuike, we all know the game of penalty is a game of luck,” he said.

On his own part the elated Eyinmba coach, Salisu Yusuf who was also proud of the two teams, said the better side won the game. “I must confess it was a tough match I never knew it would be this challenging because we are familiar with their style of play, at the end the better side won though by penalties,” he said.

A one-two play saw Enyimba bring down Oghenekaro Etebo at the edge of the box, and he stepped up to fire wide.

Enyimba made an early change taking off an active Saka for Chimezie Amanfor in the 42nd minute as they search for an equaliser.

Etebo, who performed below expectation, was booked for a rough play. Just after that, Enyimba had two corners but an experienced Odah kept a clean slate.

Enyimba kept up the pressure from the beginning of the second half and it paid off in the 61st minute when Bright Esieme had a chance and fired past a

Odah to equalise and send their teeming supporters into wild celebration.

Enyimba made a second change with Fidelis Saviour coming on for Gwar, and Wolves responded almost immediately with Anobi Kola taken off for Onamado Goodluck.

Wolves got on the lead again in the 84th minute, and it was Osadiaye Joseph who took care of a rebound from Enyimba goalkeeper Femi Thomas.

Two minutes later Enyimba leveled score again, but this time it was Ugwu Uwadiegwu's freekick that caught Odah unawares.

WHO SAID WHAT

‘If not for the love of God on our side, what will the people of Iwere Kingdom say today?...Leaders should work for peace rather than inciting youths to go to war’ MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 8 NO 2,608

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

D

USK amassed over the old GRA in Port Harcourt, but it preceded a darkness more profound and virulent. I was in a bus in a convoy of the Rivers State governor along with speakers of state houses of assembly across the country from 1979. One hundred and two of them rode in the convoy.

It had been a grueling day, and my mission was to assess for myself the average day of Governor Rotimi Amaechi amidst the turmoil of today’s politics. The theatre has taken its toll on a discomfited nation. Jonathan versus Amaechi. Dame Jonathan versus Amaechi.

Northern governors had visited Amaechi and hoodlums threw stones and cracked windows.

APC versus PDP. New PDP versus PDP. State assembly imbroglio with an upstart and subversive minority soiling the dignity of a quorum by attempting to oust the legitimate speaker. Kidnap of a cleric. Reports of a city losing its halcyon ego to the barbarities of militants when Amaechi took office.

I visited to understand how Port Harcourt, Rivers State and its governor held their own against this brimstone. The things I saw I did not prepare for. I did not know the governor had invited former speakers, he being an alumnus. I wanted to see if he still governed and how, or was I going to write in this column about paralysis in Rivers State?

Once I arrived, I was poised to observe. So I joined the convoy at a model primary school.

That tour took us several hours through his marquee projects from the morning until our return to the city and to another development I did not expect: the blockade at dusk.

After spending a whole day hopping off and on the bus, climbing, walking, standing, taking notes, propounding questions, interrogating answers, studying the body language of the governor, and interacting with the right honourables, the last anyone expected was a blockade by the police. It began when the whole convoy made a precipitous stop at an interception.

Initially, I chalked it up to a few snafus like a security breach by an unguarded civilian.

But when it tarried, the reporter in me woke up, and I left the bus and walked about 50 metres to the front of the convoy. Then I learned that the police had sealed off the road, the governor’s favourite entrance to the Government House.

I also learned that the New PDP secretariat was located on that road and it had been sealed off earlier on a court order. So, I wondered aloud, if you seal off a building, what has that got to do with the road? The road did not only accommodate the secretariat, but also residences of many private persons, including some expatriates, who were seen walking through the barricade having abandoned their vehicles. It also hemmed in denizens of the Port Harcourt Club and, more importantly, the state’s general hospital known as Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, and

RIPPLES FANI-KAYODE vs BIANCA: EXPERTS DISSECT ‘INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP’

ONLY THE DOERS CAN EXPLAIN

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Amaechi at barricade: a witness account

•Amaechi

I wondered what happened in the case of an emergency.

I walked to the barricade and I saw three police pickup vans parked end to end across the road. I saw aides of the governor trying to persuade the police officers at the post to open the road for the governor. We had spent close to 20 minutes at the spot. Suddenly, one of the police officers flared up, and said, “How can I take orders from a civilian? I cannot take orders from a civilian.”

It became obvious that the men would not budge. A few minutes later, Governor Amaechi walked to the scene and since the

R

EMEMBER our serial on the long-running political ruckus in Rivers State? The one we titled Morbid Obsession? We are back to it after a long dull, lull with an edition we must call part IV for the purpose of perspective. As a backgrounder, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, in the oil-rich Niger Delta has been having a run-in with President Goodluck Jonathan over Amaechi’s suspected presidential ambition in 2015 and his cocky self-assuredness that rubs off badly on the president and his dowager wife, Dame Patience.

Let us remind you that Part I was the occupation of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area by the police when the House of Assembly loyal to the governor suspended the chairman. In quick succession, and as a sub-plot, the governor himself was suspended by his ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and subordinated to the state’s party chairman in the party’s order of protocol. For the record, this has never happened in Nigeria; it is like having the tail wag the dog or better still, making the president subordinate to the party chairman and having the chairman dish out orders to him. It is an incongruity that is in itself, self-deprecating. But that is the situation of Governor Amaechi and the Rivers PDP currently, an unfinished business…

Part II was the epic battle for the soul of a ceremonial influence group called the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF. Governor Amaechi happens to be the chairman of the

officers recoiled from engaging him, he told a press corps, “You can see for yourselves.

They don’t want me to enter the Government House on the instruction of the president and the commissioner of police.” He strode off to one of the buses and the convoy made a detour to the other entrance to the Government House.

It was a frenzied evening, putting in perspective the crisis between the governor and the president. Ironically, the governor had received the president at the airport and had told me he planned to see him later in the day. I doubt if it happened. After the incident, I asked the governor if the commissioner of police had called him or if he had any conversation with him on the barricade.

He said no.

How come the chief security officer of the state fell in the dark about the barricade of his own road by the security forces in the state! That is the savage irony of the crisis, and all the shameless denials from the PDP offices cannot blot out what I saw.

If they wanted to seal off a building, it was fine. But why the road? The military never lapsed to this primitive level. They sealed off many buildings in their draconian days, including my newspaper house. But the roads remained inviolate.

Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, also an alumnus, summed it up when I spoke to him in the Government House: “It is the height of impunity and overzealousness.” Enough said.

The Olu and the gods

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OTHING reflects the conflict between ancient and modern like the hoopla coming from the Warri Kingdom, or Iwerre land. The king, Atuwatse 11, unleashed a sandstorm of faith, and the throne was rocked to its 1480 origin. The Olu said he had found Christ, thus tossing the god of his ancestors into anachronism. He said he would rather sever than serve Belial – or Umalokun, the goddess of the sea.

He had renounced the traditional name Ogiame because it showed allegiance not to the God of Isaac but to his fathers who are now dust.

He wanted to replace the anthem, and other rites and rituals of the throne.

The development is a dream of poets and novelists. What the Atuwatse has done hallmarks a perpetual battle in the modern soul. How do we serve the God of heaven and abandon the god of the earth, or sea? He must have read parts of the Bible that said, “woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea, because your adversary, Satan the Devil, has been cast down…”

But it would have been more potent if the Olu said he was not going to change his mind. But now that he has apparently bowed, what do we make of him? A Saul who became Paul and fell back to his vomit and became Saul again?

Can two walk together except they agree, asked Prophet Amos. That is the conundrum. It is the collision of the gods, a classic that plays out in our lives every day, a contest of identities. Today the Christian God works when we shout hallelujah, the next day the god of Belial works when we don’t get that job or we can’t subdue that ailment. In our syncretic way, we have brought traditional observances into Christian or Muslim worship. It comes to high relief when a man on a high throne is ensconced in the conflict.

Now, can we say the Olu has become a better Olu and a lesser Christian by this recantation?

He alone can answer this, but what is clear is that you cannot serve the God of Abraham and that of Umalokun on the same throne. They are both jealous. He should have kept his worship to himself.

If this shows the power of the kingdom, it also shows the limit of the modern king. Remember Mongo Beti’s novel, King Lazarus, when a bornagain king of 23 wives had to renounce his wives and choose one?

Even though the Atuwatse 11 has recoiled, the question remains if he did it for his own peace or the kingdom’s. If it is for the kingdom and not from his conviction, then we can say of him Shakespeare’s words from his greatest play about kings, Hamlet: the king has not left the throne, but the throne has left the king. But Auwatse 11 will determine that by his actions.

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Rivers: Morbid obsession IV

bly using dressed up touts as decoy members and with the active connivance of the State Police Command which of course was working with ‘orders from above’ (or other people from above if you wish). As if starring in a gangster movie, they hurriedly pronounced the speaker impeached and were probably gunning for the big target when the governor got wind of shall we say, his impending doom, rushed to the scene with reinforcement and dislodged the five miscreants and their touts. In their rage against what was obviously a ‘civilian coup’, the governor’s men deployed ‘excessive force’. The story continues…

Morbid Obsession Part IV happened last Thursday as policemen, who claimed to be acting under ‘orders from above’, barred Governor Amaechi access to his residence in Government House, Port Harcourt through the back gate on Forces Avenue. After a protracted haggling between the policemen and the governor’s aides without success, he reportedly alighted from his car, showed himself to the policemen yet they stood their ground forcing the governor to retreat and travel in a roundabout route to the main entrance.

This surely is not the end of this self-consuming and obsessive narrative. An obsession of the blind and morbid kind as we have seen exhibited by the presidency in the Amaechi affair often races inexorably to a destructive denouement. But who will dislodge the presidency’s self-imposed mental siege? The story continues…

body of all the 36 governors in Nigeria. Now it was election time a few months ago and the presidency saw an opportunity to prune the wings of this upstart governor who dared to look the president of the Federal Republic in the face. Some fellas, Hardball had discerned, forswore, or rather staked their manhood to the mission to unseat Amaechi from the (now exalted) NGF chair. Twice mired and postponed, when the election eventually took place, it could have passed for a contest for the number one seat in the land. Right before the eyes of the 36 governors who voted, the presidential candidate was trounced by 19 to 16 votes. But some men who probably had put their most prized ‘assets’ on the chopping board panicked and started a mud fight which mushed the entire affair. They insisted that the group of 16 won over 19; they made press statements, mocked-up a new secretariat and were received in the Presidential Villa. It was a farce that has continued to out-farce all farces and the story goes on…

Part III was a blood-cuddling thriller which almost claimed fatalities. Briefly, five renegade Rivers State House of Assembly members had managed to reconvene the Assem-

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