Sep 2, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Kwara poll: APC demands true results NEWS

Page 7

•Belgore, candidate reject ‘radio’ result

Govt lied on N92b demand, says ASUU NEWS

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•NUC says cash for varsity workers www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2594 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

BPE, PHCN investors fine-tune takeover

HE National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and investors in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) distribution and generation companies will today discuss modalities for the handover of the entities.

Ten distribution companies and five genera-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja and Akinola Ajibade

tion companies on August 21 concluded their payment for the power firms — in line with the NPC’s power sector privatisation dateline .

The companies are: West Power and Gas; NEDC/KPECO; 4Power Consortium; Vigeo Consortium; and

Aura Energy.

Others are: Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company; Sahelian Power; Transcorp/Woodrock Consortium; Amperion; Mainstream Energy Limited; Kainji Power Plc and CMEC/EUAFRIC JV. On the agenda is PHCN workers’ severance package.

The meeting, which is coming barely two weeks after the firms paid their remaining 75 per cent bids price, will also discuss how the operators will avoid the obstacles that have affected the growth of the sector in recent times.

“Following its power sector privatisation timeline, Continued on page 4

•CAPITAL BASE MAY HIT N200M AS FINANCE HOUSES’ REFORMS END IN OCT. P25

Jonathan, 16 governors hold talks to rescue PDP Obasanjo: let elders intervene Progressives hail faction

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SEC searches for Boko Haram cash

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HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at the weekend directed all capital market operators to review their data base and check for any transactions involving entities and individuals related to proscribed extremist groups, especially Borno-based ‘Boko Haram’.

From Yusuf Alli and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

HERE were fears yesterday that more Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors may jump the sinking ship to deepen the ruling party’s woes.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was shocked by the action of the Atiku Abubakar/ Governors group, has been consulting with “loyal” PDP governors, the party leadership and its Board of Trustees chairman, Chief Tony Anenih.

The President last night met with 16 PDP governors at the First Lady’s Conference Room at the Villa in Abuja.

At the meeting were: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim, National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki and Inteligence Agency chief Joe

Business Page 30

Victor Moses at Liverpool

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IGERIA international Victor Moses was spotted in the Anifield crowd during his new side’s 1-0 victory over rivals Manchester United yesterday.

Brendan Rodgers is also close to

Continued on page 4

Banks dishonour Taraba’s cheques

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Sport Page 24

Mandela out of hospital

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

ANKS are rejecting Taraba State transactions done by Deputy Governor Garba Umar.

They have not honoured cheques tendered by the deputy governor seeking withdrawals from the treasury since ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai returned on August 25.

Umar, on Thursday, told banks that government’s financial transactions should be honoured only if they are in tandem with Continued on page 4

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•A WALK IN OSUN: Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his Executive Council members leading the crowd during the 12th Walk to Live for Healthy Living exercise at Ijebu-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government…on Saturday

ELSON Mandela, 95, was discharged from hospital yesterday while still in critical condition. He was taken by ambulance to his Johannesburg home where he will receive intensive care, the office of South Africa’s president said.

Foreign News Page 56

•CITYBEATS P10•SPORTS P23 •CEO P28 •JOBS P37 •POLITICS P43 •MOTORING P45

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

2

NEWS CRISIS IN PDP •Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu (left) and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe during the 2013 Udiroko Cultural Festival at the palace ground of the Ewi...at the weekend.

•Former Chief Justice of Nigeria , Justice Alfa Belgore (right) greeting former Minister of Power Prof. Barth Nnaji (middle) during the official presentation of Nnaji as the pioneer Director of the International Institute for Petroleum ,Energy and Law and Policy (IIPELP) Power Studies Centre in Abuja... at the weekend. With them is the President, IIPELP Niyi Ayoola-Daniels.

PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE.

•Assistant Director, Human Capital, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde (second left) presenting a certificate in welding to Mr. Yilu Adegoke at the graduation ceremony of the MTNF/FOTD Skills Acquisition Project for persons with disabilities held at City Hall, Lagos...at the weekend. With them are Director, MTN Foundation Mr. Dennis Okoro (left) and Executive Secretary Ms. Nonny Ugboma.

PHOTO DAYO ADEWUNMI

• Director-General and Chief Executive, Industrial Training and Fund Prof Longmas Sambo Wapmuk (second right), Deputy Director Mrs Roselyn Mailumo (right), Deputy Director , Industrial Skills Training Centre, Ikeja Mr Hassan Umaru ( second left) and Assistant Director , Ikeja Office Mr James Kayode Ayo at a news conference on Industrial Training and Development in Lagos.

PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN..

Tofa, others: T

HE outcome of the mini-convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to generate reactions.

Politicians, commentators and activists blame the implosion on lack of internal democracy within the party.

A former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abubakar Tsav (rtd), blamed the implosion on lack of internal democracy, greed and selfishness.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday in a telephone interview, Tsav said the disregard for its constitution fueled dissatisfaction among members of the party, who subsequently rebelled against the national leadership.

He said: “I am not into partisan politics but at elections I support and vote for candidates of my choice based on his record and integrity. I am not surprised at the break-up of the PDP because the party lacks internal democracy. People are insincere and blinded by their personal and parochial interests rather than the nation and its people.

“Greed for wealth/political offices and desire for good life and deceit, climaxed by selfishness, regardless of age, have further compounded the problems of the PDP. “This state of affairs and disregard for the constitution has created dissatisfaction among members, hence the disagreement which has led to the factionalisation of the ‘greatest party’ in Africa.”

He also blamed what he called the “senseless arrogance by its leaders” as another cause of the implosion.

A former presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), Alhaji Bashir Tofa, said his immediate instinct is to wish the PDP continued “badluck”, as their “goodluck” runs out.

He blamed the implosion on “the gross lack of internal democracy in the PDP”.

The only solution, according to Tofa, is to immediately dissolve the NWC, appoint a Caretaker Committee, with Dr. Alex Ekwueme as chairman and two respectful elders from each zone, with at least four women members, to manage the party, effect reconciliation and hold another convention in December, ensuring complete transparency and internal democracy.

He said:”Stringent conditions must be placed for those aspiring to contest, especially for the posts of Chairman, Secretary, the Deputy Chairmen, Deputy Secretary and Treasurer.”

Some chieftains of the party in the Southsouth blamed the crisis on President Goodluck Jonathan and others they described as “Jonathan’s wrong advisers”.

A prominent member of PDP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said never in the history of the PDP had the party been so polarised.

He condemned the leadership style of the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee.

He said: “But Tukur is acting the script of the President. Jonathan himself is surrounded by wrong advisers who wield enormous powers. He is surrounded by sycophants who do not have his interest at heart.

“Most of us from this area don’t like how some issues in the party are being handled. But, we cannot talk. If we do, they will brand us enemies of the president.

“Jonathan needs to sit down and get his strategies right unless he wants to be the first sitting president in Nigeria to lose election.

“If he does that and hands over to an opposition president, he will have succeeded as a political global celeb-

•Jonathan

•Nnamani Augustine Avwode, Tony Akowe, Kaduna, Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

rity like Rawlings of Ghana. Maybe that is his target.”

The PDP chieftain said the Presidency was relying on ministers from the aggrieved states to win in 2015.

He added: “But that strategy is not effective. The Presidency is saying that there is nothing Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State can do. They believe that they can rely on the service chiefs and the ministers instead of the governors. But the governors are in control of the grassroots. They are on ground and know how to get what they want.”

He lamented the faction that emerged from the party after the convention, saying the loss of seven governors and other members of the National Assembly was massive.

But he said the seven governors who walked out of the PDP’s convention with their loyalists would only make an impact if they closed ranks and merged with the opposition.

He said: “The governors can only succeed if they find a way of merging with the opposition. If they can subsume their personal interests and

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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NEWS CRISIS IN PDP

PDP has run out of goodluck

•Tukur

form alliance with the opposition, they will go far.

“But even if they form alliance and fail to bury their selfish interest, they will fail. If they fail and Jonathan comes back, they will be like prisoners, especially the PDP governors.”

However, a two-time member of the House of Representatives and member of the Electoral Committee of the National Convention, Mr. Paul Adah, said the action of the governors was not a threat to PDP. “They will fail because the leadership can find alternative leadership in such cases. They won’t go far,” he said, adding that the party has a way of dealing with such situation.

He described the convention conducted by the Ken Nnamani Committee as the most credible convention ever conducted by any political party.

The General-Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria and Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Issa Aremu, said the split in the ruling party ahead of the 2015 general elections is dangerous for democracy.

Aremu said Nigerians and Organised Labour would not sit back and watch democracy die.

In a statement made available to The Nation, Aremu said it was still not too late for the political class to return to the path of democratic process and prevent Nigeria from the acid test of implosion in 2015 The statement reads: “The weekend split within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) arising from the special convention of the party held on Saturday August 31, 2013 and increasing factionalisation of some of the political parties on the eve of 2015 election is a dangerous development to Nigeria’s democracy, unity and cohesion of the country as a whole.

“For some, the fun may very well be that the ruling party collapses on account of its lorry load of internal injustices. But the bigger picture is that Nigeria and Nigerian politicians can still not build institutions and agree to disagree. Democracy is definitely about contestation.

“However, democracy is also about

•Amaechi

•Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar receiving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Prof Charles Soludo in his residence in Abuja...yesterday. Both belong to the new PDP faction.

Peterside backs PDP faction

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HAIRMAN, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, has hailed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who walked out of the party's mini-convention in Abuja.

He said it was as a necessary detour in the continuing battle to build an inclusive and all-embracing national party where opinion of all members would count.

Peterside, in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Sylvester Asoya, urged Nigerians to be steadfast and to lend their support to the new faction because it represents hope and liberty which the immediate past leadership of PDP seeks to destroy.

"Politics is about inclusion and participation. A political party is believed to have failed in its duties as an organisation when it deliberately stifles voices and discriminates against its members for no good reason. The most cher-

ished element of democracy is freedom. I had prayed fervently for a truce but the events of today aptly show that many people are diametrically opposed to peace, freedom and they are prepared to do everything possible to frustrate any peaceful resolution," he said.

Peterside, who accused the old PDP of violating its constitution, coupled with the fact that it encouraged unnecessary witch-hunt called on the new faction to be fair and to ensure that everybody is accommodated irrespective of age, sex or geo-political zone.

"The truth about our country today is that we can no longer pretend or take the electorate for granted. The political elite have provided a lot of lessons, whether consciously or unconsciously and like some politicians, I know that the pattern of voting come 2015 will be greatly influenced by this knowledge base which will determine winners or losers," he said.

He urged Nigerians to be opti-

mistic and to remain vigilant and prayerful because God is still interested in the country's affairs.

cooperation among the democratic actors. Nigeria’s democracy is tall in political acrimonies, (not even contestation), executive thuggery, bickering, elbowing, exclusion but miserably short in inclusion, cooperation, unity, friendship and solidarity needed for development of a country under-delivering for its people, like Nigeria in basic goods and services.

“It is certainly not too late for the politicians to quickly return to the path of democratic process, contestation and cooperation and prevent Nigeria from the acid test of implosion in 2015.

“Labour and the working people who cannot take a flight out of the country will not watch while democracy fought for with agony and pain is being undermined by new militicians whose ambition is power without responsibility to the people and the nation. It is a sad commen-

tary that almost 15 years after we are not building political parties, one critical success factors in democratic process.

“The solution is simple. Political Parties and their members must respect their internal democracy. Elbowing opponents out rather than accommodating them cannot build democracy. We cannot criminalise dissidents. That was the discredited way of the military, not the tested way of democrats worldwide.

“The burden is on the president and governors as well as party chieftains to reaffirm commitment to democracy or risk losing the baby plus the mess we unfairly tie to her. In all this, the missing link is the people and the country.

“There are so much quarrels and struggle for positions and positioning.

It played out during 36-member Governors Forum. The quarrels are certainly not about the universities that

remain closed, not about persistent electricity failures that are killing industries, wholesale dumping of goods from China that has killed local industrialisation, not about accidents on bad roads.

“Certainly, these executive quarrels and sheer indulgence are not about growing the GDP, halting the insecurity of lives and properties and general welfare of Nigerian masses.

It is high time we returned to development politics. So far the difference is not as clear. Indeed, the choices for Nigerian people are limited and narrowing down by the day.”

An All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kano State, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, said the PDP squandered its goodwill.

A Niger Delta rights group, Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence, dismissed the claims by Jonathan that PDP had been a blessing to Nigerians.

• Peterside

The National Coordinator of the forum, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, said: “We volcanically disagree with him.

It is a well known fact that since May, 29 1999 Nigeria has remained an underdeveloped country and Nigerians an impoverish people on the face of the earth.

“This is inspite of her abundant natural and human capital resources courtesy of the large scale looting of public funds, mismanagement of the nation’s natural and human capital resources, lack of accountability and transparency in public governance by public office holders and civil servants.”

He said a recent disclosure made by a former Minister of Education showed that the Yar’Adua/ Jonathan Administration had, between 20072012, wasted over N10trillion in the sector.

He said within the 14-year reign of PDP, Nigeria had developed “total population of about 40 million unemployed youths with a worsening state of insecurity and a looming religious war threatening the unity of nation”.

He said: “Furthermore, the Nation is presently plagued with a worsening level of public infrastructural decay and public mistrust of her leaders as never witnessed before.

“Nigeria now losses about 400,000 barrel of crude oil to oil thefts daily courtesy of a compromised security network.

“Nigerians on a daily basis have to navigate through bad roads, drink untreated water and endure epileptic power supply while university lecturers are on strike over the infrastructural deficiencies plaguing our universities nationwide.

“It is sad that while less endowed nations are busy with nation building and the development of their countries’ infrastructure; our leadership who are indeed clowns are engrossed in the acts of selfish politicking and a second term agenda ahead of 2015 whereas the entire nation is left to drift and retrogress while the people are poorer than ever before.

“What a shame. In the light of the above, PDP is more of a problem rather than a blessing to Nigerians”.

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

NEWS U. S. warns citizens against travel to North before Sept. 11

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•From left: President Goodluck Jonathan; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic after a worship service at the Aso Villa Chapel in Abuja…yesterday

BPE, PHCN investors fine-tune take over

Continued from page 1

the NCP is still maintaining October as its handover period. Although the investors have paid the balance of 75% for the entities, the Federal Government will clear all liabilities before releasing the plants to the new owners.

Therefore, the issue of handover will be in October as stated in the dateline,” said an NCP source.

Minister of Power Prof.

Chinedu Nebo last week said the Federal Government would this week begin the handover of the privatised power plants to their new owners.

Speaking at a forum organised by the Operator of the Nigerian Electricity Market (ONEM) last Wednesday in Abuja, Nebo said : “We congratulate our brothers and sisters who have galvanised to invest in the power assets;

this is an example of the Nigerian resilience. We hope to sign off protocols to handover the assets to the new owners next week, this shows that the NESI is going in for a big explosion.”

The minister added that the Federal Government last week recorded 70% payment of severance package to PHCN employees.

The ministry has always explained that the power sector

has the capacity for generating 10,000 megawatts, the transmission grid is weak to wheel the generated power for supply to consumer.

In preparation for the handover, the minister last week met with the reconstituted board of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to boost electricity transmission in the country.

Presenting the electricity exContinued on page 55

Banks dishonour Taraba’s cheques Continued from page 1

the provisions of the law.

He said: “The instruments must contain verifiable signature of the Executive Governor of Taraba, Danbaba Suntai and verifiable signature of Alhaji Garba Umar, the Acting Governor of Taraba State.”

But a source told The Nation that a bank dishonoured a cheque tendered for withdrawal.

The source said for now, the deputy governor can only make withdrawals from his personal accounts.

The state’s monthly federal allocations are channeled through Zenith Bank.

The state also operates a Local Government Joint Account with United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Over N23.3 billion is in the state’s treasury, The Nation learnt.

Suntai spent 10 months in Germany and the United States treating the injuries he sustained when a plane he flew crashed near Yola, Adamawa State on October 25 last year.

He returned suddenly, ap-

parently to neutralise his deputy who allegedly schemed to consolidate his hold on power.

His return has deepened the division in the state which was polarised along religious lines.

The crisis became explosive when Suntai purportedly dissolved the executive and appointed a new Chief of Staff and a Secretary to the State Government (SSG), a move the deputy governor rejected, saying a cabal had hijacked power.

House of Assembly Speak-

er Haruna Tsokwa and 15 other lawmakers are backing the deputy governor in the power struggle.

The Speaker said Suntai should return to the United States to complete his treatment while his deputy continues to act.

But Majority Leader Joseph Albasu and seven other legislators have given Suntai the go-ahead to resume work, after he transmitted a letter to the House.

The sacked commissioners and advisers as well as the Continued on page 55

ORRIED about likely violent protests ahead of the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2011 attacks on the twin towers and the World Trade Centre in New York, the United States has issued travel alerts to it citizens.

“Because of safety and security concerns, the U.S. mission in Nigeria is enforcing a restricted travel policy for U.S. Embassy personnel to the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara,” the US Embassy in Nigeria posted on its website yesterday.

“U.S. citizens should be mindful of this and consider taking similar steps when planning travel,” added the online statement.

The embassy said the restriction is to prevent American citizens from being hurt in the event of “spontaneous demonstrations” that could occur on the 9/ 11 anniversary.

“Spontaneous demonstrations are also likely to occur in these and possibly other areas within Nigeria in response to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as well as the lead up to September 11,” said the statement.

“US citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” it added.

“US citizens should also remain vigilant around churches, mosques, other places of worship, and locations where large crowds may gather, such as hotels, markets, malls, and other areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, particularly as the anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches.”

The North is known to stage demonstrations against policies considered anti-Islam. The latest was the demonstration in Kano last month, against the ouster of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi by the military.

Obasanjo to PDP factions: let elders intervene

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ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday expressed worry over the split of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former President urged the two factions to maintain the status quo pending the intervention of party elders.

In a statement he personally signed, Obasanjo said the split is “giving party members and elders great concern.”

He said: “The situation in our ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) after the Convention on Saturday and the parallel convention same day has given great concern to all well-meaning members of the party and particularly to the elders of the party.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

“While some select elders are making efforts to get the situation resolved as soon as possible, it is imperative to emphasise that the move will bring back peace and return the party to its vigorous and dynamic election-winning party that it has always been.

“I want to passionately appeal to both sides for now to sheath their swords, maintain the status quo, with earliest conveyance of the Elders’ meeting before the end of this week.

“Members are equally enjoined to remain calm until the Elders’ complete their peace-making meeting.”

Jonathan, 16 governors hold talks to rescue PDP Continued from page 1

Gadzama.

Governors at the meeting are: Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Idris Wada (Kogi), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna), Saidu Dakingari (Kebbi), Theodore Orji (Abia), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Jonah Jang (Plateau) and Garba Umar (Taraba).

Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa) were absent.

Suspended Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi was also absent among others.

The meeting was underway at press time last night.

Earlier yesterday, Dr. Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were together at the Aso Villa Chapel for a service. The two leaders were joined by visiting President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi.

They visited the children’s church from where the three of them and the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghi-

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Progressive governors hail breakaway PDP

HE Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has hailed the split of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as “a necessary and inevitable result of repressive rule of the PDP”.

In a statement yesterday, the governors of the All Progressives Party (APC), who are members of the PGF, said they supported the action of the seven PDP governors and other leaders of the ruling party to create a faction.

The statement said: “Recent events, first with the orchestrated crisis in the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), suspension and expulsion of PDP leaders, including serving governors, without fair hearing and complete demonstration of lack of toler-

adomhe, went into the President’s residence for lunch.

But Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said contrary to speculations, there was no private meeting with Obasanjo.

According to him, Obasanjo merely accompanied the Beninoise President to the Villa.

He said the visiting President met with Jonathan after which both of them left the villa.

There has been increasing speculation of a crack in the relationship between Jonathan and Obasanjo.

The ex-President was absent at the PDP Special National Convention held on Saturday in

ance and respect for different opinions, are signposts of crisis that should unavoidably result in the split of any organisation.

“The PGF commends the courage and resilience of the Abubakar Baraje-led PDP and, in particular, congratulates all the serving PDP governors for standing up to be counted among patriotic political leaders of Nigeria. It must no doubt be a conscious decision that must have been borne out of commitment to make all the sacrifices needed to rescue our dear nation from the current reign of terror and bad governance.

“As serving governors too, we are ready to support, work with our colleagues in partnership and solidarity with the goal

Abuja.

Atiku, seven governors – Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Abdufatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) - formed a parallel PDP. They named Abubakar Baraje as Chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja (Deputy Chairman) and Olagunsoye Oyinlola (National Secretary).

Among the leaders of the new group are Senator Bukola Saraki and ex-Governor Abdullahi Adamu.

As the President was consult-

of facilitating accelerated human development by embracing policies and programmes to improve quality of life of all Nigerian citizens, eradicate poverty and create jobs in the country. We are under no illusion that our reality as a nation today calls for both intra and inter party networking.

“We are, therefore, ready to transform our relationship with all serving governors irrespective of our partisan differences, in order to move our dear country, Nigeria, forward.

“Nigeria has outlived all dictatorships in the past and will definitely outlive any present or latent, manifest or potential dictatorship.”

ing with Anenih, PDP Governors Forum, party leaders, security chiefs, and cabinet members, there were fears last night that more governors might join the new PDP in the next few weeks.

Atiku, the National Chairman of the new PDP, the seven governors and members of the National Assembly met at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Abuja till 1am yesterday.

They decided to push ahead with the new faction of the party and constituted their National Working Committee, it was gathered.

According to sources, during a post-mortem meeting,

Jonathan and other leaders of his faction of PDP were shocked that they were unaware of the plot by Atiku and the seven governors.

It was gathered that a security report gave only clues to a wedding reception at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. The wedding was held earlier in the day, before Atiku and the governors stormed the centre at about 4pm.

Atiku and the governors used the wedding as a decoy to split the PDP, said a source, adding: “They showed that they have mastery of politics by beating security agencies to it. The full

•Tukur

attention of security agencies was paid to the Special National Convention venue, the Eagle Square, rather than sideline issues.

“This factionalisation has really baffled the Presidency, which would have loved to avert the Continued on page 55

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

NEWS

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5

Ace photographer Peter Obe dies at 81

HOTOGRAPHY giant Peter Obe died yesterday in Lagos . He

was 81 A media Consultant, Taiwo Obe, wrote yesterday on the late Obe, his uncle, who was born on December 28, 1932.

"Just as the Daily Times, where he was for several decades chief photographer, was the generic name for newspapers, he was also for a long time the generic name for photography in Nigeria. If you wasted time in taking a photograph, you were automatically written off as "not

By Innocent Amomoh

Peter Obe." On the other hand, if you exhibited some measure of mastery, you earned the name, "Peter Obe." He was a legend. Indeed, in the Daily Times, he was not mentioned by name; rather, he was "Ace", indicating his high quality, excellence. His photographs were always stamped "Exclusives." And, truly, they were: in a different class.

"This afternoon (yesterday), Peter Oyeyemi Obe, better known as Peter Obe, died at his

residence situated on 31 Alhaji Masha/Moronu Street, Surulere, Lagos. His first son, Femi, made the announcement. A visual impairment which he had a couple of years ago, cut short his freelance photography work for the Agence France Presse (AFP).

His coverage of the Nigerian civil war for the Daily Times resulted in a one-of-its-kind book, "Civil War Pictures From Nigeria: A Decade of Crisis in Pictures."

Mr Lade Bonuola (aka Ladbone), an executive consultant at The Guardian, in a condolence message, wrote: "As

chief cameraman of the Daily Times and I as the chief subeditor, we worked very closely together. He never failed in supplying me terrific action photographs for the front page.

Once I shouted 'Exclusives', I trusted he was on the way to the newsroom to supply page 1 photograph."

For veteran sports journalist Fabio Olanikpekun, the late icon of photo Journalism was a true professional who discharged his duties with a sense of professionalism.

"Oh my God! Peter Obey has

passed on? He asked almost close to tears.

Continuing, he said: "That is a monumental departure in the history of Nigeria Photo Journalism. I was a kid when Peter Obey occupied the space in Nigeria Photo Journalism. As a Daily Express photographer he was the essential photo Journalist of his era.

"If he did not cover any event then that event was not going to be an historic event. And those of us who grew up in Lagos in the 40's remembered that any event he covered was historic

with his ever present cap. He was easily distinguishable and there's nobody in Lagos that did not recognise him as the essential press photographer of his days.

"As a naturalist, he was famours and popular by his love for bush meat, grass cutter. As I speak to you, I feel saddened that a great professional in the act of press photography departed. But we should thank God that he made a mark for others to emulate.”

Normalcy returns to Seme

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HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Controller of the Seme Border Command, Mr Saleh Othman, yesterday advised members of the business community to go about their businesses without fear of attack.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, Mr Ernest Olottah and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry, the Area Commander said normalcy had returned to Seme community, following the recent attack on officers of the command by suspected smugglers.

The attackers allegedly killed a Superintendent of Customs, Mr John Moto.

•From left: Secretary-General, representing, Community Party of Benin Republic, Prof. Maurice Fangnon; Chairman, Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation, Mr Ayodele Akele and President, Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, during the walk from Ikeja to Ojota by members of the Chief Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG) and others at the solidarirty rally in Lagos...at the weekend.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUMI

Nine Adamawa PDP delegates die in road crash

NLC: Taraba crisis shows Nigeria’s disregard for basic rules •Suntai’s health worrisome, says NMA •Falana: Jonathan’s statement reckless

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HE political crisis rocking Taraba State on the controversy surrounding the state of health of Governor Danbaba Suntai shows that Nigeria does not have respect for basic rules, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Vice President, Comrade Issa Arewu, has said.

The labour leader urged President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the crisis so that the world would take Nigeria serious.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) also expressed worry over the governor’s health.

Addressing reporters in Sokoto after the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), NMA President, Dr Osahon Enabulele said: “We will make available our members, who are professionals in various fields of medicine, to constitute a medical board.”

He urged the National Assembly to enact a law for the creation of the Office of the SurgeonGeneral, to assess the medical fitness of public and political office holders.

Enabulele said: “This will further save the nation the embarrassment caused by the question of independently ascertaining the medical fitness of our leaders.”

Aremu told reporters at the weekend in Offa, the headquarters of Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, that ailing Governor Suntai should resign.

He said: “I think the President must speak out on this, because the world is watching us that we don’t have respect for basic rules.

How do we present a sick man as a governor? The spirit as well as the content of the 1999 Constitution is that whoever seeks public

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin, Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

office must be fit to address a lot of challenges. So, Suntai should resign. Certainly, he doesn’t need to be told. Otherwise, they will put governance in Taraba State on recession and that is not the spirit and content of the constitution.

“What is happening in Taraba State shows the crisis of governance in Nigeria. We simply cannot live by the rules. Not only that; we are also not living to the basic global best practices. Even some governors who are fit, healthy and not bed-ridden, how have they performed? If those who are not sick have not delivered, is it those who are sick that will deliver?

“No private company will keep Suntai a day longer in his condition. Yet, we are talking of a state of close two million people...

“The forces that want to keep Suntai there are not interested in the development of the state.

They just want power for power’s sake. I thought Nigeria had crossed that bridge, from what we witnessed under (the late President Umaru) Yar’Adua. It is sad that we have not learnt from history at all. I think it is important that we should never recommend the Suntai model for Nigeria. The Suntai model cannot be the best in governance.

“As a self-dignified fellow, he must learn to resign and attend to his health. In any case, with the best of intrigues and cover-ups, he cannot last longer than his tenure, as defined by the constitution.”

Lagos lawyer, Mr Femi Fala-

•Suntai

na (SAN), has said the recent statement by President Goodluck Jonathan on the Taraba State crisis is reckless and irresponsible.

Falana reacted yesterday to the Taraba State crisis when he spoke on: Leadership, Corruption and Security Challenges, at a forum organised by the Olalekan Olomide Platform for Development, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The frontline lawyer noted that President Jonathan’s statement showed a sign of a weak and irresponsible leadership.

He said: “Nigerians are not fools. The present state of things has happened before when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua was brought back into the country in a state of comma and the Presidency said he was well. The late President was even said to have signed the budget.

“I believe that President Jonathan should know better, because he was the Vice President then. Some cabals rose up against him. So, he should not have said so such as he did in statement on Suntai’s state of health and what may happen if he is allowed to continue with an unstable health.

“Suntai was helped to alight from the plane when he returned last week Sunday. He could not even recognise anybody. Yet, the next thing was to tell Tarabians that he is fit. It is a lie. We should not be fooled.”

O fewer than nine Adamawa delegates to weekend’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mini-national convention died in a car crash on their way from Abuja yesterday morning.

The victims were believed to be youths.

The accident occurred on the Abuja-Jos highway.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) confirmed the crash, saying there was an accident about 38 kilometres from Kafanchan on the Kafanchan-Forest route, at 8am yesterday.

The FRSC said it involved two vehicles - a Volkswagen Salon with registration number RAN 107 SA and a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number XA 399 SHR. It added that nine people died in the crash and nine others injured. The victims were taken to the General Hospital in Kafanchan.

US Coast Guard backs NIMASA on port security •‘Report on shipping embargo on Nigeria false’

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HE United States (US) Coast Guard has said the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is on the right path to successfully implement the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The leader of the Coast Guard team to Nigeria, Mr Tivo Romero, spoke at the weekend at a meeting with members of the ISPS Code Implementation Committee in Nigeria in Lagos.

The team visited NIMASA, being the designated authority for ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria.

Romero said the team had visited six ports in the country during its two-week in Nigeria, adding that there has been an improvement since the team’s last visit to the country.

He hailed NIMASA for the outreach to facility operators.

Romero said: “I must commend the NIMASA for its efforts so far. The United States Coast Guard will provide required technical assistance to ensure that infrastructural and legal instruments needed for effective implementation of the ISPS Code in Nigeria are put in place. I urge you all to see this project as a voyage which we have all embarked on, that must be concluded.”

He dismissed the reports that the US Government would place embargo on vessels from visiting Nigerian ports.

The Coast Guard leader explained that the US Government was fully behind Nigeria as a strong business partner, adding that this was the reason both countries would continue to work together and ensure tight security in the maritime sector.

NIMASA’s Director-General, Mr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, expressed gratitude to the coast guard for its support to ensure compliance with the ISPS code in Nigeria.

The NIMASA chief, who was represented by the Executive Director, Cabotage and Shipping Development, Mr Callistus Obi, noted that the implementation of the code requires the support of all stakeholders.

Ex-minister to present book

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BOOK, written by Prof.

Turner T. Isoun, a former Minister for Science and Technology, will be presented to the public on September 16 in Abuja.

The book, titled: Why Run Before Learning to Walk? is a reflection on high technology as a strategic tool for development in Nigeria. The 620-page book is published by Ibadan-based book builders, Edition African.

Prof. Steve Azaiki, a former Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government (SSG) and a member of the organising committee of the book launch, said President Goodluck Jonathan would lead dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to the event.

According to him, other dignitaries expected at the event include former and serving ministers, former and serving governors, traditional rulers, industrialists and other distinguished Nigerians.

New yellow fever card coming

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

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LL holders of international certificates of vaccination, otherwise called “Yellow Fever Card”, are to go to port health offices and exchange them for the new card with security features.

The old one, it was learnt, will cease to be acceptable as from October 1.

Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, spoke yesterday on the new card at the 56th National Council on Health (NCH) at the Civic Centre, Lagos. It has the theme: Health Sector - Now and Beyond 2015.

Prof Chukwu said: “At the pre-56th NCH in Abuja, I announced the production of a new security-featured international certificate of vaccination. I am happy to inform you that the vaccines and the news yellow cards are in all our port health service offices nationwide...”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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NEWS Two drown in Ovia River From Osagie Otabor, Benin

TWO persons got drowned at the weekend in Ovia River on the Benin-Lagos Expressway when the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and plunged into the river.

Four other passengers were rescued and taken to a private hospital at Okada village.

The dead were fished out after 27 hours. A search is on for other victims.

It was learnt that the victims were travelling in a commercial Mazda bus marked XC 835 REE. Eyewitnesses said a vehicle hit the bus at the back after the driver applied the brakes to avoid hitting another vehicle.

The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Ameen Adewale, who confirmed the accident, said they were searching for other victims because they were yet to confirm how many passengers were in the vehicle.

He advised motorists to be careful when approaching the Ovia River bridge.

Adewale said the bodies of the victims had been deposited in a mortuary.

Police nab two for false alarm THE State Investigation Bureau (SIB), Police Area Command, Aba, Abia State has arrested Ndubuisi Anumoka and Ozioma Chinaka at Mr. Bigg’s Fast Food, Azikiwe Road, Aba for raising a false murder alarm.

Anumoka and Chinaka were said to have told the police that four private transport operators based in Aba were planning to kill the Chairman of Abia State Task force on Environment and Allied Matters, Capt. Awa Udonsi Agwu (Rtd).

The task force has been at loggerheads with private park owners over its insistence on relocating the latter to government-aspproved motor parks, which sparked a peaceful protest in the city last weekend.

‘60,000mw in five years possible’ From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

FORMER Chief Justice of Nigeria Alfa Belgore has said Nigeria can grow its power generation capacity to 60,000mw in five years if it can utilise its vast human and material resources efficiently.

Belgore, the chairman, Governing Council of the Power Studies Centre of the International Institute for Petroleum Energy Law and Policy (IIPELP), Abuja, said this at the official presentation of the former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, to the public as the pioneer director of Power Studies of the institute.

He said the inadequate power supply in the country would be a thing of the past if the country could explore the wealth of experience and potential of its citizens, who have excelled in power generation and supply.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) addressing officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on ways to improve public service delivery, at the LASTMA yard, Oshodi, ...yesterday

ASUU: Fed Govt lied on N92b earned allowance T

HE National Universities Commission (NUC) has cleared the air on the controversial N92 billion earned allowances contained in the 2009 agreement reached by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government.

The NUC said the earned allowances of N92 billion in the agreement covers the earned allowances of the academic and non-academic workers.

While the Federal Government claimed it had released N100 billion for infrastructure in federal universities, ASUU insisted that the amount due for injection is N500 billion.

The government also said it has met substantially, the agreements reached with the union, except the N92 billion earned allowances.

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

But in a letter dated August 26, 2013, signed by the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie, addressed to the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, the NUC boss directed the governing councils to provide oversight in the administration of the released earned allowances to “deserving academic and nonacademic workers”.

Speaking in a telephone chat with reporters in Ibadan, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan chapter of ASUU, Dr. Segun Ajiboye, said ASUU had been vindicated by the campaign of calumny by the Federal Government to the effect that

the earned allowances was for only academic workers.

He described the initial claims by the government representatives that ASUU was demanding N92 billion earned allowances for its members as a blackmail, which has “now fallen like a pack of cards”.

According to him, “Nigerians should by now see that our government is a government of deceit”.

“The government that told Nigerians some weeks ago that ASUU was demanding N92 billion as allowances for its members has now written a letter that the amount is for both academic and non-academic workers in Nigerian federal universities. This shows our government lies with impu-

nity. Nigerians should know that the N92 billion is to service earned allowances of the academic and nonacademic workers in the universities for three and a half years from 2009. ASUU is insisting on total implementation of the 2009 agreement and the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). We are not interested in tokenism. As at now, the amount due for injection into the universities in the agreement is N500 billion and not N100 billion. We want our universities back on track and we want the best for our children. Nigerians should join the union in pressurising the government, which had lied that it had no money, only for it to approve N100 billion. Federal Government must inject the remaining funds into the educational system.”

Security agency may release stowaway-boy today

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HE State Security Service (SSS) may release the stowaway-boy, Daniel Ohikhena, today.

Daniel beat security at the Benin Airport to get into the under carriage of an Arik Air aircraft, which landed in Lagos on August 24.

A security source told The Nation that operatives of the SSS might have concluded investigations on the circumstances leading to how the teenager entered the aircraft’s tyre compartment.

The source said the operatives investigated the popular thinking that the teenager might have embarked on the controversial flight out of adventure without any motive to blow up the aircraft.

Aviation authorities, including the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) are closing identified gaps in previous audit

•Aviation experts urge FAAN to step up security

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

of the airport to avoid a recurrence of the incident.

Aviation security experts have challenged FAAN to step up security to forestall runway incursions at the airports.

The experts advised FAAN to go beyond patrolling the airside with operational vehicles and personnel, adding that it should deploy the latest technology that could capture the activities around the airport from the point of boarding until the aircraft takes off.

The Chairman of Aviation Stakeholders Squaretable, Capt Balarabe Usman, told reporters in Lagos yesterday that the aviation industry had suffered years of neglect, which was inherited by the present administration.

According to him, security equipment and facilities were allowed to decay. There were

efforts to build perimeter fencing at the airports, especially at the major airports, but such efforts were abandoned halfway.

Another security expert and the CEO of Centurion Securities Limited, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), said during the audit of airport security by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, FAAN failed to provide perimeter fencing and security fencing of the airports in 2004, 2006 and 2008.

Usman, the former chief security officer of FAAN and an aviation security consultant, also said if the agency had completed the initial projects on perimeter fencing, the situation would not have degenerated to the level where some airports do not have perimeter fencing.

“While we decry the failure of FAAN to provide ade-

quate security at the airside of some of these airports, we have to also hail the efforts being made by the Ministry of Aviation to reinforce security to forestall such incidents happening in future. I know that what this government inherited in terms of airport facilities were decayed terminals, security equipment and non-existing facilities, but since it started this remodelling programme, we have witnessed what have been achieved in so short a time and we know that in a question of months, most airports will have perimeter fencing and operational vehicles,” Usman said.

“The Federal Government has started the deployment of sophisticated screening equipment at the airports and simultaneously kicked off the training of personnel to man this equipment.”

Clark’s group attacks Nwabueze on advice to Jonathan

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HAT really did the Prof. Ben Nwabueze’s Patriots discuss with President Goodluck Jonathan last Thursday?

This has been an issue of contention as the Southsouth Peoples Assembly (SSPA) at the weekend accused Prof.

Nwabueze of deliberately ly-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ing to reporters on the issues discussed.

Nwabueze, shortly after meeting the President at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, told reporters that President Jonathan should not

run. The eminent lawyer said this was his personal opinion.

But the Chief Edwin Clarkled South South Peoples Assembly said the issue of 2015 was never part of the issues discussed.

Addressing reporters in Abuja at the weekend, the

Acting National Chairman of SSPA, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, queried the professor’s moral ground to advise the President, citing what he described as his penchant for denigrating President Jonathan’s administration at every given opportunity.

PDP congratulates deputy national chairman •Urges arrest of factional members

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HE Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the newly-elected Deputy National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus.

The party, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the State Chairman, Jerry Needam, described the well-deserved and resounding victory of Secondus as a reward for years of commitment and loyal service to the PDP. The party also hailed the delegates, who supported Prince Secondus and voted for him.

Needam said with the long years of service of Prince Secondus in the PDP and his wealth of experience and fear of God, the party had no doubt in his ability to deliver.

Mr. Needam, reacting to a “purported” faction, which emerged in the party, led by the Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and others said: “They are bad losers. They want to destroy the party before they finally dump it to embrace their members and colleagues in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Voice of the People (VOP) and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).”

He added that they are cowards and should quit completely and lose any relevance they have politically.

“Today, we have again been vindicated that all Amaechi wants is his personal 2015 vice presidential ambition.

“The Rivers State chapter of the PDP will resist any attempt by Governor Amaechi and his cohorts to destroy the PDP. “In 2009, Amaechi arrested prominent leaders of the party, who formed a factional PDP. We, therefore, call for the arrest of those associated with this shameful act of factionalisation in the PDP,” Needam said.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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NEWS

Gunmen kill doctor, district chief in Bauchi community

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OME gunmen on Saturday killed the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Medical Centre, Azare in Bauchi State, Dr Musa Mohammed.

Police spokesman Hassan Mohammed, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), confirmed the development yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi.

He said the deceased was shot and killed with Alhaji Muhammadu Manu, the district head of Yame community in Dambam Local Government Area.

"Mohammed, and Alhaji Manu, were shot dead in

Yame town around 10.30pm on Saturday," Mohammed said.

The spokesman, who said no arrest had been made, added that the police have begun investigation into the matter.

NAN learnt that the late doctor was ambushed on the Azare-Dambam Road by the suspected assailants, who took him to Yame town and killed him with the district head.

Until his appointment as the CMD of the centre, Mohammed was the chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

•Jubilation in Offa following news that KWASIEC disowned Radio Kwara announcement...yesterday.

APC demands release of authentic results of Offa poll rerun

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the immediate release and announcement of the authentic results of Saturday's rerun in the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State by the state Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC).

In a statement yesterday in London by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the cooked up results announced yesterday by the Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in which the party brazenly converted its defeat to victory, are totally unacceptable and would not stand.

It said the authentic results of the elections, which are in possession of KWASIEC as well as security agencies, showed that the APC got 11,526 votes to PDP's 4,668, as against the cooked up figures announced by the PDP in Ilorin, which awarded the PDP 35,937 and the APC 20,161.

APC expressed shock at the antics of the Electoral Officer (EO) of Offa Local Government and other KWASIEC officials, who sneaked out of the collation centre when the results were to be announced and have yet to carry out their assigned duties.

"The next thing was that the PDP took the law into its own hands and announced the cooked up results via the state's radio station on Sunday morning. This impunity is condemnable and will be fought to a logical conclusion, using the instrumentality of the law.

"There is no iota of doubt that the APC won the elections. It is common knowledge that if the elections were conducted 10 times, APC will beat the PDP 10 times. Offa people know who they voted for and are ready to defend their votes. Therefore, any attempt to thwart the will of the people will be resisted to the hilt.

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

"Thanks to technology, which has made rigging unfashionable and untenable, the results of the elections were collated wardby-ward and available to all.

Even the people successfully challenged the PDP's plan to rig the polls by ensuring that only 100 of the 500 ballot papers for each polling booth were supplied. The people demanded and got all 500 votes for each of the 86 polling booths, thus making it impossible for the PDP to steal 400 votes from each polling booth," it said.

While appealing to its members and supporters to remain peaceful, APC warned against any attempt to provoke the people who went out peacefully to elect their councillors and chairman on Saturday.

"For any government to have legitimacy, it must derive such from the people. But where the will of the people is being wilfully subverted, it can only be an invitation to anarchy, which has now become the hallmark of the PDP. Little wonder the party has now broken up. That is what happens when a party is anti-democratic and recklessly subverts the will of the people.

"Therefore, we demand the immediate announcement of the authentic results and the swearing in of the chairman, who was elected on the platform of the APC. Nothing else will be acceptable to our party and the people of Offa Local Government," the party warned.

A chieftain of the Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Dele Belgore (SAN), and the candidate of the party , Prince Saheed Popoola, have rejected the purported announcement of the result on Radio Kwara.

The duo said the radio station

•Belgore, APC candidate reject 'radio' result was acting the familiar script of the PDP. Jubilation in Offa KWSIEC yesterday declared Prince Abdulwaheed Olanipekun of the PDP the winner of the election on Radio Kwara's 6am news bulletin.

Belgore was the 2011 governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He urged the KWASIEC to announce the duly signed result, which was given to party agents before the Returning Officer "secretly" left the local government collation centre for Ilorin, the state capital.

In a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, Belgore asked: "When did the Kwara Radio become the exclusive place to announce results of an election that held in open space across a local council? Why were all other media representatives and party chieftains, who were at the KWASIEC till daybreak, not called to witness the announcement?"

The statement added: "I am scandalised beyond words the impunity that is playing out following the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Offa Local Government rerun. As at 12.50am, the KWASIEC Chairman, Dr Uthman Ajidagba, was telling all parties' agents and representatives, who had come from Offa to Ilorin, that they should return to KWASIEC office in Ilorin at 10am for the official announcement of the result.

"Strangely, at 6am on Sunday, Radio Kwara - in a martial manner mimicking the military overthrow of a civilian government - repeatedly announced that the PDP had been declared winner of the rerun.

"We take it that Radio Kwara, in its characteristic manner, was

merely acting the script of the party in power in the state. We are expecting proper announcement from the umpire, the KWASIEC. What has been announced on Radio Kwara is not known to the law and we take it that KWASIEC will still call us for result announcement.

They should come and announce the election result in accordance with the duly signed result that has been given to political parties in Offa."

He said: "I am shocked, as everyone else here and everywhere across the world where the Offa rerun was monitored. As everyone else, I am still waiting for KWASIEC

to say: 'Look, we never authorised the silly announcement on Kwara Radio;just ignore them, please!'

"Interestingly, by 5.30pm on Saturday, the duly signed result from the 12 wards in Offa was already in at the local government collation centre in Offa. The result showed clearly that APC trounced the PDP in 11 of the 12 wards. The PDP won only in Igboodun Ward. In all, APC scored 11,526 as against PDP's 4,668.

"For the avoidance of doubts, the results from the 12 wards are as follows: Balogun Ward: APC - 1,129, PDP - 504; Shawo Central: APC - 1,132, PDP -435; Shawo

Southwest: APC - 1,171, PDP 372; Shawo Southeast: APC 1,054, PDP - 370; Essa A.: APC 639, PDP - 363; Essa B.: APC - 644, PDP - 381; Ojomu Northwest: APC - 1,314, PDP - 446; Ojomu Central I: APC - 866, PDP - 373; Ojomu Central 2: APC - 866, PDP- 373; Ojomu Southeast: APC - 1,374, PDP - 427; Ogbodun: APC - 268, PDP - 381; and Essa C: APC - 972, PDP - 351. "The grand total is APC - 11,526 and PDP - 4,668.

"This is the total result contained on the forms signed by all the agents and KWASIEC officials.

We have copies of them as obtained by our agents who had gone to the local government secretariat of the KWASIEC in Offa for the final collation and announcement.

"This is one impunity too many. It cannot stand. We shall challenge it in every peaceful and lawful manner. As every Nigerian of good conscience, I join the good people of Offa to condemn this atrocious behaviour of the electoral body, which has no doubt stripped it of any claim to civility or credibility. Clearly, the election was just a mere windowdressing! We cannot continue on this catastrophic path; not any more. It is unacceptable.

"As law-abiding party and citizens, we will challenge the whole mess in the court of law.

But clearly, whatever has been announced on Radio Kwara is provocative and a deliberate attempt to provoke the Offa people into violence.

"To be fair to the security agents, the conduct of the poll was peaceful and orderly. But what happened between 5pm, when the results from the polling units were collated, and this morning, when Radio Kwara announced that PDP had been declared victorious, has confirmed the fact that election results are altered only behind people's backs."

permanent peace and prosperity, they should learn to show love and nurse no grudges."

Governor Jonah Jang, who was represented by the Secretary

to the State Government (SSG), Prof Shedrach Best, said: "Plateau is full of gratitude to the service rendered by the outgoing commander and the Ministry of Defence.

"Gen. Ayoola came in at the most challenging moment of the state, when suicide attacks on churches were high. But the state is pleased today that we have moved to the era of peace.”

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HOUSANDS of Offa residents poured onto the streets yesterday, following claims that the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) Chairman, Dr Uthman Ajidagba, had disowned the purported announcement of the Offa Local Government’s rerun result on Radio Kwara.

The town had been quiet since Radio Kwara claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Segun Olanipekun, was declared winner of the Saturday rerun poll, contrary to the results from the 12 wards.

The results showed a wide margin win by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Saheed Popoola.

The town came alive when the residents learnt that Ajidagba had disowned the controversial Radio Kwara broadcast.

“Today, fortunately, has turned out to be one of the happiest days of my life. In the morning, we woke up to the terrible news of our mandate being stolen from us. But now, we hear another news that Radio Kwara acted on its own and at its own peril,” said Ibrahim Anifowoshe, a meat retailer.

“Somebody in Offa just confirmed to me that there’s plenty broom jubilation right now, contrary to the earlier result,” said Olayinka Owolewa on twitter Sunday evening.

In her tweet at 6:47pm, Bolaji Ojo said: “Offa rerun update: Jubilation in Offa at the moment as Saheed Popoola (APC) returns from KWASIEC office in Ilorin.”

There was no official statement from the KWASIEC on the status of the election result. Neither has it issued a statement about it disowning the Radio Kwara announcement that triggered criticism from the APC.

Plateau heading for greatness, says outgoing STF chief

HE outgoing Commander of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crises, code-named Operation Safe Haven, Maj.-Gen. Henry Idowu Ayoola, has said Plateau State is gradually rising from its conflicts and heading to greatness and prosperity.

Gen. Ayoola spoke yesterday in Jos, the state capital, during a valedictory church service for him.

He has been redeployed to the Defence headquarters as the Chief of Research and Development after serving as the STF commander for 15 months.

Speaking at the Parliament

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Church in Dogon Karfe, Jos, the venue of the service, Gen. Ayoola said: "Plateau State has crossed over to a new point of its life's challenges; it's moving from a conflict era to a postconflict era of peace, greatness and prosperity."

The fifth and the longestserving commander of the STF, added: "The secret behind the peace achieved on the Plateau so far lies in the cooperation between the residents and the state government. We did it all together with God behind us.

"My service in Jos was like a

divine call to duty. I was just an instrument in the hands of God. All my actions and inactions, whether good or bad, were carried out as I was only obeying divine instructions.

"All that Plateau went through during the conflict was a divine course of achieving greatness and prosperity in the life of the state. I can see the state leaping to greatness soon.

"The prevailing peace on the Plateau is not what we desire.

This is just the beginning, not the destination; the destination is permanent peace.

"But if Plateau residents want to get to the right destination of

Wada appoints four perm secs

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OGI State Governor Idris Wada has approved four new permanent secretaries for the state civil service.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr Felix Ogbodo, and made available to the News

Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, named the new permanent secretaries as Messrs James Adedoyin, Usman Odawn, Ibrahim Joshua and Mrs Iyabode Agbore.

It said the appointments are with immediate effect.

•Wada

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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NEWS Oyo police kill robbery suspect From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

THE police in Oyo State at the weekend killed a suspected robber in OmiAdio, Ido Local Government Area.

The police got a report that armed robbers were operating at a poultry farm, Maestro Farm Ltd, owned by a Syrian, Mr. Mahner Zahmo, around 2.15pm on Saturday.

On getting to the scene, it was learnt that the robbers engaged the police in a gun battle. One of them (robbers) was killed and two escaped.

Police spokesman Clet Olabisi Ilobanafor said: “Acting on the information, my men moved to the scene. On arrival, the robbers, who had taken position in the bush, engaged the police in a shoot-out and one of them fell to the superior fire of the police.”

Items recovered from the robbers include a locally made double-barrel pistol with two live cartridges, two mobile phones (one of which belongs to the expatriate), a knife, a trinket sack containing three gold neck chain, a golden wedding ring and two pairs of golden earrings.

Three Hundred and Ninety-Five thousand naira (in N1000 notes) were found in the dead suspect’s trouser pocket.

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Lagos: No compensation for owners of illegal buildings

HE Lagos State Government has said it will not compensate owners of buildings on wetlands, drains and pipelines, when they are demolished.

Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello spoke during the environmental sanitation at MosanOkunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ipaja.

Bello told reporters that the government would demolish buildings on the waterways to ensure free flow of water and prevent flooding.

He described buildings on petroleum pipelines and under high tension electricity cables as “illegal”, add-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

ing that they would be demolished at short notice without compensation.

Bello said: “The government will not compensate anyone for violating building laws. What kind of compensation is that? No government will compensate you for engaging in illegal acts. Doing that is equivalent to encouraging people to contravene building regulations, which our government will never sanction. There is no compensation for disobeying the law. People are not expected to build on wetlands.”

His counterpart on Infor-

mation and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, said the government has been educating Lagosians on the dangers of building without its approval.

Ibirogba said: “These days, you see people extending their fences and houses indiscriminately. How do they expect the government to build drains in such a situation?

“This needs to stop. Many of the buildings located on the drains will have to go as we build canals.”

Mosan-Okunola LCDA Chairman Abiodun Mafe said: “The council has been sensitising people who own buildings on pipelines and wetlands that the structures have to go.

“They have erred and de-

serve no compensation. Instead, they need to be sanctioned. It is wrong to build illegally and inconvenience the entire community just because you want to be a landlord.”

Ifedapo Community Development Association (CDA) Chairman Olu Adeosun said the association was not against the demolition of illegal buildings.

He said: “The council chairman has been sensitising us on the dangers illegal buildings pose to the community. Not all the houses are affected. For some, only their fences would be affected.”

Adeosun urged the government to build more drains to curb flooding.

Ekiti deputy governor rallies support for monarch

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KITI State Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu has urged indigenes of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, to continue to support the Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe.

She said their support was necessary for the town’s growth.

Mrs. Adelabu spoke at the Ewi’s palace during the annual Udiroko Day celebration.

She said the development witnessed in the town in the last one year was partly due to the people’s support for the monarch and the government, as well as their readiness to work together.

The deputy governor urged the people to protect public facilities in the city centre.

Advising indigenes, especially those in the Diaspora, to always attend the Udiroko festival, Mrs. Adelabu said it was not fetish.

She said it was to mark the beginning of a new traditional year, adding that the government was compiling a list of such festivals and they would be developed into international festivals.

Mrs. Adelabu, a princess of Ado-Ekiti, said: “It marks the beginning of a new calendar year for sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti. As you can see, it is very colourful and there is nothing fetish about it. That is why I identify with it.”

‘Women empowerment crucial to MDGs’

Ikuforiji hails census tribunal’s ruling on Lagos

WIFE of the Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has said the country’s goal of attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 cannot be achieved except women are economically empowered.

She said the promotion of women’s well-being should top the agenda of governments at all levels, if Nigeria wants to catch up with the rest of the world.

Mrs. Fayemi spoke during her visit to the Oja Oba Otun (Otun monarch market) in Moba Local Government. The visit was part of her market outreach programme in the 16 local government areas.

She donated 16 brand new 18-seater buses to markets across the state and pledged to give loans worth N25 million to traders.

An official of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Kemi Akinleye, and a team from the State AIDS Control Agency, led by the Project Manager, Dr. Charles Doherty, gave health talks at the market.

The programme will last for three weeks. It was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, social development and gender empowerment and the Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF), a brainchild of the governor’s wife.

Erelu Fayemi said business development and gender mainstreaming were vital for women empowerment.

AGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji has applauded the Census Tribunal for nullifying the “contentious 9,113,605 wrongly allotted” to the state in the 2006 census.

In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji said: “From the bottom of my heart, I heartily hail the sagacity and forthrightness of the Nigerian Census Tribunal for nullifying the 9,113,605 population figure that was allotted to our state at the end of the 2006 headcount.

“For us at the Lagos Assembly, the nullification could not have come at a better time, as the state government is working hard to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the over 20 million residents, who comprise indigenes and non-indigenes.

“Though it has taken seven years for this judgment to come, it is highly commendable for the Census Tribunal to have put all sentiments aside by judging the case rightly, without caring whose ox is gored.

“We salute the patriotism displayed by the distinguished members of the Tribunal and urge similar bodies to emulate them in all matters before them.

There is no doubt that with this kind of judgment, Nigeria will overcome its challenges sooner than later.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

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•Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Adeola Ipaye (middle) at a press briefing on the judgment delivered by the National Census Tribunal in Abuja. With him are Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba (right) and Commissioner for Works Femi Hamzat at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos PHOTO OMOSEHIN MOSES

No list of possible successors, says Fashola

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has debunked Saturday’s front page report in a national newspaper (not The Nation), which claimed he had drawn up a list of five candidates, one of who would succeed him. Describing the claim as ridiculous, Fashola said he has neither compiled a “short” nor “long list”.

He spoke with reporters after the First Lagos In-

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By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

ternational Table Tennis Classics at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Fashola said: “I did not compile any list, whether short or long. Saturday Sun acted irresponsibly because it had an opportunity, if it ever got such a story, to clarify things with me. I will like the paper to present the purported list to the public.

“I deny such a list vehemently and I am already talking to my lawyers. It is very sad that the paper has no respect for the populace.

People work very hard to earn money and the least they deserve after buying newspapers is to read true stories, not fabrications planted on the front page.”

The governor said “publishing deliberate falsehood” was the height of corruption and could be likened to obtaining

•Fashola

people’s money by false pretence.

Aregbesola urges residents to be vigilant

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged residents to be vigilant and report the vandalisation of public utilities to security agencies.

He spoke at the weekend during the 12th Walk-to-Live programme at Ijebu-Jesha, heaquarters of Oriade Local Government.

Aregbesola said: “The activities of vandals have

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

affected the nation’s economy and destroyed social amenities. These people are bent on destroying the nation with their illegal activities. We must act as our own protectors, so we must be vigilant and protect these amenities.”

Addressing a crowd after a six-kilometre walk from Ilo-Ijesa to the Urban

Day Grammar School, Ijebu-Jesa, Aregbesola said the programme was not a political campaign, but a “constant reminder” to the people to take care of their health.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to promoting healthy living, he said: “Our government is concerned about the health of our people and we must always educate ourselves on the essence of physical fit-

ness. Exercise is the best way to protect ourselves against diseases. Regular exercise keeps the body fit and make us live a healthy life in a clean environment.”

Former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Senator Olorunibe Mamora, who participated in the Walk, said the large turn out showed the people’s support for the government.

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

9

NEWS

Remain steadfast, ACN, Boroffice urge supporters

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HE defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State yesterday said it was disappointed by the Supreme Court judgment, which declared Dr. Olusegun Mimiko winner of last October’s governorship election.

It urged the people not to despair, but remain focused on their quest for good governance.

In a statement by its former Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Agbede, the defunct ACN said: “It is unfortunate that the apex court dashed the expectations of the people, who hoped to wriggle out of the maladministration of the Labour Party (LP) government and its attendant pain, poverty and frustration.

“With the avalanche of incontrovertible oral and documentary evidence pointing to a compromised and discredited election, we are at a loss as to why the highest court sacrificed justice on the altar of legal inconsequentialities.

“This verdict is a judicial murder of justice, which is capable of eroding the people’s confidence in the judicial and electoral system. While we are not perturbed by this glaring injustice as we are more than resolute to engender good governance, we are concerned about the fate of the people, who are the main victims of this grievous decision, as they would have to wander through the wilderness of the LP administration’s recklessness for the next three years.”

The defunct party hailed its candidate in the election, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); his running mate, Dr. Paul Akintelure; and its legal team for their “courage, doggedness and forthrightness” throughout the legal battle.

It urged its members to continue to pursue their goal on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A chieftain of the APC, Senator Ajayi Boroffice (Ondo North District), urged the people to accept

•’Prosecute INEC officials for compromised register’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

the Supreme Court judgment.

He regretted that residents would have to wait for a long time to get “the change they desire”.

Boroffice said: “Leaders of our party, professionals and the people fought a good fight as gallant soldiers of progress.

They spoke against policies that would not allow development in their communities.

“They demanded character in leadership and agitated for good governance and rapid industrial development. They wanted jobs and economic prosperity for our people. These were their demands.

“I salute the stoic courage of Akeredolu and his legal team. You have not lost; you have only set an agenda for the new phase of activities in our great party.

“This judgment might have dampened our spirit, but it has not weakened our determination to rescue our state from the clutches of poverty, mass unemployment, corruption, mismanagement of our resources and a wasteful administration.

“We hoped for light but behold obscurity, but we will not relent until we rescue Ondo from vandals and transform it into a state that is economically viable, politically stable and socially secure.

“Let us remain focused in our resolve to produce a progressive government, which will guarantee good governance, democratic institutions, justice, equity and opportunities for our people.”

Boroffice said the people would continue to insist on free and fair elections.

A member of Akeredolu’s legal team, Mr. Victor Olatoyegun, urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, to prosecute the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials responsible for the

1,187 Oyo pupils get vocational training

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said he will continue to empower youths to face the challenges of a changing world.

He spoke at the closing of the first Pupils Vocational Skills Acquisition programme at the Assembly Hall of the Lagelu Grammar School in Agugu, Ibadan, the state capital.

About 1,187 secondary school pupils were trained simultaneously in eight centres across the state in bead making, photography, TV/video production, Information and Communication

Technology (ICT), haircut, aluminum production, catering, tie and dye and carpentry, among others.

Ajimobi said skills acquisition was essential to reduce dependence on white-collar jobs.

He said: “Governments all over the world have the responsibility of focusing on the future of youths. One of the ways we have been doing this is by organising programmes such as this to direct the energy of our children towards productive ventures, with a view to benefiting the family, society and the nation.’’

“illegal injection” of over 100,000 names into the voters’ register used for the election.

He said the “illegal injection” was a novel way of rigging by “compromised” INEC officials and was significant enough to guarantee Mimiko’s victory.

Olatoyegun said: “The Election Petition Tribunal, Appeal and Supreme courts consistently admitted that there were illegal injections of names into the voters’ register.

“But unfortunately, none of the courts had the temerity to annul the election conducted with it, es-

pecially when it was obvious that the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2011, were flouted.

“If, indeed, it is impossible to put something on nothing, then it stands to reason that no valid election can come out of the compromised voters’ register.”

The lawyer said the judiciary should be the last hope of the common man and rule against illegalities, without minding whose ox is gored.

He said: “We have heard of phrases like ‘my hands are tight, twelvetwo third of 19 states’ before. The recent decision

has brought to our judicial page other lexicons, now known as ‘illegal injection into the voters’ registers’ and the petitioner’s need to prove its ‘substantiality’ to invalidate an election.

“The apex court was expected to break the jinx by pronouncing the election conducted with an illegal register null and void, but its decision fell short of the people’s expectation of getting real justice.

“There is still hope for the common man, because the primordial sentiments of a judge are not representative of the general feeling in the legal community.

“It is a crime to unlawfully obliterate, alter or inject names into the voters’

•Boroffice

register in the absence of a lawful review of the register. It is against this backdrop that the right of the citizenry to know the perpetrators of this illegal injection of names into the 2012 voters’ register used for the Ondo State governorship election becomes sacrosanct.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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CITYBEATS

Fire renders 45 families homeless

By Jude Isiguzo

AT least 45 families were rendered homeless with property worth several millions destroyed, when a fire gutted about seven houses in different parts of the Lagos metropolis at the weekend.

It was gathered that five person injured were in the incident. Mobs allegedly attacked firefighters for "arriving late" at one of the scenes in Ikorodu, on the outskirts of the city.

Two of the affected houses are located on Awoyemi Street, Amukoko, where the fire started at about 8pm. The vigilance commander in the area, Mr Oguntade Sesan, said it was caused by a power generating set.

Afa Basiri, a victim, said: "I was shocked when I returned home to find the house on fire. I watched helplessly as all my valuables were burnt to ashes. But my joy is that I am alive".

Yesterday, the affected families were still trying to salvage their valuables.A similar incident occurred at Alhaji Ladega bus stop in Ikorodu area.

The Director of Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe expressed sadness over the attack on his men, noting that they arrived the scene immediately they got a distress call. He said expensive fire trucks were destroyed.

Okocha lifts Majek Fashek's movie REGGAE artiste Majek Fasek will make his first real presence on screen in a new movie produced by ex-Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha. Reports have it that the ex-midfield generalissimo decided to investment the project because it centers on the life of the reggae artiste.

The movie, according to information, is written by Charles Novia and it features other artistes like Sam Dede, Stella Damasus; Francis Duru plays the role of the music superstar. Novia said it took three years to put the work together.

Police to auction vehicles THE police in Ogun have issued a two-week ultimatum for the removal of abandoned vehicles and motorcycles at Obalende, Obantoko and Ilese divisions in the state.

According to police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the vehicles would be sold by public auction if the owners fail to claim them. On the list are: Nissan Sunny marked MH 329 AAA; Volkswagen Beetle (DE 954 KJA); Toyota Camry (LSR 191 AW); Toyota Carina (DZ 313 EKY), Nissan car (KX 187 AAA), a lorry (AL 927 JRT), unmarked Hague Suzuki, four Jincheng, two Bajaj bikes, Cargo, Qlink, Yuppie, Haojue Suzuki (OG 1804 X), Qlink (AGL 130 QB), Nafang (QT 616 MUS), Honda bike (FKJ 336 QB), Lifan (QL 702 FST, QL 215 KTU), and Jincheng bikes (QR 729 AKD, QP 921 LSD, QN 354 KTU, QB 620 PKA, OG 4477 Z, QD 338 EKY, QF 529 AAB, QP 796 LSD, OG 6330 ZA, OG 1132 KA, OG 6369 BA, QV 220 KTU, and 731 MEK).

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CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

'Our son's life is in danger'

HE family of a 55year-old man arrested by the police for allegedly running a fake organisation has raised the alarm that his life is in danger.

The suspect, Chief Emmanuel Okereke, was allegedly invited by the office of National Security Adviser in Abuja for a discussion on August 15. He was reportedly arrested there by a Commissioner of Police who claimed to be from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit.

Okereke was allegedly taken away and detained in the cell of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Abuja for over two weeks without informing his family.

His family thought he was missing until search parties traced him to the FSARS' cell in Abuja. The police were said to have "secretly" charged him to court and he was remanded in prison.

Trouble, it was learnt, started about three years ago when importers formed the

•Family of man held for 'running fake group' seeks justice

By Jude Isiguzo

National Task Force on Recovery of Weapons (NATFORCE) to combat illegal importation and smuggling of goods, arms, ammunition and light weapons, under Okereke's headship.

Sources said shortly after, it was noticed that arms smuggling had been checked by the organisation, to the loss of some fraudulent Customs and Immigration officers; hence, the set-up of Okereke.

Okereke's wife, Obianuju, who said she was not sure that her husband was still alive, said he had received a call the day he was arrested around 2pm, to report to the National Security Adviser.

"Rather than hold any meeting, he was arrested for operating an illegal organisation. This was despite the Federal High Court judgment that NATFORCE is a legal organisation. From there, he was taken to the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) office at Garki-

Civil Defence arrests teenager, 29 'pipeline vandals'

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N a bid to sustain the war against oil thieves and pipeline vandals, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), last Saturday arrested 30 people for alleged pipeline vandalism including two teenagers.

Azeez Ajani, 12 and Michael Oyedotun 13 were nabbed alongside six women and a pastor, Nikuleyi Adesola.

The suspects were picked at Isheri Olofin, Ogun State by officials of the Lagos and Ogun commands of NSCDC. The suspects all denied the allegations, saying they were not pipeline vandals.

The Ogun State NSCDC boss, Akinwande Aboluwoye, said the suspected vandals were nabbed

By Precious Igbonwelundu

with 400 jerry cans of fuel containing 50 litres of fuel and their canoes were also apprehended.

Aboluwoye said the canoes were set ablaze while security was beefed up in the area, adding: "The vandals engaged us in a gun duel and when the heat became too much, they abandoned the products, jumped into the water and escaped. However, we apprehended their cohorts who actually live in the area."

The commandant said the suspects would be charged to court this week. He said past investigations proved that women and children were also involved in the illegitimate business.

Council redoubles efforts on security, health others

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NOTHER milestone has been recorded by the Amuwo-Local Government in Lagos State.

It established bilateral relations with Sheffield in the United Kingdom on the socio-economic life of the council area.

The chairman of the council, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, was a guest of the former Mayor of Sheffield, Councilor John Campbell, recently. The visit, it was learnt, afforded the council the opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the UK, on how Sheffield can partner the council on its socio-economic development. Their discussion was centered on health, security and youth empowerment, The Nation learnt.

Campbell, who had heard so much about the pace of development in the council area, "was pleased to meet

Abuja, where he has been detained. My husband is being held hostage and this should not be heard of in a civilised society," she said.

NATFORCE Secretary, Kingsley Chikezie, said the organisation was inaugurated on July 16, 2010 by former Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga, with the then National Security Adviser (NSA), Aliu Guzau.

He said the body performed its duty well until the current Minister of Finance resumed and purportedly disbanded it, following a petition from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to the NSA. Saying that the body challenged the purported disbandment in court, Chikezie added: "The Federal High

Court, Abuja, in a well-considered judgment set aside the purported disbandment, declaring that the Taskforce is a legal public/partnership.

After that landmark judgment, the Taskforce wrote to the National Security Adviser and all security agencies informing them of the judgment. It was a huge surprise to us when on Thursday last week, Chief Okereke went to honour a meeting with the NSA, and was arrested by the Police in the office of the NSA for allegedly operating an illegal organisation, despite the Court judgment in favour of NATFORCE'.

"Two of our members who came from other states to see the Director in detention were equally arrested and

• Okereke

detained. We were later informed he was arrested and detained by the Inspector General of Police's special squad on terrorism and heinous crimes." he said, adding that all efforts to ensure Okereke's release failed.

Efforts to get the Force spokesperson, Frank Mba, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), to comment on the arrest failed as he did not respond to the reporter's phone calls.

Residents lose valuables to robbers

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AST Saturday, suspected armed robbers took their reign of terror to Itire and Ijesha in the Surulere areas of Lagos State, carting away valuables including money, electronic items, laptops and phone sets.

At about 1 am that day, the gunmen reportedly stormed the affected streets and dispossessed the victims of their belongings.

Some members St James Anglican Church of Christ, who were at a vigil when the men struck, said they saw them but mistook them for the vigilance boys engaged by the street.

"They were holding guns as smokes oozed out of their mouths. It was our pastor that first saw them coming through a canal down the street, prompting him to instantly close the doors to the church," said a source. It added: "They raided four houses, but none of the victims was hurt. They left them in sorrow and debt because most of the victims trade in a nearby market and their homes. Specifically, houses numbers 12, 14, 17 and 21were raided at Itire."

Some of the victims said their doors were forced open, and on gaining entry, the robbers demanded their jewelry, electronic gadgets

By Taibat Idowu

and money at gunpoint.

A victim who preferred anonymity for fear of reprisals, told The Nation: "I was looking for my phone when they barged in around 1.

45am, asking for money. My brother and I told them there was no money; they brought out a pistol and pointed it at my son. When they threatened to kill him if I did not give them money, I gave them an envelope containing N7,000. But they returned it, thinking it was empty. They started shouting, "give us the money immediately." I reached for my bag and gave them the money I found there. They collected it and my brother's new Techno 61X phone with N10,000."

Another victim, Mrs Balikis Farounbi, said: "They have collected all the money I used to trade. I heard when people in other compounds were crying and shouting thief … thief; I could not sleep. I was restless and so, I quickly closed my door. But less than 10 minutes after, they forced it open with legs and collected all my money."

In the same house, the robbers took away a laptop and MP3 phone from Nnadozie Ekeh. His

mother, a widow and vegetable seller, also lost her capital to the gunmen.

Mrs Maureen Ekeh said: "They beat me up when I told them that I didn't have money. One of them landed his fist on my head and it swelled up. It was a terrible experience."

At house number 12, Ayo Kalejaiye lost a laptop and phones with N15,000. The victim regretted, saying: "Were my friends to be around, they wouldn't have had a way, let alone collecting my HP laptop. We could have killed ourselves in the process."

Apart from a Muslim cleric whose wife was also dispossessed of her valuables before the robbers fled to other areas, sources said they operated for three hours before electricity supply was restored in the area, prompting them to take to their heels.

The attack, it was learnt, occurred five days after some robbers successfully raided Oshifowokan Street in the area.

At Itire Police Station, an officer, who confirmed the incident, told The Nation that he lacked "the authority" to speak on the issue. It was learnt that the policemen stormed the scenes, after the robbers had fled.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Adewale and pledged to partner with the council to bring about more meaningful development to the community."

In a telephone conversation after a round table discussion with the Mayor of Sheffield and the executives of Goldmere (UK), a reputable business organisation, Adewale said the former Mayor "agreed in principle to donate public health materials including ambulances, beds and delivery kits; assist the coastal communities, and train our youths on community policing and vocational skills."

Saying that his host and his team would visit his council soon, he added that they agreed to "engage our medical-related professionals in Sheffield, as part of the partnership drive agreed by both parties."

• L-R: Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs, European Union Matters to Adewale, Mr Abdullahi Aliyu; the council chief; CEO, Goldmere UK, Mr Phil Donaldson and Chairperson, Goldmere, Mrs Christine Donaldson … in a chat at Sheffield

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

NOA enlightens residents

By Musa Odoshimokhe

THE Lagos State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Waheed Ishola has said those who hoard information to the public would be held liable if found wanting.

Addressing stakeholders on the importance of the Freedom of Information Acts (FoIA) in various communities across the state, he said public officers must render account when called upon.

Ishola said: "The FoIA is very important; it is a form of social auditing of our leadership unlike before when people elected into office failed to account for their stewardship.

"They are expected to disclose their activities to the people. The FoIA is now empowering individuals and organisations to call to question, their leaders, in terms of projects executed and how government is being run."

He added that government agencies or individuals that take contract from government or have anything to do with the government must render the necessary information when demanded.

He stated that when information is requested in written form, the response has to be given within seven days or an explanation as to why that information could not be given within the stipulated period.

"There are non-governmental organisations that are ready provide pro-rata services to people who may not be able to meet the cost of litigation against the organisations that fail to provide the information," he said.

He warned that people should not just embark on frivolous accusations and not for the sake of witch-hunt, adding: "We have had cases when contractors have shortchanged government; where projected money has been paid but projects were not executed. We have seen where money was collected for four kilometers of road but only two were executed by the contractor. Where people observe this anomally, they should complain."

KSB escapes death ANOTHER death has been averted in the entertainment industry. Gospel singer, Kenny Saint Best (KSB), last Thursday, got involved in an auto accident at Ojota in Lagos.

Elated Kenny, who was with her driver when the incident occurred, sent out a message which read: "I just had an accident by Ojota. A truck without brake ran into us. I'm alive and my driver too."

When contacted, Kenny who couldn't hide her joy, said: "It is true, but I survived it. A heavy duty trailer's brake failed and used my car to stop itself."

'Arrest of residents for oil pollution wrong'

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HE Lagos State Government has kicked against what it described as indiscriminate arrest of innocent residents around Idimu/Ejigbo areas of the state for oil pollution of underground water. It said the arrest did not follow proper investigation.

Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, yesterday, said the random arrests by men of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) constitute infraction on the residents' human right.

He asked leaders of the Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the affected communities to institute legal actions against the Federal Government for exposing their communities to danger, arising from the failure of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corpora-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

tion (NNPC) to perform its statutory responsibility.

He said while the state government supports every effort of the Federal Government to curb stealing of petroleum products and pipeline vandalism across the nation, it frowns at any act that constitutes an infraction on residents’ rights through unjust arrests by NSCDC officials.

He said: "Successive administrations in the state had drawn the attention of the Federal Government to the hazards being experienced by residents of Baruwa-Ipaja,Ilado, Amuwo-Odofin and Ejigbo among others, through polluted boreholes, contamination of underground water and ruptured pipelines among others. But no visible

action has been taken till date by the respective agencies of the Federal Government".

Bello said the state government has records showing that official letters were written by the immediate past governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000.

He added that the Babatunde Fashola-led administration also wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke about the serious oil pollution and high-level degradation that residents of these areas are daily exposed to, without any response.

The commissioner explained that the state government also urged the Federal Government to consider

modern methods of protecting oil pipelines, including casing and tamperproof warning devices among others.

He said there are many other ruptured NNPC pipelines in other parts of Lagos, which are not being attended to by the agencies.

He added: "An example is the Diamond Estate where over 137 boreholes/ • Bello deep wells are affected by the seepage of petroleum products as a result of pipeline vandalism, destroying the source of potable water of inhabitants.

"Two of the estate's housing units are now seriously affected while their boreholes have turned into oil wells and without any no-

ticeable remedial action from the NNPC." Bello urged the NNPC to conduct an integrity test on its pipelines in the state without delayand provide the state government with necessary information on how to prevent future re-occurrence.

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

12

NEWS CAN: Fed Govt should apologise to Odimegwu From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to withdraw the query issued to the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Festus Odimegwu.

It said government should tender an unreserved apology to him in the spirit of honesty.

The association decried the politicisation of Odimegwu’s comment, which faulted the previous census exercises and the 2006 census, saying it was a ploy by the North to blackmail President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Spokesman for CAN in the 19 northern states and Abuja, Mr. Sunny Oithatch, in a statement said the call by the Arewa Consultative Forum and Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State for the sacking of the NPC boss before the 2016 census because he was a southerner was misplaced.

He said: “The call by ACF on President Jonathan to make sure that Odimegwu does not supervise the 2016 census is misplaced.

The question we are asking is: Which part of the North are they saying has higher population? When has ACF become a political party that every time it will always dabble into politics?

“We in CAN hereby demand that the Federal Government should withdraw the query issued to Odimegwu with immediate alacrity. Why would the government be blindfolded by Kwankwaso? The government should also apologise to Odimegwu. Jonathan should make sure that nothing happens to him. We are surprised that Jonathan is allowing himself to be intimidated by the Islamic North.

“Before the 2006 census, we confronted the former chairman of NPC, Mr. Samu’ila Makama from Plateau State, on why religion and ethnicity are not included in census matters to be able to ascertain who is who in Nigeria and the man was sweating. “

Ijaw leaders urged to wade into crisis

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From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

FORMER zonal secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, has urged the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to resolve the crisis rock-

ing it.

Bebenimibo, in a statement made available to our reporter in Port Harcourt, said the IYC, an umbrella body of youths, is on the verge of extinction.

Said he: “Let it be known to the INC, which is looking into the circumstances surrounding the crisis of the council and other wellmeaning Ijaw people that if the right thing is not done about the IYC, it will remain a divided house and no one will take the activities of the council serious. In other words, there will be no more IYC.” Bebenimibo reiterated his earlier position that a caretaker committee be set up to run the affairs of the council and eventually conduct a free, fair and an all-embracing election.

“This call is for the fact that the Miabiye Koromieya-led executive of the council has expired since June. The former executive has no business in running the affairs the council, including constituting an electoral committee.

“The three-year reign of the former executive was bedevilled by one crisis or the other. Hence it has no moral stand to stay in power and argue about election and electoral committee.”

From left: Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, His Eminence Sunday Ola-Makinde, Prof. Konyisola Ajayi and Bishop Raphael Opoko, at the ordination of some priests on the first emergency conference to appoint a new Prelate for the Methodist Church Nigeria PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO ...yesterday.

Shell: we’re not involved in oil theft

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HE Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has debunked reports linking oil companies with the theft of crude oil in the Niger Delta.

Shell’s General Manager, Communication, Mr. Philip Mshelbila, said the allegation stemmed from “complete misunderstanding of what is going on” in the oil industry.

He was reacting to reports that over 400,000 barrels is lost daily as a result of oil theft in the Delta/Bayelsa states axis.

Speaking with reporters in Warri, Delta State, at the weekend, the SPDC bigwig said such a figure does not necessarily represent what is stolen by criminals, but the production lost following the shutdown of operation in the affected areas.

He said besides, the figure given by a top official of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources is lost by all players in the oil and gas industry - in-

•Opposes death penalty for thieves

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

cluding multinationals and local firms.

Msehilbila said the loss by his company fluctuates daily, adding that it could hit 60,000bpd.

He said when oil facilities, such as flow stations, are shut down following attacks by criminals, production from the wells serviced by the facility is deferred, giving rise to the figure bandied.

The SPDC General Manager (Communication) said about 150,000bpd would be deferred if such an attack forced SPDC to shut down its Nembe Creek pipeline, which conveys crude

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oil to Bonny Terminal.

Also debunking allegation of under-reporting of exported crude oil, SPDC’s Asset Manager, Swamp West, Mr. Mesch Maichibi, said there are meters for crude inlets and what is loaded from terminals, adding: “The Department of Petroleum Resources has the key and the password.”

“It is impossible to do anything (allegation) because as you pump, it is recording and there is no way anybody can falsify account. As far as I am concerned, the problem is between the trunk line and the terminal,” he said.

Mshelbila said crude oil theft has increased in the Western

Delta, comprising facilities in Delta and Bayelsa states.

He urged stakeholders to tackle the scourge, stressing: “If we keep finger-pointing, we will never address the situation.

We have a duty to protect our future and pipelines.”

Canvassing measures to tackle the crime, Mshelbila dissociated the company from calls that bunkering should be punished by death.

He said: “We are not talking about extreme measures. Some people have talked about death sentence, but we say ‘no’. What we ask for is due process. Appropriate punishment should be given, but we don’t support the extreme measure.”

Rivers group decries neglect of areas

HE people of Etche ethnic nationality in Rivers State have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to come to their aid, following the neglect of their area.

They said the area had been producing crude oil and gas since 1958.

The ethnic group occupies Etche and Omuma local government areas of Rivers State, with over 250 oil wells.

A socio-cultural group, the Etche Heritage, through its president, Dr. Acho Nwokogba, in company with the secretary, Kelechi Ubani, a lawyer and other Etche leaders, yesterday at a news conference in Port Harcourt, said the neglect must be addressed.

Etche people said: “We are not apportioning blame. Etche has fallen through the cracks and is in urgent need of atten-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

tion. We urge President Jonathan to help us break the jinx so that his name will be written in gold.

“We have remained peaceful and law-abiding over the years and have contributed to the growth of Nigeria. We deserve attention.

“The President should look into the plight of our people.

“Crude oil was found in commercial quantity in Umuechem-Etche community in 1958, a year after it was discovered in commercial quantity at Oloibiri in the present Bayelsa State. Umuechem produces the most sought- after Bonny Light or Sweet Crude.

Etche is the third largest producer of crude oil and gas.

“Etche people find themselves in a state of severe and

•Jonathan

extreme neglect in the political representation, in a setting they have given so much.

“The people of Etche were the first to record oil-related casualty, when carnage was unleashed by the military government on the community of Umuechem in 1990, when the people asked to be included in the oil activities taking place in their land.

“The community was razed, property were looted and the people were massacred. The unprovoked incident saw the brutal killing of the traditional ruler, Eze A.A. Ordu, in his palace.

Four lawyers to visit DSS over stowaway

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VOLUNTEER group under the aegis of De Raufs has said it will send a team of four lawyers, headed by Mr. Yinka Muyiwa, to meet the Department of State Security (DSS) where the stowaway boy, Daniel Oikhena, is being detained.

Speaking with reporters yesterday, the group’s coordinator, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, said the lawyers from Osun State would team up with the Lagos coordinator of the group to secure the boy’s release.

Shittu, who decried the detention of Daniel, appealed to security agencies to release him.

He said they had had enough time to carry out their investigations and should, therefore, not keep the teenager any longer.

“They have had enough time to carry out their investigations. We are ready to stand as guarantors to the boy. If the security agencies are not ready to release him, they should charge him to court where we are ready to defend him.

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

“We believe he is just an innocent child, who should not be blamed for the security lapses at the airport. The insecurity at the Benin Airport has proved that Nigeria is not safe. So, the boy should not be made to suffer unduly.”

Shittu noted that if Daniel had died, the group would have sued the government and the airline for negligence.

He said the group planned to sponsor the stowaway-boy’s education up to the university.

Shittu said the aim was to ensure that his dream of travelling to America is not allowed to die.

“This kind of person should be encouraged.

We have decided to sponsor him to the university so that in future he can contribute to the development of this country,” he added.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY

Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. The public may easily contact KAROTA on 08091626747 for Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, and 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, and 08191778888.

113TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

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he Kano State Executive Council, along with the entire citizenry in the State, jubilantly witnessed the presentation of yet unparalleled merit awards from three (3) prominent organizations in Nigeria, during its 112th sitting held on 21st, August, 2013, to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, viz; i. The apex Federal Government, through the National Productivity Council, presented a merit award to Governor Engr.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE in appreciation of his administration’s efforts in sanitizing Land allocation, utilization, urban/township beautification and execution of multiple number of transformation projects across all sectors. ii.

The National Council of Women Societies presented an award to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE as the “Best Performing Governor” on Women Empowerment in Nigeria.

iii. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) distinguished Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by presenting an award to him as the “Best Performing Governor” on Women/Youths Empowerment and the establishment of Microfinance Banks across the 44 LGCAs in Kano State.

Notwithstanding, the unrelenting Kano State Executive Council proceeded with its delivery of qualitative service in providing for the needs, aspirations and hopes of the people by sitting for its usual meeting today Wednesday 28th August, 2013 (21st Shawwal, 1434 AH) under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The sitting was “toasted – off” with an approval granted for supplementing the free feeding in our Primary Schools with the addition of one egg to each pupil every Friday of the week. This goes for all teachers serving in our Primary Schools across the 44 LGCAs. Such eggs should be supplied from farms owned by graduants of the Poultry Training Institute, Tukwui thereby ensuring outlet/market for their products and further empowering them.

At the meeting, ten (10) MDAs submitted twenty-seven (27) memoranda for deliberation from among which twenty three (23) were approved for execution by Council with an expenditure of Four Hundred and Twelve Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand, Thirty Three Naira, Three Kobo (N412,834,033.03) covering seventeen (17) projects. Thus: 1. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS This Office submitted three (3) memoranda for deliberation but Council approved only two (2) of them for execution as follows: a. Presentation of Report on the Proposed Kano Commercial Crops Initiative (KCCI):The contents of this memorandum submitted from the Office of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner Ministry for Local Governments notified Council of the instruction given to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to identify the dominant commercial crops grown in the three (3) Agro – Ecological Zones as well as the processing/marketing zones in Kano State.

The directive was carried out and Moringa (Zogale), Garlic (tafarnuwa), vegetables and cotton were identified and documented as cash crops in the State. So, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources proposed for the establishment of a program to be called “Kano Commercial Crops Initiative (KCCI)”. The proposed program aims at articulating a Unique Agricultural Program that is highly productive and sustainable, which will enhance the economic status of our farmers different from the current trend inherent in subsistence agriculture. Specifically, each of the 44 LGCAs is to promote one crop of its choice from a list presented to Council for appraisal. Again, each LGCA should set up a Stakeholders’ Committee charged with the responsibility of identifying obstacles/bottlenecks to the take–off of the program and submission of proposals on how Government should intervene whenever necessary.

Council was politely requested to approve execution of the following: i. Creation of three (3) Agro – Ecological Zones and one (1) processing/marketing zone in each of the six (6) metropolitan LGCAs as well as selection of the crops produced from the 38 rural LGCAs. ii. Setting up of Stakeholders Committee in each of the 44 LGCAs of the State charged with the responsibility of recommending to Government how to facilitate for the identified commercial crops production in the LGCAs. Appreciating the presentation, Council improved the proposition and approved the following for Government direct support to farmers for improved cash crops production in the State: GROUP CROP A Sesame & G/nut

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS Albasu, Ajingi, Gaya, Takai, Sumaila, Wudil, Garko, Gabasawa and Gezawa ........................................................................................................................................

B Cotton & Cassava Gwarzo, Kabo, R/Gado, Karaye, Rogo, Shanono, Bagwai, Tsanyawa, and Tofa ........................................................................................................................................

C Cassava & Vegetable D/Tofa, Bichi, Dambatta, Minjibir, Makoda and Kunchi .........................................................................................................................................

D Rice and Wheat T/Wada, Doguwa, Kibiya, Rano,

Bunkure, Kura, Madobi, Ungogo, Kumbotso, Warawa, D/Kudu and Garko .........................................................................................................................................

E Garlic and Vegetable Bebeji, G/Mala, Kiu and Bunkure ..........................................................................................................................................

F Moringa and Gantrophe Is common to all the 44 Local Government Areas and should therefore be encouraged to be planted/harvested G Agro-Processing and Marketing Municipal, Gwale, Dala, Fagge, Nassarawa and Tarauni .......................................................................................................................................

Council understands that for the State to develop, agriculture will have to change beyond subsistence to the level of commercial production. Since inception, this administration has been giving technical and material supports to farmers for improved harvest, thereby enhancing capital accumulation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources was directed to give direct support to farmers and to see to the implementation of the Kano Commercial Crops Development Initiative (KCCDI).

b. Request for Funds to Enable the Provision of Office Accommodation to Nigeria/Niger Republic Chamber of Commerce and Kano/Katsina/Maradi (K2M) Cross Border Cooperation Respectively:A memorandum on the issue mentioned above was submitted earlier for deliberation by Council after which the Office of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government was directed to re–examine the request presented.

The assignment was judiciously executed, which yielded recommendation to Council to approve the release of the sum of N8,505,000.00 to enable the payment for renting a property at Tamandu Road for three (3) years for the stated purpose. Council as requested granted approval.

2. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted twelve (12) memoranda on behalf of some MDAs for deliberation by Council. Nine (9) of them were approved for execution as follows: a. Presentation of Notification of 100% Waiver on Tuition Fees for Ten (10) Among the 502 Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored for Studies Abroad and Request for Funds to Cover other Aspects in Respect of the Ten (10) Beneficiaries:The SRM University, India conveyed an offer of Scholarship to ten (10) Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored for studies in the School by the Kano State Government, as presented to Council for consideration, by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Specifically, the 100% waiver was offered to any ten (10) of the 502 Students at the discretion of the State Government, a list of which was selected and submitted by the State Ministry of Higher Education for consideration by Council. These ten (10) can still join the 124 currently studying in the SRM University, India within the Month of August before closure of the University in September, 2013 for vacation. Other aspects of the financial commitments to be shouldered by the State Government totalling to the aggregate sum of $152,000.00 were presented to Council for consideration.

Thus: i.

Accommodation for 2 years at $1,700 x 10 = $17,000.00 ii.

Feeding for 2 years at $1,750 x 10 = $17,500.00 iii.

One (1) time entry to India $150 x 10 = $1,500.00 iv.

Flight tickets at $2,100 x 10 = $21,000.00 v.

Visa fee at $100 x 10 = $1,000.00 vi.

Allowances for 2 years at $8,400 x 10 = $84,000.00 vii. Others at $1,000 x 10 = $10,000.00 Total = $152,000.00 (equivalent to 152,000 x N160 = N24,320,000.00).

As such, Council was requested to approve the release of the aggregate sum of $152,000.00 (N24,320,000.00) to cater for the payment of accommodation, feeding, visa, return ticket, monthly stipends, etc. covering two (2) years in respect of the ten (10) selected beneficiaries among the 502 Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored for studies abroad.

Council appreciated the scholarship offer of 100% waiver for tuition fees in respect of ten (10) sponsored Kano State Indigenous Students studying at the SRM University, India. As such, approval was granted for the release of the sum of $152,000.00 (equivalent to N24,320,000.00) to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to cater for the aspects cited on the financial commitments in respect of the ten (10) selected Students. d. Request for Funds to Settle Payment for Diesel (AGO) and Base Oil Supplied to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport as the Supervising Ministry for Distribution for Consumption by MDAs:The State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted a request for the release of the sum of N52,203,800.00 by Council to enable payment for Diesel (AGO) and Base Oil supplied for storage and further distribution for consumption by the State MDAs. Details on dates, receipts and amount of money involved were presented for consideration by Council.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N52,203,800.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable payment for Diesel (AGO) and Base Oil supplied to the State. e. Request for Funds to Enable the State Basketball Team Participate in the Final – 4 Savannah/Atlantic Conferences of the Nigerian Basketball League:The sum of N4,669,000.00 was approved for release by Council to the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sport and Culture to enable

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso the State Basketball Team participate in the activity mentioned above. The approval was granted in consideration of previous excellent performance of the State Basketball Team in National and International Championships. f. Request for Funds to Enable the Conduct of 2nd Quarter Procurement and Distribution of Anti – Sickling Drugs and Other Consumables to Sickle Cell Patients in the State:Pursuant to the laudable policy of the present administration to provide qualitatively for the Health Sector/Healthcare delivery, Council approved the release of the sum of N5,556,014.50 to the State Ministry of Health to enable the procurement of antisickling drugs and other consumables for free treatment of sickle cell patients.

This was just a “drop in the sea” considering the series of approved and already executed projects for the transformation of healthcare delivery services in the State along with available facilities. For examples: i. General renovation works executed at multitude number of hospitals. ii.

Establishment of the proficient and efficient Kwankwasiyya Medical Outreach Scheme.

iii. Continuation with free feeding provided to inpatients at all thirty four (34) General Hospitals owned by the State Government. etc. g. Presentation of Request for Funds for Landscaping and Provision of Covered Walkways for Cafeteria/Business Center at the Northwest University Temporary Site:The contents of this memorandum reminded Council that the request presented above was earlier submitted from the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for approval and execution at the cost of N27,723,007.54. Council considered and directed Office of the Secretary to the State Government to thoroughly appraise the initial estimates which was undertaken resulting to a new estimate of N27,222,218.90 with a saving of N500,788.64.

As such, Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N27,222,218.90 for the execution of the project cited above. Approval was granted as requested for the release of the sum of N27,222,218.90 to the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the execution of the stated project. h. Request for Funds to Enable the Refund of Expenses Incurred in Sponsoring the Kano State Taekwondo Team Participation in the 13th U.S Open Taekwondo Championship held (16th – 25th February, 2013) in Las Vegas U.S.A:Office of the Secretary to the State Government alerted the attentive Council of a communication received from the State Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture requesting for refund of expenses incurred in sponsoring the State’s Taekwondo Team to participate in the event cited above.

Essentially, the State’s Taekwondo Team was invited by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation in consideration of the triumphant performances of the club as the overall winning team of the year 2012. The total financial commitment incurred was to the tune of N2,990,038.00, which was requested for release by Council as refund. Details were presented to Council for consideration. Council noted, considered and approved release of the sum of N2,990,038.00 to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sport and Culture as refund for the cost incurred in financing the State’s Taekwondo Team to participate in the U.S Open Taekwondo Championship in Las Vegas U.S.A. i. Request for Funds as Donation to the Bereaved Families of Two (2) Officials of the United Football Club, Kano Who Died in a Motor Accident:Two (2) Officials of the United Football Club, Kano, lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident on their way to represent the State in a Championship match held in Sokoto State. The vehicle conveying the team belongs to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was damaged seriously requiring repairs. As such, the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture submitted a request for Government assistance to the bereaved families. Thus: i. Approval for the release of a token sum of N500,000.00 to the bereaved families of the two (2) deceased Officers (Team Manager and Driver). ii. Repairs of the damaged SWAN vehicle. iii. Allocation of two (2) 18 – Seater Buses to the State Sports Council.

Commiserating with the bereaved families of the two (2) deceased Officers, Council approved the release of the sum of N500,000.00 to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture for disbursement to two (2) respective bereaved families. Further, Council approved the release of the sum of N7,500,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to process the purchase and allocation

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013 of one unit of Toyota Hiace 18 – Seater bus. Totally, the sum of N8,000,000.00 was approved for release to address this issue.

3. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Two (2) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. Both were approved for execution as follows: a. Presentation of Report on the 2013 National Conference of Directors/Chief Road Traffic Officers (VIOS) of the Federation:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, presented salient aspects of the report cited above for consideration by Council. Recapitulating, the Director Road Traffic Department was granted approval to attend the Conference of Road Traffic Officers of the Federation held in Abuja (25th – 27th June, 2013) with the theme “Contemporary Issues and Road Traffic Services in Nigeria”. The salient issues discussed at the Conference included: • Establishment of Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) • Automotive Vehicle Inspection • Issuance of drivers’ licenses • Coordination and collaboration with other traffic related agencies Relatedly, a consensus was reached that there is need for constant interaction and information sharing among stakeholders of the profession to enhance skill acquisition for sustainable development of the nation. The major recommendation proffered at the Conference was for the upward review of Charges for Issuance of Driving License for uniformity from N300.00 to N1,000.00.

Triumphantly, Garba Abdu Gaya (Kano State Director of Road Transport) was elected as the National Deputy Chairman of the body along with Mr. Bayo Otumi as Chairman.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and congratulated Garba Abdu Gaya for his victory at the elections wishing him a successful tenure. b. Presentation of Report on Installation, Operation and Maintenance of on/off – Street Parking Management Services in Metropolitan Kano:The contents of this memorandum submitted that the basic aim of Urban/Intra City Traffic Management and related policies is to achieve improved and sustainable urban transport efficiency by enhancing the capacity of the urban transport system to allow, smooth movement of people, goods and services ensuring that full capacity is realized from the existing facilities.

As such, provision and maintenance of adequate parking space/ area is paramount. So, parking scheme for any urban center should be evaluated in terms of reference, operations and sustainability. Such could take various forms/approaches which include “ON” and “OFF” street parking lots, parking meters of “park” and “Ride”, etc.

Council was further alerted that the potential capacity of any road is often inhibited by indiscriminate parking and uncontrolled loading and offloading of vehicles resulting to traffic congestion.

Council was informed that the success of any parking Policy/ Scheme depends on implementation, enforcement and legislation, which must be sufficiently adequate in addressing the various parking constraints and have appropriate legal backing that stipulate the regulations, fines or penalties for violation of rules.

All hands need to be on deck in order to properly address the situation.

Authorities at KAROTA critically analyzed the situation and found it desirable to involve the private sector in the provision of parking system management of sustainability. Advertisements were placed and proposals were received and evaluated.

Platinum Parking Management Limited expert in “ON/OFF” Street Parking Management was found most suitable for engagement while the following roads were identified/selected for the take – off of the Scheme. Viz; i. Ibrahim Taiwo Road ii. Zoo Road iii. Perimeter of Abubakar Rimi Market iv. Perimeter of Kwari Market v. IBB Road vi. Murtala Muhammad Way Specifically, the Platinum Parking Management Limited will be responsible for the provision of all materials and equipment required for the implementation of the exercise and agreed to pay an Annual Concession fee of N2,000,000.00 along with 25% of gross earnings from the endeavour to Kano State Government to be remitted monthly.

As such, Council was requested to • Consider and approve the Installation, operation and maintenance of “ON/OFF” Street Parking Management Services on the highlighted/selected roads above within Kano Metropolis by Platinum Parking Management Services Limited.

• Direct the Management at KAROTA to sign an Agreement on behalf of the State Government with Platinum Parking Management Services Limited.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and approved the execution of the submitted two (2) prayers on the issues of installation, operation and maintenance of “ON/OFF” street parking management services in Metropolitan Kano.

4. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Both memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning were approved for execution. Thus: a. Presentation of Report on Allocation of a Piece of Land to the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development for the Construction of Prototype Housing Units and Site and Services Programs:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning informed Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the Federal Ministry of Land and Urban Development approached the State Government through his Ministry for the allocation of Land for Mass Housing Project under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and site and services scheme in the State.

The Housing Program of the Federal Government has already commenced in other States of the Federation, which include Katsina, Lagos, Benue, Kwara, Rivers and the FCT. Importantly, therefore, Kano State with its huge population and commercial status ought to benefit from this scheme undertaken by the Federal Government.

The State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning identified a piece of Land of the size 51.50 hectare situated along the Western Bypass layout site as a suitable location for this program. This

15 site/piece of land already consists of various facilities, which can be maintained for utilization in the following purposes. Viz: i. Construction of Primary/Secondary Schools ii. Central/five daily prayer Mosques iii. Children playground/recreation ground iv. Utility/Islamiyya School Essentially, the State Government has already acquired the site (51.50 hectare) through the provision of services for 12,000 residential plots at the rate of N4,050,000.00 per hectare, which translates to the sum of (51.50 x N4,050,000.00) = N208,575,000.00 for the entire land. The Federal Government is to pay for the allocated land to execute its project.

• Allocation for acquisition of the identified piece of land (51.50 ha) by the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development for the purpose stated.

• That the Federal Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development should pay the Kano State Government the sum of N208,575,000.00 for the acquisition and compensation for the site.

The presentation was appreciatively acknowledged as Council approved execution of the two (2) prayers presented. b. Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Structures Affected by the Road Construction Project at Medile Quarters:Construction/Repairs/Expansion of roads in both Metropolitan and Rural areas of Kano State are among the major preoccupations of the present administration. As vital infrastructure that facilitate smooth movement of people, goods and services, multitude of roads in the State have been constructed, renovated and expanded while many are properly maintained.

Examples abound everywhere in the State.

As such, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning presented to Council for consideration the fact that, the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport is executing the reconstruction of Medile – Guringawa – Bypass road in Kumbotso LGCA. In the course of executing the project, 38 structures were identified to fall within the road alignment and need to be demolished and compensated for to allow for the right of way. Consequently, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning carried out an inspection and valuation of the structures and came up with a compensation value for the affected structures to the tune of N14,023,810.00, which was requested for release by Council to enable the payment. Details were submitted for consideration by Council after which approval was granted for the release of the money to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to effect the payment of the said compensation for the structures to be demolished in order to pave the right of way for the execution of the road project at Medile Quarters.

5. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE This Office submitted two (2) memoranda for deliberation by Council. Both were approved for execution as follows: a. Presentation of Report on Confirmation of Authenticity or Otherwise of the Qualifications of three (3) Senior Graduates/ Officers at the Corporate Security Training Institute, Gabasawa:Council recalled the setting up of the Security Training Institute, Gabasawa for the training of the State teeming youths useful skills for self-reliance. The first graduates of the Institute were employed by the State and posted to various MDAs to provide security. However, the need arises for the newly employed staff to have a unified command structure for ease of management. This explains the reason for the directives given to the Office of the Head of Civil Service to verify the educational qualifications of three of the graduates who submitted higher certificates while joining the training for possible selection to head the Security Unit.

This was done and a report confirmed that the certificates of the three officers are genuine. Approval was given for the selection of one of them to head the Command. b.

Request for Funds to Enable the Payment of 2nd Batch (2013) Contract Gratuity in Respect of 192 Contract Officers:Council approved the release of the sum of N27,982,720.41 to the Office of Head of Civil Service, as requested, to enable the payment of the Statutory entitlements to 192 Contract Officers in the Service of the State as periodic contract Gratuity.

In any case, a report on the successful execution of the payment of the first (1st) Batch (2013) of Contract Gratuity to 170 Contract Officers to the aggregate approved and released sum of N22,724,556.40 was presented to Council for consideration prior to granting approval for the release of the second batch.

6. MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION Council approved only one (1) of the three (3) memoranda submitted for deliberation from the Ministry of Higher Education for execution. Thus: Request for Funds to Enable the Construction of Front Wall Fence and a Gate at School of Management Studies (SMS), Kano:The present administration has demonstrated its wholesome policy of providing required and adequate fortification of Government buildings/facilities in protection against illegal trespass as can be seen across the State. In line with this laudable effort, the Ministry of Higher Education deemed it timely to request for the release of the sum of N17,588,776.65 to enable the execution of the project stated above.

Relevance of the project prompted Council to approve the release of the requested sum of N17,588,776.65 to the Ministry of Higher Education to enable the construction of a front wall fence and Gate at School of Management Studies (SMS) Kano.

MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Both memoranda submitted by this Ministry for deliberation by Council were approved for execution. Thus: a. Request for Funds to Enable the Execution of the Electrification Project at Kwarin Sako Town in Madobi LGCA:Council deliberated on, and approved the release of the sum of N12,766,400.00 as requested, to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to enable the Rural Electrification Board (REB) execute the electrification of Kwarin Sako Town. Details on the project were presented to Council for consideration prior to the approval, which bordered on the resolution of the present administration to take relevant public utilities (such as electricity) to all nooks and corners of the State. b. Request for Funds to Enable Execution of the Electrification Project at Kebe Town in Madobi LGCA:Kebe Town in Madobi LGCA is also to benefit from the execution of the electrification project earmarked for the town, as approval was granted for the release of the requested sum of N13,846,110.30 to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to enable the execution of the project by the State Rural Electrification Board (REB). This only added to the laudable effort of the present administration of taking vital public utilities to all and sundry in the State.

7. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT Request for Funds to Enable the Construction of Ring–Type

Drainage at Sabuwar Gandu in Kumbotso LGCA:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment informed Council, through the contents of this memorandum, of the pathetic plea/appeal to the State Government to rescue the Community at Sabuwar Gandu from the menace of flooding that endanger their lives and properties by constructing road and drainage in their area. Responsibly, a team of engineers was sent from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to appraise and assess the situation. The persistent flooding problem in the area was attributed to the non existence of a functional drainage consequent upon which a recommendation was proffered for the construction of a ring culvert with double cell 900M and ring.

In a nutshell, the Ministry of Environment requested Council to consider the details presented and approve the release of the sum of N8,074,245.95 as Governments contribution for the execution of the project as the Community Development Association will bear the cost of labour for the project to the tune of N1,484,886.06.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N8,074,245.95 as Government contribution to the State Ministry of Environment to be utilized by Sustainable Kano Project (SKP) in executing the project stated above.

8. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Request for Funds to Enable the Reactivation/Renovation of Magaga Dam and Development of 200 Hectares Irrigation Project:The project referred to above was previously awarded for execution by the previous administration in Kano State at the cost of N4,802,793,680.55. The works carried out were only superficial and suspended in 2011 until revocation on 14th May, 2012.

Nevertheless, the incumbent Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE issued a directive on the need to develop/ reactivate 100 hectares downstream at the Magaga Irrigation Project site so as to provide/promote gainful employment to the rural communities in the area and enhance food security and economic empowerment of the people of Kano State.

As such, the Ministry of Water Resources invited quotations from viable contractors among which one was selected for the execution of the project at the estimated cost of N169,726,000.00, which was requested for release to the Ministry of Water Resources to enable its execution.

Significance and congruence of the project to the empowerment policy of the present administration prompted Council to approve the release of the requested sum of N169,726,000.00 to the Ministry of Water Resources to enable the execution of the project to develop 100 hectares downstream of the Magaga Irrigation Project site for the intended purpose.

9.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH Request for Permission to Sign/Endorse a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Kano State Government on the European Union (EU) Support to Immunization Governance in Nigeria:The State Ministry of Health presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the issue cited above for endorsement on behalf of the State Government. The MoU is meant to formalize State commitment to the implementation of the Routine Immunization component of the EU-SIGN project in the State and to implement a comprehensive Primary Healthcare Reform in accordance with the national sector policies such as the National Strategic Health Development Plan. The purpose of the EU-SIGN project is to ensure sustainable quality routine immunization services permanently available through effective PHC system and support the interruption of the wild poliovirus transmission in the State.

Council deliberated on the benefits of such an agreement vis-avis its commitment towards the eradication of poliovirus and blessed the signing of the MoU.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 113TH EXCO SITTING 1.

SEND OFF OF 101 KANO STATE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS FOR STUDIES IN NIGER REPUBLIC Council extended its profound gratitude on the successful selection and send-off of 101 Indigenous Students for studies in the Republic of Niger under collaborative arrangement between the Kano State Government and the Republic of Niger.

2.

DISTRIBUTION OF SOYA BEANS SEEDS AND FERTILIZER TO FARMERS IN KANO STATE Council delightfully witnessed the successful distribution of Soya beans seeds and fertilizer to farmers across the 44 LGCAs in the State and urged them to put the products to good use for better output.

3. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Council witnessed the presentation of an award to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by the National Executive Council of Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN) for his excellent performance in the field of education.

Further, Council witnessed the presentation of a Decorated Executive Chair award to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by the representative of the Small and Medium Enterprises Union for the State Government support to Women and Youths on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises across the State and the establishment of Microfinance Banks in the State.

4.

PROVISION OF 1 EGG PER PUPIL/TEACHER ACROSS PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE STATE Council extended its appreciation on the continued successful free feeding of Primary School Pupils. Accordingly, Council directed the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Community Re-orientation Committee (CRC) to conduct statistical census of the entire Pupils in Government Primary Schools for the provision of 1 egg per Student and Teacher on Friday of every week to improve the nutritional value of the food, boost their morale and improve their performance. Parents/ Stakeholders were urged to kindly enroll their children into Schools with a view of eradicating street begging in the State.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture, Kano State

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

A super lender cometh?

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• We do not see how this will solve the problem of high interest rates

F ever there is a solution that qualifies as a no-brainer, the Federal Government’s plan to establish a super lender to drive lower interest rates is it. During her recent visit to KAM Industries Nigeria Limited’s multi-billion naira cold steel rolling mill in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had announced the coming of a finance institution that would lend funds to the foremost development banks in the country – the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture – as well as to commercial banks. This, according to the minister, was to ensure that interest rates were brought down to a sustainable level.

She gave the timeline of the institution’s take-off for between 15 to 18 months.

We perfectly understand the Federal Government’s concern with the current high interest rate regime that continues to hobble meaningful prospects of growth. Indeed, this newspaper shares in the burden of its frustration with the obdurate club of lenders and their usurious practices.

The problem however is the therapy which the Federal Government proposes which, to us, and this with all due respect, appears to lack rigour. To start with, the proposed measure shies from addressing the problem of high interest rates in any fundamental sense. Before now, we heard the banks identify the factors behind the high interest rates; the short-term

nature of loanable funds, the humongous costs of credit administration and the challenges posed by the absence of critical infrastructure like power, and of course, the monetary policies of the apex bank. How the planned measure will address the problems remains to be seen.

What about the complicity of the bankers as an aspect of the same problem?

Today, the banks pay between five to seven percent interest on term deposits; savings attract a paltry two percent; yet they are known to charge interest rate in excess of 20 percent. How does one explain the yawning spread? How does the new institution deal with the moral hazards of the lenders, considering that they will also benefit from the package? How does the measure square with the other problem: the arbitrage or commission paid by banks to officials on government deposits, another chief driver of unsustainable rates? How would the coming of the institution curb the practice?

The road to hell is said to be paved with good intentions. If the idea is to enable the Federal Government pool funds together for development purposes, may we suggest a better way, which is for the government to hand it over to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as it has always done, through the development banks.

Why create a new institution with its own layers of procedures and bureaucracy only for the purpose of channelling funds to be re-lent to the commercial/ development banks? Would this not fur-

ther pad up the cost of lending? Just as there would always be room for improvement, it is hard to see the new institution doing better than the CBN is currently doing in this regard.

Just as we cannot make the point enough that the real sector needs access to cheap credit to thrive, we must also make the other point that the government and the bankers committee have not done enough to address the problem holistically. A good part of the problem is failure of regulation; it explains why delinquent bankers are still able to prey on the system.

Closely linked to this is corruption fuelled by the criminal collusion between the bankers and officials. These are not issues that the creation of multiplicity of layers of institutions can solve.

‘The proposed measure shies from addressing the problem of high interest rates in any fundamental sense. Before now, we heard the banks identify the factors behind the high interest rates; the short-term nature of loanable funds, the humongous costs of credit administration and the challenges posed by the absence of critical infrastructure like power, and of course, the monetary policies of the apex bank. How the planned measure will address the problems remains to be seen’

NEITI’s $2bn recovery

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•This is laudable, especially in a sector that stinks

HE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s (NEITI) laudable audit gambit has put it in positive public klieg light. The bold initiative has turned NEITI against, especially the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) that has publicly engaged it in a war of words. Yet, the initiative has admirably recovered $2billion into the public till after the implementation of its audit reports.

NEITI’s track records, according to Zainab Ahmed, its executive secretary, speak volumes: from 1999-2004, its audit of oil and gas establishments led to the recovery of $1 billion; in 2005 it recovered about $515million while it also recovered $447million between 2006-2008.

The total recoverable revenue emanat-

‘We are deeply concerned about the unabated institutional rot and gargantuan thefts that have become routine in the oil sector. The country needs more of such outfits like NEITI to restore reasonable sanity and accountability to the oil and gas industry. The PPPRA outburst is uncalled-for.

After all, NEITI had indicted other big oil companies in the past’

ing from the NEITI audits reportedly stands at $9.6billion.

Despite these laudable recoveries, the PPPMC and most oil and gas companies have become uncomfortable with the body. Rather than see the initiative as a challenge to uphold probity and accountability in their establishments, they tend to see it more as an adversary outfit. For instance, the PPPMC has been trying to rubbish its audit report over a recommendation calling the agency to refund into the Federation Account an over-recovery of N4.423billion.

We do not think that there should be any hullabaloo over this matter if there is no concealed animosity against the initiative’s audit moves that have obviously ruffled feathers in that important sector of the economy. This is aside the fact that NEITI was able to subsequently know that the disputed over-recovery of N4.423billion by the PPPRA was remitted to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account. Over-recovery applies when the landing cost of products based on import parity principle is below the approved PPPRA ex-depot benchmark. Hence, marketers are required to pay over-recovery into Petroleum Subsidy Fund (PSF) account at the CBN. NEITI reportedly demanded during the audit for relevant documents but PPPRA tendered other documents that did not show that the money was remitted. It waited till after the release of the audit report that did not favour it before releasing those documents showing that the money was actually paid to a designated account in the CBN. The implica-

tion of this is that the PPPRA deliberately withheld some vital documents, ostensibly to embarrass NEITI. Otherwise, why were documents relating to this over-recovery withheld initially?

We are not persuaded by Reginald Stanley, PPPRA executive secretary’s claim that the report was not signed off by the agency’s management. How can the agency sign off an audit that, ab initio, it wanted to frustrate? What the report did was to merely query the shortfall between what was paid and what government received and that ought not to have led to any bickering. The truth is that the PPPRA and other aggrieved oil and gas concerns should take the NEITI audit in good faith.

We are deeply concerned about the unabated institutional rot and gargantuan thefts that have become routine in the oil sector. The country needs more of such outfits like NEITI to restore reasonable sanity and accountability to the oil and gas industry. The PPPRA outburst is uncalled-for. After all, NEITI had indicted other big oil companies in the past. For example, its audit in 2008 indicted Mobil Oil for owing $83.28 million in Education Tax. But for NEITI’s whistle blowing, the Federal Government would not have so far recovered about $2 billion debt owed it by oil firms operating in the country.

The battle for financial transparency in the oil sector is in the country’s interest. What NEITI is doing will go a long way in reducing money being lost to private pockets in that important sector.

Striking at Syria without a strategy •A response to Assad is needed but it still carries risks

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OR the past ten days the US, Britain and France have pressed ahead with plans for military action against the Assad regime in Syria. They are right to respond with concern at evidence of a major chemical weapons attack on civilians in Damascus last week.

Use of these weapons is abhorrent. The attack risks normalising chemical warfare in future. A response from the world is urgently needed.

That said, it has always been incumbent on the US and the UK – especially after the debacle over their invasion of Iraq ten years ago – to address three concerns ahead of any military action. They need to make every effort to establish evidence of last week’s attack and the Assad regime’s culpability. They must spell out the legal basis for military action.

And they must explain what the strategic goal of a missile strike on Syria would be.

UK intelligence chiefs believe it is “highly likely” that the Assad regime conducted last week’s attack. But this judgment still leaves room for questioning. Ed Miliband, Britain’s Labour leader, was therefore right to insist there could be no parliamentary vote to back military action until UN inspectors have completed their work in Damascus at the weekend. How Mr Miliband will emerge from this frenzied saga at Westminster is unclear. But after Iraq, it would have been a gross spectacle for British politicians to rush into conflict before UN inspectors had finished their work.

On the legal issue, Britain’s arguments still lack detail. The UK says it can act outside the UN, citing the “doctrine of humanitarian intervention”. The UK should have cited the conventions on which it is invoking this contested doctrine of foreign policy.

However, it is the strategic rationale for the impending strike that is most alarming.

The west plans a 48-hour “short, sharp” bombardment. Military chiefs in the US and UK wonder what this is designed to achieve. The history of quick US strikes in the Middle East, from Lebanon to Libya and Iraq, is hardly reassuring. It might be futile against a battlehardened regime. Conversely, it may trigger a wider war if Syria retaliates or the wrong targets are struck.

The west is still casting around for a strategy on Syria. It would be more convincing if the impending missile strikes were designed to tip the Syrian battlefield towards the rebels, forcing the Assad regime into peace talks.

Instead, we may be about to witness a “feelgood operation” that flirts with what military planners call the law of unintended consequences.

– Financial Times

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The Suntai dance of shame has since thrown up a host of commentaries, a congregation of views, and a line-up of various legal and political combatants, all arrayed on either side of the conversational divide. The people of Taraba, who ordinarily should be the main issue, are shut out of the conversation, condemned to the sideline, where they have always been.

It is needless excavating how Governor Danbaba Suntai came to find himself in this mess. Our concern therefore would be restricted to the events since Sunday, August 25, when Gov. Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State arrived aboard a chartered aircraft, after 10 months of medical treatment abroad following his October 25, 2012 plane crash.

Then the governor appeared from the aircraft and the whole story was told. A certain hand appeared to have been raised by the ailing governor, who from close observation looked like a man staring absentmindedly, and then the said hand came down. That was all, and the man was whisked away, perhaps to rescue whatever was left of the whole arrangement from collapsing totally into tiny irretrievable pieces. Since then, its been one shenanigan after the other. A strange letter was later followed by a strange video, while Taraba State remained in the vice-like grip of desperate power merchants, who would do anything to survive.

Having noted the solidarity of the Governor’s supporters, and the energy with which they have pursued their cause, the constitutionality or otherwise of Gov. Danbaba Suntai’s purported return to office via a letter, has been the biggest issue in

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The Suntai dance of shame

the entire drama. Again the Constitutional Jurisprudence of our democracy is being invoked, as the Daniel that must necessarily and with alacrity come to judge, if we are to make some sense of out of something that should be a matter of simple commonsense.

Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) As Amended, provides that, “Whenever the Governor transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration to the contrary such functions

shall be discharged by the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor.”

Suntai fulfilled the first part of this provision, when he was about to leave for medical treatment abroad about 10 months ago. To this extent, the reasonable expectation would have been for the other part to follow, the moment the encumbrance which occasioned his sending-in the first letter to the House of Assembly is discharged. The big question is, has that encumbrance being discharged?

Proponents of the ailing Governor and legal minds alike have argued that since the Governor has fulfilled the second part of Section 190, which simply requests him to

transmit a letter to the Speaker, that is all that is required of him, and the Constitution simply asks for no more.

It is my submission that Section 190 of the Constitution, is not created to simply be an avenue of exchange of letters, or differently put, as a sort of letter-writing exercise.

Every provision of the Constitution, by way of interpretation, has both the connotative import and the denotative intention. Under Section 190, it is the phrase, “Unable to discharge the functions of his office”, that necessarily precedes the transmitting of a letter, without which; there would have been no need to transmit a letter in the first place.

IR: I congratulate the All Progressives Congress (APC) on its highly laudable manifesto. If faithfully implemented, and I have no doubt, it will make Nigeria a real republic- i.e. what belongs to the people, and not what has been shared among some privileged individuals as we have it now.

A prominent member of the APC and former Senate Majority Whip, Senator Mahmud Kanti Bello, is quoted as saying that zoning, which I understand to mean rota-

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tional presidency in particular, is not in the APC constitution. He said “It is part of PDP’s previous constitution, because President Jonathan kicked against it, and he is the leader of the party, and that is one of the reasons why I disagreed with him”. I am making a passionate case for zoning, generally, and for rotational presidency, particularly, as good for order, equity, and stability.

The APC’s constitution, according to Bello, provides for “something we call fairness”, in place of

zoning, “but most importantly, there must be capability, credibility and somebody who can do the job.”

I make bold to say that each of our six zones is bigger than some countries around the world, and so, we only need to insist on the quality of persons we want, but there is no doubt each zone has it. If you leave the issue of zoning hanging on “we will be fair”, the chances are that one Goodluck Jonathan or another will emerge one day and say, “It is not in our constitution”,

ones that had earlier paid for the new stalls were skipped in the exercise.

These unlucky traders are now in a fix as they cannot go back to their old stalls nor take up the new ones they had already paid for.

Indeed, most of the stalls were relocated to other individuals who are neither traders nor have any business to do with trading as they are mostly civil servants.

The question now is, was there no proper documentation by the local government as regards return of ownership to the bona fide traders?

Under normal circumstances, names, passport sized photographs and other requirements of the traders ought to have been taken by the department in charge of the exercise in order to make sure that the allotment did not shift to wrong hands.

This unfair treatment to these traders, if not reversed would definitely render their lives hopeless as their only means of livelihood has been completely halted. Against this backdrop, I earnestly call on the Oyigbo local government chairman, Honorable Uche Nweke to intervene

in this crucial matter by reviewing the allotment process in order to give the displaced traders value for their money and a sense of belonging.

Allotting stalls to civil servants who are non-traders is very unfair and not in consonance with justice, equity and good conscience. Please come to their rescue for the Almighty God will never hold those responsible for this heinous act guiltless

APC should consider rotational presidency

Unfair allotment of stalls at Rivers’ Eke Oyigbo market

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IR: Traders in Oyigbo market in Oyigbo local government area of Rivers State have been relocated to a new two-storey building plaza built by the local government. Before the relocation exercise, traders were jubilating that their agelong dream of leaving their old haphazardly built dwarf stalls that did not give enough room for display of their wares for a more spacious accommodation has come true.

Unfortunately their joy may have been short lived as most of the traders, especially the not too buoyant

Flowing from this, the necessary wisdom that cascades to the end of this provision is that another letter cannot be transmitted to the Speaker by the Governor, stating his intention to return to office, if the encumbrance that made him unable to discharge the functions of his office at the time he transmitted the first letter still subsists.

Simply put, the letters of the provision of Section 190 is that which deals with the procedure for transmitting of the letter signifying the Governor’s request to return to office, however, the spirit of that provision, which is more potent than its letters, and which captures the whole essence of the provision, is one that runs with a deeper expectation that such a letter is ONLY transmitted when the Governor is not only seen, but is manifestly seen to be able to discharge the functions of his office.

• Olusola Adegbite, Esq. Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

• Nkemakolam Gabriel Port Harcourt

and crisis begins all over again!

Even such positions as the Governor of the Central Bank can be zoned, unless it is subject to seniority succession. To safeguard the possibility that a zone at a particular point in time may lack such an expert, which I doubt, the constitution can provide for position swapping. But the issue of order and equity are fundamental to the wellbeing of a society. APC should help stabilize Nigeria beyond 2015, to leave an enduring legacy. To make zoning juridical, it has to be in the constitution; a rigorous and detailed constitution is important for guidance and judicial purposes.

The former Governor of Kaduna State and current chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, is quoted as urging ”old politicians to quit the political stage for the younger generation”. We don’t ask our elders to quit the stage when they can still dance; we dance together and learn more from them.

Does Makarfi have personal oil wells to protect, or the same chopI-chop syndrome?

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

COMMENTS “Hundreds of pregnant women, alive at sunset last night, never saw sunrise this morning. Some died in labour, their pelvic bones too small and distorted by malnutrition in childhood to allow free passage of the infants. Some died on the table of an unskilled abortionist trying to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Others died in the painful convulsions eclampsia, too young to bear children in the first place and never seen for antenatal care…” H. Nakajima DG, WHO – 1990

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NE of the worrisome challenges facing girl child education in most developing world is adolescent pregnancy either following casual unprotected sexual intercourse or as part of her marital responsibilities when she is married off too early in life for various reasons. There are several controversies trailing child marriage and one of such is the issue of consent of the “would-be” bride. Some have argued that child marriage is tantamount to “forced marriage” while others have stated other reasons such as culture, religion and others to make case for it. Recently during the constitutional review debate by the National Assembly where the issue of citizenship was being discussed, an argument ensued about minimum age to take such a decision and there was a digression to minimum age of marriage. This issue which has been repeatedly denied by the leadership of National Assembly that the discussion is about citizenship but not child marriage has drawn local, national and international attention with each group trying to justify her position. It is imperative that Nigerian public consider her decision holistically by not taking matrimonial responsibility as procreation alone.

Transformation of a child to adult entails physical, emotional and social well-being and it therefore behoves that Nigerian leadership and her citizens take cognisant of all these before benchmarking any particular age as a ripe age for marriage. Medical consequences of child marriage which is often described as “Teenage marriage” in medical literature should also be considered before a far-reaching decision is taken on this popular discourse. According to the World Health Organisation, any girl given out in marriage and consequent child bearing at age of 18 years and below is considered child marriage and pregnancy emanating from such is termed Teenage pregnancy or Adolescent pregnancy. This decision is borne out of compelling evidence that ladies that are pregnant at this age are often faced with myriads of avoidable medical problems, which could endanger their life and sometimes increase their risk of dying when compared to other age group.

In general, it is estimated that there over 100 million teenage pregnancy worldwide. Asia and Africa account for about 48 and 42 percent respectively. In Nigeria, the 2008 demographic health survey also shows a high prevalence of teenage pregnancy with regional variation. Evidence is replete that teenage pregnancy is associated with poverty, low educational level, high maternal morbidity and mortality.

Teenage pregnancy is regarded as high risk because of the complications that may occur during the pregnancy, childbirth, and/ or in the postpartum period. The associated haz-

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HERE is a sense in which talking about so subtle and impalpable a thing as a party’s “tone” is almost self-defeating. If a tone must be adopted selfconsciously, rather than simply growing spontaneously out of the nature of the movement and the character of its supporters, it runs the risk of being spurious and counterproductive.

But everything about a political development as large as the APC mega party has the potential of becoming very important, and deserves the best thought we can give it. Trying then, to avoid phoniness, what qualities are reasonable to hope the All Progressive Congress may display?

Since it is by definition an attempt to express the views of a nationwide coalition, surely one of the most important attributes of the mega party should be its readiness to cast its net wide and to co-opt, like the defunct ACN, CPC and ANPP parties before it, issues that concern important blocs of voters.

No doubt, APC has and will probably retain a firm grip on the political allegiance of the youths of this country if and when the party continue to maintain its engagement with the youths as a strategic imperative to meet the challenges of prioritizing human development in health and education among other lists of challenges as rolled out in the party’s 31- page manifesto unveiled by its leadership and elders few days ago.

The APC may, of course, be more fortunate or alternatively, less so. But if its leaders keep constantly in mind the great strategic objective of replacing the PDP with this newly formed broad-based and essentially progressive/liberal coalition, the future unquestionably belongs to the new party. And that is fortunate; for if democracy does, after all, have a future in Nigeria this 21st Century, let alone what follows it, only the forces and principles represented in the great coalition have a serious chance of realizing that future and protecting it.

Several years after Chief Obafemi Awolowo formally declared this Nigerian progressive merger proposition, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu restated it still more broadly and emphatically. It now behoves on Nigerian people to advance along the highway of Nigeria’s progressive party amalgamation, which is the alternative choice of Nigerian electorates. The electioneering contest in Nigeria is not the concern of a day, a year or an age. Posterity is virtually involved in the contest, and will be more or less affected even to the end of time by the proceeding that

Still on child marriage debate

By Femi Akinwumi & Imran Morhason-Bello ards of this practice on the teenage girls and their infants are numerous and often lead to life-long debility, social implications, psychological trauma and death.

Elevation of blood pressure in pregnancy is a very common problem among adolescents in pregnancy and it is referred to as Pregnancy induced hypertension. Progression to convulsion (eclampsia) with fatal outcome has been attributed to a poor attitude of not seeking care during pregnancy and deficient capacity to manage this challenging medical condition in many rural communities in Nigeria. Most pregnant teenagers do not want to be seen in antenatal clinic and they therefore seek help elsewhere where capacity to manage their health problems is deficient. Case fatality is higher in region where the practice of teenage pregnancy is higher.

The burden of anaemia and malaria infection during pregnancy is higher among teenage pregnancy than other age group. The risk of anaemia in pregnancy is far greater because the young mother’s body has to compete for nourishment with foetus thus causing a rapid depletion of the nutrient reserves. In addition, this population of young mothers is not empowered to eat balanced diet that will boost the red blood cell level. First time pregnant women to which these adolescents belong, have been found to be more vulnerable to malaria infection largely due to decreased level of immunity in pregnancy. The consequent effects of these two conditions include failure of the foetus to grow as expected, preterm labour, low birth weight baby, still birth and in very severe cases, death of the mother can ensue.

Another serious risk associated with teenage pregnancy is the high propensity to developing cephalo-pelvic disproportion (CPD) in labour resulting in mechanical obstruction due to immature pelvic bones of the birth canal. This is higher among young under-16 years and short below-1.52m adolescents. A contracted pelvis has severe untold consequences on the health of the young mother and her baby. In Nigeria where only about a third have access to skilled birth attendant, most obstructed labour are not detected in time and this results into several complications such as infection, stillbirth, rupture of her womb and death. This is one of key cause of prolonged obstructed labour in the country.

The rate of operative deliveries including caesarean operations is higher among teenage pregnant mothers than adult healthy pregnant women population. Caesarean section, though relatively safe when performed by competent medical practitioner, its attendant complications, the cost of the procedure, socio-cultural beliefs including aversion for it, and lack of emergency obstetric care services in rural areas are some of the factors that can debar access. This is a reality

in Nigeria today.

Obstetric fistula (a condition where women pass urine or faeces through there vagina uncontrollably as a result of abnormal connection from the bladder and /or the rectum to the vagina) is a socially distressing condition. Many of the women with any of the two types: Vesico-Vaginal Fistula and Recto-Vaginal Fistula are made objects of derision and often ostracized from their community. It occurs commonly following prolonged obstructed labour from the young, immature and malnourished women. Huge resources are voted to curb this avoidable menace.

Adolescent pregnant women tend to have a higher maternal mortality rate than those in older age group. The risk of dying from pregnancy related causes is twice higher for women aged 15-19 years than as for women in their early twenties and worst still, the risk increases to five times amongst those aged 10-14 years. This has been adduced to lower socio-economic status, low educational level, lack of antenatal care attendance and obstetric care services among the pregnant adolescents. The risk of death is unequally higher among teenage pregnant mothers living in the rural areas compared to their peers in urban areas.

The socio-economic implication of teenage pregnancy is enormous. The cost of managing them is far higher than other older age group and management should be offered in specialised centres with drain of facility resources. Also, teenage pregnancy is associated with poor educational advancement, poverty, and other related factors.

The dangers of teenage pregnancy in our society can be overcome when we put in place programmes and policies that will complement values that will proactively discourage teenagers from getting pregnant with possible attendant complications. There is need for genuine efforts from parents, government agencies and NGOs to promote education of the girl child, most importantly in the North where many parents viewed educational investment on the girl child as a waste. Rather than blaming our political leaders, Nigerians should actively engage them constructively before critical decisions are taken which could have far reaching implication on the citizenry. Traditional, faith based organisations, and opinion leaders, human right organisations, civil societies, women organisations and others should engage the political leaders at their ward, local governments and states so that the right decision could be taken for the future leaders of this country.

• Dr. Akinwumi is a Resident doctor at the Department of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, while Dr. Morhason-Bello is an honorary Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Dominant tone of APC By: M. Ade. Shoyebo goes on now. Now is the seed-time of the progressives.

The least fracture now will be like a name engraved with the point of a pin on the tender rind of a young oak, the wound will enlarge with the tree; and posterity will read it in full grown characters.

By unveiling the manifesto of the party with the clear cut eight-point agenda that will propel this nation to greatness, the situation of the Nigerian nation will surely change for better. Geographically, Nigeria sits on the throne of African continent. Her history is that of the evolution of a distinct, separate, and independent people. The APC’s mission therefore, should be the creation of a new breed of patriots and to present to the citizens the example of the happiness and well-being which comes from progressive, self-disciplined liberty. This is the faith of our genuine patriots that founded APC. By that faith, ought we not to abide? The Nigerian nation, the supreme love of our hearts, the highest object of our effort and our thought- the Nigerian nation free of hand and unchained of foot, matching steadily onward toward the destiny to which it is entitled by the reason of its place on the African continent the genius of its people, and its orderly institutions of freedom.

At this crucial moment of the nation’s political evolution, it is reasonable to expect that opportunity to perform a service for our country, in a purely idealistic spirit, may at last attract into politics and into candidacy of the APC, men and women of sound judgement and mature years who were never able to bring themselves to participate in the strife-ridden, self-seeking and often blatantly corrupt practices that characterize so much political activity of the ruling PDP in Nigeria today.

To this end, since the ultimate objective of APC is to replace the moribund Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the central government in Abuja and in all the states governed by the PDP altogether, it must be made as easy as humanly possible for the Liberal/Progressive elements in the midst of PDP to move into APC without appreciable loss of status or other disadvantage. This will require great political diplomacy and probably some sac-

rifice all around, but it will be eminently worth it in the long run.

If I may intrude here a purely personal note, I go so far as to hope that the All Progressive Congress (APC) might be fun to belong to, and a down right pleasure to vote for.

Where is the music that once played so large a part in our politics; the pulse, pounding, rhythms, the popular tunes that can often communicate so much more effectively than words?

And why not hope for a reasonable amount of humour as well? Frivolousness would be a mistake; the problems facing this country are much too serious for that. But the kind of unforced good humour that clearly implies we do not take our individual selves too seriously, and that we respect the sincerity of our critics, is wonderfully disarming, and shared laughter is often better food for the soul than the most solemn speech- or even a 10-point programme.

• Engr. Shoyebo, an author writes from Lagos.

‘At this crucial moment of the nation’s political evolution, it is reasonable to expect that opportunity to perform a service for our country, in a purely idealistic spirit, may at last attract into politics and into candidacy of the APC, men and women of sound judgement and mature years who were never able to bring themselves to participate in the strife-ridden, self-seeking and often blatantly corrupt practices that characterize so much political activity of the ruling PDP in Nigeria today’

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 , 2013

22

COMMENTS

L

AST week’s query to the Chairman of the National Population Commission NPC, Festus Odimegwu, over his observations on the 2006 census, has again elevated the controversy over previous headcounts to the vortex of public opinion. Odimegwu had spoken variously on the flaws of previous census exercises especially that of 2006 which he classified as largely unreliable for planning purposes.

When officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC visited to demand certified data for the various localities to aid them in constituency delimitation, he had told them some of the enumeration areas do not exist in reality as people bought them in the same manner politicians buy ballot papers during elections to gain advantage.

At other times, he had lamented that the nation had run on this falsehood for a long time with a promise to conduct a very credible and reliable census in line with international best practices.

A new dimension was however, added to the matter when Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, raised a strong protest to President Jonathan on the propriety of the appointment of Odimegwu demanding his sack. He anchored his views on the claim that the appointment was a mistake in the first place because Odimegwu’s curriculum vitae showed he worked in the alcoholic industry all his life.

Kwankwaso feels with this background, he must be taking a lot of his product and therefore not qualified for the job.

He also contended that it is wrong for the NPC boss to be attacking what his predecessor did and that if the 2006 census was faulty, he now has an opportunity to correct it.

Coming soon after Kwankwaso’s diatribe, there is every reason to believe that the query to Odimegwu was the predictable outcome of the Kano State governor’s protest.

Must we continue to pander to the whims and caprices of those averse to new approaches to old problems? Can Jonathan afford to trivialize the compelling imperative for a reliable census devoid of the manipulations of the past?

A

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Between Kwankwaso and Odimegwu If there is any wrong by the NPC boss in the instant case, it is his seeming indiscretion in speaking publicly on the sensitive matter especially in his present capacity. That however, is not an excuse for Kwankwaso to disparage and hurl insults on him in the manner he did.

Kwankwaso has no business with the eligibility of Odimegwu for the post as his opinion on the matter is of no consequence. He was only challenging the competence of the president in making that appointment. Kwankwaso, arrogating the campaign for Odimegwu’s removal to himself bandying warped and banal arguments is not for nothing. He may have a point in his contention that Odimegwu now has an opportunity to correct whatever flaws there might have been in the 2006 census. That can be conceded him especially given the type of bureaucracy we run in this country that permits little openness in public affairs.

But what is wrong with the fact that Odimegwu pointed out these anomalies especially if they tally with subsisting realities? The issue is not about discrediting a predecessor.

Neither is it an attempt to cast aspersions on a section of the country. It is a patriotic duty of calling attention to some of the systemic dysfunctions that have overtime stood on the way to national progress and development. If the 2006 census and those before it were flawed, there is no use sand papering the matter.

The credibility of those who presided over them is irretrievably tied to the success or failure of those exercises.

Kwankwaso trivialized his case when he

T last, Kogi, a state blessed with agricultural, mining, industry and tourism potentials, yet rated among the poorest in the country, is on the verge of getting it right as an investors’ haven. Created August 27, 1991, Kogi is ranked 13th most populated in Nigeria. The state is richly endowed in natural and human resources and has the potentials of the food basket of the nation and also a tourist destination.

According to a report published by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in 2009, Nigeria has commercial deposits of a total of 37 minerals, up from 33 minerals in 2008.

Kogi State has deposits of a total of 29 mineral resources available in commercial quantities. These include coal, dolomite, feldspar, bauxite, iron ore, tar, limestone, gold, tantalite etc. Each of the 21 councils in the state is said to have deposits of at least two minerals. The Okaba district of Ankpa Local Council alone holds reserves of 99 million tones of coal.

The report states that Kogi State has enough deposits of coal to supply all of Nigeria with electricity for 400 years. Its limestone deposit would keep three giant-sized cement factories (with over 15m tons annual capacity) operational for an unbroken stretch of 99 years.

The state capital, Lokoja hosts historical relics and geographical monuments, notably the museum of old European commercial activities and the confluence of River Niger and River Benue.

Despite the amazing depth of human and mineral resource and tourism endowment, Kogi State had, over the years, placed last in all Nigeria’s social and economic indices.

Determined to rewrite Kogi’s story, Governor Idris Wada, on assumption of office in January, 2012, raised a think-tank comprising illustrious sons and daughters of the state, to prepare a development blueprint for his government. While it has been tough adhering to the spirit and letter of the blueprint in the face of challenges, suffice it to say the administration is not too far away from the blueprint.

Undaunted by the several months of election related litigations, Wada traversed Nigeria and foreign countries, while his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi ran errands on the domestic scene.

Eighteen months in the saddle, there are sufficient signals to suggest that Wada has made haste slowly as the seeds of the benefits of his silent trips overseas and outside the shores of the state are beginning to germinate. Kogi is presently undergoing an agricultural and industrial transformation made possible through the influx of foreign investors. The result is that, Kogi now plays the role of a catalyst, culminating into the signing of about 12 memoranda of understanding running into billions of Naira.

The attraction of foreign partners into the state’s economy is driven by the political will of Capt Wada to create an enabling environment for business to thrive. Leading the pack is a consortium of investors from Saudi Arabia, including the

sought to portray Odimegwu’s experience in the brewing industry as evidence of his non qualification for the job. He also descended to smear campaign unbefitting of his position by his tendentious statement that the NPC boss as a brewer, must be taking a lot of his products. Such a statement is demeaning of a person of Kwankwaso’s status and exposes the bitterness in him over the census matter. It is not for nothing that he has found willing allies in the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF. But that is besides the issue. The 1973 census was highly disputed and inconclusive. So also were those of 1991 and 2006. No less a person than late Chief Obafemi Awolowo vehemently faulted the 1973 provisional census figures as unreliable and called on the then Supreme Military Council to totally reject them.

He had argued that not only was the overall census figure at variance with UNESCO projections, a situation in which the population of the North-east and Kano State were almost equal to that of the south put together was not acceptable.

The same flaws identified in the 1973 census were replicated in 1991 and 2006. Kano State posted a population of 5.8 million and 9.4million respectively in the 1991 and 2006 census as against that of Lagos which stood at 5.7 million and 9.1 million even after Jigawa State had been carved out of Kano. The population of Jigawa in 1991 and 2006 was put at 2.8 million and 4.3 million respectively.

Lagos State was so distressed by this outcome that it not only challenged the 2006 cen-

sus but went ahead to conduct its own independent headcount which came out with a population of 17.5 million people. Besides, some local governments across the country have successfully challenged the figures credited to them on the 2006 census at the census tribunals.

The point here is that all these censuses have before now, been largely faulted and challenged.

And each time this happens, accusing fingers are pointed in the direction of the north for obvious reasons. There is practically nothing new in the issues raised by Odimegwu except perhaps, this is the first time somebody who should know has owned up to the subsisting reality.

And we want to cut off his head for admitting the obvious? That is the problem with this country and that is why no real progress can be made until we come out of this deceit.

Col. Tony Nyiam rtd, one of the prime movers of the Gideon Orkar military action as he would call it, admitted the manipulation of past censuses in a recent interview. He said the three priorities of his group had they succeeded were: to conduct a proper national census, organize a national conference and conduct free and fair elections. These nagging issues are still with us till date. He said, if we know what the Nigerian population is “over 40 per cent of the constituencies in the North-west and North-east would not exist”. He is not alone in this assessment.

And my guess is that the tirade against Odimegwu has its root in this raging perception.

It can now be understood why Kwankwaso and the ACF are leading the crusade for Odimegwu’s removal. It is all routed in selfish interests. But should Jonathan succumb to this blackmail aimed at perpetuating the decadent past or allow the satellite or aerial imagery in population counting which the NPC has promised? Must we continue to pander to the whims and caprices of those averse to new approaches to old problems? Can Jonathan afford to trivialize the compelling imperative for a reliable census devoid of the manipulations of the past?

These are the real issues to ponder and not the hot air from the likes of Kwankwaso. Accurate national census is much more important to the peace, progress and unity of this country than the energy dissipated on the 2015 controversy.

Jonathan owes it a duty to redress extant structural inequities in this country through a census that is in tandem with international best practices. That is the issue that should concern us most and not the vile agitation to have Odimegwu removed.

Kogi at 22: Moving forward

By Ralph Agbana and Mike Abu Alkatani Group, a Saudi family business with 73 years experiences in oil and gas, steel plant development and pipeline, led by its Vice Chairman, Sheik Sallah Alkatani.

The partnership seeks dual advantage in terms of direct and indirect employment and to ensure that the lean funds accruing to the state from the federation account are channelled for other developmental purposes. The investors on their part are guaranteed healthy returns on their investments.

In all of the MoUs signed by the state government, what it has done is to capitalize its land and its content in a “use it or loose it basis” under which the state is allotted a percentage of equity. Aside incentives as tax holidays, access to land with necessary titles, the state also facilitates exploration of minerals through the necessary federal agencies as support to investors.

The creation of an Investment Promotion Desk by the state government, a one-stop shop for information and detailed discussions, serves as an investment maternity ward for the safe delivery of investment projects in the state.

Towards ensuring the development of the state’s agriculture and industrial sector, the Wada-led administration, entered into partnership with Ostertrade Engineering and Manufacturing and DPP International APS to develop 6000 hectares of cassava farm and to process it to native and modified cassava starch. The project has an equity investment of US$650 million realisable within 18 months by all parties. The project also has a high net worth with a return on investment of 27 per cent and a pay back period of less than four years. It is also capable of generating thousands of employment in the area of its location.

The partnership with Espera Global Limited in commercial agricultural and agro-industrial investments, which operates on a Project Model called Strategic Fast Tract Agricultural Development System, seeks to invest up to US$650 million on 25,000 hectares of land. Aside the backward integration advantage to the state, the state also enjoys 15 percent share of the project while employment would be created in agriculture infrastructure and social services.

The Chelsea Group plans to establish agriculture and ethanol plant and other associated Industries in Ilama Community in Dekina Local Government Area. The project is a US$300 million investment. It has an equity structure of 85 percent and 15 percent for the partner and state government respectively and will occupy a land mass of 10,000 hectares.

Favic Construction Company seeks to exploit the immense location of economic advantage of Kogi State as a transportation hub. On the average, vehicles from 22 states pass through the capital daily.

A Mechanic and Spare Part Market in Lokoja, is to be sited on a minimum of 10 hectares of land. The facility which will have an international hotel, car park that will take at least 200 vehicles, a bank, Open Court Restaurants, and Rest Rooms is structured on the basis of 75 percent and 25 percent for the investor and the state, respectively.

Towards providing mass housing scheme, the state entered into a partnership with Light House Financial Services Limited to build 1500 houses of various categories for it citizens to be located in Lokoja; those for other urban towns would be prosecuted in phases.

The importance of power in driving socio-economic development of the state made the administration to sign a MoU with Good Earth Power Nig. Ltd and Astra Coal Nig. Ltd. The companies aside investing in housing, agriculture, infrastructure and power plants, would utilize the abundant coal deposits to generate the much needed electricity for the country.

Astra Agriculture Resources Ltd intends to establish a rice farm and mill at Ibaji. Infrastructures such as health centres, schools, roads, water and electricity would be provided by the investor as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

Through the Kogi investment and properties Limited, a joint agreement with Kiabo Engineering Group Holding Limited of Hong Kong to Design, Construct and Operate an -storey hotel and offices to be known as Kogi House is yet another brilliant initiative of the Capt Wada administration. The project which would be located in the central business area of Abuja would see the State enjoy 80 percent equity participation in the venture which spans a period of 30 years.

With the future of the nation closely tied to agricultural promotion, the state massive investment in agriculture especially in sugar through the establishment of a 50 hectares cane sugar seed nursery, is geared towards enabling the planting of 1000 hectare of sugar cane in about a year, an investment anchored by BUA Sugar, Dangote Sugar and Unikem Sugar companies. The trio, planning to set up sugar plantation and refining facilities in the state, it is hoped, would help form the bulwark for the realization of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

Without mincing words, the friendly environment created by the Idris Wada administration, the state’s abundant potentials in agriculture, mining, tourism, human capital development as well as its strategic location is making it to presently undergo an agricultural and industrial revolution. *Agbana and Abu are both media aides in the Governor’s Office, Lokoja.

25

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

JOBS

‘Nigeria’s wealth lies in agric’ -P. 28 News Briefing ‘Textile grants create 25,000 jobs’ ABOUT 25,000 jobs have been created in the last few months through the Textile and Garment Intervention Fund, the General Manager, Operation, Bank of Industry (BoI) Joseph Babatunde has said.

- Page 26

Why cooking gas is scarce DESPITE the resolution of the crisis over payment of service charges between the Nigerian Liquifield and Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the scarcity of the Liquifield Petroleum Gas (LPG) also known as cooking gas still persists.

- Page 26

HE Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has explained why the 20 per cent stabilisation fund cannot be kept in the country.

Its Vice President, Infrastructure, Markets and Investments, Obinna Ihedioha, told The Nation that the reason for warehousing the fund with investment banks, “is to make savings for government for a rainy day and to stabilise the economy in times of economic stress”.

He explained that the fund “has to be made safe”, sug-

Editor), Abuja

gesting that keeping the fund in-country might be improper.

Ihedioha insisted that the fund cannot be kept at home because it is an intervention currency that is denominated in dollars, adding that it will start out as outsourced and transitioned to in-house managers over time.

The three banks - Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and UBS

• Capital base may hit N200m

By Collins Nweze

- Page 40

DATA STREAM

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

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst.

Finance houses’ reforms may end in October

THE Federal Government is owing insurance firms N24 billion premium while it has paid N669 billion to banks as interest in one year, the Managing Director Cornerstone Insurance Plc Mr Ganiyu Musa said.

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N12.1 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion

Plant engineers’due season - Pg 37

Why SWF Stabilisation fund was not kept in Nigeria, by NSIA chief T

Fed Govt owes N24b premium

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

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

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

T

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) may con clude the ongoing reforms in the Finance Houses’ subsector in October, The Nation has learnt.

Findings showed that the regulator is likely to fix the subsector’s minimum capital base at N200 million, from N20 million, about 180 per cent increase.

Executive Secretary, Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN) Ben Nwokike said operators and investors were awaiting the completion of the reforms which started last year.

He said both local and foreign investors were willing to recapitalise and invest in

some of the ailing finance houses but for the CBN guideline.

He explained that unlike banks, finance firms are not allowed to accept deposits.

This means they can only source funds from shareholders, private equity companies, development finance institutions and other institutional investors.

Nwokike said the reforms are being hindered by government bureaucracies. He said there are some investors who have carried out due diligence on some of the finance houses but cannot move in funds because the regulation in the sub-sector remains unclear.

He said the new capital base for the subsector remains a critical factor that investors want to be acquainted with before staking their funds, adding that this would ensure that only seriously minded operators were allowed to carry on businesses.

Findings also showed that other policy issues such as the criteria for the appointment of managing directors would form part of the reforms.

Naira rebounds after CBN’s intervention

N

IGERIA’S naira surged the most in almost two years as Standard Bank Group Limited (SBK) said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold dollars directly to the market to lift the currency from a year-low.

The CBN intervened last week to calm the market and signal that it will protect the exchange rate, Samir Gadio, a London-based emergingmarkets strategist at Standard

Bank, said in an e-mailed reply to questions today. “Additionally, there was also an Open Market Operations auction for the first time in several weeks to mop up excess liquidity.”

The currency jumped 2.4 per cent to N159.80 per dollar, its biggest increase since October 2011 on a closing basis. The advance saw the naira rebound to a monthly gain of 0.6 per cent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

- will invest the fund “in liquid market that is considered secure and they will target short duration assets, relatively low risk investment grade assets, he said,” adding that the banks were chosen because “they are more credible, gave the best rate and best options for managing the funds. These banks have track records and they did not go down during the economic melt down,” he added.

He reiterated that StabicIBTC will be the local custodian along with JP Morgan, which was selected because it has over $23 trillion in its kitty and it is also a custodian to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Ihedioha spoke on the heels of criticisms that trailed NSIA’s decision on the matter.

Experts said the funds would strengthen other economies at the expense of our own.

They cited UBS AG (UBSN), Switzerland’s largest bank, which agreed to pay $885 million last month to settle claims that it misrepresented the quality of the loans backing $4.5 billion in residential mortgage bonds sponsored

by UBS and $1.8 billion of third-party mortgage bonds sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the United States.

According to NSIA, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., “is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institu-

tions, governments and highnet-worth individuals.”

Credit Suisse AG is a global leading financial services provider and is part of the Credit Suisse group which operates in over 50 countries and employs about 46,900 staff.

UBS has a 150-year heritage serving private, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland.

It is has offices in more than 50 countries, with about 35 per cent of its employees working in the Americas, 36 per cent in Switzerland, 17 per cent in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 12 per cent in Asia Pacific.

UBS employs about 62,000 staff.

The banks are expected to invest the fund in a product mix of US treasury bills, investment in grade corporate bonds, BBB rating and above in short durations to minimise interest rate risks.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

26

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

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LAGOS – 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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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

• From left: Head, Main Board, Listings Sales & Retention, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mrs Cynthia Akpomudiare; Doyen, Sam Willie Ndata; Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo; Group Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil Plc, Mr Akin Akinfemiwa; Group Chief Financial Officer, Forte Oil Plc, Mr Julius Owodayo-Owotuga; Head, Human Resources, Mr Oludare Arinde; Company Secretary, Akinleye Olagbende and Head, Operations, Forte Oil Plc, Mr Olatunji Rabiu at the Facts Behind the Figures presentation at the NSE in Lagos.

‘Textile grants create 25,000 jobs’

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BOUT 25,000 jobs have been created in the last few months through the Textile and Garment Intervention Fund, the General Manager, Operation, Bank of Industry (BoI) Joseph Babatunde has said.

He told The Nation that about 52 textile firms that were closed for many years have been revived through the grants, adding that these firms were able to meet the bank’s requirements to access the facility.

He said the revival scheme has started yielding results as it has revived some other jobs that were lost as a result of the closure. “So far, 52 firms have benefited from the fund and this has gone a long way in revitalising some of the textile firms that had closed down,” he said.

Babatunde said over 60 per cent of the N100billion Textile Revival Fund being managed by the bank has been

By Toba Agboola

disbursed, raising the hope that the once vibrant sector will soon bounce back.

He said the scope of the fund has also been extended to cover manufacturing in the sector, including garments, cotton production, spinning, processing and printing, adding that the fund has also sustained some textile businesses which otherwise would have been closed by now.

On how the funds could be accessed by operators, he said: “You don’t need insider connection. The entrepreneur should have a well-packaged bankable proposal before seeking funding from the bank. The bank insists on collateral for big loans because the money is not free. It belongs to Nigerians. And if you don’t pay back, we will use the collateral to recover the loan.”

He said the industry is bouncing

back, adding that Nigeria, like other African countries, is facing challenges of infrastructure deficit.

“By the time we address the challenges of infrastructure such as power and transportation, you will see the rate at which we will be moving.

“The railways have started, and government is also addressing power, so in a no distance future, we will start seeing the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) fully back in place and moving.

“Majority of the SMEs face challenges in their quest to secure loans for their businesses because many of them approach the bank not equipped with the necessary information required to enable them secure the loans while others do not know the mandate and limit of the bank,” he said.

On the recapitalisation of the bank, he confirmed that the Federal Government has given approval for its recapitalisation.

Kaduna Textile workers to Northern governors: Pay us our benefits

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ORKERS in the textile in dustry have called on the 19 governors of the Northern states, owners of Kaduna Textiles Limited and Nortex/Finetex Limited, already shut, to pay workers their N1.6billion entitlements.

Speaking under the umbrella of National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), the General Secretary of the group Issa Aremu lamented that the affected workers have been suffering since the companies were closed 10 years ago.

He noted that both Kaduna Textiles and Nortex/Finetex owe the workers N687 million and N380 million.

He said labour has obtained court judgments compelling the owners to pay their members but decried the

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By Toba Agboola

refusal by management of the affected companies to obey the court rulings.

Aremu said: "Both Nortex and Finetex closed in September 2003 without settlement of workers’ gratuities amounting to N305,653,887, outstanding salaries before the unilateral closure amounting to N63,434,190 as well as outstanding union dues amounting to N7.6 million.

“When all efforts by the union to bring the management to a round table discussion failed, the union resorted to legal action, a stiff measure to safeguard our members' interests to get justice and secure the payment of their terminal benefits.”

He said in reaction to the union's

petition, the management filed a counter petition about nine years ago through their defence counsel contesting the legality of the union to wind-up the company under Receivership.

On Monday, February 28, 2005, the Judge of the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the union, that the union has a right to sue. The case was then adjourned to March 3, 2005, Aremu said.

“At the hearing on December 8, 2005, the Presiding Judge advised that to avoid long arguments on the matter, parties should go for out-of-court settlement, which the lawyers consented to. The matter was adjourned to February 7, 2006 for parties to report back terms of settlement,” he said.

Freight forwarders petition Jonathan over HE National Association of containers’delay ing to a shift in position of goods Government Approved inside the containers,” the body

Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over the inability of the service providers to scan more than 200 containers out of the 700 expected daily at the Lagos ports.

The group claimed that daily, 500 containers are left unscanned, a situation they claimed, has led to congestion at the Tin Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) and others.

The freight forwarders requested House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) to intervene in the matter, saying

By Oluwakemi Dauda

that over 2,500 containers are left unattended every week, a situation that has compounded the congestion at the ports.

In an August 29 letter obtained

by The Nation, the association’s Secretary-General, Mr Increase Uche, said: “Out of the 2,000 containers scanned, about 750 are entered as “suspect”, leading to physical examination by Customs officers at ports.

“Most of the containers were suspected because the parking arrangement of the laden containers were unprofessionally done lead-

said.

NAGAFF also alleged that the hydro scanners provided by the service providers were not computarised, saying the situation has created an avoidable congestion with its negative consequences on the economy.

“It is our considered advice and opinion that you consult with the Comptroller-General of Customs to address the situation. There is no doubt that the service providers may not have taken into consideration the inward cargo throughput of the country before deploying these analog scanners,” NAGAFF, said.

‘Railways vital to agric productivity’

By Daniel Essiet

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FORMER President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Mr Hyke Ochia has urged the Federal Government to develop the rail system, saying it will help improve agricultural productivity.

He said improving rail infrastructure would assist food producers by ensuring that transportation costs remained competitive.

He said the nation has both road and significant ocean freight advantage to service agro produce exports, adding that it’s critical that there is investment to keep the costs of other parts of the supply chain down, or we risk losing the advantage.

He said under investment in railways was forcing more agro commodities to be transported to ports by trucks.

He said rail productivity is lagging behind that of our competitors, stressing that it is adversely affecting agro-export. He said any investment in rail infrastructure will significant strengthen export capacity.

He said rail cargo has its benefits, stating that there are procedures that must be worked out to make it cost-effective.

He maintained that the government needs to support the rehabilitation and upgrade of rail tracks, buildings, workshops and other facilities to connect the main centres of economic activity to reduce the cost of exports.

Also, the Director, Africa Region,Cassava Adding Value for Africa Dr Kola Adebayo said poor transport and infrastructure, such as roads, railways, warehouses, and handling equipment also increase costs for farmers.

He said the lack of rails connection is not helping linkage with the main ports, adding that it was too expensive for farmers to transport agro commodities with the network not wide enough to connect farm locations.

He said most roads are poorly maintained and often unpaved, thus resulting in considerable damage to goods in transit.

Adebayo stressed the need for the government to upgrade and rehabilitate its rail transport infrastructure and to increase productivity in selected agriculture value chains.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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BUSINESS NEWS Firm acquires $50m vessels

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HE plan to involve Nigerians in ownership of vessels has received a boost with the acquisition of three vessels by CNS Marine Nigeria Limited, an offshore marine logistics firm, with the support of Diamond Bank Plc. The three vessels – Adessa Ocean King, Adessa Legend, and Adessa Sea Protector, were procured with over $50 million.

They would be used for saturation operation and subsea engineering works, such as welding of leaking deepwater assets including underwater pipelines, among others while the Adessa Sea Protector – fully bullet-proof, would have security personnel that would protect workers on offshore projects, the owners said.

On the deal, the Director, Corporate Banking, Diamond Bank Samuel Egube said the bank chose to finance the project because it would not only create capacity but also jobs for Nigerians.

He said: “Diamond Bank tries to blaze trail. We have supported the Nigerian Content programme

‘Why cooking gas is scarce’

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

since inception. Adessa Marine is an indigenous company and because of the increasing inkling of the government to support Nigerian content, we have started to see more interest and capacity development in specialised areas such as the DP2 diving support vessel with saturation capability.

“It is our delight to support the promoters of the company when it decided to buy the vessels. It is not in abundant supply, it requires special skills, under water diving capabilities and not many Nigerian companies are involved in it. We saw that this group was made of serious players and they have the integrity and skills, and Diamond Bank undertook to supporting it. Today, we are the lead supporters for marine logistics in the country as a bank and we are happy to see this company cross this major milestone. It is not just a milestone for this company; it is a milestone for Nigerian Content.”

D

ESPITE the resolution of the crisis over payment of serv ice charges between the Nigerian Liquifield and Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the scarcity of the Liquifield Petroleum Gas (LPG) also known as cooking gas still persists.

The Nation confirmed during a visit to NIPCO and NAFGAS plants in Apapa, Lagos that operators are rationing the product among their customers because of inadequate supply.

The development has resulted in the hike of the price of product.

For instance, a 12.5-kilogramme cylinder of cooking gas goes for between N3,500 and N4,000 instead of N2,500.

An operator attributed the problem to a problem in the shipment of the product.

The source said vessels moving

By Akinola Ajibade

LPG from Bonny to Apapa, spend between two and three weeks, instead of two days.

“The turnaround from Apapa to Bonny was 48 hours. Then, the vessels spent 24 hours moving and going back from Bonny to Lagos.

Now, it takes three weeks for the product to arrive Lagos, making it difficult to get the product to the public in time, he said.

The Chairman,Nigerian Liquifield Petroleum Gas Association Mr Dapo Adeshina said it would take some weeks before the situation returns to normalcy.

He said the problem was a fallout of the crisis between NIMASA and NLNG, adding that NLNG has not adjusted to the normal schedule of shipping the product from its base to Lagos.

“The vessels go back and forth.

By the time, the vessels get back to

Lagos, the plants have run out of the product. This made customers (wholesale and retail) to wait for days to get cooking gas.

“NAFGAS is a dedicated LPG terminal. When ships berth at NASGAF, they disharge their content immediately. Unlike other terminals, ships cannot discharge gas immediately. They have to wait for ships carrying premium motor spirit, kerosene among other products.

“When you look at the process well, you will understand that it is a bit cumbersome. This implies that it would take sometime before things get back to normal position,” he added.

NLNG’s General Manager External Relations Dr Kudo Eresia-Eke said the organisation has increased gas supply from 150,000 metric tonnes to 250,000 metric tonnes yearly to meet domestic needs.

NIG chief canvasses zonal frequency allocation

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HE President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) Bayo Banjo has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to adopt zonal frequency allocation if it is desirous of achieving broadband penetration in the country.

Banjo, who spoke in Lagos, said rather than the practice of allocating frequency nationally, the regulator should look in the way of allocating frequency on a zonal basis, adding that over the years, the practice has not helped the penetration of broadband in the country.

The Federal Government recently unveiled what it described as Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, setting ambitious goals to be achieved in deepening

By Lucas Ajanaku

broadband penetration in the country.

He said Zonal frequensy allocation is critical if broadband penetration is to be achieved. It will start from a city like Lagos and extend to other places.

“The practice of having a national frequency allocation is not helping the situation. If you allocate zonal frequensy and such a frequency is not being put into use, it will be easy for the NCC to revoke it,” he said, adding that for a country desirous of becoming one of the 20 leading economies by 2020, the availability and seamless access to broadband cannot be overemphasised.

Dangote, NIOB to tackle building collapse

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ANGOTE Cement Plc and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) have agreed to partner to stem the menace of building collapse.

They said they would probe the incidence to ascertain its causes.

NIOB Chairman, Musa Yakubu, who spoke in Abuja at the 43rd Builders Conference/ Annual General Meeting (AGM), said the cement giant agreed to assist and collaborate so as to solve the problem.

He said: “We are very happy that the Dangote Cement is here because they are very central to the industry. We are collaborating with Dangote Cement in such a way that we can tap directly from them. As end users, we want Dangote Cement to deal with us directly.”

Dangote Cement’s Regional Manager, Marketing Services, Johnson Olaniyi, described the

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

conference with the theme, Transformation of the building industry: Possibilities and realities, as timely, given the ugly developments in the industry.

He said Dangote has simplified the system of cement distribution to make the product available and affordable, adding that the menace of collapsed building continues because ‘’load bearing components are not properly used in accordance with specification’’.

Johnson said the incidence of building collapse is of concern to Dangote Cement, adding that the firm would partner with like minds to reduce the occurrence.

“Over the years, Dangote has been partnering with stakeholders on how best to make use of the product. We have given out tools and various equipment to aid their operations.

Africa Business leaders’ award winners named

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HE winners of the West African round of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label CNBC All Africa Business Leaders Awards have been announced in Lagos.

CNBC Africa will broadcast the ceremony on the network on Thursday.

The winners will go on to compete against the boldest business innovators from other continents in the final to be held later this year for the coveted title of Africa’s most

respected pioneer in their chosen field.

The awards recognise the diversity of the African business landscape, and the Lagos finals celebrated those who have forged and helped shape the West African business world.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Sim Shagaya, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of konga.com, Nigeria’s largest online shopping portal.

• From left: Sir Uche S. Amagor; President, Masters Energy Group, Dr. Uchechukwu S. Ogah; Mrs. Rita Olujie and Dr. Gabriel IK Ajuzieogu of Abia State Think Tank Association, during the association executives’courtesy visit to Ogah in Lagos.

CBN okays N220b for MSMEs

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O allow more Nigerians into the employment market and achieve the Vision 20:2020 objective of development in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released N220billion to the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The money, to be disbursed by microfinancMe banks and cooperatives across the country, was released to the sector, as it has been identified as one that employs more people.

Director of Development Finance CBN, Mr Paul Eluhaiwe spoke at the general meeting of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), held at the weekend in Lagos.

He said 60 per cent of the fund will be for women entrepreneurs, while

By Toba Agboola

80 per cent will be given to micro entrepreneurs and 20 per cent to SMEs. The bank, he said, has realised that women empowerment will boost the country’s growth.

Commenting on the need for the general meeting, the National President of NASME, Alhaji Garba Ibrahim, said it is borne out of the need to educate NASME members across the country on the issuance of finance, as all the financial houses and regulators, in and outside the country have been invited to show the way forward and how the problem of collateral for loans can be addressed by the financial houses present.

Ibrahim said, he hopes that ,’with this initiative, more entrepreneurs will be emboldened to seek the finance and start production as the private sector has been identified as the highest employer of labour in the country’.

A representative of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), in Nigeria Mr. Chijioke Nworka, said for the MSME sector to achieve growth, the sector need access to finance, access to market and skills development, which is important, as according to their survey, it is the second ranked limiting factor for loan approval.

He said for any SME to access finance, they must posses five C’s, which are Character, Capital, Capacity, Collateral and Condition.

Fed Govt set to launch sugar, automotive master plan

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HE Federal Government is to launch the Sugar and Automotive Master Plan that would lead to the creation of about 117,000 jobs, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Samuel Ortom has said.

He said the programme will not only revolutionalise the automobile industry due to its multiplier effect, but will also achieve a target of 300,000 units of assembled vehicles by 2018.

“As part of the industrial revolution, we have also launched the National Enterprise Development Plan (NEDEP) with efforts by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Association association of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Industrail Training Fund ( ITF) and Bank of Industry

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

(BoI) to create an estimated five million jobs by 2015,” he added.

The Minister said the awareness created by the ministry, other MDAs are also recording significant inflow in aviation, transport, water, works and power, adding that with the new Trade Policy, government has repositioned the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and established a training centre at BoI, and embassies to ease Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Dr. Ortom said the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) is at the final stage of due diligence

with sectoral focus on agribusiness, solid minerals and oil and gas where the nation has comparative and competitive advantages.

He praised the government for consolidating on the achievements in the cement industry, stressing that the innovative and bold achievement recorded in the backward integration programme would be replicated in all sectors of the economy.

He said: “For the first time as a nation, the government developed a strategy for domestic, regional and international trade. We have also established Diaspora Export Programme, six trans-National Border markets beginning with Okerete in Oyo State.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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THE CEO

‘Nigeria’s wealth lies in agric’ Since the discovery of oil, Nigeria seems to have abandoned agriculture from which it used to generate revenue. With the threat of its oil drying up in a few years, is it not time for the country’s return to the land? Yes, it is, says Mr Biodun Onalaja, Chief Executive Officer, Hyst Global Business Ltd, in this interview with DANIEL ESSIET. • Onalaja

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OW is the volatile food price impacting efforts to reduce hunger?

There is a big problem, especially for the masses. I think the government needs to empower food producers to produce more food. We require some staples daily as productions are seasonal. Not only is production seasonal, it varies with the weather. Efforts to address food security must also focus on building the purchasing power of vulnerable people. Only a few Nigerians have adequate purchasing power.

With very low stocks and dramatic fluctuations in price levels, the degree of insecurity is high. I expect prices to continue to rise due to supply shortfalls in some parts of the country because of flooding and other elements of climate change. We have to make improvements in food security. It is important to address price volatility.

It makes small farmers and poor consumers vulnerable to poverty while short-term price changes could have long-term impacts on development. The Federal Government needs to put in place a transparent and predictable regulatory environment that promotes private investment and increase farm productivity. We need concerted efforts to boost investment in the entire value chain, especially, post-harvest processing. On the whole, management of our natural resources, forests and fisheries are critical for the food security.

Is eradicating hunger by 2025 achievable?

How can the government meet this target?

Yes, of course! Government could put more efforts into agriculture, and encourage unemployed graduates to go into mechanised farming by providing free land, agricultural inputs, and funds for them to produce more food. In fairness to the government, there is a tremendous attempt to revamp agriculture to contribute more to food security and reduce hunger.

Defeating hunger is an ambitious goal. We cannot end or eradicate hunger totally. What we can achieve is to improve our potential to feed more Nigerians by promoting intensive commercial and family farming. We must ensure quality food for public school pupils, open new markets and introduce the possibility of higher incomes for farmers and boost development in the rural areas. My

Profile Institutions attended

University of Lagos.

Qualification

BSc (Building Engineering)

Previous positions

Project Director ABM Limited, CEO ABM Construction Company.

Present position

Chairman/CEO, Hyst Global Business Limited.

Experience

Over 25 years.

concern however, is achieving a unification of the various agricultural productivity interventions with innovative social protection programmes. We want to see a situation where the programmes run by states and the FederalGovernment, irrespective of party affiliation enhance the opportunities for the poor to live well and for the unemployed to be engaged in food production.

If we achieve unification of interventions, we can expect a situation where the research findings from the universities and specialised research institutes and efforts of private investors and corporate agric businesses can be harnessed to boost agricultural production. What Nigerians need is an enabling business environment, which supports income growth, and assurance of rewarding markets for small-scale producers.

Government has to take all necessary measures to accelerate agricultural growth and strengthen the dynamism, resilience and inclusiveness of the farming industry. We should reposition agriculture to support wealth creation. We need all the legislative changes to institutionalise national action and commitment to hunger eradication. We must recognise that a large number of households continue to face food insecurity and malnutrition due to low food availability, low income, unemployment, risk and vulnerability, poor access to basic services, including health, water, sanitation and education.

Government must work with stakeholders to ensure that bold, urgent, determined and concerted actions are taken to address agricultural development and food security challenges in a coordinated fashion. That is the only way we reduce hunger in this country.

It required a multi-faceted frontal attack from

all sides. Not only helping farmers to increase production and productivity, but also looking at access to food, and ensure that poor families have the means to buy their food. In line with this goal, I see the Federal Government making a significant progress and efforts toward eradicating hunger by 2025.The fight to end hunger and poverty must be raised up to the level of policy if lasting results are to be achieved. Government must promote and articulate various fronts for action.

Are you confident that there is the political will by the government to eradicate hunger?

Yes. I see a strong resolve by the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Such a positive response is important. We have the highest level of involvement from the Presidency. The ideas of the Minister of Agriculture are well received. The agric sector is experiencing an extremely positive period.

The challenge of the government is how to transform agriculture to protect biological biodiversity and reverse its destructive capacity, without restricting its mission to feed a growing world population. What is your take?

As we grow food, it is important we preserve our biological diversity. This is because it plays an important role in sustain in our communities. Biological diversity has contributed in many ways to the development of human culture, and mankind has in turn influenced biological diversity. We are talking about plants and animals, both wild and cultivated. They play a part in our complex and diverse agro ecosystems. On a broader level, there is relationship between

agricultural biodiversity and the functions of agro-ecosystems at different spatial and temporal scales. To this end, the government should outline its policy reforms to sustain agricultural biodiversity and agro-ecosystem functions.

In different ways, the government should try to deviate from monoculture agriculture, which drastically reduces the variety of plants in the respective ecosystem, since animals and insects are directly dependent on them. We want the government to transform agriculture into a good administrator of biodiversity and reverse its destructive capacity, without restricting its mission to feed a growing population. The agricultural transformation agenda should include concerns for the protection of biodiversity in order to be sustainable and make a positive change in the long run.

Why the focus on rice production?

Rice is one of the most important sources of dietary energy in sub-Saharan Africa. We are growing and eating more rice. The revolution is driving states into ambitious production programmes. Numerous investments have been made by governments to revamp the rice sector. It is difficult to capture all investments both at the state and local government levels. We are part of such efforts which will make a big difference.

The rate of paddy rice production has shot up. It is crucial we maintain the trend because rice consumption is increasing. I would like to say that we are making remarkable progress in rice production. Within the next five years, we should double the current growth rate to satisfy increasing consumption. What is important to us as big time agro business concern, is that there is stability in the policy management process. This will result in stable food supplies and prices. This is crucial for credible and effective governance. We are working with the government to ensure Nigerians have access to adequate affordable food for themselves and their families. What the government is trying to achieve within the rice sector is not a panicked response. We are witnessing a longterm strategic planning effort. This is critical to food security. This strategy makes sense, because it is easier to stabilise domestic food prices us•Continued on page 29

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

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THE CEO •Continued from page 28

ing domestic production. On the balance, we see a policy designed to allow households have reliable and sustainable access to nutritious and healthy food.

What are the prospects for the rice value chain?

The emergence of an integrated local value chain constitutes a fundamental change in the rice sector. Investors are involved in the creation of new industrial and semi-industrial rice mills, capable of producing milled local rice of high quality. These mills enter into contractual relationships with out-growers, who receive seeds and inputs from the mill. The out-growers sell their rice production to the mill.

This allows mills to secure a reliable supply of high quality paddy rice. This rice is then processed into milled rice of high quality that is sold through a network of shops. The industrial rice mill is fast becoming a leading actor in the rice market. On the balance, total local production has not led to reduction on imports. Steady demand for rice represents an opportunity for producers who are integrated to the market. Projects aiming to support rice production are all over the place.

What trends do you see in financing food security?

A number of agricultural development institutions are already involved in funding a variety of projects across the country. Efforts are focused on building a resilient and inclusive financial system that frees the credit ceiling for farmers. States through their agencies are working to foster a considerable increase in food production through financing input subsidy programmes. What we need however are specialised financial vehicles to expand investments in agriculture.

Government needs to guarantee innovating enterprises a minimum market and thereby reduce the risk related to market failures. It is very critical that the financial system evolves credit models that cater for all levels of farmers. The annual budget allocation to agriculture is limited to address the current investment gap. Though public investment is necessary to build up a favourable environment and the required infrastructure, a large proportion of the required total investment should be made by private actors. Private investment is therefore key to agricultural development. We need an environment favorable to private investment .We need a special fund to support manufacturers of inputs or agricultural equipment.

We have seen multinational commodities buyers financing smallholder farmers who are tightly integrated into sourcing value chains. These models have been successful, but they reach only a tiny portion of smallholder farmers. Companies such as Olam Nigeria is outstanding here. They are keen on expanding and protecting their value chains, improving quality, increasing productivity, and meeting sustainability commitments.

One challenge, however, is that majority of small farmers lack access to finance for various reasons. One is lack of financial literacy. The cost of credit is high, especially the cost of longer-term credit appropriate for capital investments. Without access to credit, most farmers are confined to sub-optimal inputs and methods, and therefore to low productivity.

In most states now, farmers belong to cooperatives and producer organisations. These days, farmers don’t use social lenders, I mean money lenders. The government advises farmers to join cooperatives. Through such groups they benefit from long-term finance.

The market is growing as more farmers join producer organisations. Many multinational buyers have captive value chains organised around out-grower schemes that involve production contracts with farmers. Be that as it may, I think there is a need for better industry coordination to address the smallholder financing gap. Growing the industry requires innovation and investment. There is space for a multitude of actors, including banks, donors and multinational buyers, all of whom have different capabilities, timeframes, and risk-return appetites. Banks generally have not built a successful model for improving smallholder livelihoods through financing.

As smallholder productivity and profits increase, livelihoods improve, and smallholders can escape the cycle of poverty.

Which financing instruments have been most successful in helping food security?

It depends on the type of investment. We see a broad range of financing instruments of financial institutions to take care of the needs of farmers and food producers.

The major concern is the small farmer. They form a major part of the supply chain. A lot needs to be done to help them during pre and

‘Nigeria’s wealth lies in agric’

• Onalaja

post-harvest activities.

If the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) can compel financial institutions to lend at a low rate to value chains in agric sector, it will attract more people to agriculture, and in the long run boost inputs and outputs. One outstanding programme is the commercial agricultural scheme started by the CBN in 2009. It is one of the best so far. The CBN pumped N200 billion into the sector.

What do you think of the role of NIRSAL in financing agriculture?

We are still waiting for the CBN to roll the scheme out to see how commercial banks will embrace it. NISRAL is established to reduce banking risks by granting guarantee on loan portfolios.

How about the Bank of Industry (BoI) and Bank of Agriculture (BoA)?

They are trying, especially the BoI that is helping industries to grow with lower rate.

The Bank of Agric could do better, if the Federal Government puts in more money as they did for the BoI to give to farmers because they are professionals when it comes to grassroots farming.

Where are the opportunities to attract more investment in food security?

Investing in agri-sector has become more economically and politically attractive and it has contributed substantially to food security. In particular, private investors have placed their focus in Africa due to the huge growth potential, increasing demand, and improved political situation in many African countries. You see foreign companies seeking opportunities to invest in Nigeria’s agric sector. This follows a holistic approach considering factors, such as economic, environmental and social. Private investment flocks to countries which have the best legal and political systems. Though we are on the right track in terms of trying to create an enabling environment for investors, but there is still room for improvement. Among leading African states, we have the highest growth potential in the agri-sector. What we need now are changes to improve governance, legal stability, and transparency and creating reliable tax systems.

What can be done to improve food production?

By providing an enabling environment for farmers, through financing which is the main problem farmers are going through in Nigeria. Right now there is a need to structure food value chains from farm to fork. There are large and fast growing urban markets in Lagos and other parts of the country, whose food needs must be supplied from the farms.

We need incentives for farmers and others to invest in increasing their production.

We can make large gains in food security if we improve in tackling high post-harvest losses. Meeting the growing demand for food will require that we double production. This will pose a major challenge, particularly for farmers; investments are required to support expansion in agricultural output. We are talking about investments in primary agriculture and necessary downstream services such as storage and processing facilities.

Do you share the view that agric is still a remote sector for most Nigerians?

Yes I do, until more elites see agriculture in this country as a good income earner more than the crude oil. Let us take Malaysia and Brazil as examples. They earn their income from agriculture. Nigeria, with her vast arable lands, can do better. We have a situation where a very large number of farmers is turning 65 every year. As people age, the industry is affected. We can’t expect very high growth when people are quitting the industry. There are windows of opportunities to explore. I want Nigerians to change their perception of agriculture. The real wealth of the nation is in agriculture. We should identify our comparative advantages. Agriculture is a natural source of exports. There are jobs in bringing in seeds and fertiliser, in water management. There are jobs in bringing the product from the farm. There are jobs in inspecting the quality of the product. The financial sector should support it. Agriculture generates a huge number of jobs, and it could generate even more if we emphasise that.

Agriculture is nourished by its infrastructure. Government should build infrastructure.

‘We have a situation where a very large number of farmers is turning 65 every year.

As people age, the industry is affected. We can’t expect very high growth when people are quitting the industry. There are windows of opportunities to explore. I want Nigerians to change their perception of agriculture. The real wealth of the nation is in agriculture’

To what extent can issues such as climate change, fair trade practices, commodity pricing, and urbanisation impact on the livelihood of small farmers?

With rapid climate change, it has become difficult for farmers to maximise production within that climate system. The climate is changing. With each passing year, the agricultural system is becoming more out of sync with the climate system. The climate is now in a constant state of flux, making it both unreliable and unpredictable for farmers worldwide. This affects agriculture in many ways. Weather scientists have told us to expect heavy rains to be more frequent and more intense. How we cope will determine the pace of our progress in providing adequate food security. Educating farmers to adapt to the effects of climate change is vital, as well as sound agricultural practices.

Fair trade practices are the buzz word in international agric trade. There are regional efforts now to empower small farmers in value chains and market access and to strengthen their capacity to negotiate better prices for their products and better market regulation policy.

How does cutting aid affect agricultural development projects?

Agriculture is a bright spot in the growth platform. To the extent, it is been made aid oriented. It is important we seek aid to accomplish broad-based economic development through agriculture. But aids from all industrialised nations have plummeted. Advanced nations are becoming more strategic with their aid programmes. There are many ways of looking at foreign assistance.

We can ask donors to train our famers and provide improved seeds. We can then leverage out limited resources to build indigenous skills and promote private initiative.

We have to support our farmers to capture market share, teach them marketing, bring back cooperative banking. It will pay off manifold. We have to be serious about finding new markets, about creating new business opportunities for our farmers.

What do future agribusiness leaders need to prosper? What are some of the challenges for agribusinesses?

Development priorities are the needs of agricultural commerce and rural society.

We expect continuing growth with new opportunities, and the consumer is changing, and demanding more from food producers.

We have to position the sector to capitalise on such trends. There will be more opportunities for professionals to lead agribusinesses. They to learn about agribusiness and build leadership skills.

There will be opportunities for people to work as food producers, farm and ranch managers, in crops, soils, plant, animal, food and nutritional sciences, horticulture, new product development, strategic planning, marketing, management, and other careers. They need to satisfy preferences in a changing world be open to new ideas. Industry leaders expect graduates to have several skills improve the ir farms and food processing businesses. Food and agribusiness companies look for in their new employees with the potential to become future leaders in their firms. The agricultural business economy needs and desires managers and leaders with a blending of education in applied agricultural science and business skills.

All over the world, the best way of agric farming is to go mechanised farming.

Let us talk about measuring performance in the agric sector.

It is very important. Addressing food security is fruitless without measurement tools and benchmarks. The government needs to commission studies and use certain benchmarks to measure performance as it affect critical food security issues and make better informed decisions, develop collaborative partnerships and create effective local policies to address specific needs.

What is the mission of your company in the agric sector?

Our mission in Hyst Global Business Limited is to be one of the leading companies in Nigeria to make food get to the table of the average Nigerian at affordable rate, Also to reduce unemployment rate in our country by employing more people in our locality as the farm expand.

Withinyourstrategicframework,whatareyourmajor priorities for the next four years?

My major priority for the next four years is to start processing our Paddy Rice to polished one for local consumption, and enter Nigeria market.

What problems of small and medium sized enterprises are you aiming to solve?

How to get low rate financing for our out growers scheme, and how to get them trained to do farming in a mechanised way to enable them earn more profits.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

30

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

SEC searches capital market for Boko Haram's funds, launderers

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-08-13

S

ECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) at the weekend directed all capital market operators to review their data base and check for any transactions involving entities and individuals related to proscribed extremist groups, especially Borno-based 'Boko Haram'.

In two circulars to all capital market operators obtained by The Nation, the apex capital market regulator directed all capital market operators to combine dual search on their transaction details to ensure compliance with proscription orders on some persons and organisations and also global and national anti-money laundering laws.

The directives imply a financial system-wide review of transactions. Market operators include stockbroking firms, issuing houses, fund managers, custodians, trustees, and investment advisory firms, share registration companies, corporate secretaries, depository, securities exchange, venture capital, receiving bankers and underwriters among others.

According to SEC, operators are expected to submit their findings to the Commission immediately.

SEC noted that operators are bound to comply with resolutions of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1988, which requires all member states to freeze, without delay, all funds, other

By Taofik Salako

financial assets and economic resources in their territories, owned or controlled, directly or indirectly by individuals and or entities associated with the Afghanistan group-Taliban.

"You are therefore requested to review your records to ascertain whether the listed persons and entities have any business relationship with your organization. If they do, such business relationship must be discontinued and a report rendered to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) immediately vides email and surface mail. Reports rendered should include attempted, unconcluded and concluded transactions. Where there are no such business transactions, nil returns should be rendered to the Director, NFIU monthly," SEC stated.

It added that operators must constantly visit the updated United Nations Sanctions list and cross-check this with their customer database to ensure that Nigerian capital market operators do not unwittingly conduct business with the designated persons or entities and their associates.

SEC noted that the Federal Government has proscribed the activities of the Northern-based extremist group, 'Boko Haram', otherwise known as Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad and Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan in any part of the country, warn-

ing operators that they are bound to report any transaction related to the groups.

"All capital market operators are by this letter required to check their database for the names "Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad" otherwise known as "Boko Haram" sect and "Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan" as well as their associations and report same to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Where no business relationship is maintained for any of the proscribed names or their associations, a nil return should be rendered," the apex regulator stated.

SEC also directed operators to study the new requirements under its amended rules and regulations on money laundering and conduct a database search to ensure they are fully compliant with the new provisions.

Director -General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ms Arunma Oteh had recently inaugurated Committee of Chief Compliance Officers in the capital market with the primary responsibility of preventing the injection of illegal funds or proceeds of criminal acts into the capital market.

According to her, the chief compliance officers would ensure that the operations of the capital market are undertaken in line with regulatory guidelines as the market's regulators and operators continue to strengthen existing frameworks.

She noted that integrity of the financial system is the mainstay of the system and Nigeria must endeavour to develop adequate frameworks and processes that will support its aspiration of a worldclass capital market.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

31

MONEY LINK Heirs Holdings expands African investment

MSME fund: CBN, MfBs bicker over access criteria

M

ICROFINANCE bank (MfB) operators have picked holes in the criteria set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for them to access the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSME) development fund.

The operators have insisted that the criteria for accessing the fund, which include that they must have at least 5,000 customer base and less than one per cent portfolio at risk, are too strict for them to comply with.

An executive of Lovonus Microfinance Bank, Chibuzor Okudo, said the criteria is too tight and may lead to many of the MfBs not being able to access the loans. He said some of the MfBs do not have up to 3,000 customer base and that many have their portfolio at risk above the stipulated one per cent.

He said these conditions were

Stories by Collins Nweze

among the key issues discussed during a two-week training organised by the CBN in collaboration with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for the MfBs in Lagos between August 12th and 23rd.

Part of the guideline is that the fund will be managed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), but the CBN will manage the fund pending the establishment/appointment of the SPV or Managing Agent.

The CBN said in a report obtained

by The Nation that a large number of un-served and under-served clients exist in the Nigerian MSME sub-sector. It said that to address the funding requirements of this critical segment of the economy, 80:20 ratio for on-lending to micro enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) respectively has been de-

signed.

The CBN said that women’s access to financial services should increase by 15 per cent annually in order to eliminate gender disparity. It also said that to achieve this, 60 per cent, N132 billion, of the fund has been earmarked for providing financial services to women.

The regulator said that in operating the fund, special consideration will be given to institutions that will provide financial services to graduates of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Entrepreneurship Development Centers (EDCs).

Also, 10 per cent of the fund will be earmarked for social and developmental objectives as grants, N11 billion; Interest Drawback Program, N6.60 billion; Managing Agent’s (MA) Operational Expenses N4.4 billion. However, MA is expected to generate income from its

H

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi operational activities to fund its future expenses on a sustainable basis.

Sterling Bank creates awareness for non-interest banking

S

TERLING Bank Plc has begun enlightenment for the Muslim community on the need to embrace non-interest banking.

Its Group Head, Non-Interest Banking, Basheer Oshodi said there is need to let Nigerians know about the opportunities that exist in that segment of the market.

Oshodi, who spoke in Lagos at the weekend during a non-interest banking workshop organised by the bank, said the lender is committed to introducing the banking concept to everyone. He said the bank recently got the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) approval-in-principle to practice non-interest banking in the country.

“What we are trying to do here today, is to introduce non-interest banking to everyone. We have gotten approval-in-principle from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). What we are doing now is to get people to be aware

of what non-interest banking is all about. We are trying to showcase the type of products we are going to come out with. Those products cover both risk assets and liabilities,” he said.

According to him, research showed that 30.5 million adult Nigerians are willing to buy into non-interest banking products. Also, over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s adult population remains unbanked. Both scenarios, he said, are indications that the non-interest banking concept cannot fail in the country.

Oshodi said, the bank will not only be focusing on the 30.5 per cent interested adults, but would also target the over 60 per cent unbanked population, when it finally begins operation.

He said non-interest banks do not pay interest on deposits, but relies more on partnership and profit sharing, usually in a ratio of 70:30. The customer he said takes 70 per cent, while the bank takes 30 per cent from the profit, and also

gives a portion to depositors.

Chairman, Advisory Committee of Experts on Non-Interest Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Sheik Abdulkader Thomas said Nigeria is a huge market for non-interest banking given its

huge population base. He said the banking concept is a viable means of gathering huge deposits that banks can even use in financing infrastructure and other developmental projects.

Balogun bags Gateway award

F

OUNDER of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Otunba Mi c h a e l Olasubomi Balogun has bagged the honorary award of ‘Gateway Business Ambassador’ of the year.

The award was organised b y Cue Ideas For All International (CIFA) at the Olives Centre in Abeokuta, the Ogun State.

The awards, according to Mr Niyi Akinsiju, who spoke on behalf of the organisers, are aimed at celebrating outstanding

Ogun State indigenes, businesses and institutions whose achievements have shaped lives and social welfare in domestic and international markets.

It is also designed to celebrate their excellence and positive impacts within their industry as well as contributions toward the development of the nation.

Head of South Western Zone Adelaja Adeleye, who represented Otunba Balogun received the award on his behalf.

FGN BONDS

DATA BANK

Tenor

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

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 30-08-13

SYMBOL PRESTIGE JOSBREW VONO LIVESTOCK PRESCO FIDELITYBK NAHCO UPL HONYFLOUR FBNH

O/PRICE 0.60 2.67 0.89 4.01 35.11 2.61 6.20 4.30 3.05 15.50

C/PRICE 0.66 2.93 0.97 4.28 37.39 2.77 6.50 4.50 3.18 16.00

CHANGE 0.06 0.26 0.08 0.27 2.28 0.16 0.30 0.20 0.13 0.50

1.30 1.20 1.21 4.27 1.86 0.84 2.48 1.83 62.00 1.00

1.17 1.08 1.09 3.85 1.68 0.76 2.29 1.70 57.70 0.94

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

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

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

DISCOUNT WINDOW

0.13 0.12 0.12 0.42 0.18 0.08 0.19 0.13 4.30 0.06

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 30-08-13

COSTAIN INTENEGINS DEAPCAP EVANSMED CUTIX IPWA MAYBAKER PAINTCOM UNILEVER AIICO

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

EIRS Holdings has acquired significant stake in Seadrill Mobil Units (Nigeria) Limited, a West African affiliate of NY listed global offshore drilling company, Seadrill.

In a statement, Heirs Holdings, owned by Tony Elumelu, said the investment is further evidence of Elumelu’s strategy of increasing African businesses participate across the oil and gas value chain, and complement existing interests in oil and gas production and exploration. Elumelu has been appointed as chairman of the Board of Seadrill Mobil Units.

“Seadrill is a significant player in the oil and gas space, with a strong track record and one of the most respected names in the industry. The partnership makes strong commercial sense, bringing together a major global player and a leading African participant in the oil and gas industry,” he said.

He explained that successful development of Nigeria’s deep water oil and gas fields is of strategic importance for our country. “This is an important part of our own approach of creating synergistic added value investment across the energy sector, from extraction to processing and perhaps most importantly for Nigeria, industrial production and power generation,” Elumelu said.

Seadrill Mobil Units (Nigeria) Limited, Director Svend Anton Maier added: “The partnership with Heirs Holdings creates the right mix of global technical expertise, backed by operational excellence and sound financial management to the Nigerian market.

It positions the company as a local industry leader and a truly indigenous player.”

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 140.55 140.05 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 156.04 155.62 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.16 1.16 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.18 1.16 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,814.25 1,810.95 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 13.97 13.29 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 11,053.39 10,725.71 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • 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

32

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

International Business

Euro zone needs more assistance to survive

A

LTHOUGH the euro zone economy is slowly starting to recover, there is still a sizeable chance its most vulnerable countries will need more outside help within a year to sort out their finances, a Reuters poll has shown.

The survey of 60 economists also showed the European Central Bank is expected to keep both its main refinancing and deposit rates on hold until at least 2015, unchanged from previous polls.

Led by Germany, the currency union exited recession in the second quarter, but many of its major economies - especially in southern Europe - are still burdened by recession.

Respondents attached a 75 per cent probability to one of the four countries already under a European Union and International Monetary Fund bailout needing yet another aid package to keep afloat financially.

Greece was the near-unanimous top pick of the economists who thought another bailout was likely - little surprise given Athens and Berlin have talked openly of the prospect of a third, smaller bailout package to cover finances next year. But 22 economists said Portugal would also need more help, followed by just a handful of responses for Cyprus and Ireland.

Several economists pointed out that any further bailouts would likely be small and supplementary, rather than running into several tens of billions as in previous years.

Rabobank economist Elwin De

Groot said some countries might need additional funds to tide them over by mid-next year, but that there was no reason to panic.

"Generally, there has been progress in trying to heal the periphery in the last few years, especially in those countries which have close scrutiny from the troika like Greece, Ireland and Portugal," he said.

"However, some of these countries have been hit so hard by the

negative spiral created by austerity that is making it very hard for the economy to recover," he added, singling out Portugal in particular.

Economists put a median 35 percent chance a country will ever activate the ECB's Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT), a backstop to prevent sovereign borrowing costs spiralling out of control through the central bank purchasing government bonds.

Six months ago, respondents

O

• Motorists struggling to get space on a busy road in Mumbai, India’s commercial city.

becoming recognisable for highly detailed artwork and graphics that brighten up its main street.

It is notable for the scale of the project – around a dozen vacant units have been given a facelift, including an old-style cobblers where a worker in a flat cap mends shoes.

A bakery with appetising bread and cakes is depicted up the road with a barber shop and bookmakers nearby.

Windows and doors have been painted on to empty houses, complete with people observing passersby outside. Elsewhere, Farmyard animals are drawn coming out of shop doors.

“Being a tourist village, there was

quite a lot of emphasis put on trying to bring about an uplift and see could it be the catalyst for further economic development in the town,” said Aidan McPeake, director of environmental services for the local council.

“That seems to be the case now, the village has been very popular this year. It’s been very successful.”

Two of the shops brightened up with art over the past year are no longer vacant, McPeake said.

The Northern Ireland government has spent two million pounds ($3-million) to tackle dereliction over the past two years and stickers were applied to windows in areas near the luxury golf resort where

G8 leaders met to give the impression that business was booming.

But the “Brighter Bushmills Project” was set up by locals last year and supported by the local council, which is among the least well-funded in the North.

They raised 30,000 pounds, some of which was donated by the local distillery, and the shopfronts depicted are more detailed and colourful than elsewhere. A second phase, developed with the help of government funds, was completed in March of this year.

As a gateway to the Giant’s Causeway, the famous collection of interlocking rock formations considered a World Heritage Centre by the United Nations’ cultural agency, Bushmills hopes the initiative will make sure the tourists keep coming.

U.S. fast-food workers on strike over ‘living wage’

F

AST-FOOD workers have gone on strike, protesting outside McDonald’s, Burger King and other restaurants in 60 United States cities at the weekend in the largest protest of an almost year-long campaign to raise service sector wages.

Rallies were held from New York to Oakland, Calif., and stretched into the South, historically difficult territory for organised labour.

The striking workers say they want to unionise without retaliation

in order to collectively bargain for a “living wage.”

They are demanding $15 (U.S.) an hour, more than twice the federal minimum of $7.25. The median wage for front-line fast-food workers is $8.94 per hour, according to an analysis of government data by the National Employment Law Project (NELP), an advocacy group for lower-wage workers.

“It’s almost impossible to get by (alone),” said McDonald’s worker Rita Jennings, 37, who was among

about 100 protesters who marched Thursday in downtown Detroit.

“You have to live with somebody to make it.”

Ms. Jennings said that in her 11 years at McDonald’s, she has never received a raise above her wage of $7.40 an hour.

In Atlanta, about 20 fast-food workers at two different chains presented their managers with “strike letters” before walking out, Roger Sikes, a co-ordinator with the nonprofit group Atlanta Jobs With Justice, told

Swiss govt set to sign tax deal with U.S.

S

WITZERLAND has said it is ready to end a long-running dispute with U.S. prosecutors over Swiss banks that have sheltered tax evaders, without disclosing any terms of the deal.

The two governments have been at loggerheads over a tax evasion crackdown which has ensnared around a dozen Swiss banks, is threatening a raft of others, and earlier this year felled Wegelin, Switzerland’s oldest bank, following an indictment.

The Swiss government said the signing of the joint statement with the U.S. should enable Swiss banks

UNITED States consumer sentiment retreated in August from the previous month’s six-year high, though Americans were slightly more upbeat in their outlook than earlier in the month, a survey released at the weekend revealed.

The final result did manage to top an initial mid-month reading of 80 and beat economists’ expectations for a final read of 80.5.

“Most of the late August gain was due to more favorable income expectations, with consumers expecting the largest income gains in nearly five years, although the median expected increase was just 0.9 per cent, less than the expected rate of inflation,” survey director Richard Curtin said in a statement.

However, households with incomes below $75,000 grew more pessimistic about the future, and all households expected higher interest rates over the next year and slightly slower growth.

Zurich Insurance chair quits following CFO’s death

Irish invest in arts to boost economy NE of the homes of Irish whiskey is fighting an economic downturn by investing in art projects to brighten up derelict shops and houses – an approach it says is boosting tourist numbers.

The idea of cosmetically enhancing villages in Northern Ireland, a British province still recovering from three decades of sectarian violence, gained much publicity before a meeting of G8 leaders there in June.

Bushmills, best known as the town where the whiskey of the same name was distilled for the first time 400 years ago, has taken the practice to an extent that the village is

were split on whether the OMTs would be used this year.

Some economists in the latest poll who said the OMTs might be activated, but not necessarily as a crisis measure.

"We expect bailout countries to utilise OMTs at the end of their programmes to regain full market access. Our working assumption is that OMTs will not be used 'defensively'," said Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec.

‘U.S. consumer sentiment slipped’

to resolve the dispute with the United States while complying with existing Swiss laws. It gave no further details, and the finance ministry was absent at a weekly government press conference.

A Swiss newspaper reported the host of banks not yet under formal investigation in the U.S. could face fines of as much as 50 percent of their American client assets. Government spokesman Andre Simonazzi said the terms and conditions of the programme would not be immediately released, but would be communicated “as soon as possible.”

While Switzerland’s banking

lobby and a banking employees association welcomed the move, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Justice Department didn’t immediately comment on the Swiss statement.

The agreement deals mainly with a settlement for the roughly 100 Swiss banks that had U.S. clients, but are not yet being investigated by U.S. justice authorities.

“The SBA welcomes the positive outcome of the Federal Council’s decision, as this means that the final step towards a solution has been taken and the U.S. can now launch the programme,” the SBA said in a statement.

Reuters.

And in Oakland, about 80 fast-food workers from various restaurants and their supporters rallied outside a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet.

“I’m doing it for the respect for myself and for my other co-workers,” said Ryan Schuetz, 20, who works at McDonald’s. He said his work hours have been reduced recently and that he was struggling to keep a roof over his head.

Several politicians came out in support of the protesters on Thursday.

In New York City, mayoral candidate and City Council speaker Christine Quinn joined several hundred demonstrators outside a McDonald’s in midtown Manhattan, holding a sign that read “On Strike: Wages Too Damn Low.” “Better pay will put more money into local businesses and spur economic growth,” Democratic Representative George Miller of California said in a statement.

Robert Hiltonsmith, a policy analyst at Demos, a liberal think tank, said that if the minimum wage had kept up with productivity and inflation, it would be closer to $17 per hour.

He added that in many cases, low pay wasn’t justified by a worker’s lack of marketable skills.

THE Chairman of the Zurich Insurance Group abruptly resigned on Thursday over the apparent suicide of its chief financial officer, claiming he wants to avoid damaging the company’s reputation.

Josef Ackermann, who is Swiss and a former CEO of Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest, said in a company statement that he was resigning because he believed the undisclosed accusations levelled against him by the family of deceased CFO Pierre Wauthier could hurt Zurich’s top ranks..

A day after Wauthier’s death, Swiss police said Tuesday that he appeared to have taken his own life.

He was found dead in his home in the wealthy lakefront community of Zug, just outside Zurich.

Ackermann said the family believes he bears some responsibility for the death.

“The unexpected death of Pierre Wauthier has deeply shocked me,” Ackermann was quoted as saying in the company statement. “I have reasons to believe that the family is of the opinion that I should take my share of responsibility, as unfounded as any allegations might be.”

GE to exit U.S. retail lending GENERAL Electric (GE) Co. plans to spin off the U.S. consumer lending operations of its finance arm GE Capital, as the conglomerate moves to focus on its core industrial operations, a person familiar with the matter said.

GE Capital nearly sank the whole company during the 2008 financial crisis, and the company has been trying to shrink the division’s portfolio ever since.

GE Healthcare invests about $1billion on research and development, of which about $800-million is spent in the equipment division.

An initial public offering of the consumer lending division, which issues store credit cards for 55 million Americans, could come early next year, but its size has not yet been determined, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“A spin-off of GE’s consumer business would be a significant positive for the company, as it would expedite its shift to industrial earnings solidly outgrowing GE Capital,” said William Blair & Company analyst Nicholas Heyman, in a note.

The consumer division earned $3.24-billion (U.S.) last year and had assets of $139-billion.

GE Capital’s total assets at the end of last year were $539-billion.

33

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

Africa Business SEC probes Ecobank results

T

• NUM members protesting in Johannesburg ... at the weekend.

South Africa’s gold miners brace for more strikes S OUTH African gold miners plan to strike for higher pay from Tuesday, inflicting more damage on an industry that has produced a third of the bullion ever pulled from the earth but is now in rapid decline.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which represents almost two thirds of the country's 120,000 goldmine workers, served the mining firms notice of the strike starting from Tuesday's night shift, the companies said.

Negotiations broke down last week, with the unions and companies still poles apart over pay.

The Chamber of Mines, which negotiates on behalf of the companies, said it made a final offer to increase basic wages by 6 to 6.5

percent.

The NUM is seeking 60 per cent and rival union AMCU wants as much as 150 per cent. The companies say those demands are unrealistic, given rising costs and falling bullion prices. In a sign of the industry's frustration over the deepening crisis, Chamber of Mines President Mark Cutifani choked back tears on Thursday as he made an emotional appeal for an end to the violence and rounded on "thugs and murderers" he accused of stoking the unrest.

The unions seem determined to end what they see as a culture of low pay dating back to the apartheid era when impoverished black miners

migrated to the industry's heartlands for jobs to feed their families back home.

White rule ended in 1994 and the unions say miners who risk their health toiling far below ground are due a bigger share of the spoils from a multi-billion-dollar industry.

But capital may have the edge over labor. The companies have abundant cash and other resources, while most mine workers must feed several dependants and cannot go long without pay.

Wildcat strikes have shaken the industry since early last year, coupled with outbreaks of violence linked to a turf war between the NUM and the hardline Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU).

Ivorian cocoa agency, exporters reject prices

I

VORY Coast cocoa exporters have rejected a price structure proposed by the industry regulator for the 2013/14 season, saying it underestimated their costs, and have called for government mediation, industry sources said.

The standoff highlights disagreements that have plagued the sweeping reforms that the government has put in place in an effort by President Alassane Ouattara to guarantee farmers a minimum price for their crop.

The main cocoa exporters, including Cargill, ADM , OLAM and Armajaro, have called for an increase of 27 CFA francs per kilo in the price structure from last year to take into account additional costs, notably in transport and taxation.

K

"We are asking for a 27 CFA franc increase in next season's cost structure because it was underestimated so much last year," the head of one international cocoa exporter based in Abidjan said on Friday. "We are asking for costs to be adjusted to the reality on the ground for the 2013/2014 season."

The Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) set a farmgate price of 725 CFA francs ($1.46) per kg for the October 2012 to March, this year main crop and a price of 700 CFA francs/kg for the April-toSeptember 2013 mid-crop beans. It has not yet unveiled the farmgate prices for 2013/2014.

Ivory Coast uses an estimate of the costs for exporters to set a farmgate price for growers, based

on the international market price.

It is therefore a major factor in determining exporters' profits, at a time when many companies say they are being squeezed by the government reform.

Farmers and buyers have said that some merchants in Ivory Coast were buying below the CCC prices towards the tail-end of this season due to weaker demand. Some farmers were accepting offers between 500 CFA and 600 CFA. Traders said buyers who adhered to the set price were feeling the pinch.

"Most people are worse off except for the farmer. Most people who operate have to bear a lot of risk but less reward," a European trader said.

Kenya sees lower rains hurting farms, ENYA is expected to receive that this could reduce power supply adding lower and poorly hydro-electric power capacity.

distributed rains in the last quarter of the year which could impact agricultural production and power supply from hydro-electric dams, the Meteorological Department has said.

East Africa's biggest economy relies heavily on agriculture and power from dams. Analysts watch the forecasts to gauge the impact on inflation, which could be pushed up if harvests are weak and cheap hydropower is in short supply.

Inflation rose to 6.67 per cent in the year to August from 6.02 per cent a month earlier.

"Generally depressed rainfall is expected over most agricultural areas of the country. It is also expected that the rainfall will be poorly distributed," the department said.

"This will impact negatively on the agricultural activities in most of the areas. Food security is expected to deteriorate especially in the eastern

sector of Kenya during the OctoberDecember period," it said in a statement. Kenya has two rainy seasons, the so-called short rains of October to December and the long rains of March to May. The Meteorological Department said the short rains outlook in the food-growing areas of the Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley regions would be for near- or above-normal rain. It said some other foodgrowing areas such as Central, Southeastern and Coastal regions would have near-normal rains.

For hydropower generation, the department said catchment areas in western Kenya would have nearto above-normal rainfall, improving water levels in some dams. But normal to below-normal rains in the Tana and Athi River catchment areas were likely to lead to low flows to major dams, it said,

The department said parts of the country's Northeastern and Eastern provinces, which border Somalia and Ethiopia which are already drought prone, would receive scant rainfall.

Meanwhile, The Kenyan shilling firmed slightly at the weekend as banks cut back dollar positions before the weekend, while a bearish run for shares extended into its fifth straight session.

Traders said the market was gearing up for the next central bank policy meeting on Sept. 3. The shilling was posted at 87.45/65 per dollar at the 1300 GMT market close, slightly stronger than Thursday's close of 87.55/75.

Duncan Kinuthia, head of trading at Commercial Bank of Africa, said he expected the shilling to trade in the 87.30-87.80 range up to the meeting and hold in the same range if interest rates were kept steady.

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating pan-African lender Ecobank over an alleged misstatement of its lat year’s performance, a source has said.

SEC held meetings with Ecobank's board directors on August 6 to discuss the issue, which was raised by a suspended former head of finance at the bank, the source said, but did not elaborate as to what the bank was accused of misstating.

Ecobank acknowledged that there was an investigation, giving no details, and said it was fully cooperating with the SEC. The source said the regulator had sent queries about Ecobank's last year’s performance to directors, in line with the International Finance Corporation corporate governance code. In March, Ecobank, which has operations in 32 African countries, said its pretax profit rose to its highest ever level of $348 million, up a quarter on the same period a year ago.

“The core element (of the allegation) ... is on material misstatement of facts on (Ecobank) performance," the SEC source said.

This may also affect whether or not a bonus awarded to chief executive officer Thierry Tanoh for that year was proper.

“All the executive directors have been issued a specified questionnaire on matters emanating from the petition and responses are

awaited," he said.

The initial complaint to the SEC came from Laurence do Rego, the bank's suspended head of finance, the source said.

“I can confirm that our Board of Directors met with the SEC in early August and that we are .... in continuing dialogue with them. We are happy to offer them our ongoing cooperation,” Ecobank spokesman Jeremy Reynolds told Reuters by telephone.

He said do Rego, who joined the lender eleven years ago, was suspended because she falsely claimed to be a qualified accountant. Do Rego had not responded to the bank's invitation to meet the board of directors and substantiate her claims.

Do Rego could not be immediately reached for comment.

Ecobank has been in the spotlight over debts owed by businesses associated with its chairman Kolapo Lawson, but the SEC source said the regulator was now satisfied there was nothing untoward about them.

Last month, the bank said that Lawson had repaid the loans and no company rules were broken.

"We've looked at the status of the debt owed by the chairman and we don't think there is any issue there," the source said.

The source also said that another allegation raised - that Ecobank has sold assets at below market value without the SEC's permission - had been dismissed as untrue.

Kenya inflation rose in August KENYA'S inflation rate increased to 6.67 per cent to August from 6.02 per cent a month earlier, the statistics office said on Friday, a rise which had been expected because of higher fuel prices and a new VAT law.

Inflation has roughly remained within the government's preferred medium-term range of five to seven per cent since August last year.

The central bank kept its key rate at 8.50 per cent in July to allow previous cuts to filter through the economy. The next meeting of the monetary policy committee is on September 3.

A Reuters survey of 16 economists taken over the past week forecast rates would stay on hold until at least the end of this year to counter rising inflation and pressure on the shilling.

Duncan Kinuthia, head of trading at Commercial Bank of Africa, said before the announcement: "Unless inflation goes beyond seven per cent I don't see ... (the central bank) acting yet.”

Analysts had expected inflation to rise partly due to higher fuel prices and the coming into effect of a new VAT law that increases the number of goods and services subjected to the tax.

Norway to end Khartoum’s dark nights NORWAY will help South Sudan build a hydropower plant with work expected to start early next year, diplomats said, raising hopes of ending an era of dark nights at least in the capital.

Devastated by decades of civil war with Khartoum, South Sudan has no power grid. Electricity is only for the rich who can afford diesel generators at their villas in the capital, Juba, or business travellers in the city's expensive hotels.

The government has made more than $10 billion in oil revenues since a 2005 peace deal with Khartoum, but corruption and inexperience have hampered development since independence in 2011.

Juba also has no sewage system. Running water in residential buildings and offices comes unfiltered from the Nile, delivered by an army of trucks. To kickstart development, Norway will partly fund and oversee construction of a 42-megawatt dam on the White Nile, providing enough electricity at least for Juba.

Tenders will be awarded in autumn with work to start in early 2014 and end in two years, Western diplomats said. The project will cost around $160 million, of which South Sudan is supposed to contribute a quarter. With risk-averse Western firms largely shunning South Sudan due to its inefficient legal system, bidders for the plant will likely come from Asia, diplomats said. Chinese, Malaysian and Indian firms dominate the oil industry in South Sudan.

Sinopec signs $3.1b Egypt oil deal SINOPEC petrol station Chinese firms have been inking various global deals to secure long term energy supplies.

China Petrochemical Corporation, also known as Sinopec, has agreed to buy a 33 per cent stake in the Egyptian oil and gas business of US firm Apache Corporation.

Sinopec will pay Apache $3.1billion (£2billion) in cash for the stake.

The deal is the latest in a series of similar moves by Chinese oil firms as they look to secure energy supplies to meet growing domestic demand.

China is the world's second-largest consumer of oil, behind the US, and imports are key to meeting its needs.

According to the firm's website, Apache's Egypt operations produced an average of 100,000 barrels of oil and 354 million cubic feet of natural gas per day last year.

"Sinopec is an ideal partner for us, and we look forward to the growth and value generation ahead for both companies through the expansion of our collaboration to other projects," Steven Farris, chief executive of Apache, said in a statement.

The company's exploration and production operations, which are located in remote, unpopulated areas, also remain unaffected by political events in the region. China is the world's second-largest economy. Its rapid growth in recent years has seen a surge in demand for energy sources.

34

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Conoil opens today with the highest current earnings yield in the oil and gas sector. With the highest profit growth in the first half, Conoil leads largely impressive fundamentals in the downstream oil industry. Capital Markets Editor, TAOFIK SALAKO, reports that the current outlook signposts possible returns

Will Conoil sustain the lead?

Q

UOTED oil and gas companies are split between the two extremes- positive and negative. Current operational fundamentals and related technical indicators at the stock market show clear resurgence within the first group of stocks and a slowdown in the second group of stocks.

Three of the six oil majors recorded significant improvement in the bottom-line while three others witnessed contraction in the first half ended June 30, 2013. The same scenario played out in the pricing trends of oil and gas stocks at the stock market, although at a lesser degree.

The All Share Index (ASI), the benchmark index that tracks all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), opens today with eight-month year-to-date return of 29.10 per cent. The sector-specific NSE Oil and Gas Index trails with a return of 24.71 per cent. Yearto-date returns by most oil and gas stocks surpass market’s average return. Forte Oil posts a year-to-date return of 402.8 per cent.

MRS Oil and Gas opens with 52.1 per cent.

Conoil carries average year-to-date return of 45.4 per cent. Total Nigeria trails with 30.3 per cent while Mobil Oil Nigeria shows the least positive return of 2.5 per cent.

Earnings yield- a forward-looking indicator that relates fundamental earnings to share price, provides a bridge between corporate earnings and share pricing trend. While the year-to-date return and latest operational fundamentals illustrate the historic returns by a stock, earnings yield underlines the potential return and intrinsic value in a stock.

Earnings yield is calculated by finding the percentage of current net earnings per share of a stock to the current share price at the stock market, to determine the probable underlying yield for the stock. Besides its importance as a measure of intrinsic returns, earnings yield also denotes probable cash dividend range given its unique feature as a ratio of basic earnings per share. Earnings per share represents net profit earned by every outstanding share of a company within a period. The board, subject to approval of the shareholders at a general meeting, will then decide on the amount of dividend to be paid from the earnings per share. For companies with long-established dividend payment policy, probable dividend could be deduced on the basis of current earnings per share.

Growing profit While downstream oil companies continue to struggle with slow top-line, most companies made appreciable growth in profitability in the first half. Interim results and ac-

counts for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 showed almost sector-wide improvement in margins, which underpinned substantial growths in actual pre and post tax profits. While Mobil Oil’s sales dropped by 9.0 per cent, profits before and after tax grew by 73 per cent and 74 per cent respectively. MRS Oil and Gas optimized its 20 per cent growth in sales into 44 per cent increase in net earnings, although its pre-tax margin still showed hangover of previous reversal.

Forte Oil grew sales by 20.7 per cent and cut down on midline costs to grow pre and post tax profits by 56.5 per cent and 62.7 per cent respectively. Oando struggled all through with declines in sales and profit while Total Nigeria failed to turn its marginal sales growth of 7.0 per cent into profit growth as pre and post tax profits dropped by 7.0 per cent and 9.0 per cent respectively.

Conoil’s performance stood out within the period. Key extracts of the interim report and accounts of Conoil showed that the downstream oil company drew on improved cost management to optimize marginal growth in sales. While turnover grew marginally by 4.5 per cent, profit before tax jumped by 198.6 per cent while profit after tax leapt by 254.8 per cent. Profit before tax closed June 2013 at N1.98 billion as against N663.1 million recorded in comparable period of 2012. Profit after tax leapt to N1.6 billion compared with N450.9 million, underlining similar increase in earnings per share from 65 kobo to N2.30. Gross profit rose from N7.73 billion to N8.33 billion.

Turnover had risen slightly to N79.6 billion in 2013 as against N76.2 billion by June 2012.

The report underlined significant improvement in the profit-making capacity of the company. While gross profit margin improved from 10.14 per cent to 10.46 per cent, pre-tax margin quadrupled to 2.49 per cent in 2013 as against 0.87 per cent in corresponding period of 2012. The bottom-line shows a robust outlook for the shareholders of the company, which had announced a dividend per share of N1 for the 2012 business year.

First half’s net earnings in 2013 already indicated the company could double such dividend.

Pricing the earnings Current earnings yields, based on the first half performance, indicate an average yield of 4.59 per cent for the oil and gas sector.

Conoil opens today atop the table with a yield of 7.72 per cent. Oando follows with a yield of 5.89 per cent. Total Nigeria indicates a yield of 4.52 per cent. Mobil Oil Nigeria carries a yield of 4.11 per cent. Forte

Oil implies a yield of 3.32 per cent while MRS Oil and Gas carries a yield of 2.0 per cent. Annualized, the half-year-based current earnings yield shows out Conoil with the highest full-year yield of more than 15 per cent.

Management forecasts Management of Conoil has indicated it would consolidate its first half performance during the second half. According to the directors of the oil-marketing company, full year profit could rise to about N4 billion by the end of this year. On the basis of this management guidance, earnings per share could rise to N5.76 by the year ended December 31, 2013. This implies earnings yield of 19.3 per cent on the opening share price today.

Management of the company said they expected to drive the second half performance with projected 65 per cent revenue increase from its nationwide retail outlets, especially newly commissioned mega stations. Performance is also expected to be augmented by additional income streams from new lubricant products launched earlier in the year as well as expected 72 per cent increase in probable revenue from the fully-deregulated lubricant business. With its new production plant in Port Harcourt, Conoil plans to step up engine oil exports to West African markets as well as enter into joint venture partnerships with leading car manufacturing companies for the use of Conoil lubricants in their vehicle engines.

It also expects additional incomes from ancillary services including marketing of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and Bitumen, which were reactivated in the first half of 2013 and are expected to boost sales in the second half.

While it expects to sustain its lead as the market leader in the aviation business, the company plans to grow its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) business by expanding the distribution networks and deploying innovative marketing strategies.

“For us, the downstream remains fundamentally attractive now and for the medium to long term. With our clarity of direction and focus, our company’s long-term success is assured. We will sustain our improved performance and realize our aspiration to become the leading petroleum products marketer and one of the most profitable quoted companies. We will consistently pursue initiatives that will enable our brands, processes and people drive our corporate vision and ultimately drive value for our shareholders,” the company stated in a response to analyst’s request on forecasts.

According to Conoil, it has strengthened

•Chairman, Conoil, Dr Mike Adenuga

and repositioned its core businesses with huge investments in retail network expansion, which involved building multi-million Naira mega stations across the country as part of efforts to demonstrate its long-term growth strategy in the industry.

“Our half year strong performance prepares us well for the increasingly fierce competition in the industry. We will continue to transform our business and the way we interact with our dynamic marketplace. We will continue to benchmark our company against the best global standards and practices to ensure that the business is managed in the best interest of all stakeholders. Fresh initiatives to strengthen our income base in the core segments of the business will be pursued proactively capitalizing on every emerging opportunity in the sector,” the company stated.

Will Conoil be able to sustain its growth?

The operating environment in the Nigerian downstream oil sector remains tough and uncertain. With distortions from partial deregulation, sustained performance in the sector requires aggressive and sustainable sales strategy, given that sales growth is the major driver of long-term profitability. The decisive differentiating factors in the sector thus are long-term investments in key facilities including storage and blending facilities, supportive and farsighted board with strong financial influence, dynamic management and sound local intelligence. Conoil, with its single-minded focus on the downstream business, has laid strong foundation with recent investments in capacity expansion and continuing sales growth strategies. The overall outlook appears closer than farther to the management guidance for the full-year.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

35

MONEY MARKET REPORT

CBN's intervention rescues forex market T

HE forex market which has been under pressure in the last three weeks recovered on Friday after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold dollars directly to the market. This prompted an immediate naira rally, seen as the biggest in two years.

The naira, which on Thursday declined 0.7 per cent to N163.35 per dollar, on Friday, jumped 2.4 per cent to N159.80 per dollar. It was the biggest increase since October, 2011 on a closing basis. The advance saw the naira rebound to a monthly gain of 0.6 per cent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

"The CBN intervened on Friday to calm the market and signalled that it will protect the exchange rate. Additionally, there was also an Open Market Operations auction for the first time in several weeks to mop up excess liquidity," Samir Gadio, a London-based emerging-markets strategist at Standard Bank, said.

Before the rescue, the forex market was under intense pressure after over N1 trillion public sector funds were withdrawn from the financial system. The withdrawal was in line with the CBN policy which raised the Cash Reserve Ratio for public sector funds from 12 per cent to 50 per cent.

The CRR is the portion expressed as a percentage of banks’ deposit balances, which they must have as reserve in cash with the CBN. The regulator’s plan was to mop up excess liquidity from the system, have less naira in circulation and get the currency strengthened.

The Managing Director, Bluewall Bureau De Change Limited, Lucky Aiyedatiwa said before Friday’s intervention, the reverse had been the case.

He said rather than the naira appreciating, the currency was declining in value. The naira on Thursday retreated for three consecutive days, after the CBN and oil companies failed to sale dollar.

The currency declined 0.7 per cent to N163.35 per dollar, its worst level since June 2012 on a closing basis. The naira has fallen 4.4 per cent against the dollar this year.

Aiyedatiwa said: “Forex market is not funded. There has been a serious reduction in dollar supply into the interbank and autonomous markets. The condition has put pressure on both markets.” However, he said the market position remains temporary, and will be corrected as soon as dollar inflows from the Nigeria national Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and CBN improve.

Debate among Federal Reserve officials over whether to reduce monetary stimulus has roiled financial markets since May. Oil companies in Nigeria, which sell the dollar mainly at the end of the month to pay domestic expenses, are the second-biggest suppliers of dollars after the CBN. CBN Spokesman, Ugochukwu Okoroafor told The Nation on phone that there is nothing to worry. He said the naira should be allowed to find its feet, adding that what is happening is temporary. Okorofaor said the impact of the CRR hike on the naira will not be immediate, adding that over time, the naira will stabilise. The CBN auctions foreign exchange on Mondays and Wednesdays and had sold $563.5 million last week.

Money laundering compliance The first round of mutual evaluation on money laundering conducted by the InterGovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) showed that many financial institutions, especially commercial banks, are not fully complying with anti-money laundering laws.

GIABA Director-General, Shehu Abdullahi disclosed this at the regional training for financial and regulatory institutions on the revised Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.

Abdullahi, who was represented by Head, Programs and Projects, Bruno Nduka said the outcome of the evaluation revealed an abysmal performance on the recommendations relating to the financial sector in the adoption and implementation of the FATF standards. This, he said, makes the sector one of the vulnerable in African economies.

He said that critical issues relating to customer identification, AML/CFT supervision among others, are yet to be fully addressed. Also, he said, other new challenges have arisen as a result of the issuance of new standards by the FATF, which will require the continued implementation of, and, in some cases, further refinements to, the financial sector AML/CFT programme.

• Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

•Dollar notes

By Collins Nweze

Exams for bankers coming The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) is to introduce a common entry examination and certification for bankers, its President, Segun Aina, has said.

Aina said the measure would address the dearth skilled manpower in the sector.

The policy, he said, would ensure that for a graduate to secure a job, he/she would have taken and passed the entry exams, adding that it would reduce the cost on banks’ conduct of tests.

“While allowing banks to concentrate on their core functions, standardisation will also be ensured. This service will be in line with the responsibility of the Institute to determine the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the banking profession,” he said.

He lamented the poor quality of workforce, saying it is a major challenge in the industry.

The desire to address this anomaly, he said, prompted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to design a Competency Framework for the industry that is meant to ensure that priority is given to the continuous enhancement of human capital and lifelong learning in the industry. He said the institute had established the Centre for Financial Studies (CFS) to upgrade the competencies of practitioners.

Infrastructure funding The Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman said the government is working on a 30-year infrastructure master plan that will integrate key sectors of the economy.

He spoke at the World Press Conference on the forthcoming 19th Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Lagos. “We are drawing out a 30-year infrastructure plan that is in draft now and we are going round the six geopolitical zones to see how we can integrate sectors to work better together,” he said.

He said there had been challenges in infrastructure. He noted in the past, Nigeria adopted a gas master plan, a road master plan, but that some of them failed because of integration, especially with Information Technology now.

He said the agricultural sector has the largest potential to diversify the economy, create jobs, secure food supply, lower inflation and expand foreign exchange earnings for the country.

ACCA The Global Chief Executive of Association

of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Mrs Helen Brand has said the organisation will collaborate with PwC Nigeria on key initiatives, such as capacity building in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), being adopted in Nigeria.

Mrs Brand, who is on a visit to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria as part of a week-long event, said both ACCA and PwC are partnering to address the capacity deficit in the country’s accounting industry and to improve the quality of corporate reporting.

“Both ACCA and PwC share common professional values, global presence, ethics and governance,” she said. “This perhaps explains the desire to collaborate on key initiatives such as capacity building in IFRS which are being adopted in Nigeria. Both firms plan to jointly organise a series of events on IFRS for SMEs in collaboration with the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).”

Interest rate Deposit Money Banks have hiked deposit rates by four per cent to augment the shortfall in deposits. The action became exigent after the CBN began implementation of 50 per cent CRR on public sector deposits.

Analysts at Consolidated Discount Limited (CDL) said in an emailed report that many of the lenders, including those perceived as fairly liquid, are taking the step to safeguard existing deposits from being prised away. They said interest rates on deposits have been on the rise even as the deposit wars reminiscent of the pre-2009 banking reforms have resurfaced.

The analysts said CBN may further raise the CRR on public sector deposits from 50 per cent to 100 per cent adding that the naira has not fared better despite the hike. They said stability of the naira is the most significant threat to the CRR figure.

Union Homes restructures Union Homes Savings & Loans Limited Plc has said it is reorganising its operations for efficiency and improved results. Its Managing Director, Pearl Kanu said the mortgage firm is improving its processes, managing costs and increasing productivity.

“Our goal is to be a more effective organisation, providing valued services to our customers and supported by a competent workforce,” he said.

He regretted that the firm’s efforts to create a better organisation have been met with resistance by a very vocal and deliberate minority. “This minority has, regrettably, seized and exploited the opportunities available to it in an attempt to disrupt

‘Before the rescue, the forex market was under intense pressure after over N1 trillion public sector funds were withdrawn from the financial system. The withdrawal was in line with the CBN’s policy which raised the Cash Reserve Ratio for public sector funds from 12 per cent to 50 per cent’

operations and somehow coerce the Company into adopting an ineffectual and impracticable state of existence,” he said.

“The strategy adopted by this small group has included a continued, illegal strike action, the locking of the Company Head Office gates in order to prevent the peaceful ingress and egress of our committed, majority staff and valued customers, as well as the leveling of several falsehoods and deliberate misrepresentations against the company,” he added.

World Bank The World Bank and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have agreed to jointly develop and maintain a database on trade in services for Nigeria, and more than 100 other countries globally.

A statement from the global lender said the joint database covers various sectors such as financial, transportation, tourism, retail, telecommunications, and business services, including law and accounting.

It said the database is an area that is becoming increasingly important and yet for which little information is publicly available.

It said the data will be presented in four modules covering: members' commitments under the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); commitments on trade in services in regional trade agreements; members' applied measures affecting trade in services; and services statistics.

The first version of the database has just been launched, as part of the WTO's Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal (I-TIP) Services portal.

Policy makers, researchers, trade negotiators, and the general public can access the database for free. Policy transparency is a public good and a shared objective of both institutions. The World Bank makes trade data publicly available under the Open Data Initiative, as does the WTO with the I-TIP. Transparency is particularly important in the dynamic area of trade in services because the regulatory framework is complex and little information is publicly available. Crossborder trade in services makes up one-fifth of all world trade, even without considering international transactions through foreign affiliates and the temporary movement of people.

Western Union The Western Union Company has reiterated its commitment to mobile money services.

The firm also has partnered eTranzact International Plc, a multi-application and multi-channel electronic payment processing company, have announced the launch of a new mobile money transfer service.

The firms said in a statement that consumers in Nigeria who use the eTranzact Mobile Money platform now have the option of receiving a Western Union Money Transfer transaction on their mobile phones.

The facility allows consumers can receive funds from money transfer transactions initiated at Western Union transactional websites in 23 countries, or Western Union Agent locations around the world.

"Western Union continues to introduce new service offerings to complement our multiproduct, multi-channel strategy," said Aida Diarra, Western Union Regional Vice President for North, Central and West Africa.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

36

DUE DILIGENCE

Julius Berger Nigeria: Improving performance J

ULIUS Berger Nigeria Plc sustained its positive performance outlook with the latest audited

and interim earnings reports showing improved cost and resource efficiency. Both actual and underlying profitability measures indicated improvement in outward profit figures and intrinsic profit-making capacity of the company.

Interim report for the first half ended June 30, 2013 showed that modest improvements in all margins supported actual profit figures.

Gross profit margin stood at 18.3 per cent in first half 2013 as against 17.88 per cent in comparable period of 2012. With considerable decline in marketing expenses, operating profit margin improved from 5.65 per cent to 6.44 per cent. Profit before tax margin inched up to 5.49 per cent in 2013 as against 5.13 per cent in corresponding period of 2012.

Audited report and accounts of Julius Berger Nigeria for the year ended December 31, 2012 had shown that turnover increased by 19 per cent while profits before and after tax grew by 24 per cent and 82 per cent. The improvement in the underlying profit-making capacity and returns of the company was underlined by increases in all profitmaking indices.

With the retention of about 63 per cent of net profit for the year, the decision to retain much earnings substantially increased the underlying value of the company as net assets per share rose by 55 per cent.

Besides, returns on equity and assets were higher at 53 per cent and 6.9 per cent in 2012 as against 45 per cent and 5.8 per cent in 2011.

Financing structure The underlying financing position was stronger with equity funds accounting for 8.5 per cent of total assets in 2012 as against 5.7 per cent in 2011. Both reduction in loans and increase in equity funds substantially deleveraged the balance sheet with debt-to-equity ratio of 54.2 per cent in 2012 as against 164.6 per cent in 2011.

Group total assets inched up by 3.9 per cent from N172.25 billion to N179.03 billion. Balance sheet size was driven mainly by long-term assets which rose by 35 per cent from N71.40 billion to N96.65 billion as against 18 per cent reduction in current assets from N100.84 billion to N82.39 billion. Total liabilities was

By Taofik Salako

almost flat at N163.89 billion in 2012 as against N162.50 billion in 2011.

Bank loans had dropped by 49 per cent from N16.04 billion to N8.21 billion. Paid up share capital remained unchanged at N600 million, consisting of 1.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. Equity funds however rode on the back of retained earnings to N15.14 billion in 2012 compared with N9.75 billion in 2011, indicating an increase of 55.4 per cent.

per cent of employees were categorized as junior staff while 4.04 per cent and 0.63 per cent fell under senior and management staff respectively. Although average cost per employee improved from N2.32 million to N2.57 million, the staff structure counterbalanced such robustness, especially in the absence of a breakdown of staff costs across the cadres. Total staff costs had increased from N43.23 billion to N49.44 billion.

Profitability

Efficiency Fundamentally, the company was more efficient and relatively productive during the year. While average contribution of each employee to the bottom-line improved from N0.532 million to N0.642 million, total cost of business, excluding financing charges, dropped marginally from 93.7 per cent to 93.6 per cent of total turnover. Average number of employees increased from 18,670 persons to 19,234 persons. The staff structure however remained almost the same with wide gap between senior staff and junior staff as well as senior and management cadre. Some 95.3

The company sustained growths in turnover and profit, setting a stable performance trend that transcended the previous audited report to emerging earnings reports. Turnover rose by 15 per cent to N96.57 billion in first half 2013 as against N83.96 billion in comparable period of 2012. Gross profit was faster at 18 per cent from N15.01 billion to N17.68 billion. Operating profit was boosted by a more efficient midline cost management. Operating profit rose by 31 per cent from N4.74 billion to N6.22 billion. Profit before tax stood at N5.30 billion in 2013

ria. Incorporated in 1970, it became a publicly quoted company in 1991 and now has 1.2 billion shares in the hands of more than 10,000 shareholders. There were no major changes in the ownership, group structures, board and management of the company during the period under review.

Bilfinger Berger SE, remained the majority core investor in Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with 39.87 per cent equity stake. Watertown Energy Limited holds 10 per cent equity stake, the second largest by a single shareholder. Other substantial shareholders include the Lagos State and Benue State, which hold 5.50 per cent and 5.21 per cent respectively through their investment companies.

Julius Berger Nigeria Group includes four wholly owned subsidiaries and two largely-owned subsidiaries.

There were no major changes on the board and management of the company. AVM. Mohammed Nurudeen Imam (rtd) still chairs the board of directors while Wolfgang Goetsch remains the managing director. Julius Berger Nigeria generally complies with code of corporate governance and the scope and presentation of its report were adequate.

Analyst’s opinion Julius Berger Nigeria’s top-line performance remains relatively assured given Nigeria’s infrastructural requirements and the leading position of Julius Berger Nigeria in the building and construction industry.

The performance trends in recent periods underscored a commendable growth strategy, driving topline while reducing the inefficiencies and drags-such as huge borrowings, which stifle returns to shareholders. A stronger balance sheet and sustained internal efficiency will ensure increased profitability. Overall, there is reasonable basis to assume that the company will sustain its positive outlook.

Liquidity

2008

2009

2010

Fiscal Year December 31 Nmillion

2012 12 months

% change

2011 12 months

Profit and Loss Statement Main Business Segment Total turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Interest and other incomes Finance expenses Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross dividend (Nm) Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net Assets per share (kobo)

196,955 201,565 156,726 44,839 31,859 2,071 2,710 12,341 8,013 683 3,000 250 1,262

17.7 19.0 15.4 33.4 39.0 76.9 39.1 24.2 81.6 85.6 4.2 4.2 55.4

167,399 169,413 135,789 33,624 22,915 1,171 1,948 9,933 4,412 368 2,880 240 812

Balance Sheet Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

billion. With these, earnings per share closed first half 2013 at N2.25 compared with N1.99 recorded in corresponding period of 2012.

In the latest audited full-year report, Julius Berger had grown turnover by 19 per cent from N169.41 billion in 2011 to N201.57 billion in 2012.

Cost of sales increased by 15 per cent to N156.73 billion compared with N135.79 billion. Gross profit leapt on higher margin to N44.84 billion, 33.4 per cent above N33.62 billion recorded in previous year. Total operating expenses increased by 39 per cent from N22.92 billion to N31.86 billion. About 80 per cent increase in non-core business incomes mitigated 39 per cent increase in interest expenses, leaving pre-tax profit with an increase of 24 per cent. Interest and other incomes increased from N1.17 billion to N2.07 billion while interest expenses rose from N1.95 billion to N2.71 billion.

Both the civil and building works maintained considerable profitability during the period. Profit before tax stood at N12.34 billion in 2012 as against N9.93 billion in 2011. After taxes, profit for the year jumped by 82 per cent from N4.41 billion to N8.01 billion. Basic earnings per share stood at N6.83 in 2012 as against N3.68 in 2011. The company distributed N3 billion on the basis of N2.50 per share as dividends for the 2012 business year, a modest increase of 4.2 per cent on N2.88 billion paid out on the basis of N2.40 per share for the 2011 business year. With large retained earnings, net assets per share increased from N8.12 to N12.62.

Beyond the surface, the group’s underlying profitability improved during the period, indicating that the outward profit and loss growths were driven by fundamental strengths. Gross profit margin improved from 19.8 per cent to 22.2 per cent. Pre-tax profit margin also increased from 5.9 per cent to 6.1 per cent. Return on total assets stood at 6.9 per cent in 2012 as against 5.8 per cent in 2011. Return on equity leapt to 52.9 per cent compared with 45.3 per cent. Dividend cover almost doubled at 2.73 times as against 1.53 times in previous year.

57,079 96,648 28,838 82,386 179,034

3.0 35.4 -28.1 -18.3 3.9

55,422 71,404 40,134 100,844 172,248

18,198 8,208 68,811 95,079 163,890

104.9 -48.8 9.3 -4.5 0.9

8,883 16,038 62,964 99,538 162,502

600 15,144

0.0 55.4

600 9,746

2011

2012

compared with N4.31 billion, an increase of 23 per cent. Profit after tax grew by 13.5 per cent to N2.70 billion as against N2.38

The liquidity position of the company declined during the period.

Current ratio, which measures the relationship between current assets and relevant liabilities, declined from 1.60 times in 2011 to1.20 times in 2012. The proportion of working capital to turnover dropped from 22.4 per cent to 6.7 per cent. Debtors/ creditor ratio stood at 158.5 per cent in 2012 as against 451.8 per cent in 2011.

Governance and structures Julius Berger Nigeria is the leading construction company in Nige-

•Goetsch

Fiscal Year Ended December 31

2012 %

2011 %

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

8.5 53.1 38.4 54.2

5.7 57.8 36.6 164.6

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

22.2 6.1 6.9 52.9 2.73

19.8 5.9 5.8 45.3 1.53

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

0.642 2.57 93.6

0.532 2.32 93.7

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

1.20 6.7 158.5

1.60 22.4 451.8

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

37

• A production plant

Plant engineers’ due season

With the opening up of the power sector and planned revival of the real sector, plant engineers may soon become hot cakes in the labour market. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

A

It is their job to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

There are lots of job prospects for plant engineers, especially with the opening up of the power sector.

The Executive Director, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAN), Mr Okechukwu Azogu, said employment growth was expected in engineering, especially for those who can manage the produc-

S the plant head in a company in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, Philip Okon handles anything from a drop in output to equipment fixing.

Some time ago, the company had a leak in one of its production units which caused impure products to be formed. He had to tackle the problem since the company didn’t want to produce faulty drugs. His intervention saved the company lots of

money.

Plant manager play key roles in organisations. They manage the production shifts.

If anything happens, they call a meeting, involving chemical engineers and other analysts.

As a team, they find out what the problem is and set out the priorities.

Once they find the problem, they look for the way out.

tion process. The economy, he said, required a lot of expertise, with the reforms in the power sector and other areas of manufacturing.

According to him, engineers with background in production will always find a job, because there will always be some kind of system, whether it’s people or products, that will need to be developed, •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

38

JOBS

Plant engineers’ due season •Continued from page 37

improved, implemented and evaluated.

With their skills, plant engineers can be used in any type of organisation.

Plant engineers, he said, were needed in food processing companies which take crops and process them to make food and animal feed ingredients, and naturally-derived alternatives to industrial chemicals.

The opportunities seem endless because they centre on complex problem-solving issues related to agricultural production and processes.

Their key areas of responsibilities are implementing projects that improve safety, quality and production efficiency and output.

According to him, job prospects are very good in the energy industry for plant engineers.

He sees hiring of plant engineers increasing with new power stations coming on stream with the concessioning of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

For him, engineers will continue to be in demand and he doesn’t see that dropping in the near future.

In some areas of the economy, plant engineers are also designated as production engineers.

By job description, they help management deploy production machines effectively to make a product or offer a service.

The Managing Director, Elkins Marine Training International, Dr Hugh Friday Nwaneri, said there are job opportunities for plant engineers. This is because companies hire them to manage machinery and equipment.

Across the country, manufacturing companies, such as Cadbury, Coca Cola, are among the major employers of plant engineers.

Many large companies employ several engineers to ensure that there is an engineer on the premises round the clock.

They work in different manufacturing industries, and in factories, warehouses, laboratories, and construction sites. In fact, just about every large scale manufacturer needs plant engineers to help them solve their problems.

Largely, manufacturing firms employ plant engineers to conduct daily safety checks on heavy machinery and equipment. They perform tests to ensure machines are working smoothly.

In many places, companies are legally required to perform regular safety checks and local inspectors liaise with plant engineers to ensure that all health and safety regulations are being observed.

Plant engineers must perform regular preventative maintenance on equipment, and this requires that they have a thorough knowledge of the machinery involved.

For this reason, plant engineers are expected to liaise with management and production teams to rectify problems with machinery and equipment that slow down production or create safety hazards. Some plant engineers are responsible for developing ideas to speed up production and cut costs.

With the reforms in the power sector, he said plant engineers would be engaged to perform basic tasks related to maintenance and safety.

Nearly all plant engineers work full time. Because this can be a very deadline-driven occupation,

• Azogu

working overtime is frequently required as deadlines approach.

Most plant engineers start as a member of a plant crew and handles general maintenance issues.

Senior engineers can be promoted to supervisory and management positions. Engineering managers must help to train and recruit new employees as well as coordinate staffing schedules and manage departmental budgets.

Entry-level positions often deal with maintenance and repair of plant equipment while senior positions are usually managerial in nature.

The daily routine of plant engineers includes providing assist-

• Adebajo

ance and direction to other plant personnel in proper plant procedures and manufacturing methods. Part of this routine involves providing guidance for preventative and repair maintenance to ensure that plant operations are able to meet output quotas and deadlines.

A former president of the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, NIStructE, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Kunle Adebajo, said engineers were central to innovation and improving the quality of life.

Adebajo, Chairman/CEO, Ove Arup, an international engineer-

‘Engineers with background in production will always find a job, because there will always be some kind of system, whether it’s people or products, that will need to be developed, improved, implemented and evaluated’

ing consulting firm, said companies seek out job candidates with an engineering degree that is relevant to the particular industry, such as a mechanical, , chemical, or electrical engineering degree.

Because of this, employees with such skills are in high demand.

According to him, most employers require job applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Depending on the industry of the employer, a degree in chemical, civil, electrical or nuclear engineering may be more relevant to the desired job.

A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs.

Graduates with degrees in electrical, electronics, mechanical, chemical, civil, or materials engineering are hired for plant engineering positions.

Entry-level salaries vary based on experience, education, supervisory responsibility, geographic location, size, and industry of the employer.

The general engineering training, Adebajo said, allows them to shift to fields with better prospects to those that more closely match their interests.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

T

HE following is an imaginary commencement address to graduates about to work by the Chief Executive Officer of Accretive Solutions, Richard A. Moran, a social scientist and bestselling author. He’s an expert at organisation effectiveness (and recognised as a top LinkedIn Influencer!) He offers 20 pieces of amazing advice targeted specifically for new grads: 1. Avoid “Reply All”. It is the most dangerous button on your screen.

It looks innocent enough, a little envelope with an arrow. Hitting that innocuous looking icon can change the course of a career even at a tender age. Too often, the “Reply All” sends information to the people you least want to see it.

2. Remember that there is no “Never Mind” icon. I suspect this technology tip comes while many of you are laden with guilt that you don’t know how to code in Ruby on Rails or the latest language. You will always feel guilty about what you are unable to do technically.

Get over it and enjoy the wonders of the technology that you do

18 pieces of advice for new grads

By Olu Oyeniran

know even if it is only the on/off button.

3. Enjoy everything you know how to do right now because in a minute the technology will change and you won’t know how to do anything. And make sure you figure out how to save those photos you’ve been taking on your phone.

You will never look this good again.

4. Carry extra power cords. You can never have too many and don’t let others borrow them. You will not get them back.

5. Use the talk/voice function on your cell phone occasionally. The phone has a microphone that can come in handy when talking to Mom and Dad. They may want more details than a text can provide.

6. Don’t participate in a conference call from a public bathroom

stall. Everybody will know- it echoes!

7. Facebook Friends may or may not be real friends. Know the difference and pay attention to real friends. And remember we are all stalked on Facebook. Social media is probably less friendly than you think. It may be very so for you, if not for most people.

8. Be gentle with those who work around you. They are not “it”, even if they are so distant from you.

Reheat burritos at work sparingly, they smell up the whole place.

9. Never talk about pay or dwell on what early employees at Google or Facebook make. There will always be those who make more and those who make less. An African proverb says that you think your father’s farm is the biggest, until you visit somebody’s father’s farm. Pay is not everything. If you love what you do and you get paid for it, consider it a

bonus.

10. Assume that all things you do on your computer at work will be monitored and reviewed. Never let your guard down.

11. Co-workers should never see you naked – either digitally or literally.

12. Know what goes into a performance review and keep track of what you do during the year. No one else will keep track, not even your boss until appraisal time, except he is planning ‘evil’ against you.

13. The world is a difficult one now. Be security conscious: mind the friends you keep, what you say, especially in public places, maintain good relations with your neighbors, juniors, domestic employees and others.

14. Never go to more than two meetings a day.

15. Play hooky. When your team wins, when your spouse is available for a special day, when things are slow, when you really need a day to regroup, call in sick. Check your email while you are out.

16. Create a “Personal Board of Directors.” Since mentors are so difficult to find, make up your own board and imagine what advice they would give. My board is composed of three people who are no longer walking the earth.

17. Treat every job as if you will be there for a long time, even if you know you won’t be. If you are seen as a short-timer, no one will invest in making friends with you.

18. Where you work is like selecting a college. It’s not the best place that accepts you; it’s about the best match.

•Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

39

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

GOKE ILESANMI HERE is definitely a gap between perception and reality in the event that you discover that people, even those who know you very well, do not quite understand whom you really are and what they can rely on you to do for them. That is, there is a gap between the “real you” and the “you” other people see and interact with. Businesses deal with this dilemma constantly. Their most successful strategy is branding.

The fact must also be stressed that your personal branding, your professional reputation, is often not about how you see yourself, but the way others perceive you. As angel investor Judy Robinett puts it, “If three people tell you you’re a horse, buy a saddle.” You can get honest feedback about your brand, for instance, by having access to copies of past performance assessments that others have written on you.

Even though all the past assessments may not be the same, you can align with repeated emphasis of a particular skill set or shortcoming about you in those past

T

Branding through quality service and empowerment assessments.

Scope and meaning Branding is how businesses tell customers what to expect. It is a reality that technological and economic changes are fast reshaping the nature of work.

Things now change rapidly in the business world, and customers are more comfortable if they know what to expect. Branding is a familiar bridge across which businesses and their customers engage in transactions that lead to long-term and mutually-beneficial relationships. It is the embodiment of what businesses and their customers value, the means through which businesses get credit for the quality they represent and deliver.

David McNally and Karl D. Speak, co-authors of “Be Your Own Brand” say a brand is a relationship not a statement. They stress that it is not a matter of contrived image, colourful packaging, snappy slogans or addition of an artificial veneer to disguise the true nature of what is within. In fact, a ‘branded’ relationship is a special type of relationship – one that involves the kind of trust that only happens when two people believe there is a direct connection between their value systems.

Emotional strategy and excellence With so many similar products and services competing in the market place today, it is difficult for small businesses to differentiate themselves from their large competitors. So how can a small business gain a competitive edge over large businesses? It is simply through strategic branding.

Branding is not just about having a catchy slogan or a unique company logo. Even though these are very important, more important is the way the branding tools deployed help to create a relationship

between a brand and a consumer.

Research shows that great companies like Coca-Cola, Nike, Heineken, Zenith Bank, Glo, Dangote Group, Quaditect Consultants, etc., are masters at creating relationships with their customers. With quality service reinforced with sponsorship of youth empowerment programmes, it is, for instance, not surprising that a bank like Zenith Bank is soaring fast to the peak or zenith of successful banking in Nigeria and beyond within a relatively short period of existence.

Branding is not just for big companies with huge advertising budgets; the same tools and techniques can be used by small businesses. Findings confirm that successful branding is done by businesses that appeal to their customers’ emotions. If you are selling a product that is very similar to one of your larger competitors’, it is your job to reach out to customers on an emotional level to make them want to buy your product instead of your competitors’.

Distinct customer service For instance, if you have competitors selling at discounted prices, customers can still buy from you because of the quality of your product reinforced with superior customer service. Your customers will simply refuse to go to your competitors because they do not get the attention you give them. And you stress this commitment to quality and distinct customer service as your unique selling proposition when you promote or advertise your business. That is good branding – it is an emotional connection between your business and your customers.

Great company branding reveals the true character of a company.

Image is just as important as your

product and service. Image is the reason why a customer is going to do business with you and not a larger competitor. What perception would you like your customers to have of your small business? Keep in mind that successful branding encompasses a company’s mission statement. What makes your company different from your competitors? It is your branding strategy.

Non-profit organisations Apart from profit-oriented organisations, some modern religious institutions like the Redeemed Christian of God, Daystar Christian Centre, God’s Generals International Church, etc., brand their religious activities by combining spiritual empowerment with intellectual development of their members and communities.

For instance, God’s Generals International Church, has organised series of multipurpose international empowerment programmes in Port Harcourt, Rivers State this year and invited speakers, including myself, from within and outside Nigeria. Pastor Michael Fakorede, the presiding pastor of the church said the motive behind organising series of seminars is to enhance intellectual development of church members and nonmembers in addition to routine spiritual empowerment.

Steps In your effort to get your business branded, the following steps will help you map out a successful branding strategy. The first one is to give intangibles some consideration. Anything can be branded. Remember that you are branding a concept, not just a company or a product. Intangibles, such as the special way you handle customer service, should be a part

of your branding. If you run a communication consulting firm like I do, for instance, you need to brand your intelligence and mastery of communication.

Another step is to let the branding match the business. Know your company and ensure your brand identity is parallel to your company identity. A clear relationship should be established for your customers. The connection between a company and its branding should be immediate. For instance, an automobile company might start sending its favourite customers key-holders with its company brand, but branding items that have no relationship with the brand would not be non-verbally effective and communicative.

Addition You can also get your business branded by speaking to your target audience. Ensure your brand speaks to your different audiences. Great branding reaches multiple customer audience segments.

Experts advise that it is not good to leave out potential customers by branding your product or service to one or two customer groups. You need to brand for the long term. It is not good to be short-sighted about your company’s branding. Great branding lasts over a long period of time and the messages last long.

Branding should transcend competition in the marketplace.

Parting shot Your future depends on your ability to be a brand. Paying attention to your personality and managing your reputation (how others see you) will turn you into a successful brand. Two of the things that are very effective here are quality of your service and your ability to engage in empowerment programmes in your community or environment.

WORKPLACE MATTERS

Boosting your job opportunities with good CV(2)

L

AST week, we said many graduates are today roaming the streets in search of jobs without success just because they do not know how to package their curriculum vitae (CV) properly.

We added that a piece of CV has a persuasive motive and it is simply an advertisement. We explained that there are three types of CVs, and these are chronological, functional and combined chronological functional. We stressed that the most effective one is the combined chronological functional CV. Analysis … A great CV has two sections.

In the first section, you make assertions about your abilities, qualities and achievements. The second section, the evidence section, is where you back up your assertions with evidence that you actually did what you said you did.

This is where you list and describe the jobs you have held, your education, etc. Most CVs contain the evidence section without assertions. The assertions section usually has two or three sections. In all of them, your job is to assert that you are the best candidate for the job. You start by naming your intended job. This may be in a separate Objective section, or may be woven into the second section, the Summary. If you are making a change to a new field, or are a young person not fully established in a career, start with a separate Objective section.

ASSERTIONS SECTION (A) Objective Targeting your CV requires that

By Goke Ilesanmi

you should be completely clear about your career direction. The way to demonstrate your clarity of direction is to make the first major topic of your CV be your objective section. Suppose the owner of a newspaper house puts an advert in the paper looking for an experienced sales person. Then later, the company receives 800 CVs. The applicants have different backgrounds.

The recruiting person has no way of knowing whether any of them is really interested in selling the company’s product. He or she remembers they have all applied for a job they do not really want. He or she knows that many of the CVs received are from people who are just casting their seeds to the winds. Then, he or she comes across a CV in the pile that starts with the following: “Objective: To work as a sales person in a reputable media organisation where an extraordinary record of exceeding sales target and excellent customer relations would be needed.”

Attraction This will automatically attract his or her attention. It works well because the prospective employer is smart enough to know that someone who wants to do exactly what he or she is offering will be much more likely to succeed than someone who does not. And, he or she (the applicant) will probably be a lot more pleasant to work with as well. Also, this candidate has done a good job of establishing why he or she is the best

candidate in the first sentence. It is noteworthy that even when people are clever enough to have an objective, they often make the mistake of composing a selfish objective such as, “To work as X in an organisation where I can hone my skills….” The employer is interested in hiring you for what you can do for him or her, not for fulfilling your private goals and agenda. To write your objective, therefore, you first of all decide on a specific job title for your objective. Go back to your list of answers to the question, How can I demonstrate that I am the best candidate? as suggested last week. What are the two or three qualities, abilities or achievements that would make a candidate stand out as truly exceptional for that specific job?

Example The person in the above example understands that the prospective employer would be very much interested in candidates having the ability to exceed sales targets, generate new accounts and effectively relate with customers.

Therefore, he or she makes that the very first and convincing point of the CV. Ensure that the objective is to the point. Experts such as Nicholas Lore, an international career management coach said it is better to avoid fluffy phrases which are obvious or do not mean anything, such as, “Allowing the ability to enhance potential and utilise experience in new challenges.” The objective may be broad and still somewhat be vague in some cases, e.g. “A senior-level management position in

the banking industry”.

Potency Having an objective statement that is really catching is the best.

One format is: “Objective: An X position in an organisation where Y and Z would be needed.” X refers to the name of the position you are looking for. Y and Z are the most unique qualities, abilities or achievements that will really make you stand out from a crowd of applicants. The research previously done, to find out what is most important to the employer will provide the information to fill in Y and Z. If you are actually not sure of the type of job you are looking for, adapt your CV to each type of job you apply for.

There is nothing wrong with having several different CVs, each with a different objective, specifically composed for a different type of position. This is so because you are only writing an advertising copy, not your life story that is objectively fixed.

Addition You may or may not need to use a separate Objective section if you are looking for a job in your present field. You may just include your Objective in your Summary section. The point of using an Objective is to create a specific psychological response in the mind of the reader. If you are making a career change or are a young person, you want the employer to immediately focus on where you are going, rather than where you have been. If you are looking for another job in your present field, it

is more important to stress your qualities, achievements and abilities first.

The following are a few examples of the separate objective section: *A mid-level position in the insurance industry where a background in public relations would be needed. *An English language teaching position where a special ability to motivate and communicate effectively with students would be required.

(B) The summary segment The Summary (of qualifications) segment consists of several concise statements that focus the reader’s attention on the most important qualities, achievements and abilities you have to offer. Those qualities should be the most compelling demonstration of why you should be employed at the expense of other candidates.

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.

•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 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

40

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

INSURANCE

NAICOM promises to release report on Goldlink soon T HE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has pledged to act soon on the recommendations of the report of the interim management it set up to probe sacked directors of Goldlink Insurance Plc, The Nation learnt.

They were booted out for alleged anomalies and misstatements in the company’s accounts for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Spokesman, Rasaaq Salami, confirmed NAICOM’s receiving of the report, adding that it was received about three weeks ago.

He said the interim management has reviewed the audit by KPMG, and made recommendations, adding that the Commission is working on these recommendations.

Salami regreted that NAICOM’s intervention came a little late. The former board alleged to be involved in mismanagement and other irregularities had Mr Gbenga Afolayan as Chairman, and Mr Femi Okuniyi as Managing Director.

The interim board has Mr James Ayo as Chairman; Mr Gbolahan Olutayo, as Managing Director and Mr Adeyinka Olutungasem, Chief Finance Officer.

Other members include Ambassador Umar Damagun, Alhaji Sahe Dabana, Prof. Chioma Kanu

T

HE transition of yearly accounts of insurance firms from the local standard to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has remained a challenge for operators in the industry.

Accoridng to the National Insurance Commission, the adoption of the IFRS is expected to result in high quality, transparent and comparable financial statements that would be based on modern accounting principles and concepts being applied globally.

With the introduction of the IFRS, the underwriters’ new financial method overrode the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board (NASB), which the insurance firms had been using.

Among the objectives of the IFRS, was the introduction of international standards into the in-

•Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

Agomo and Mallam Abubakar Sadiq Mijinyawa.

But the interim management constituted to audit the financial re-

• Okuniyi

ports and corporate governance failures, is still in office three weeks after the submission of their findings, despite shareholders’ grouse over the huge funds being spent on them.

However, Salami said the interim management team was being re-

tained to avoid a gap.

Meanwhile, sources in the industry who asked not to be identified, said they were worried over the delay by NAICOM to unveil the findings of the KPMG report.

One of the sources pointed out that there should be no more excuses from the regulator since the recommendation has been submitted to them.

Another source urged NAICOM to release the findings soon.

NAICOM had in furtherance of its oversight functions taken over the management of Goldlink Insurance Plc and constituted a sevenman interim board to oversee the affairs of the company for six months with effect from October last year.

According to the commission, the interim board followed the resignation of members of the directors of the company. Their resignation became apparent after the commission uncovered anomalies and misstatements in the audited financial statements of the company for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The board was charged with probing the financial reports and corporate governance failures observed in the company’s financial statement for 2011.

Insurers struggle to adopt IFRS surance sector’s financial reporting which is aimed at growing international insurance companies and earn the people’s confidence and attract the interest of foreign investors.

But insurance operators have found it difficult to adopt IFRS standard. As at the time of filing this report, out of the 59 insurance companies, 31 have submitted their IFRS complaint account while only eight out of these 31 have got approval on the accounts.

A source in NAICOM restated the commitments of the commission to carry the provisions of the law concerning non-compliance.

He said: “Non-submission of account is a ground for suspension of operating licence aside from the N5000 daily penalty they have to pay. He said NAICOM will sus-

pend any erring company license if the need arise.

“But we are not looking out to deliberately penalise or suspend any operator because we understand their challenges especially the transition process to IFRS. “At a recent meeting with Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and the external auditors of all affected companies, the Commission expressed concern over the delay in the submission of 2012 annual accounts. Common errors were noticed in the reports already submitted by some insurance companies and we have informed them on the need to speed up the process to avoid further delays in the approval of accounts by the commission”, a source close to the regulatory body said, adding that they were also warned of grave conse-

quences of further delays of submission and approval of the accounts to the affected companies.

The source noted that the operators accepted that there were challenges but promised to do the needful.

The meeting, the source said, was addressed by the Deputy Commissioner, Finance & Administration George Onekhena and the Director Supervision department of NAICOM, Nicholas Opara.

Managing Director, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc Eddie Efekoha said though the transition to the IFRS reporting was not as seamless as envisaged in the industry.

The source, however, disclosed that subsequent years would be less problematic for the players because of lessons learnt so far.

Fed Govt owes N24b premium

T

HE Federal Government is owing insurance firms N24 billion premium while it has paid N669 billion to banks as interest in one year, the Managing Director Cornerstone Insurance Plc Mr Ganiyu Musa said.

Speaking at the Members’ Evening of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) in Lagos, Musa added that only N300 billion was generated by the industry since its

recapitalisation in 2007, describing the figure as poor.

More appalling, he said, was that assets of banks are worth N22.5 trillion while that of insurers is about N0.621 trillion.

Citing insurance companies’ performance with banks, Musa said while insurance companies are richer than banks in developed countries, it is not so in the country.

He urged his colleagues to do things differently for the public to

take seriously.

He said: “Although we have been competing fiercely and robustly, there is the need for us to do more.

“The need for the industry to achieve a better premium income as against the N300billion generated is crucial to the growth of the industry.

NCRIB President, Laide Osijo said the professional body has attained a height where it has become an envy among profes-

sional institutions in the country and beyond.

She said: “Through the entrenchment of sound ethical practice and professional conduct, insurance brokers now have a conspicuous place in the comity of respected professionals.

“It is a thing of delight that the respect and amity that now exists between the NCRIB and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and other professional bodies is unprecedented.”

Africa Re gets N1.9b lifeline

A

FRICAN Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) owners have injected over N1.9 billion into the company, representing a 96 per cent subscription.

The offer, which started in 2010 has been extended to 2014 to allow more time for members to take their rights.

TRhe company’s Chairman, Musa S. El Nass, who spoke at its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Senegal, said the subscription and payment of shares issued by the corporation in 2010 continued with remarkable result last year.

The extension, he said, was between June 1, 2013 and May 31,

• Earns $647m income 2014 and places offer price at $234 for regional shareholders, and $225.57 and $279.17 for non-regional shareholders according to two valuations.

He expressed delight that the shareholders demonstrated their confidence in the corporation and its future with more than 96 per cent subscription of new shares offered representing an additional capital of $150 million” He said: “As contained in the resolution of the General Assembly, members were delighted with the confidence that the majority of ex-

isting shareholders including states, development finance institutions, and insurance and reinsurance companies bestowed on Africa Re by subscribing in the new shares.

“They also commended the keen interest shown by African States and Companies and encouraged them to steer a steady course to preserve the African character of the corporation.

“Accordingly, the General Assembly authorised that the fourth capital increase be kept open to allow traditional shareholders who are facing difficult times to subscribe and pay.

“The General Assembly further authorised that the capital structure slightly differs from the related provision of the agreement establishing the corporation while trying to find ways of returning to the ideal structure of 40 per cent for African Development Banks; 35 per cent for Insurance/Reinsurance Companies and 25 per cent for non-regional shareholderers,” he said.

The corporation made an income of $647.98 million at the end of 2012 Financial year as against $631‘.49 million recorded in 2011, a 2.6 per cent increase while the net profit stood at $92.65 million compared to $69.20 million the previous year, he added.

Nine ways to save money on car insurance

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E’re always searching for ways to save money on car insurance. Here are the top ways to reduce your bill.

Comparison shop Car insurance rates vary considerably from company to company. Get car insurance quotes from at least three insurers. But don’t shop on price alone: Look at the company’s reputation, its customer service and the type of coverage and discounts it offers.

Buy a car that’s cheap to insure The past claims history for vehicles affects their insurance future. If drivers of a certain vehicle file frequent or expensive claims, insurance rates for all drives of that model will go up.

Insure.com’s car insurance comparison tool lets you see average premiums for hundreds of new models.

Take advantage of low-mileage discounts Some car insurance companies offer savings to drivers who put fewer than a predetermined number of miles on their vehicles each year.

Consider usage-based insurance (aka pay as you drive) Usage-based insurance (UBI) programs can save you money if your driving habits align with the insurer’s view of “good driving.” Typically a telematics device is plugged in below your steering wheel and it records data such as when you drive, how much and whether you brake hard.

Usually discounts are then applied to your next policy term. If you drive a lot, drive at night or are prone to slamming on the brakes, UBI might not save you money.

Ask about car-safety discounts Your insurance agent can tell you about discounts available if you have certain safety features on your car.

Many insurers give discounts for air bags, antilock brakes, car alarms and more.

Ask about other car insurance discounts There are numerous discounts out there, and they often vary by state and insurance company. Have your agent review available discounts to see if you might be missing out on some.

Common discounts include:

Buy other insurance policies from your car insurance company Many auto insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of coverage from them, called bundling. Common policies bundled with auto are home insurance, motorcycle insurance, boat insurance and RV insurance.

Maintain good credit Many states allow credit history to be used as a factor in pricing insurance. Insurers say that statistics show that drivers with good credit records tend to make fewer insurance claims.

Consider spying on your teen driver Some car insurance companies offer savings to customers who participate in their “monitoring programs” of teen drivers. Programs vary by insurer, and not all companies offer them. Some “spying” programs use cameras, installed inside the car, that provide you with video and audio footage of your teen driving. The camera is triggered “on” by aggressive driving.

Other insurers use global positioning systems (GPS) to track how your teen drives (including speeding and sudden breaking or accelerating) and where they go. You can even set the system to send you an e-mail or text message when your teen arrives at a specific address. The savings on your insurance can be anywhere from 10 to 15 per cent.

• Culled from insure.com

POLITICS

43

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The special convention of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja has ended in a fiasco as prominent members raised a parallel leadership to protest the perceived exclusion in the fold by the dominant power bloc. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the implications for the party in 2015.

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PDP: Torn apart by ego, strife and rancour

HEN the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains converged on Eagle Square, Abuja, for its special convention, little did its national leader, President Goodluck Jonathan, and national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, know that the exercise will end in a fiasco. Instead of uniting the warring chieftains, the convention generated more bitterness, which eventually led to the split of the party.

President Jonathan entered the venue around 11.35 am, waving to the 3,500 delegates from the troubled state chapters. He was accompanied by the disputed Nigerian Governors’ Forum chairman, Plateau State Governor David Jang, some governors who belong to the faction and other aides. Barely two hours later, news got to him that a faction had emerged from the party. Immediately, reality dawned on the President, who had exuded bravado over the PDP strength, while reeling his achievements on the podium in a clownish manner, that the party was suddenly ebbing away.

The President, his deputy, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman Chief Tony Anenih, Convention Committee Chairman , Senator Jerry Gana, and Convention Electoral Panel Chairman Senator Ken Nnamani were visibly worried. They made enquires, which confirmed their fear. At the nearby Sheu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has a presidential ambition, was glued to the drawing board. With him were the aggrieved chieftainsGovernors Sule Lamido (Jigawa State), Musa Kwakwanso (Kano), Muritala Nyako (Adamawa), Aliyu Muazu (Niger) Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); former Governors Shaba Lafiagi (Kwara), Adamu Abdullahi (Nasarawa), former Deputy National Chairman Sam Jaja and other chieftains, who had stormed out of the convention. .

They had a pre-determined agenda. After brainstorming for few minutes, Atiku and his group installed the former Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, an associate of former Governor Bukola Saraki, as the PDP factional chairman. Before the convention, there were speculations that the “G5” members may boycott the convention. Thus, when they strolled in, there was a temporary relief. However, when they hurriedly left the venue, the mood at the convention changed instantly. It was a spontaneous reaction. More delegates moved out to seek for further information about the unfolding drama. Suddenly, the power equation in the party was altered. Since there is no permanent friend in politics, but permanent interest, the forces loyal to Obasanjo and Atiku foot-soldiers started a new co-habitation.

On the day the acclaimed largest party in Africa celebrated its 14th birthday, the big political family was torn apart by pride, prejudice, ego and clash of ambitions. Delegates, who expressed worry over the turn of events, attributed the tragedy to the weak national leadership, which ultimately failed to broker reconciliation effectively

•President Jonathan acknowledges cheers from party supporters on arrival at the special

convention.

•From left: Alhaji Atiku, Dr Aliyu and Amaechi at the press conference.

and prevent the damage. It was evident that 2015 calculations had polarised the octopus, judging by the clandestine moves by the key factional leaders.

To observers, it was an explosion waiting to happen. The founding fathers at the venue, including Chief Don Etiebet, Senator Olu Alabi, Alhaji Abba Gana, Chief Jim Nwodobo and Chief Peter Odili were in sober reflection. None of them could avert the impending doom.

Many party members said that they were caught unaware. The slippery party and its unpredictable leadership were boxed into a new phase of crisis. Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, who heads a reconciliation team, was jolted out of the delusion of possible rapprochement.

So were many other leaders who nodded at the party’s decline in influence.

The handwriting was bold on the wall.

But the signs of an imminent danger was flagrantly ignored by over-confident party lords basking in the euphoria of incumbency of power. The chief servant of Niger State, Muazu, had stirred controversy when he alleged that the Presi-

dent had a pact with some undisclosed Northern leaders to spend one term in office. The disclosure generated tension in the party. It has not been resolved. The mini-convention was organised to correct the costly mistake made 17 months ago when national officers were elected without following the due process. But, as alleged by the seven governors, who stormed out of the convention, more unpardonable mistakes were committed at the event.

Senator Abdullahi alleged that there was wrongful exclusion of delegates at the convention, saying that the act smacked of injustice. Echoing him, the Turaki Adamawa, Alhaji Abubakar said that the party had been badly managed. Four states-Adamawa, Anambra, Nasarawa and Rivers-were bones of contention. Only statutory delegates from these crisis-ridden chapters were allowed to vote by Convention Committee. Gana explained that the committee opted for that method, owing to the division

in the chapters. “There are two executive committees of the party in Adamawa. Therefore, we said that only statutory delegates should vote”, he explained. “We are devoted to transparency. That is why the event is beamed live on the television. This is one of the best conventions”, Gana added.

A source said that there was communication problem between the big wigs from the affected states and the Convention Planning Committee.

Although Gana’s committee also included other non-voting delegates as observers, it was doubtful, if the aggrieved governors got the message from Senator Bello and Senator Jonathan Zwuigina, who were mandated to verify the delegates list. In fact, the excluded delegates from Adamawa threatened to go to court after the convention to challenge the basis for their exclusion.

Other chapters went to the convention with their acrimonies. For example, there was commotion at the

‘The aggrieved chieftains are only scheming for more “party power” and influence in the polarised fold by evolving a formidable platform for negotiation and bargaining. Indeed, the retracing of steps is not ruled out. The civil war in the PDP has no ideological connotation. Both divides are struggling for the soul of the party and the Presidency. There is no assurance that whichever side that wins the battle will muster the strength to reposition the country for progress and excellence’

Anambra camp. The supporters of the Tony Nwoye, the governorship candidate recognised by the party, and Senator Andy Uba, who is in court challenging Nwoye’s victory at the primaries, exchanged blows.

Nwoye’s men claimed that the Uba brothers; Andy and Chris; were not part of the delegates, since they have been expelled. But Uba’s supporters said that the court has put the suspension on hold. A similar quarrel was recorded among Adamawa delegates.

In Ogun, the pro-Obasanjo supporters abstained from the national congress, which was also boycotted by the former President. In fact, the delegates from the Southwest were not complete because the zonal congress, which should have produced the zonal officers could not hold due to protracted litigation. Also, the Convention Committee postponed the election into the office of the National Secretary because the former secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, is still in court challenging his removal.

Also, only anti-Amaechi delegates from Rivers State were accredited. It is a pointer to the future. A federal legislator said the national leadership, which had called for reconciliation, was also inadvertently fuelling the crisis between the President and Amaechi, who is currently on suspension, to ensure that the governor’s camp is liquidated, ahead of 2015.

“How can there be peace when the leadership is insincere?”, asked the lawmaker.

Some delegates from the Southwest also grumbled. They claimed that the zone may continue to be marginalised, in the absence of a National Secretary and National Vice Chairmen, which was expected to emerge from the region. Some also said that Obasanjo’s absence at the convention had implications for the party. “Obasanjo as the former President and national leader has his influence and usefulness too. To be frank, I think the President should have mended fences with the old man”, said a delegate from Ogun.

When Kwakwanso and Wamakko entered Eagle Square, Northern delegates swarmed them. A group suddenly emerged, canvassing support for Lamido-.Amaechi ticket in 2015.

Other delegates were amused by their campaigns. Tha members to close ranks. The Acting National Secretary, Dr.Remi Akitoye, who had observed that the party had faced cases of indiscipline, advised the members to avoid anti-party activities.

Tukur, the man in the eye of the storm, had also before the split, called for unity for the PDP to retain the leadership of the country. But reacting to the emergence of the Atiku faction, the national chairman chided the arrowheads of the faction. “They are treacherous”, he said, predicting that the faction would soon eclipse.

What has given him the confidence that the faction may wither away is that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which monitored the convention at the Eagle Square, will recognise him as the authentic PDP chairman.

The PDP Governors’ Forum chairman, Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, also dismissed the threat posed by the faction. He questioned the basis for splitting the party after attending the convention. Ear•Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

POLITICS

All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN on the prospects and challenges facing the new party.

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‘APC will not impose candidates’

HAT measures have the APC put in place to harmonise the various groups and interests in Oyo and Ogun states?

The party has not been launched in those states you mentioned. What they did in Oyo and Ogun states was a spontaneous reaction or expression of joy over the registration of APC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The gathering was more or less for unfolding the party’s flag. Some people misconstrued the rally organised by the state governors to welcome the registration of the party as launching and that they were deliberately excluded from the event.

The launching of our party has not taken place at the state level. Whenever the launching is to hold, all parties that fused into APC in each state would be involved.

No more ACN, ANPP and CPC. There is only one party now that is APC. We are all one. No one can claim leadership of APC in the states for now.

The national executive is working out the modalities for the leadership structures at the state level. We have also put in place the modality for membership registration. The registration exercise will start in Anambra State on August 28 because the governorship election holds in the state in November. We are planning to hold local, state and national congresses to usher in new executive committees.

What are the immediate challenges confronting the APC as a new party and how are you tackling them?

The major challenge confronting us now is the registration of members.

We expect a huge turn -out at all registration centres. We are going to provide necessary logistics that would make it easier to register all that turned out without stress. We expect a big rush out on the first day, there would be enough facilities to accommodate everyone that turn out on August 28 .

I’m sure that committed members of the party would be willing to assist the party in providing some resources to ensure a hitch-free registration exercise. We are sure that we will surmount all the challenges that may arise.

How would APC improve the standard of living of the ordinary Nigerians, if it comes to power in 2015?

Welfarist ideology is reflected in the objectives and the Constitution of our party. We intend to provide afford-

able qualitative education for Nigerians youths. The party would embark on massive creation of job opportunities. The level of unemployment in this country today is unacceptable given our natural endowment. Unemployment has aggravated insecurity in the country. In tackling this, the party would embark on vocational training, entrepreneurial and skill acquisition scheme for graduates along with the creation of Small Business Loan Guarantee Scheme to create at least one million new jobs every year.

With this, people can use their hands to get something done and earn a living.

APC government would invest massively on agriculture not only to make the country self sufficient in food production but will also create jobs for the unemployed youth. Our party would also embark on massive infrastructure development particularly power supply. Without stable power supply, no genuine investor would come and invest even the local investors would relocate to friendly investment nations. The amount that the manufacturers spend on power generation in this country is on the high side. We will fix up the roads to ensure easy movement of goods and services. Nigerian roads are in state of disrepair and that is why accidents are daily occurrence on our highways.

You served as commissioner in Lagos State for 12 years. How would you describe your experience in government?

Ah! it was fantastic. I declined the invitation for the fourth term. I think I should give way for others. Public service experience is good. Before I joined government, there was this general perception that people in government shared the money meant for the provision of services to the public, that public officers embezzle large chunk and spend little for the public. My experience in government has proved this notion wrong. It is very difficult to share public funds because the bu-

• Banire

reaucracy does not allow that. The mistake that people make is that they think only political office holders decide or manage state resources. No. I t is a joint responsibility of both the political office holders and the civil servants. There is what they call accountability and transparency in government. These are the guiding principles in spending public funds. When a project is approved by the executive council, the release of funds would have to go through certain stages to ensure transparency and accountability.

With all sense of humility, I’m fulfilled in serving the state as a commissioner. Any time I come across projects that were executed in the ministries I served, I feel happy. For example, the Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) buses was initiated when I was in the Ministry of Public Transportation; Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) was created to regulate traffic in the state; Li-

cense Vehicle Factory for manufacturing of vehicle plate numbers to make it easy for motorists to procure plate numbers; efficient traffic light, and ferry service- I met only one boat on assumption of office but it was increased to eight before I left office; and the clean environment in Lagos. You see all these things make me happy whenever I come across them.

If you are given another opportunity to serve at a higher level like governorship, will you accept?

For now, my major pre-occupation is my career. I want to reach the peak of my profession. As a lawyer, my ambition is to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). To attain this status, it requires a lot of industry and commitment.

I don’t have money to contest governorship election. A lot of people have approached me asking me to contest. What I told them was that they should go and raise funds for the project first. When they come back, I will give it a thought. I belong to a school of thought that says that God empowers. Whatever you want to become. I don’t dictate to God. I believe in God with my total submission to His will.

As a lawyer, do you think local government should be autonomous of State government?

I don’t think there is anything wrong in granting local government full autonomy in view of the flaws in the present arrangement. Federalism is not universal. If you like you can have two or three tiers of government depending on what suits your peculiarity. That’s my personal view.

Full autonomy will make local government to be accountable fully to the people, they will be responsible for their successes and failures. I share the position of the House of Representatives.

Do you think the APC can dislodge Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in 2015?

‘Without stable power supply, no genuine investor would come and invest even the local investors would relocate to friendly investment nations. The amount that the manufacturers spend on power generation in this country is on the high side. We will fix up the roads to ensure easy movement of goods and services. Nigerian roads are in state of disrepair and that is why accidents are daily occurrence on our highways’

Yes, it is possible. If we manage ourselves and the goodwill we enjoy all over the country, 2015 will be a walkerover for us. The party enjoys tremendous goodwill across the country.

Who is likely to emerge as APC presidential candidate in 2015?

Nobody can tell you who will be the presidential candidate. We don’t have a choice, but change has come. We will be more transparent in picking the party’s standard bearer than any other party. APC is a credible alternative to the PDP. We have to demonstrate to the whole world that we are superior to them. There will be no imposition of candidates. This is a new era. People will decide who should be the party’s standard bearer.

Has the APC zoned its presidential ticket to the North?

Technically, it will appear so. It tilts towards the north. But for now there is no decision that the presidential candidate should come from a particular region. All positions are open to all regions until the leaders meet and decide otherwise.

Are you impressed with the Federal Government’s handling of the insecurity in the country?

I’m opposed substantially to the present regime over the centralisation of security system. The in-coming regime should decentralise the security arrangement. There must be a decentralised police system. Those opposed to state police keep saying it will be abused by the state governments. Is Federal police not being abused by the Federal authorities? See what is happening in Rivers State where the State Police Commissioner sees himself as an agent of the presidency protecting the political interest of the President. What we have to do is to put in place checks and balances that will curtail the abuse of not only state police but the Federal police as well.

The advantages of State Police outweigh the potential abuses. The state police will compliment the role of Federal police thereby enhancing security of live and property. There is also need for the enhancement of our intelligence network. We must have intelligence persons on the road at all times so that if anything unusual is about to happen they will nip it in bud. Nigeria should have a think-tank working round the clock on every aspect of life.

PDP: Decimated by ego, strife and rancour •Continued from page 43

lier, in his address to the delegates, he said “there is no shaking”. But when news filtered that the faction meant business, he still summoned the courage to say that there is no cause for alarm.

To former Adamawa State Governor Boni Haruna, an associate of Atiku, who stayed behind at the convention, what has happened to the PDP is not new. He said there is the tendency to attribute it to desperation. But he quickly added that, if the leadership had responded to the complaints and yearnings of the aggrieved members, trouble would have been averted.

Many observers believed that PDP’s future is bleak, if the faction fails to retrace its steps. The party has a number of options. According to concerned party leaders, reconciliation is not foreclosed, despite the obvious split. “We will do genuine reconciliation and there will be peace”, said former Federal capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Alhaji Abba-Gana, a delegate from Borno State.

It is believed that the aggrieved chieftains are only scheming for more “party power” and influence in the polarised fold by evolving a formi-

• Wamakko

• Nyako

• Kwakwanso

dable platform for negotiation and bargaining. Indeed, the retracing of steps is not ruled out. The civil war in the PDP has no ideological connotation. Both divides are struggling for the soul of the party and the Presidency. There is no assurance that whichever side that wins the battle will muster the strength to reposition the country for progress and excellence.

Indisputably, many party chieftains

agree that the factionalisation may have reduced the party’s numerical strength in the National Assembly.

The implication is that the President may begin to face more heat from the parliament.

But the Baraje faction cannot survive by mere propaganda. For now, the composition is laced with ethnic colouration. Apart from Amaechi and Oyinlola, the majority of the factional members are from the North. A

source said that spin doctors may attack the faction by blackmailing its members as ethnic bigots canvassing for power shift to the North under the leadership of Atiku, who may emerge as a presidential contender in 2015.

If reconciliation fails and the two factions go there separate ways, then, there will be a big hurdle for the PDP in 2015. But Baraje’s faction cannot totally liquidate the main PDP without

the cooperation of other opposition parties. Last week, the Peoples Democratic Movement, which is believed to have a strong link with Atiku, said that it will seal alliance with the opposition. If APC, PDM and Voice of the people (VOP) combine their forces, 2015 may be the terminal year for the PDP. The strength of the factional leaders lies in their fanatical loyalists and supporters in the Northwest states of Sokoto, Kano, Jigawa and Adamawa, and North Central comprising Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa and Benue.

In fact, the PDP can hardly joke with the Northwest voting population, which may slip off from its reach. Already, the Southwest appears to be a no-go area for the ruling party. In the Southsouth, PDP can hardly boast of majority support in Edo and Rivers state. In the Northeast, votes for the PDP has dropped in Borno and Yobe.

Now, the party may not have hope in Adamawa, if Atiku and Nyako maintain their hold on the state.

In the days of Obasanjo, a group led by the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi, moved out of the PDP to form another political party. The new party did not see the light of the day. Will Baraje’s faction achieved its desired objectives? Time will tell.

MOTORING

45

THE NATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, has unveiled the new Q3 premium crossover at its Victoria Island office in Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

The Audi Q3

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HE new Q3 premium, Audi’s first entry into the ever-growing crossover market is designed to compete with BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque and others in that group.

Styled in line with Audi brand slogan Vorsprung Durch Technik, meaning ‘Innovation through Technology’ the new Q3 is sporty and progressive Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) for active, modern and urban lifestyles with predisposition for elegance, comfort and individualisation.

This explains why the car combines traditional SUV strengths with the versatility of real time utility vehicle yet undeniably suitable and efficient for everyday use.

Built on the same A5 (PQ35) platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Q3 is aside being a multifunctional SUV, specifically designed to serve the requirements of three different target groups; the younger singles, younger couples or best agers.

Audi Centre Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr Anurag Shah, at the media presentation of the car in Lagos last Saturday said the new Q3 receives the same wedge-shaped headlights, single frame radiator grille with vertical element and large air inlets from either direc-

Audi stirs hornet’s nest with Q3 tion one view the car.

Shah said Q3 is the outcome of Audi’s pledge in 2007 at the Shanghai Motor Show to design an intriguing crossover that looks much like a scaled-down version of the Q5 and larger Q7.

“Suffice to say of the two competitors that undercut the baby Range Rover, the Audi Q3 is arguably the most stylish, handily compact and finely finished,” he also said.

Shah said the Q3 is available in four choice engines: two TFSI units and two TDI engines but only the TFSI petrol engine variables will be offered in Nigeria.

The base 2.0-litre TSFI engine mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or top-level 2.0 TSFI seven-speed dual-clutch automatic S-tronic transmission with stop-start mechanism (to cut the engine when the car is idling) delivers a total of 211 horsepower and 221 pound feet of torque and the manual transmission delivers a total of 170 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque between 1,700

and 4,200 rpm.

While the manual transmission is capable of sprinting the Q3 from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds and up to a top speed of 131 mph or 260kmph and yet deliver an average fuel consumption 32.22 mpg, the top-level two TSFI delivers between 1,800 and 4,900 rpm in combination with standard seven-speed ‘S’ tronic, that accelerates the four-cylinder unit Audi Q3 from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 142 mph. The fuel consumption of this version is just 7.7 liters per 100 km (30.55 mpg).

These engine variants are no doubt an excellent mix of performance and economy and are both fitted with Audi Quattro four-wheel drive to ensure light work on rough terrain.

According to Shah, the Q3 lives up to Audi’s reputation for build quality and reliability, adding that all materials used inside are top notch and could withstand the rigours of family life, and the engine range are tried and tested so much so that they

are unlikely to let you down.

“Audi Q3 is ranked among intriguing crossovers that have secured full five-star crash safety rating in the Euro NCAP test - this is not unconnected with option list that includes extra safety equipment.

“Equipped with six airbags (including curtain airbags that extend into the rear) as well as electronic stability control and ISOFIX child seat anchor points as standard, Audi claims the entire Q3 has the crossover class’ lowest running costs, however a try could convince you,” he explained.

The Q3 is offered with a 1,571 mm (61.85 in) front suspension, offered in a McPherson strut construction with lower wishbones of forged aluminium with four-link rear axle measuring 1,575 mm (62.01 in) and large bearings for a comfortable ride.

A high-performance brake system with vented front discs measuring 312 mm (12.28 in) in diameter and solid rear discs in a diameter of 282 mm (11.10 in) with 17-inch alloy wheel is standard in the TFSI engine

models.

Audi’s drive Select and adaptive dampers can be added as extras to give four driving modes – auto, Comfort, dynamic and efficiency.

This is in addition to suspensions settings that can improve matters, with the comfort setting that makes the ride very smooth indeed. All models however have a high driving position that affords an excellent view of the road ahead.

The Q3 may be smaller than the Q5, but it is roomy with space for five adults and ample rear leg and headroom that certainly compares with the A4 saloon or rivals.

“In fact, the Audi Q3 is a perfect SUV for today’s crowded cities. It delivers the right amount of power and comes with pretty reasonable running cost,” Shah added.

The Q3 460-litre boot space that expands to 1,365-litre when the split rear seats are folded down, which is more than most competitors could make this crossover a crucial car for exciting activities.

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MOTORING

‘Road accidents cause 1.24 million deaths yearly’ N

O fewer than 1.24 million road accidents occur yearly, the United Nations Global Road Safety report has shown.

Out of this figure, 92 per cent is from developing countries, including Nigeria.

But how to reduce the figure was the focus of a two-day capacity building workshop organised

by Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) in collaboration with Arrive Alive Road Safety Initiative (AARSI in Abeoukuta, Ogun State.

The workshop tagged ‘Traffic managements brought together over 60 Corp members who were trained on conflict management,

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By Adeola Ogunlade

risk management, management safety and engineering measure, principles of equality, diversity and general standard of conduct of traffic police by a United Kingdom based Potab Consulting and Research Ltd. Speaking at the event, Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle said new lease of life for socio-economic development is not without its attendant challenges adding that the state is now open to business and must be prepare for the influx of people and vehicular traffic.

This, she said, requires effec-

Britain commends Lagos rail project

AGOS State Government has been commended for its commitment to the implementation of the Blue Line (Okokomaiko-Marina) lite rail project.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr Peter Carter, who gave the commendation during a visit to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and a tour of the rail project under construction, promised to bring to the attention of British investors, opportunities in Lagos, especially in the sector.

He said: “One of the things I have learnt from this visit is that there are lots of opportunities that British companies could get involved in here. This is the message I will take away with the aim of encouraging British companies and investors to look seriously at this project and the opportunities that abound more widely in the city of Lagos.”

He expressed delight at the pace of work on the project, describing it as impressive.

tive and efficient management and adequate machinery for the safety of lives and properties on the road.

Mrs Adekunle cited a UN Global Status report on road safety from 182 countries, which indicates that the total number of road traffic death worldwide remains unacceptably high at 1.24million yearly.

Adekunle added that only 28 per cent countries covering 7 per cent of the world’s population have comprehensive road safety laws on five key risks factors drinking, speeding, failing to use helmets, seat belts and child restraints.

She said traffic officers must po-

sitioned themselves to be equipped with the required knowledge and put the state on the positive side of the fact.

Corps Commandant and Chief Executive Officer of TRACE, Ayo Sangofadeji, who indentified various challenges facing traffic control officers in the country called for in-depth analyses on managing road traffic in a developing economy like Nigeria.

Sangofadeji said: “The institutions have created conflict and crises and the traffic managers are called to curb it and must do it to the best of their knowledge.

“There are certain obvious institutional failure beginning from drivers’ licence, funding agencies

with the right equipment, yet the authority want the best from the agencies.”

He lamented that Nigeria society has got a culture of impunity.

The Executive Secretary, Arrive Alive Road Safety Initiative, Mr Ike Okonkwo, said the workshop was carried out to strengthen the efforts of traffic officers in the state to reduce crashes.

We commended the various efforts made by TRACE in reducing road crashes in the state, saying: “Lagos, Kwara and Ogun states have become a model on efficient service delivery in traffic management in Nigeria which can be better when best practices across the world are upheld.”

By Yinka Aderibigbe

Carter hailed “the engineering behind it (rail project), the strategic plan which underpins it as well as the expectation that it is going to help Lagosians move around the city more easily and perhaps reduce the pressure on the road”.

The Deputy High Commissioner promised that the British Government would continue to support developmental projects which would positively impact citizens of developing countries to make them more productive for the benefit of their economy.

He said the British Government had been making contributions behind the scene to the rail project.

“In terms of British involvement, we are already involved through the Department for International Development (DfID).

We make significant contributions behind the scene through the financing of the provision of technical expertise,” he stated.

LAMATA Director of Public

•From right: Dairo; Carter and Blue Rail project officer (Okokomaiko-Marina) Olaseni Akinwunmi during the visit

Transport Gbenga Dairo, who conducted Carter round the project said the rail project which would be constructed in phases, was designed to reduce congestion along the Lagos-Badagry corridor, improve public transport provision and use and stimulate development on that axis.

Dairo said the state government was considering extending the

construction from the National Theatre to Marina to bring total length constructed during the current phase to about 11 kilometres.

The Blue Line rail project 27 kilometres.

It is one of the seven projects planned for the city and is one of those constitute the spine of its network. It is being imple-

mented on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with the public sector leading in the provision of infrastructure while the private sector, under a concession agreement, will be responsible for operations and maintenance.

On completion, the blue line is expected to move over 400,000 passengers daily.

BMW introduces special motorbike

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•The Surfboard

UTO giant BMW has unveiled a special motorcycle tagged Surfboard.

The style-rich folks at BikeExif found it 1979 BMW motorcycle at a bike show in Biarritz. It was created by Xabi Ithurralde and took 10 months to build. A great consideration was taken to the added weight of the surfboard, reducing the weight of the headlight and seat, as well as choosing the 200kg (440 lb.) with R65 engine versus a larger bike.

In addition to the stunning

surfboard, a great deal of attention has been paid to the seat.

Remy Carrait, a world-class tannery that supplies Louis Vuitton and Hermes, has supplied the leather.

BMW has a very tight connection to the car world. First, BMW is a carmaker above all else. Second, many BMW bikes feature a drive shaft as opposed to being chain driven. You can now add “surf buggy” to the list of overlaps, with this BMW R65 and surfboard combination.

SAFE DRIVING

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Preventing road accidents

OWEVER, I challenge the stakeholders and other well-meaning Nigerians to do more unbiased research and investigation on this very issue to properly understand the need for this suggestion which I strongly believe will go a long way in drastically reducing road accidents and fatalities as well as enhance the standards of driving schools that will be properly positioned to comply with the set standards.

•The mindset (perception) of drivers on the use of roads should be properly addressed and adequately restructured to promote

safety on the roads.

•The focus of drivers training should be further diversified from driving skills to include the perceptual, cognitive, motivational and attitudinal factors which can greatly exert on drivers behaviour, influence their judgment and decision-making. There is also the need to develop a road etiquette as well.

•The focus on the use of high fines to prevent reckless driving may not be very effective because majority of traffic offenders believe that they are not likely to be caught.

• However, drivers should be made to take more responsibility for

what is occurring on the roads.

This will be more effective than slamming ridiculously high fines on traffic offenders.

•All Categories of Drivers and Vehicle Owners must be made to undergo regular refresher courses because peer influence in driving cannot be over looked. There is always the tendency for those obeying traffic rules to renege and imitate the errant Drivers.

•Public and private sector organisations must be encouraged or compelled to regularly train their drivers because of the level of irreparable lives and properties being lost through driver errors and allied

factors.

•Insurance companies should have incentives such as discount on premiums for individuals and organisations that sponsored their Drivers for re-training programmes.

This will encourage driver training and development for accident prevention. This has been very effective in countries like United States.

•As governments and non-governmental organisations have been focusing on the campaign against HIV/AIDS, they should focus even more attention on the campaign against Road Accidents which is killing more people than HIV/AID and at a faster rate.

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety

•There should be no sacred cows or VIPs in the enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations.

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NEWS

Man held for staging own kidnap in Enugu

Restructure NDDC, says Okorocha From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has alleged that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is fraught with “corruption in the appropriation of oil derivation funds”.

He chided the commission for implementing policies that, in his view, do not impact on the people.

The governor spoke at the 24th National Conference of Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) held in Owerri, the state capital.

Okorocha called for the restructuring of the NDDC to meet its objective of the rapid development of the Niger Delta.

He advised the Federal Government to appoint seasoned and credible individuals to run the commission.

The governor suggested that traditional rulers should be included in the management of NDDC to ensure a full implementation of programmes and projects.

•Demands N2m ransom from brothers

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COFFIN seller in Enugu State has been arrested for allegedly faking his kidnap and demanding N2million from his younger brothers.

Samuel Ani, a father of five, from Ugwuaji, Enugu South Local Government Area, complained of poor sales.

He allegedly hid in a bush behind his shop for six days and called his two younger brothers.

Ani said he had been abducted and his abductors were demanding N2million for his release.

His brothers reported to the police and the antikidnapping unit was put into action.

It was gathered that after a while, Ani informed his brothers that the ransom had been reduced to N1.2 million.

Playing along as instructed by the police, his brothers paid in some money into an account provided by the purported kidnappers.

A girl, who went to cash N100,000 from a bank on Agbani Road, was arrested by the operatives.

The girl was identified as Oluchi Ogbu Faith from Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area and “Ani’s fiancé”.

Police spokesman Ebere

Kidnap suspects arrested

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From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

OUR suspects who were alleged to have kidnapped the traditional rulers of Abacha in Idemili North and Awgbu in Orumba North local government areas in Anambra State have been arrested.

Igwe Mike Okechukwu of Awgbu and Igwe Mbakwe of Abacha were released by their captors five days later, after allegedly paying ransom.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka said: “I will not speak on the issue of whether there was an arrest or not but everybody should be assured that Anambra cannot be a criminals’ hide-out.”

The monarchs were kidnapped penultimate week.

The Nation gathered yesterday that members of the State Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), led by its commander, James Nwafor, went to a hideout last Thursday in Onitsha and arrested the suspects after a gun battle.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Amaraizu said: “Oluchi Faith Ogbu revealed that the account belongs to her and that she was instructed by Ani to withdraw the money when his brothers pay the ransom.

“She was instructed to withdraw the money as soon as she receives the alert of the payment and bring it to him.

“Her revelation, however, led to the arrest of Ani who said he was not kidnapped.

He maintained that he faked his kidnap so that his wealthy younger brothers

could pay the ransom which he will spend on his business. He regretted his actions and pleaded for forgiveness.”

Amaraizu added that the suspect never told Ogbu that he was married, yet he promised to marry her.

Ani said business had been slow and he needed the money.

“I wasn’t abducted by anybody. I abducted myself to create tension so that my brothers can pay the ransom and I can use the money to meet my pressing financial needs,” he said.

•Oluchi and Ani

Tributes, tears as NUJ official is buried C OLLEAGUES, friends and family at the weekend bade a touching farewell to the late National Financial Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Adolphus Ugorji Okonkwo.

He was buried in Abueke Umudike, Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.

NUJ President Mohammed Garba, who led the national executive, described the late Okonkwo as a dedicated and hard working reporter, who gave his time and resources into fighting for the welfare of journalists.

He said: “The union is going to ensure that the ideals for which he and the others died, that is improving the welfare of all journalists is realised.”

He called on media owners to institute a comprehensive insurance scheme as part of conditions of service for their workers.

Garba also called on the Federal Government to repair the nation’s highways to reduce accidents.

The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mohammed Jijiwa, who was represented by Mrs. Margret Obanya, described the deceased as a resourceful, hardworking and dedicated worker.

The President of VON Staff Cooperative, Timothy Oyeleke, said the media had lost a profound and rare gem.

His widow, Antonia, wailed: “Dim Oma! Ezigbo Dim! Oke Dim! Where do you want me to start from and where do I stop? You left me in the dark; in the middle of the road and in the middle of

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From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

the sea.

“Like a joke, the cold hands of death snatched you away from me and your children. O death where is thy sting? Little did I know that your voice on the phone that dark Friday asking me to prepare your favourite

meal would be the last I would ever hear from you again.

“Oh! Like a candle in the wind you were blown away from us.

Who would help me take care of the children you left behind?

Life will never be the same for us again. “Your sudden and traumatic death has left me devastated and every passing day I’m waiting to wake up from this nightmare.”

PDP candidate arraigned for forgery

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From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

COUNCILLORSHIP candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Odeh Mmaduabuchi, has been arraigned before an Abakaliki Magistrate’s Court for certificate forgery and impersonation.

Odeh is facing a two-count charge of allegedly forging the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) May/June 2008 certificate belonging to Ogochukwu Odeh.

He also allegedly presented the forged certificate to his party and the State Independent National Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) during the screening.

Odeh was arrested last month, following two petitions by another aspirant, Kingsley Onu. But the accused pleaded not guilty. His counsel made oral an application for his bail.

The magistrate, Mrs. Ruth Okey, admitted him to bail of N50,000 and a surety.

She adjourned the matter till October 23.

Abia Poly to pay salary arrears

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HE Rector of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Allwell Onukaogu, has said the institution will soon clear the outstanding fivemonth salary arrears.

Onukaogu said plans were in place to pay both academic and non-academic staff two months’ salary.

The remaining three

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

months, he said, would be paid after the ongoing staff audit is completed and the report submitted to the government.

The rector said: “As I speak with you, arrangements have been concluded to pay two months salary in the next few days.”

‘Igbo history, language to become compulsory subjects’

HE World Igbo Congress (WIC) at the weekend said the learning of Igbo history, culture and language would become compulsory in primary and secondary schools in Igbo-speaking states next year.

WIC, at its 19th Annual Convention in Texas, United States, said the compulsory learning of Igbo history and

culture was necessitated by the fact that Igbo youths were fast losing touch with their language and culture.

The group’s Chairman, Joe Eto, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the teaching of the subjects was expected to commence at the start of the next academic session.

“If you do not know your history, you face the risk of

losing your identity and being misguided in handling and preserving your heritage.”

He said the books for the subjects would be produced by some Igbo historians, who had been engaged by the group.

Eto added that WIC would liaise with state and local government administrations to make the books affordable and available in schools.

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NEWS

Jonathan, 16 governors hold talks to rescue PDP Continued from page 4

formation of a faction of PDP,” a highly-placed source said, adding that since the deed had been done, Jonathan, BOT members, governors and leaders of his faction had been pondering options available to the government to address the challenge.

The source said: “The atmosphere in the Presidency has been worrisome. There are three options available to the government. These are: .dumping National Chairman Bamanga Tukur to pave the way for the reunification of all PDP governors, leaders and members; .damning the consequences of Atiku and the seven governors; and .exploring legal options to frustrate the emergence of the PDP faction.

Some party leaders are said to be in favour of Tukur’s exit, as he is central to the crisis. They alleged that Tukur and his team were not circumspect in stop-

ping statutory delegates from some states from attending the Special National Convention.

As at last night, Jonathan was yet to make up his mind on the option to choose.

It was learnt that some members of the cabinet are looking at the larger picture behind the split of PDP on the administration.

There are fears over the likely control of the National Assembly by the opposition and the new PDP faction.

“If we allow the crisis to fester, it may lead to a gang-up against this administration in the National Assembly, which could threaten our democracy. It means they can frustrate any bill from the Presidency.

“Some of us are in support of rapprochement since we are all members of the same family,” a source in the Presidency said.

There were signs last night that more governors, ex-governors National Assembly members and leaders might join the new PDP.

According to one of the leaders of the Atiku-governors faction, the full picture of the split in the PDP will emerge in the next few weeks.

The top leader said: “Our leaders will be coming out soon to identify with the new PDP and you will be shocked. Other governors will join us too.”

At a crucial meeting, which ended at about 1am yesterday, the leaders of the New PDP planned how to consolidate their faction.

At the meeting, which was held at Kano Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro District in Abuja, were Atiku, all the seven governors and members of the National Assembly.

The leaders constituted the new National Working Committee of PDP, discussed choice of a new secretariat and how to handle threats/ intimidation from the Presidency.

The release of the list of the factional NWC members was being awaited last night.

BPE, PHCN investors fine-tune take over plan Continued from page 4

pansion plan of the company, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Don Priest-

man, noted that the company will design a plan for the transmission of 10,000mw in 2013.

He said: “For the purpose of

this preliminary exercise therefore, the starting point will be the available generation which must be evacuated.

Banks dishonour Taraba’s cheques Continued from page 4

Christian majority in the state appear to be comfortable with Suntai.

The commissioners on Friday shunned an exco meeting scheduled by the deputy governor.

The Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Christian

Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Muslim Council and key stakeholders are trying to prevent the state from sliding into chaos.

It was also gathered that the deputy governor and the Speaker were preparing papers for a law suit against the governor over the transmitted letter which the Speaker alleged was forged.

The acting governor, the Speaker and the former Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the State, Timothy Kataps, who is now the SSG, are defendants in a case filed by Senator Usman Danboyi, praying the court to compel the accused persons to make Suntai’s health status public.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

“Nobody pushed me at Saturday’s mini convention. Media reports that I was pushed or that my brother, Andy, was asked to vacate his seat were misrepresentations of what transpired at the Anambra stand during the mini convention of the party. In fact, the altercations did not get to where we sat.

“From what we gathered, it was a fight between some persons who were fighting over seats. It had nothing to do with my brother and I. We go to the venue of the convention early enough and took our seats.

“I can describe those that were fighting as thugs because I don’t know why they had to engage in fisticuffs. I would not have reacted to the report but for the fact that my brother and I were unduly maligned by the insinuations that we were asked to vacate our seats or that I was pulled. Nobody pulled me”, the younger Uba stated.

Chris Uba to PDP: don’t tamper with Andy Uba’s ticket

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HRIS, the younger brother to Senator Andy Uba, has warned the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to tamper with his elder brother’s ticket for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

The senator won the party’s governorship ticket in a parallel August 24 congress organised by the Ejike Oguebego-led faction of the Anambra chapter.

But the national leadership of the PDP is insisting that Tony Nwoye who emerged winner in another congress convened by the Ken Emeakayi faction would fly the party’s flag.

In the heat of the disagreement, the national leadership had, last week, clamped a suspension order on the two Uba brothers, Oguebego and others in the Uba camp.

However, a court in Port Harcourt had ruled that Uba remained the flag bearer of the

PDP, while another court in Abuja had quashed the suspension order.

In a telephone chat with our correspondent yesterday, Chris Uba said: “I am sure that my brother would be contesting for the gubernatorial seat in Anambra State, as he remains the rightful owner of the PDP ticket.

“Whatever is being done to frustrate his well-earned victory in the August 24 primaries will fail. When the time comes, they will come to the realisation that what they are doing is absolute violation of the law. They should retrace their steps before it is too late”.

Chris Uba denied being rough handled in the public brawl between Uba’s and Nwoye’s supporters at the PDP convention ground on Saturday.

According to him, nobody rough handled him neither was Andy asked to vacate his seat for somebody else.

Anambra: Ngige Battles Ezeemo for ticket

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold its primary for the Governorship ticket of the party today in the 326 wards.

The collation centre and the announcement of the result will take place at Emmaus house in Awka, later in the day by the party leadership.

Before now, the national leadership of the party had adopted Sen. Chris Ngige as its candidate for November 16 election.

Following the decision of the party, Anambra state screening committee petitioned the party’s hierarchy that primaries should be held to pick the candidate.

This was granted on Friday by the screening committee which declares Godwin Ezeemo eligible to contest the primary.

The letter to that effect was forwarded to Ezeemo, his campaign organisation and APC in Anambra State. It was signed by

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Tijjani Musa Tumsah, Interim National Secretary of APC. It reads “following the Gubernatorial Appeal Committee sitting which took place on Friday, 30th August , 2013 at our national secretariat, I wish to inform you that the Appeal Committee has set aside the decision of the screening committee and hereby declares you eligible to contest our primary election scheduled for 2nd September, 2013” APC wrote.

As a result, Ezeemo stormed Awka at the weekend, with members of the party rolling out their drums in happy mood, praising the decision of APC for giving the aspirant a fair hearing.

The party faithful were in frenzy, moving round the streets of Awka in motor cade, singing and dancing with brooms in their hands.

The party’s primary will today pitch the former Governor of the state, now representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone, Dr. Chris Ngige against another heavy weight, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo in what the members of the party have described as a battle royal.

According to one of the party’s chieftains in the state, who spoke with the Nation yesterday, “this is democracy at its best, this is the only way to test the popularity of those aspiring for a position and not what the other parties have been doing”.

“People believe so much in APC, if Sen. Ngige wins, everybody will support him and if Ezeemo wins, it will be the same thing, the National leadership of the party has done well in giving everybody a safe landing, we the members of the party are happy” he said.

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Syria:The drums of war

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HE business of war, however limited in scope, is neither an easy one nor is it always a tidy enterprise. It is bloody and dirty. So it did not come as a surprise when United States President Barak Obama, having addressed his nation at a Rose Garden event early last week, on America’s resolve and readiness to strike Syria militarily, made a volt- face by Saturday and decided on waiting for congressional approval which might come after September 9 th, when Congress is expected back from recess. That as noted was after a vow of military action that would be “limited in duration and scope”, designed to “hold the Assad regime accountable for their use of chemical weapons, deter this kind of behaviour and degrade their capacity to carry it out”, was made.

The problem with foot-dragging while dealing with dictators and psychopaths like President alBashar is exactly the horrific pictures of school children we saw either dead or writhing in excruciatin pain as out comes of the chemical weapons used on them on August 21. The schol children numbers over 400 with the number of victms overall put at 1500. These chemical weapons use, we understood, took place in 12 rebel-controlled suburbs of Damascus; in Duma, Siqba and Darayya among other places.

Allegations of weapon use had been made before against the alBashar regime with the same back and forth denial. This time around reports filtering out of the UN weapons team, some independent groups on ground as well as U.S show that only a regime, not a group can have access to the methodologies and capabilities of delivery of such mass weapons of death.

In this context, an earlier preventative military action from a united international community, would have mitigated this new round of tragedy, as al-Bashar’s striking capabilities would have been put out of commission or largely diminished.

War analysts believe that America will knock around only military targets, while limiting or avoiding civilian collateral damages as much as it can as promised

by President Obama.

While the U.S. posseses the most powerful and awe-inspiring weapons of modern warfare, the reason will go that it is still a responsible and constitutionaly democratic beacon of hope that must act with the consent of the people’s elected representatives.

Afterall, their cousin in the United Kingdom parliament just gave Prime Minister David Cameron a drumming on the nose of his political life by voting ,notwithstand-

Global Focus DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor sms 08134230367

daborgu@gmail.com ing with a small margin, (285-272), against their country’s participation in the military action against alBashar. Of course they condemned the murderous dictator’s use of chemical weapons agains his own people which has catapulted him into that ignominous league of Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein and the likes.

Also, it may be that what Team Obama is doing in the background is to continue cultivating their allies in joining in the action; especially those still sitting on the fence and who had acknowledged alBashar’s action as despicable . Germany says it has not been officially invited to join the coalition.

France is ready to go, while as expectedly China is goin nowhere so soon.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia is another kettle of fish and in dealing with him President Obama has lamented the fact that leaders like him are still living in a zerosum cold war mentality of mendacious spookiness.

Russia will always be a cog in the wheel of any coalition effort at battling dictators like al-Bashar since it is their largest supply of arms.

The question to be nudging the moral consciousness of the international community, especially those

against the use of military action is, at what point will they be willing to hold leaders accountable for such acts against humanity; especially their own mass of humanities?. No matter how factual the evidence produced by the UN ispection team, which has recently concluded its four-day visit, it will not assuage the selfish interest of a country like Russia which believes he can always jettison any attempt of military action through the use of the instrumentality of the veto power. Of course, this is a game they all play.

One is not unmindful of the nebulous concept of national interest, which actually was quoted by President Obama as one of the core reasons for trying to check alBashar, which means their should be a higher interest that should supercede parochial national interests within the internatiional system for the United Nations to continue to intervene at critical times to protect hapless citizens who are struggling under the yoke of murderous dictators.

It might be a time for the overhaul of the United Nations veto sysytem to expand this elite club in a very effective way; especially the powers of the nominal tenmember rotational non-permanent

members.

With power should come responsibility and certain events in our global past has shown how leaders had not been able to stand up to the test of cooperative and progressive international relationship envisaged by the founding fathers of the global body.

With Syria, the implication of outcmes for the nations in the region is at best left to the imagination.

A desperate al-Bashar could look around with his proxies in Iran, Hezbollah and Lebanon might want to extract their pound of flesh from Israel, while the latter will not fold its hand. The Arab League is having its Ministerial Summit as we speak and it has given its nod to US to proceed on the military action.

Ditto Saudi Arabia. The mullahs in Iran have already paid their solidarity visit to Bashar. Turkey and Israel and the entire region including warwearied Syrians are themselves understandably on red alert.

The Syrian crisis has claimed more than 110,000 human lives by UN official estimates. We know this figure is conservative and many more will be killed by a regime that does not care about using chemical weapons on its own people. More importantly, any further delay is giving Damascus to buy time to further hide its weapons on ly to use the another day.

The waiting game is past over, now is time for a meaningful military action. The American Congress should do the right thing and give its Commander-In-Chief the authorisation to take dictator alBashar’s military out once and for all.

FOREIGN NEWS

Kerry: U.S. has evidence sarin gas was used in Syria

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ECRETARY of State John Kerry asserted yesterday that the United States now has evidence of sarin gas use in Syria and said “the case gets stronger by the day” for a military attack.

A day after President Barack Obama stepped back from his threat to launch an attack, Kerry said in a series of interviews on the Sunday news shows that the administration learned of the sarin use within the past 24 hours through samples of hair and blood provided to Washington by first responders in Damascus.

Kerry also said he was confident that Congress will give Obama its backing for an attack against Syria, but the former Massachusetts senator also said the president has authority to act on his own if Congress doesn’t give its approval.

While Kerry stopped short of saying Obama was committed to such a course even if lawmakers refuse to authorize force, he did say that “we are not going to lose this vote.”

Kerry said Obama has the right to take action against Syria, with or without Congress’ approval. But he stopped short of saying Obama was committed to such a course even if lawmakers refuse to authorize force.

Congress is scheduled to return from a summer break on Sept. 9.

GOP Rep. Peter King of New York, who criticised Obama for not proceeding immediately against Assad, said the president may have trouble winning the backing of Congress.

“I think it is going to be difficult,” said King, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, adding that there is an “isolationist” tendency in his GOP caucus.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said he thinks the Senate “will rubber-stamp what he wants but I think the House will be a much closer vote.” Paul said he believes “it’s at least 50-50 whether the House will vote down involvement in the Syrian war.”

But Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, called the evidence, including the fresh finding on sarin gas, “convincing and getting better.” Rogers, R-Mich., predicted that “at the end of the day, Congress will rise to the occasion,” but he also said “it’s going to take that healthy debate to get there.”

“This isn’t about Barack Obama versus the Congress.

This isn’t about Republicans versus Democrats. This has a very important worldwide reach in this decision.”

Obama, who has talked repeatedly of U.S. reprisals against President Bashar Assad for the alleged use of chemical weapons against his own people in Syria’s protracted civil war, announced Saturday that he

Mandela discharged from hospital

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•Kerry

had decided to defer any immediate action in order to seek a congressional authorization.

“The case hasn’t changed and the case doesn’t change at all. The rationale for a military response is as powerful today” as it has been, Kerry said.

“This case is going to build stronger and stronger,” he said. But he also said he thinks “the people of America should be celebrating that the president is not acting unilaterally.”

Kerry maintained there is no weakness in the U.S. case underscoring Obama’s about-face, saying instead that “the president believes that we are all stronger as a nation when we act together.”

The secretary said that Assad “has now joined the list of Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein” in deploying chemical weapons against his population and that “the case remains the same” for a U.S. response.

Kerry echoed Obama in saying the world cannot stand by and watch Assad use chemical weapons.

Nelson Mandela, 95, was discharged from hospital yesterday while still in critical condition and was taken by ambulance to his Johannesburg home where he will receive intensive care, the office of South Africa’s president said.

On a sunny but cold morning, an ambulance took the anti-apartheid leader home from the hospital in the capital, Pretoria, about 31 miles away. Mandela had been hospitalized for nearly three months, after being admitted on June 8 for what the government described as a recurring lung infection.

Mandela’s condition “is at times unstable,” said President Jacob Zuma’s statement Sunday.

“His home has been reconfigured to allow him to receive intensive care there,” the statement said. “The health care personnel providing care at his home are the very same who provided care to him in hospital. If there are health

conditions that warrant another admission to hospital in future, this will be done.”

The statement from Zuma’s office said during his stay in hospital Mandela “vacillated between serious to critical and at times unstable” and that “despite the difficulties imposed by his various illnesses, he, as always, displays immense grace and fortitude.”

Referring to Mandela by his clan name, the statement added: “Madiba has been treated by a large medical team from the military, academia, private sector and other public health spheres.

We thank all the health professionals at the hospital for their dedication.”

The government has released few details about Mandela’s condition, citing patient confidentiality and appealing for Mandela’s privacy and dignity to be respected.

But rumors and unconfirmed reports about Mandela’s health have persisted on social media and other forums,

fuelled in part by a feud within the Mandela family.

In a court case stemming from a family dispute over burial sites, some members of Mandela’s extended family recently said in court documents that Mandela was being kept alive by a breathing machine and faces “impending death.” That account was disputed by Zuma’s office, which denied Mandela was “vegetative” but acknowledged his condition was grave.

•Mandela

Netanyahu: Israeli ready for ‘any possible scenario’

I

SRAEL’s prime minister yesterday tried to soothe a jittery nation unnerved by the standoff between the U.S. and Syria, saying that Israel is “calm and self-assured” and ready for “any possible scenario.”

Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address President Barack Obama’s decision to put on hold potential military action in Syria. But media commentators on Sunday criticized Obama for appearing indecisive, after signaling last week that a U.S. military strike was imminent.

While the government has urged Israelis to stick to their routines, the threat of hostilities in the region has caused widespread jitters. With the U.S. threatening to strike Syria in response to alleged chemical weapons use, many Israelis fear that Syria might retaliate by attacking across the border at Israel.

Crowds of Israelis have been lining up at special gas-mask distribution centers in recent days, and the military has deployed a series of missile-defense systems near the Syrian border and in the heavily populated Tel Aviv area.

Obama has condemned Syria’s alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians, saying it crossed an American “red line” and signaling that the U.S. will be compelled to attack in response. But over the weekend, Obama said he would first seek congressional approval before taking any military action. The decision came after Britain, a key American ally, said it would not participate in an attack on Syria.

There were voices of criticism in Israel about the hold on a possible military strike.

Cabinet Minister Naftali Bennett posted on his Facebook account Saturday evening that “the international stammering and hesitation about Syria prove once again - Israel cannot depend on anyone except for itself.”

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FOREIGN NEWS Karzai appoints new Afghan interior minister

A

FGHAN President Hamid Karzai has appointed Mohammad User Daudzai as the country’s new interior minister, officials have said.

Daudzai, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan, succeeds Mujtaba Patang, who was dismissed by parliament in July amid charges of rising insecurity and mounting corruption within his ministry.

Daudzai, who was also a former chief of staff to Karzai, announced earlier this month that he would be a “probable” candidate in the presidential election due next April.

Karzai, who is barred from seeking a third term, has said he will not back any particular candidate in the race, but Daudzai is seen as one of his closest aide.

Karzai also appointed Kabul police chief General Ayoub Salangi as Daudzai’s deputy.

The announcements came a day after Karzai appointed senior security official Rahmatullah Nabil as the acting head of the Afghan intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS).

•Wattana Thongion, 10, lays in his bed alongside his pet crocodile “Kheng” at his home in Thailand’s rural Phichit Province

Nigeria condemns use of chemical weapons in Syria

PHOTO: REUTERS

India gang rape: Teenager jailed three years A

N Indian juvenile court on Saturday handed down the first conviction in the fatal gang rape of a young woman on a moving New Delhi bus, convicting a teenager of rape and murder and sentencing him to three years in a reform home, lawyers said.

The victim's parents denounced the sentence, which was the maximum the defendant faced. The family had long insisted the teen, who was 17 at the time of the December attack and is now 18, be tried as an adult - and thus face the death penalty - insisting he was the most brutal of the woman's attackers.

"He should be hanged irrespective of whether he is a juvenile or not. He should be punished for what he did to my daughter," the victim's mother, Asha Devi, told reporters after the verdict was announced.

Indian law forbids the publication of the teen's name because he was sentenced in a

S

juvenile court.

The attack, which left the 23year-old victim with such extensive internal injuries that she died two weeks later, sparked protests across the country and led to reforms of India's antiquated sexual violence laws. The government, facing immense public pressure, had promised swift justice in the case.

The convicted teen was one of six people accused of tricking the woman and her male companion into boarding an off-duty bus Dec. 16 after they had seen an afternoon showing of "Life of Pi" at an upscale shopping mall. Police say the men raped the woman and used a metal bar to inflict massive internal injuries to her. They also beat her companion. The victims were dumped naked on the roadside, and the woman later died from her injuries in a

Singapore hospital.

The victim's father said the family was deeply disappointed with the sentence.

"This is completely unacceptable to us," Badrinath Singh said. "We are not satisfied with this outcome. He is virtually being set free. This is very wrong."

Indian law forbids the publication of the names of rape victims, even if they die.

S.K. Singh, a lawyer for the victim's family, said they would challenge the juvenile court's verdict in a higher court.

"We will also seek a review of the man's age by a medical panel, since we believe he was not a juvenile when the incident took place," he said.

Four of the other defendants are being tried in a special fast-track court in New Delhi and face the death penalty.

Saudi Arabia backs U.S on Syria

AUDI Arabia has said it is time for the world to do everything it could to prevent aggression against the Syrian people, and that it would back a US strike on Syria if the Syrian people did.

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal made his comments yesterday as the United States awaits a final decision on strikes against the Syrian government for an alleged chemical gas attack that killed hundreds of civilians.

“We call upon the international community with all its power to stop this aggression against the Syrian people,” Faisal said in Cairo, where he was attending a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers to discuss Syria.

On the prospect of a US strike, he said: “We stand by the will of the Syrian people. They know best their interests, so whatever they accept, we accept, and whatever they refuse, we refuse.”

The Arab League meeting was expected formally to blame Assad for the gas attack.

Al Jazeera’s Nadim Baba, reporting from Cairo, said that Ahmed Aljarba, the head of the opposition Syrian National Council (SNC), would give a speech at the meeting of foreign

ministers.

The head of the opposition umbrella group backed by the West and Arab states is expected to ask Arab foreign ministers to back military intervention in Syria.

The Arab League last week had accused the Syrian government of carrying out the chemical-weapons attacks in a suburb of Damascus on August 21.

The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership in 2011 after President Bashar alAssad’s government failed to abide by an Arab peace plan that aimed to end the conflict.

The 22-member organisation offered in March Syria’s seat to the SNC and decided to let its member nations arm the rebels battling Assad’s government.

John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, named the regional body on Friday among a list of allies “ready to respond” to the alleged chemical-weapons attack.

However, some influential Arab League members, including Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia and Algeria, have expressed opposition to foreign military intervention in Syria.

Tunisians protest as political crisis deepens

T

HOUSANDS of Tunisians have marched through their capital, calling for the government to resign as the nation’s political crisis deepens.

Saturday’s march was the culmination of a week of protests organised by a coalition of opposition groups known as the National Salvation Front (NSF), calling for the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the assembly elected in 2011 to write the constitution.

It attracted fewer people than two similar protests held earlier this month - 10,000, according to police estimates.

The assassination of an opposition politician in July, the second in six months, has sharply polarised the country and prompted a walkout by about 60 opposition assembly members.

The powerful UGTT trade union, which has been mediating talks between the government and the NSF, on Saturday presented the government’s latest proposals on resolving the crisis.

But after the meeting, Hamma Hammami, a representative of the opposition, said the group had replied to the ruling coalition’s proposals and that “the key to ending the crisis is in the [government’s]

hands”.

Hammami refused to elaborate on the proposals, except to confirm reports that they envisaged a change of government by September 29 at the latest, after a month of national dialogue on the new cabinet and the future constitution.

But the NSF, a wide umbrella group of opposition parties, has repeatedly demanded the immediate resignation of the governing coalition, led by the moderate Islamist movement Ennahda.

It has refused to engage in any national dialogue until a non-partisan cabinet has been formed.

The sixth accused was found dead in his jail cell in March.

The court is expected to hand down the rest of the verdicts in September.

The convicted defendant was tried as a minor on charges including murder and rape. The time he has spent in a juvenile home since he was arrested in December will count toward his sentence, Tewari said.

The attack set off furious protests across India about the treatment of women in the country and led to an overhaul of sexual assault laws.

A government panel set to suggest reforms to sexual assault laws rejected calls to lower the age at which people can be tried as adults from 18 to 16.

•supports UN investigation team

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HE Federal Government has condemned in strongest terms the use of chemical weapons, which has led to death of many civilians in Syria.

Nigeria also welcomes the action by the United Nations Secretary-General, BankiMoon in despatching the UN Weapons’ Inspectors to verify the use of such weapons.

According to a statement issued by Mr. Amedu Ogbole Ode, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria also called for unfettered humanitarian access of relief supplies to victims of the conflict.

The statement reads: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has fol-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

lowed with keen interest the ongoing crisis in Syria and in particular, the recent reported use of chemical weapons’ which has led to the death of many civilians, including innocent women and children.

“The Federal Government condemns, in its strongest terms, the use of such weapons which are prohibited by subsisting international law and Conventions. It notes that, while it is yet to be established which group may have used the prohibited weapons, it nonetheless, welcomes the action by the United Nations Secretary General in despatching the UN Weapons’ Inspectors to verify the use of such weapons.”

“Nigeria reiterates its call

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SPORT EXTRA

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OVERNOR of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), on Saturday praised the standard of organisation of the just concluded Lagos International Table Tennis Classics, held at the Molade

LAGOS INTERNATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CLASSICS

Fashola, Oshodi praise standard of competition

By Bolaji Aloko-Olokun Okoya-Thomas indoor sports

hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Fashola, who was guest of honour at the final of the

competition, expressed confidence that the purpose of the tourney has been achieved, as he added that the turnout of the fans is an indication that the sports is on its way back to glory days.

“I want to thank the President of the African Table Tennis Federation for sanctioning this tournament.

I equally want to extend my gratitude to the members of the Local Organising Committee for putting this show together. This is one of the classics that will run over four months with the Governor’s Cup and Athletics Championship taking their turn later in the year.

“This tournament is meant to expose our talents to the world, a new champion Cecilia Otu- Akpan has emerged from this. I really want to appreciate the fans for coming out in their numbers to watch the good sport of table tennis. Our desire is to take table tennis back to where it belongs in the streets, and corners of our homes. Let’s not forget it was once the number one sport in Nigeria,” he noted.

In corroborating governor Fashola’s remarks, the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Enitan Oshodi said the classics are a series of sporting events that will showcase the abundant talents inherent in the state and discover new ones for the future.

“Having the trophy of the men’s singles here in Lagos would have been very fantastic, but we are very pleased of the outcome. The classics are a series of ten events, and we have been working on the other events towards the end of the year.

Also by the middle of next year the second edition will kick in, very importantly i think that the benefits of this tournament is bringing people out to see the great

sport and that is what we continue to do in Lagos so we can use this tournament to discover new talents.

“As you have seen in this tournament fantastic young players like Tosin Oribamise new National star in the making, Kazeem Makanjuola, we are very pleased. The board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), is composed of very capable people, since we came on board we have worked very hard to make sure that our teams attend all International events, giving maximum exposure to the younger athletes. “We have seen that the talents are there but if you get to play this top international stars at a younger age and getting exposed more quickly it can only be for the benefit of Nigeria so we are very confident that with the board in place now we will be able to continue to sustain the effort we have started, for us this is just the beginning there is still a lot more to do to look at ways of reclaiming our number one title in Africa that is the most important thing at this stage then going out to the Commonweath Games next year for a good outing.

We had a crop of fantastic players from Toriola to Moreontoun to Bose Kafo, Funke great players are coming close to the end f their careers, so with the knowledge you saw out there today, the knowledge people like Toriola possess, we need them to groom the younger ones they are going to be working with our National coach, Bello he has done a lot of hard work but he can’t do it alone we need these players to assist with the development of younger players especially with the fact that table tennis is a game that is fast evolving people like Toriola and Oshonaike have seen this in Europe and its time they come back home and work with us.

Lionel Messi’s hat-trick downs Valencia

B

ARCELONA has maintained its 100% start to the season at the expense of Valencia in Sunday’s match at the Mestalla.

The visitors made a bright start and deservedly took the lead in the 11th minute, with Cesc Fabregas finding Lionel Messi, who rounded Diego Alves to slip into an empty net. Los Che came close to levelling the score in the 38th minute, but Dorlan Pabon's shot was well saved by Victor Valdes. The home side had no answer for what was to come next, as Messi and Neymar terrorised the defence.

The Argentinian grabbed his second of the game just moments after Valdes's save, and went on to complete his hat-trick in the 41st minute when his Brazilian teammate set him up from close range.

Just as the match was getting away from M i r osl a v Du k i c 's m en, Helder Postiga set about making the Serb's half-time team talk a more positive one with two goals in quick succession - the first

a stunning volley.

Messi wasted a couple of glorious opportunities to add to the score late on, but it was the that post came to Barca's rescue when Jonas had Valdes beaten in the 90th minute.

•Messi

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SPORT EXTRA

Heartland gets second away win H EARTLAND of Owerri has defeated Wikki Tourists 1-0 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi in a Glo Premier League matchday 29 tie to further steer the Naze Millionaires off the relegation zone.

Uchenna Orisakwe's first half strike lifted the Owerri side further on the league table to 40 points from as many matches and the defeat

•Beats Wikki in Bauchi

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

put a spanner further to the ambition of Wikki to retain their place in the elite division next season.

The match, another closed doors session as the club is still under ban from the unruly behaviour of their fans in the home loss to El

Kanemi Warriors during matchday 22 in Bauchi. They are to play their remaining home matches without the comfort of their supporters.

In a brief telephone chat with NationSport, Heartland's Assistant Chief Coach, Ramson Madu noted that he was thrilled that the Naze Millionaires got all points away from home but he

charged the players to be cautious about the way they celebrate the feat amidst other important matches ahead.

"I am happy that we secured an away win. This is my third game after I returned from suspension and I thank God for this feat.

We shouldn't however over celebrate it with other key fixtures in front," Madu told NationSport.

LAGOS INTERNATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CLASSICS

Omotayo, Oribamise are junior champions

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HE just concluded Lagos International Table Tennis Classics may have started yielding the desired fruits, with the discovery of prodigy Olajide Omotayo and Tosin Oribamise.

Both players won of the boys and girls singles on Saturday in the competition held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, engraving their names in the history books as the first winners of the competition in their categories.

Besides winning, the duo also showed that they are forces to be reckoned with as far as the future of table tennis is concerned.

Speaking after the finals of the competition, an elated Omotayo said: “I feel very

By Innocent Amomoh and Bolaji Aluko-Olokun happy and this tournament was tough and competitive, so many players from different states and different countries as well were present. It was a tough one I also played in the men’s singles, I lost in the round of 32, and I felt very happy and lucky playing in the men’s singles because I had played preliminaries before going into the main draws qualifying among more experience players.“ I am going to continue training because there are a lot of competitions ahead of me so I have to continue training. I have represented Africa in various

Madrid off to perfect start

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EAL MADRID continued their unblemished start under new manager Carlo Ancelotti as they beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday to move alongside Villarreal at the top of the Spanish League. After a promising start from the visitors, who had also won their opening two games, Madrid began to take control midway through the first-half and went ahead when Isco collected Karim Benzema’s lovely scooped pass and lifted the ball beyond Iago Herrerin.

Cristiano Ronaldo then registered his first goal of the season when he nodded Angel Di Maria’s free-kick home in first-half stoppage time and Isco made it 3-0 with a deflected strike in the second period before Ibai Gomez scored a consolation for Athletic late on. With all the transfer speculation surrounding Gareth Bale’s imminent arrival in the Spanish capital, it was the absence of one of those rumoured to be leaving the Bernabeu that was the big news pre-match as Mesut Ozil was dropped to the bench by Ancelotti.

Ander Herrera was also only a substitute for Athletic following Manchester United’s bid for the midfielder earlier this week as Mikel Rico came in to make his debut. And Rico nearly had the perfect start as he pounced on a slack header by Alvaro Arbeloa but pulled his shot wide of the target. Di Maria then had Madrid’s first real opening in 16th minute from a ball over the top but he failed to connect properly as he tried to lob Herrerin with his first touch, and the goalkeeper made an easy save.

•Drubs Bilbao 3-1 Ronaldo then saw a low drive tipped around the post from Herrerin and from the resulting corner Pepe just failed to turn in Sergio Ramos’s header.

However, the hosts had to wait just a few minutes more for the opener as Benzema picked out Isco and he controlled and finished calmly to register his second goal in as many games at the Bernabeu since joining from Malaga.

•Ronaldo

RESULTS France - Ligue 1 Saint-Étienne 2 - 1 Bordeaux Nice 2 - 2 Montpellier Mars 1 - 2 Monaco England - Premier League Liverpool 1 - 0 Man United West Brom 0-2 Swansea Arsenal 1 - 0 Tottenham Germany - Bundesliga Stuttgart 6 - 2 Hoffenheim Eintracht 1 - 2 Dortmund Italy - Serie A Roma 3 - 0 Hellas Verona Atalanta 2 - 0 Torino Bologna 2 - 2 Sampdoria Catania 0 - 3 Inter Genoa 2 - 5 Fiorentina Milan 3 - 1 Cagliari Sassuolo 1 - 4 Livorno Udinese 3 - 1 Parma Spain - Primera División Real Madrid 3 - 1 Athletic Club Espanyol 0 - 0 Real Betis Real Sociedad 1 - 2 Atlético Sevilla 2 - 2 Málaga Valencia 2 - 3 Barcelona

championships and I lost in the finals, and went ahead to win the West African Junior Table Tennis Championship in Ivory Coast. I am at the moment rated number two in Africa in the junior category.

Tosin Oribamise beat Alimot Ayinla, both from Nigeria, in the girls category to emerge champion 11-9, 11-3, 11-5, 114. Omotayo beat Azeez Ogunlade 11-9, 6-11,11-7, 1816, 11-6 to clinch the boys title.

Former player impounds Nasarawa United’s vehicle

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•Demands payment of N4.5m debt

ESIDES the 0-1 loss to Lobi Stars yesterday, Nasarawa United also suffered another blow when their newly bought vehicle was impounded by a former player of the Lafia side, Baba Alhaji who alleged he was being owed N4.5m.

All entreaties to get the vehicle proved abortive as at press time as the player held on stoutly to the keys to the vehicle and also told the police around the stadium to take possession of the vehicle.

NationSport later gathered that the Nasarawa United's players were told to enter the new vehicle but Baba Alhaji who was urged to release the keys refused to

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri do so.

NationSport was also informed that Lobi Stars' Vice Chairman, Dominic Iorfa was at the scene to try and persuade Alhaji to soften his agitation to a later date but his pleas fell on the deaf ears of the Nasarawa player.

No Nasarawa United official was willing to speak on the development when NationSport got across to them.

The loss at Katsina Ala has compounded the woes of the away team as they slumped back to the bottom of the log with 36 points from 29 matches.

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WHO SAID WHAT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘I think the President must speak on this, because the world is watching us that we don’t have respect for basic rules. How do we present a sick man as governor?...So Suntai should resign. Certainly, he doesn’t need to be told’ VOL 8 NO 2,596

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

F

OOTBALL is like politics in the sense that everyone knows it all, everyone is an expert. So, hours after Danbaba Danfulani Suntai surged on our television sets, in newspaper pictures, in the viral fidelity of the internet, every Nigerian became a Suntai expert.

Just as many Chelsea fans can tell why the Only One Jose Mourinho lost the thriller to the mechanical virtuoso team called Bayern Munich at the weekend, some people already know the state of things in Taraba State, a vortex of intriguers, egotists, leeches, warmongers, court jesters and opportunists. They know the man is not well. They know he can sign signature. They know he cannot. They know he can dissolve a cabinet, they know he cannot. They know his speech cannot last an hour. They know he can go on forever in the manner Hitler gave extempore speeches for three hours without interruption. They can swear he will slump after thirty minutes. They know he is dying. They know he can live forever. They know…

It is what United States sports pundits call Monday morning quarterbacking, the ability to coach a game after the sweat is dry and the green turf empty as a church on Monday morning. The average Nigerian pundit, politician, human rights votary, democracy hustler, lawmaker, party apparatchik, newspaper reader is everything in the matter – a lawyer who understands the legal merits and nuances; a doctor who knows he is fit and unfit; a psychologist who knows what he is thinking and who is thinking for him; a prophet who knows what will or will not happen; a masseur who knows where aches and not; an acoustic expert who can analyse whether he sounds healthy or sick; and sovereignty because they know what the people think as though they have conducted a poll as “impeccable” as the Gallup.

With no consensus now over anything in Taraba State, we have a Hobbesian turf, what the English philosopher called the war of all against all. Those who want him say he is healthy. Evidence? None. Those who want him out, say he is not healthy. Evidence?

Nada. The spectre of impeachment has overshadowed the state house, and fear of a possible state of emergency reproaches our ability to think well.

We must understand that eyes cannot always tell the healthy from the sick. Former U.S. President Franklyn Roosevelt conducted the Second World War on wheelchair as a polio patient. His lifeless legs did not cripple his mental powers. Josip Bros Tito held together Yugoslavia and the non-aligned movement until he died without his legs.

The Suntai story is also a contest of science versus intuition, each party to the conflict politicising both. Each party believes in its imagination. Although Einstein says imagination is more important than knowledge, he did not have in mind what novelist Henry James designates as the imagination of disaster, which is what this crisis portends.

Those who back Suntai want his deputy or acting governor Garba Umar impeached. The

RIPPLES CAN IS BROKE–Oritsejafor

CAN can’t be broke...it should AUCTION OFF all those PRIVATE JETS

NMA PRESIDENT OSAHON ENABULELE

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Suntai: Wanted dead or alive

•Suntai

26 members of the state house of assembly have rejected his letter of return, saying he did not write it. Some analysts say there are three parties at war: the lawmakers, the deputy governor and Suntai’s people. But they are wrong, there are only two: the deputy versus his boss or former boss. Those in the house who rejected his letter are playing the same script with Umar who claimed that the governor did not dissolve the cabinet.

Basic to all these is the constitutional status of the office of governor. If the position was not this powerful, this magnificent, so flush with security votes and other aces, the battle would not be pulling down the heavens.

The governor in Nigeria is like a monarch,

just as the president is like an emperor. The powers are immense. It does not matter who occupies it, he is no more than a label. The power on the throne, the capacity to turn a pauper into a prince is in the hand of a governor or president. This power obfuscates how we define truth or integrity.

Suntai left for ten months, and Umar took charge. Within that period, the loyal lawmakers have become ‘forsakers’ of oaths of fidelity. The deputy governor who bowed and trembled before him now feels not only an equal but a superior. The cabinet, whose commissioners must have groveled and lobbied desperately before and after they secured their appointments, no longer confer on him the lofty look of a god. What happened in between? The acting governor became a temporary god, decided who had contracts, who earned esta-codes in the law chamber, whose vote was fat or lean, who was happy or unhappy. The new holder of the purse string and infrastructure of power determined who to love and who to hate, and the people of Suntai now understand that. The former god Suntai who wants to be in charge of all the incantations and modes of worship now finds himself being banished from the holy of holies.

So he cannot trust, like God cannot trust Lucifer, the one he put in charge of the kingdom. That was why the cabinet had to be dissolved whether it was by him or by his.

Yet, it is obvious that while every Nigerian seems to know what the truth is, the man Suntai holds the key to life and death

HARDBALL

T

in this grueling drama. His is the omniscient god, who knows if he can do the job well or not. Or he knows if he can cool tempers by simply making his medical records a public matter, and let the experts come around and determine whether he should remain governor.

His medical records do not belong to the privacy of his bedroom. He was voted into power for transparency, not to lock his strength or fragility in the dark. The job of a governor is immense. He takes care of the destinies of millions, he cannot enfeeble the destinies of the many with the selfishness of a single destiny.

What is at stake is not Suntai’s wellbeing but that of the people, and the integrity of this democracy. Those who love him must show the love of the majority. If he clings to this silence, he indulges in what the constitution calls gross misconduct.

What if he does not have complete control of his mental faculties? It brings us back to the Yar’Adua syndrome. The former president received lashes for insensitivity but it turned out it was his so-called kitchen cabinet that presented a false sense of the man’s wellbeing and triggered a meaningless call for impeachment.

The gridlock is underlined by the fact that it is hard to prove that Suntai did not write the letter to the House about his return. But if he is fit to write the letter, it means he is fit enough to determine whether he can perform his duties. Consequently, he is alert enough to understand that he should make public his medical records. If he doesn’t, an impeachment proceeding is in order.

His wife has been shielding him, a la Turai, from the public. This only makes her a Jezebel of this theatre. She ought to tell her husband the truth and encourage him to unveil his records for all.

He cannot trifle with the destiny of his people and democracy. His party, the PDP, ought to insist on this. Similar arguments empowered the rise of Jonathan as president, and President Jonathan would have violated the principle on which he soared if he does not bring the majesty of his office to direct the affairs along the path of honour. Or else, it will be clear that Jonathan wants victory more than justice in this matter. And it will negate everything that made him president. What everyone needs is what writer Tolstoy calls the pride of sacrifice, which refers to a sublime state of satisfaction in sacrificing what is needed for the joy of all, an Abraham who gave Isaac. But that pride only derives from the sacrifice of pride. That is the real meaning of patriotism.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Why Jonathan must hearken to Nwabueze

HERE is a Yoruba saying that the dog that would be lost would never hear the hunter’s whistle. But the hunter must blow his whistle all the same in the forlorn hope that his woebegone kennel might by some chance pick a strain of it. As with the hunter’s dog, so it is with the Nigerian politician who wishes to contest election. There is no dissuading a politician in this clime who seeks an elective office for numerous reasons. One, a horde of ‘supporters’ would have massed around him telling him there is none like him, addressing him in the borrowed garb of the office he contemplates, for instance, “Your Excellency”, “distinguished”, “Honourable”, etc. This immediately puts our poor fellow into a mindset of no return.

The next step is to build scenarios and bogus plots about how to ‘capture’ the office; the more he listens to them review these ‘foolproof’ strategies, the more he is convinced of his chances and indeed sees himself seated and even working out of the office he seeks. Still living in their dream world, they even go out to allot the positions to emerge from the office in question.

And for the Nigerian politician who is an incumbent in an elected office, the worst of-

fence you could mete out to him is to dissuade him from contesting for a second term. It is worse than a capital offence. The reasons they behave this way are everywhere for anyone who cares to see. For instance, the powers attached to elective positions are out of this world be it councillorship or presidency and of course, they are among the best paid and richest in the world.

Why is Hardball rambling on and on as if he has lost his marbles? Well it is about the advice Professor Benjamin Nwabueze handed to President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest for the 2015 presidential election last week. Nwabueze is a cerebral lawyer, scholar, statesman and an octogenarian to booth. He is the leader of the influential group, The Patriots which boasts of other eminent Nigerians like Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Solomon Asemota and Commodore Dan Suleiman, to name a few. The Patriots had paid a courtesy call on the President in Aso Rock to discuss matters of urgent national import as they see them. Addressing State House Correspondents after the meeting, Nwabueze had told them that, “if I were him, I would choose to become a hero to lead the country into transformation and abandon the ambition of a second term.

That is what I said and I still stand by it and that is what I would do if I were the president of this country, but unfortunately, I am not.”

If I knew anything about how these things work in Nigeria (and trust me, I know a little), President Jonathan and the cabal (this word again) that must hold him hostage now (so that nobody might make him see reason over 2015) would still be laughing as you read this. “Imagine that old man, he must be senile,” they would bellow in raucous laughter! “The papa doesn’t know what the world is talking about, imagine telling oga to carry power and dash another person; this power wey we hold for hand so, no bi with power you go do transformation abi na magic we go take command transformation?,” They will laugh some more while quaffing some fiery golden liquid.

But Hardball suggests that in his sober moment when he is alone and all by himself he must think over Prof. Nwabueze’s profound thoughts. He would even do well to call him to a private meeting where the two of them would debate the issue. Of course, it is one of the toughest decisions any leader could possibly make and each side of the coins is rich in consequences. Let’s just say that it is worth a long, deep, sober thought, thank you.

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