Sep 9, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Offa poll rerun: Fear over APC protests

•Police meet APC, PDP leaders

Itsekiri peace effort stuck

NEWS

Page 53

NEWS

•Uduaghan pleads for calm

Page 56

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2601 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Kenya offers 46 oil blocks to Nigerians

K

ENYA has offered interested Nigerians its 46 newly-discovered oil blocks for development.

Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani AlisonMadueke broke the news at the weekend in Nairobi, Kenya when addressing reporters.

According to her, the of-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

fer was part of the outcome of the dialogue preceding the Nigeria-Kenya Investment Forum held on Friday in Kenya.

Besides the offer of oil wells, Kenya also sought Nigeria’s assistance in the formulation of right policies and

framework to manage the sector.

The minister said: “It is well-known that Kenya recently discovered hydo-carbon reserves and is keen to move aggressively in terms of exploration activities.

“The Kenyans feel that as a sister African country, Nigeria, having many years of oil exploration and produc-

tion, it only makes sense that we exchange agreement in cooperation to hand over knowledge, capabilities and experience learnt.

“They seek the templates we have formulated, including policies, processes and a sort of templates that form the Petroleum Industry Bill, among others.”

Continued on page 58

•FEDERAL GOVT SPENT N1.2TR IN SIX MONTHS, SAYS CBN REPORT P31

PDP crisis: Jonathan to reject Obasanjo’s terms President meets Babangida, Ciroma in counter-offensive

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan may reject the recommendations of the seven-man peace team led by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, which has examined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis.

It was learnt that some of the recommendations of the

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

panel leaked to the Presidency and some PDP leaders at the weekend.

Some of the recommendations are rated as one-sided in favour of the G-7-Kawu Baraje faction of the party.

Also, the President has raised three strategic commit-

SOME OF THE RECOMENDATIONS •Reinstatement of Adamawa PDP Executive Committee •Restoration of Rivers PDP Executive Committee •Recall of Governor Rotimi Amaechi from suspension •Resolution of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) crisis tees to suggest how to contain the aggrieved governors, if the peace efforts fail.

The committees, which were set up covertly on Thursday before the President flew out

to Kenya, include Political, Legal and Contact.

According to sources, some of the decisions taken at the Obasanjo session with the two factions of PDP on Friday got

leaked.

It was gathered that some of the recommendations include reinstatement of Adamawa PDP Executive Committee, restoration of Rivers PDP Ex-

ecutive Committee; recall of Governor Rotimi Amaechi from suspension — in line with the PDP Constitution—; and the resolution of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) crisis through a meeting between President Jonathan and the two claimants to the chairmanship – Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Plateau’s Jonah Jang.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Virtually Continued on page 2

Boko Haram kills 14 volunteers

M

ORE deaths were recorded yesterday in Borno State as the Boko Haram sect continued its bloody campaign.

No fewer that 14 members of the youth vigilance group, otherwise known as “Civilian JTF”, were killed in Benishiek, 72 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital, early yesterday.

No fewer than 18 other members of the “Civilian JTF” were injured.

A Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima, Mr. Garba Ngamdu, confirmed the killings in the town, which is the headquarters of Kaga Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the ‘Civilian JTF’ killed five Boko Haram sect members and seized four Pump Action guns from them.

Ngamdu was at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) where the 18 civilian JTF men who sustained gunshot wounds were receiving treatment.

The killings followed the attack on the sect’s hideout by the newly created 7 Division of the Army in Borno during which no fewer than 50 members were killed.

“The youths in Benishiek lost 13 of their Continued on page 2

•B UMPER-T O-B UMPER: A crane removing a container that fell across the Lagos-Abeokuta Road around Cappa Bus Stop, Oshodi, Lagos...yesterday.

•BUMPER-T UMPER-TO-B O-BUMPER: The incident caused a massive traffic jam PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

•CONFUSION OVER OZEKHOME P12 •GORDON BROWN FOR ABUJA SUMMIT P6

2

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

NEWS

•Senate President David Mark (fifth right), his Wife, Helen and Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam (sixth left) with the Catholic Bishops after the Holy Mass ushering the 2nd Plenary session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the St. Francis of Assisi, Catholic Cathedral, Otukpo Benue State… yesterday.

Tukur has many excesses, says Oyinlola

N

ATIONAL Secretary of the Kawu Barajeled new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, yesterday explained why he joined the faction.

Oyinlola, a former Osun State governor, who was edged out of the national secretary’s seat of the PDP, spoke in his home town Okuku, on his new role in the Baraje group.

He described Tukur, under whom he served, as being “engaged in too many excesses,” adding: “All my efforts to make him realise these failed.”

Oyinlola recalled that “When our executive council came on board, he (Tukur) was holding

P

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

the party meeting from his private house rather than from the party secretariat.”

He said Governors Sule Lamido,(Jigawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Aliyu Babangida (Niger) Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, who was allegedly locked out of the party’s mini convention at the Eagle Square last month, were fighting the injustice of his removal as the PDP national secretary . he denied that he “left their convention venue under the pretext that I wanted to go to the toilet” but added that “It

was not easy for me to stay there and watch what they were doing.They locked out the Adamawa State governor and his people. They doctored the lists of delegates from Anambra and Rivers states.”

A former chairman of the PDP in Osun State, Alhaji Ademola Rasaq, described the threat by the Gani Ola-Oluwaled state executive to sanction whoever assoicates with the Baraje faction as empty.

He listed some chieftains of the party in the state, including Senators Isiaka Adeleke, Yinka Omilani, Felix Ogunwale, Simeon Oduoye and three of the governorship aspirants - Mr. Wole Oke, Ahaji Fatai Akinbade and Senator

A

•Oyinlola

Akinlabi Olasunkanmi as belonging to the Baraje faction.

But a member of the party’s Elders Committee, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, described Continued on page 57

Why PDP chair can’t resign, by Metuh

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh has explained why National Chairman Bamanga Tukur cannot resign from office as demanded by the Kawu Baraje’s faction.

He said the national chairman was duly elected by the party delegates and can only be removed from office in accordance with the laid down rules and constitution of the

By Emmanuel Oladesu

party.

Reflecting on the crises, Metuh said the size and many interests accommodated by the ruling party may predispose it to some challenges, adding that the leadership was on top of the situation. He said it is curious that the seven governors, who had done the party proud through their outstanding performances in their states, were waging war against the

party leadership.

Metuh, a lawyer, spoke with reporters in Lagos on the PDP crises and the reconciliation mooted by the party elders. He said the party will emerge stronger after the crises and win the next presidential election. He said the opposition parties lacked the strength and support to rub shoulders with the PDP in 2015.

The National Publicity Secretary acknowledged that the

party has challenges, assuring that the logjam will soon be over.

He said Tukur and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are committed to the on-going reconciliation aimed at forging unity, cohesion and peace in the divided fold.

Metuh, however, frowned at the demand for Tuku’s resignation as the national chairman by the aggrieved Continued on page 57

Tukur meets state chairmen

S the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to fester, National Chairman Bmanga Tukur will today meet chairmen of the 36 state chapters, including their counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory.

It was learnt yesterday that the national leadership of the party considered it expedient to win the state chairmen to the side of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Also, our correspondent gathered that the party had found the need to “arm” the chairmen, most of who are considered to be loyal to their various state governments, against what the leadership considered the governors’ undue influence over them.

A party source hinted last night that of particular concern to the party’s leadership were the states under the control of the new PDP. The source added that of par-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

ticular interest to Tukur and the Presidency were the states controlled by the seven governors in the Abubakar Baraje’s breakaway faction.

The governors and the states are: Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara).

“The party is worried by the prospects of the chairmen toeing the lines of the governors in those states. This could spell disaster for the PDP ahead of the 2015 general elections.

“So, as a matter of urgency, it is imperative for the party to set the rules and spell out the codes that would guide them in their conduct henceforth”, the source stated.

Boko Haram kills 14 volunteers Continued from page 1

members; 12 died when they were ambushed around 12.30am and one died in the hospital when doctors were carrying out a surgery to remove bullets from his stomach.

“The youths had privileged

information that the insurgents were perfecting plans to attack them; they then mobilised and informed the military operatives in the locality.

“However, somewhere along the line, the insurgents learnt Continued on page 57

President meets Babangida, Ciroma in counter-offensive

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan – faced with the G-7 governors challenge and the uprising in the ruling party - has launched peace drive, reaching out to key Northern leaders.

The President has met secretly with former Finance Minister Adamu Ciroma, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Political Leaders Forum(NPLF), and the ex-Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

The President drove to Ciroma’s place about two weeks ago. He met with Babangida at the Presidential Villa last Sunday before the intervention of some elders in the PDP on September 1.

The two meetings were kept under wraps.

Besides, the President has engaged businessman Dr. Raymond Dokpesi to reach out to strategic Northern leaders.

But in spite of Jonathan initiative, there is pressure on exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo and other members of the PDP Peace Team to stop the President from seeking another term in office.

According to a highly-placed source, the President has opted to reach out to key Northern leaders to correct the misgivings about him by the G-7 governors, ex-governors and others in the Baraje faction of PDP.

PDP crisis: Jonathan to reject Obasanjo’s terms Continued from page 1 should be a give-and-take and not one sid-

all members of the peace panel agreed on these recommendations.

“The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, only differed on 2015 poll. He said Jonathan should be allowed a second term in office after he has accepted all these recommendations.

“If the recommendations are acceptable to Jonathan, members of the team will then mobilise party leaders on how to appease the North to allow Jonathan a second term in office.

“But the panel would ask Jonathan to make a written commitment that he will not embark on vengeance against the aggrieved governors, ex-governors and all those involved in the formation of Abubakar Kawu Baraje faction after getting a second term ticket.

“He is also expected to use his second term to promote unity and stability of the country.”

A Presidency source said the report was one-sided.

The source said: “The question is what the other faction is giving back. A resolution From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

The source listed the agenda as the need to preserve Nigeria’s unity and avert plunging the nation into brinkmanship; 2015 presidential election and Jonathan’s ambition; the crisis in PDP; and the NGF crisis.

A source said: “Prior to the meeting with Ciroma and Babangida, the President had engaged the media mogul as an

ed.

“How come all the recommendations appear to indict the PDP hierarchy and the government. Does it mean that only Amaechi and others are right and the PDP is wrong all the way?

“Jonathan may ignore the report, if it contains all the one-sided recommendations, I can assure you.

“It is bound to be a carrot and stick approach because while some of the aggrieved have cases, there are others who are clearly guilty of indiscipline. The President cannot condone brigandage, while some elders appear to be stoking the fire from behind.”

But the president has put in place three committees to contain what is termed as “the rebellion or insurgency” of the governors and Baraje faction.

The committees are expected to submit their report on Tuesday.

Another source said: “The committees are to immediately fashion ways of containing insurgency within the party and also fashion appropriate response to contain the ag-

emissary to reach out to the North.

The major complaints against the President are nonconsultation of opinion leaders of thought and elders; lopsidedness in appointments, unlike what obtained during Obasanjo’s tenure; acting like a regional leader instead of a national leader; the “desperate” bid by the President to spend 10 years

grieved members, especially if they continue to resist peace options.

“The committees will ensure a holistic approach to the resolution of the crisis.”

The Baraje faction of PDP may today take up issues with the Bamanga Tukur faction on the interpretation of status quo ante bellum.

The faction might ask the court to prevail on the Police to end the siege to its secretariat.

The secretariat was sealed off on Saturday based on the order of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja.

The Lagos High Court, Ikeja Division had earlier ordered that the parties should maintain the status quo.

The battle ground is the Lagos High Court, Ikeja Division.

A source in Baraje’s camp, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “We are going to court to challenge the sealing off of our secretariat. We want the court to interpret its order on status quo ante bellum.

“We will ask for an order from the court to end the police siege.”

in office instead of the statutory eight years; and bringing down the office of the President by dabbling in the NGF crisis “The collation of the reports of the emissary led to the new rapprochement between Jonathan and the two leaders,” said the source.

Another source, who also spoke in confidence, said: “The

President discussed PDP crisis, unity and stability of the country and the nation’s security with Babangida and Ciroma.

“Babangida advised the President how to go about the crisis since the aggrieved governors had earlier met with him in Minna.

“He was tactical in presenting his re-election bid. He sought for reconciliation in a

•Jonathan

manner that suggested that he should be given another chance.”

The President also met a former Permanent RepresentaContinued on page 57

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

3

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

4

NEWS CRISIS IN PDP

Fight for

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) addressing Fellows and participants during the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship Programme 2013 organised by the African Leadership Institute at the Rio Tinto Headquarters in London.

Attempts by powerful forces within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to wrest the party’s control from President Goodluck Jonathan are being stiffly resisted, suggesting that it may end up a fight to the finish, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

•The Baraje faction’s secretariat cordoned off by the police to prevent its planned inauguration

A •From right: Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Secretary, Music Commission, Mr Anthony Udom; Chairman, Music Commission Rev Joachim Ochibili; Mrs Tessa Ikimi and Sir Emmanuel Onyenankeya during the grand finale of the Lagos Archdiocesan Choir PHOTOS: NNEKA Competition at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Victoria Island, Lagos... yesterday.

NWANERI

•Outgoing Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State, (now Assistant Corps Marshal) Mr. Nseobong Akpabio (middle) greeting the Managing Director, MDS Logistics Plc Mr Solomon Aigbavboa when the outgoing Sector Commander visited MDS office in Lagos. With them is Finance Director, MDS Logistics Plc Mr Kevin Wood.

• Marketing Manager - Star, Goldberg & Exports, Nigerian Breweries Plc Tokunbo Adodo (left) and ace comedian Gbenga Adeyinka presenting the Grand Prize winner of N100,000 , Ikem Okuhu at the first Star Win & Shine National Consumer PromoPHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE tion raffle draws in Lagos...at the weekend.

BUBAKAR Kawu Baraje chairs two entities. One is a corporation in which President Goodluck Jonathan has the power to hire and fire. The other is a faction of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on which platform Jonathan was elected president. The faction sees nothing good in the president and wants him not to seek reelection.

Since his appointment as the chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Baraje, until his emergence as the chair of the new PDP, carried on as someone who believed in the Jonathan administration. At the launch of the third Lagos-Kano-Lagos intercity passenger train service, Baraje urged Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government so as to deliver a modern train service.

Baraje spoke in the same vein during the launch of the freight services which began less than a month ago.

He said the Goodluck Jonathan administration was committed to making train service the backbone of mass transportation.

He spoke of NRC’s plans to bring private sector operators into the rail business so as to give the country the rail service it deserves.

But, not a few were shocked when Baraje a fortnight ago emerged the chairman of a faction of the PDP opposed to Jonathan. Already, the Jonathan administration is considering dropping him as NRC chair for being a ‘rebel’, which means he may not be there to see through the modernisation of the rail system.

Other privileges he enjoys, such as police escorts, may have been withdrawn. A report yesterday said security guards in his Abuja and Ilorin homes had been withdrawn.

Two days ago, his compatriot in the new PDP and former Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had his security details withdrawn, allegedly on “orders from above” and without any notice. There were indications that the withdrawal followed alleged security reports indicting Saraki as the arrowhead of the new PDP. Saraki is also one of the strong pillars behind Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and was instrumental to the governor’s re-election in May as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). Saraki was the forum’s chairman.

An aide of Saraki, in a report in The Nation yesterday, said: “The seven policemen attached to my boss have been withdrawn. As I am talking, he

•Tukur

has no one protecting him other than God. The policemen were withdrawn abruptly and simultaneously in Abuja and Ilorin on Saturday. No reason was given by any police command or the Inspector-General of Police. When necessary, we will issue official statement. But, it is obvious that there is a plot to expose Oga to danger.”

Amaechi, who is one of the seven governors behind the new PDP, had his security escorts withdrawn on Thursday. The State Police Command said the redeployment of Amaechi’s Escort Commander was in compliance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police The Rivers State government said: “The redeployment, according to CP Mbu, was because the Escort Commander had refused his directive to ‘Furnish (the CP) with prior information of the movement of the governor’. The Escort Commander is not in charge of the governor’s protocol and cannot have prior knowledge of the governor’s movement, especially in the prevailing circumstances regarding security in the State.

“After redeploying the Escort Commander, CP Mbu also requested the Camp Commandant of Government

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

5

NEWS CRISIS IN PDP

PDP’s soul takes ‘scary’ turn

•Jonathan

•Amaechi

•Saraki

•Baraje

Shehu Sani, ex-Senate Whip disagree over sealing off of PDP faction’s secretariat

F

ORMER Senate Chief Whip Senator Rowland Owie, and human rights activist Shehu Sani yesterday disagreed over the police seal off of the proposed secretariat of the Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

Owie backed the decision, saying instead of factionalising PDP, Baraje and others should quit.

Sani said it marked a return to the despotic regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

Owie, who spoke to The Nation in Benin City, the Edo State capital, appealed to former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Sule Lamido not to destroy the PDP, which they helped in forming.

He said: “Some of us, who are founding members of the PDP, have passed through this same road before. The truth is that political relationship is voluntary. If one is tired of a system, he or she can decide to leave the system and go elsewhere, not to tag on the system you are leaving by naming the new organisation as an apron of the existing one. It does not make sense. Form a new party and move on, period.

“The police were in order by sealing off that secretariat. There must be discipline. As a matter of fact, it is only Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Sule Lamido that were part of the foundation of the PDP. While Amaechi was an attaché to Dr Peter Odili during the formation of the PDP, the rest were not there when we formed the party.

“I wish to appeal to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Governor Lamido to give peace a chance and to note that the real owner of a building won’t allow the building to be destroyed. Above all, I hope that my friend and brother, Atiku Abubakar, know those with whom he is dining with now. He should be careful so that the enemies of democracy will not deceive him.”

Sani urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to have the illusion that the bourgeoisie North and the reactionary feudal and clerical establishment that are benefiting from the existing House, Port Harcourt, to give him prior briefing of the governor’s daily movement – a request which in practice would be difficult to comply with, unless the Camp Commandant gets prior knowledge of the Governor’s movement.

“The Government of Rivers State is most uncomfortable with these developments and their implications for the security of Governor Amaechi.

This is more so, as the developments are coming on the heels of the Rivers State Police Command’s declaration of Governor Amaechi’s ADC (who is receiving medical attention) as a deserter.

“This sudden interest of CP Mbu

•Kalu: party’ll recover from crisis From Tony Akowe, Kaduna and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

power structure would switch to its side without a bitter struggle.

Sani said the use of state apparatus to resolve political differences, through acts of repression, was taking the country back to the Abacha era.

He said: “The sealing off of the New PDP secretariat by the security agencies stands unreservedly condemned. It demonstrates the growing level of political intolerance, desperation and brigandage on the side of the Federal Government. It is reminiscent of the sadism and fascism of the Abacha despotism.

“Using the state apparatus to resolve political differences through blatant act of repression is indicative of the Hitleric and Machiavellian tendencies of the Bamanga’s faction of the PDP. The sealing off of the secretariat by the police points to our perilous slide to totalitarianism.”

He condemned ex-militants’ threat to Atiku and the seven governors, adding that the bourgeoisie ex militants are up against freedom and the right of Nigerians to dissent.

Sani said: “Their position is an attack on civil liberties and nothing but warmongering. The bourgeoisie ex militants have the right to defend their privileges under Jonathan and other Nigerians reserve the right to oppose the machinations of the Government.

“President Jonathan should devise means of resolving his differences with his class associates and party men and resist the temptation of rocking the country to abyss in the pursuit of eternal power.”

Sani said for the APC to take over power in the North, the party “should recognise the existence of a class structure in the North and the age-long class struggle between the oppressed

regarding the daily movement of Governor Amaechi cannot be borne out of love. If his intentions were noble and above board, CP Mbu has Governor Amaechi’s telephone number and could have reached him directly to make the request of prior briefing of his movements.”

Another pro-new PDP governor, whose supporters may have started feeling the pinch of his stance, is Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko. The sack of Inuwa AbdulKadir as Minister of Youth Development is said not to be unconnected to his support for Wamakko.

But, the Federal Government said his sack had to do with his mishandling

of the election of the National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN).

But many still believe his loyalty to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Wammako, played a part in his removal. The ex-minister was away in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, when he got the boot.

The new PDP members are aware they are taking on a powerful foe. No wonder the 57 members of the House of Representatives, who declared loyalty to Baraje, warned against intimidation.

Their statement reads: “We are also using this opportunity to condemn in strong terms attempts by some agents

Talakawa and the dominant conservative political class and should build its support base among the downtrodden and guarantee their political and socio economic liberation from the shackles of the reactionary ruling class and the dysfunctional governments at all levels.

“The APC should unfold its programmes and policies that will address the prevailing state of destitution, abject poverty, pervasive insecurity, inter-ethnic and inter religious conflicts and bigotry that has become cancerous to the region.”

A founding member of the PDP and former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu said the ruling party was only bowing to the movement of history.

While expressing optimism that all would be well, if all gladiators sheathe their sword, Kalu said: “Nobody should celebrate PDP’s internal crisis yet. It is all part of politics, no permanent friends or foes, just permanent interests.

“It did not start with PDP. In 1958, commerce minister, Dr. Ozuomba Mbadiwe and his information counterpart, Chief Kolawole Balogun accused Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, leader of the National Convention of Nigeria and Cameroun (NCNC), of dividing the party. Both were expelled and went ahead to form the NCNC Reformed Committee. They later reconciled with the party.”

In the First Republic, Kalu continued: “There was the Action Group crisis. What we saw in Rivers State recently was played out in the Western House of Assembly in 1962 when Mr. S.A. Adeniya, representing Oyo East Two hit Chief Kessington Momoh, Regional Trade Minister. As a result, the man was rushed to the hospital. Mr. Speaker Prince Adeleke Adedoyin was not spared either. He was also pounded.”

The former governor said such crisis did not start in Nigeria.

He said: “In the 19th Century, two-time British Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel divided the Tories when he tried to stop Agricultural Protection in 1846.That was the same man who had reformed the London Metropolitan Police. They are called ‘bobbies’ after him.”

of the Federal Government to use state apparatus to witch-hunt some of these patriots for taking this bold and courageous step.

“As members of the House of Representatives, we call on the security agencies and other anti-graft bodies to be professional in their activities and not allow themselves to be used by anybody no matter how highly placed for their political ambitions.

Remember how you want history to judge your tenure.

“We won’t hesitate, however, to use all instruments of law within our powers as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to stop this

and bring anybody found wanting to book.”

The leaders of the new group are: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), AbdulFattah Ahmed (Kwara) and Amaechi (Rivers).

Twenty-two senators have also pledged allegiance to the Baraje group, whose attempt to open a parallel secretariat in Abuja was cut short by the police, which sealed it off before its planned opening today.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

6

NEWS Tinapa, Customs quarrel From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

T

HE Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) are at loggerheads over the alleged deliberate delay of goods for the resort by Custom officials at the Onne Port in Rivers State.

Some of the tenants in the zone, who have been using the Onne Port to convey their good to Tinapa and the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ), complained that they were experiencing unnecessary delays in clearing their containers.

The situation, they said, has worsened in the last three weeks as their cargoes were no longer cleared.

The resort’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Paul Eko, told reporters that the management reported the delay to the Customs Office in the Calabar but the officials said they were unaware of the situation.

T

APC: jail those behind sealing of new PDP secretariat for lawlessness

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has said all those behind the sealing up of the secretariat of the “new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” in Abuja must be immediately identified and jailed for crass lawlessness and palpable impunity.

“The festering crisis in the PDP is not our business, but when the crisis leads to repression, disregard for court orders and constitutional provisions, we cannot keep quiet because those issues have grave implications for our democracy,” the party said in a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

It described the sealing up of the new PDP secretariat as a throwback to the nation’s darkest era.

The APC noted that it also confirmed the fears being expressed by the opposition that the Goodluck Jonathan administration, which is now being hoisted by its own petard, will become increasingly intolerant and repressive with the approach of the 2015 general elections.

The statement said: “There is no doubt that the rump of the ruling PDP, which has the ears of President Jonathan, is behind the sealing up of the new PDP secretariat, in a dan-

gerous defiance of a court order that the parties must maintain the status quo.

“The egregious nature of this action becomes even clearer when viewed against the lies being peddled by the old PDP, that the sealing of the secretariat, which it instigated, has the imprimatur of the courts.

“For a party that has just broken up due in part to its lack of internal democracy, disregard for the rule of law and the elevation of impunity to an art, this is an indication that the leaders of the ruling party have not learnt their lessons, and that they will not hesitate to bring the house down on

all of us just to hold on to power. This portends danger for our democracy.”

The party wondered whether the grown brats at the helms of the old PDP know that freedom of association and dissent are part of democracy, just as intolerance, repression and impunity are the very anti-thesis of the best form of government known to man.

It said only God knows what those who orchestrated the sealing of the secretariat of the new PDP will do to stifle the opposition if they could go to this shameful length to get at their dissenting members,

A

By Precious Igbonwelundu

T

UK’s singer Burke for Glo X Factor finale

T

HE United Kingdom’s (UK’s) multiple-awardwinning singer, Alexandra Burke, will arrive in Nigeria next Sunday (September 15) for the grand finale of Glo X Factor, which will hold on September 17.

The 25-year-old recording artist, songwriter, dancer and model, whose full name is Alexandra Imelda Cecelia Ewen Burke, is currently one of the biggest names in the entertainment scene in the UK. She is an X Factor singer, having won the fifth series of the British edition of the singing reality television show in 2008.

A statement by the Marketing Communications Department of Globacom, the company which brought X Factor to Africa for the first time, said Burke would be guest of Nigerian Television Authority’s (NTA’s) AM Express on September 16.

Ogunlewe to Baraje’s group: stop causing distraction

By Leke Salaudeen, Assistant Editor

GOC defends Soldiers HE General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division Nigerian Army, Gen. Obi Umahi, has denied the allegation that some soldiers were responsible for the upsurge in sexual and violent crimes in the barracks.

The GOC said contrary to public notion, civilian children of army officers engage in such vices.

He said: “Vices are committed by dependents of soldiers and not soldiers. At 18, a child is an adult and so should have left home. But we are in an African setting where adults still stay with their parents.

“This is coupled with the rate of unemployment in our society. We have engaged them in extra-curricular activities, one of which is bringing Peter Rufai who is training them in football.

“It is our hope that in a couple of years, most Nigerian players will be coming from the barracks.

“The military is a disciplined and organised sector.

Officers and men know the consequences of acts of indiscipline, especially sexual assaults.”

even as ‘peace’ talks supposedly continue between them.

“The new turn of events is worrisome, coming after the mindless impunity in Rivers State. There is a worsening climate of intolerance all over the land, no thanks to the dysfunctional nature of the PDP. The security details of the President’s supposed enemies are being withdrawn, and the institutions of state are being unleashed once again on perceived enemies of the Administration.

“This is why those who are behind the secretariat sealing in Abuja must be punished without delay, to serve as a deterrent. After all, no one is above the law,” APC said.

•Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso(2nd left)) presenting Incubators on behalf of the Foundation to Acting Chief Medical Director, University of Enugu Teaching Hospital, Dr Obinna Onodugo, flanked by Regional Bank Head, Enugu, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Casmir Molokwu(left); and Head of department of Paediatrics, UNTH Prof Ifeoma Emodi, at a ceremony in Enugu on Friday

T

Cameroonian, nine Nigerians arrested for ‘stealing’ .36m litres of AGO

HE Nigerian Navy has arrested a Cameroonian and nine Nigerians for allegedly stealing 360,000 litres of Automative Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel in the Niger Delta.

Troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO of the Central Naval Command (CNC) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, were said to have apprehended the suspected oil thieves offshore Brass River, in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that a patrol team of the Navy intercepted a vessel, Mt Pauline, on Brass River on Friday.

P

•Navy impounds vessel From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

The operatives were said to have searched the vessel and discovered 360,000 litres of AGO. Ten suspects were arrested on board the ship, which the Navy impounded.

In a statement yesterday, the CNC said the ship lacked valid documents authorising it to carry the product.

The statement by the command’s Operation Officer, Commodore Emmanuel Enemor, said the captain of the

ship was unable to tender the bunkering permit of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

He said the ship lacked other documents, such as the certificate of registration with the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, and a permit from the Naval headquarters.

The statement said: “On September 6, at 8am, a Naval patrol team from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO intercepted and arrested MT Pauline offshore Brass Rivers in the Brass Local Government area of Bayelsa State.

“At the time of arrest, the

vessel was loaded with over 360,000 litters of automotive gasoline (AGO). The ship was arrested with 10 crew members comprising nine Nigerians and a Cameroonian.

“Besides, the captain was unable to document. Currently, FOB has commenced investigation into the source of the suspected stolen petroleum product on board of the vessel.

“The arrest and many others recorded in the past is a clear display of the determination of the naval commands to completely eradicate oil theft, illegal bunkering and other illegalities in the maritime environment.

Jonathan, ex-UK Prime Minister Brown for RESIDENT Goodluck phones and online education summit today tablets, Jonathan and a former school courses, all part of a

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown are expected at the education summit in Abuja today.

The event will bring ministers, governors and education commissioners together with global development partners to get Nigeria’s 10 million out-of-school children into education.

The international community, it was learnt, will make an unprecedented commitment, with upwards of $250

By Joseph Jibueze

million of global finance donation towards education in Nigeria.

The event is said to have been inspired by an online video exchange between Nigeria’s National Youth Advocate for Universal Education and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Ojonwa Deborah Miachi and Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani girl who was shot

by the Taliban and has become a United Nations (UN) personality.

Malala had to leave her country to be safe.

Both are demanding what 57 million girls and boys like them cannot have - the right to go to school even in times of conflict.

The summit will discuss how to allocate new financial support for school building, teacher recruitment, training and for new technology with

global initiative to get every boy and girl to school by the end of 2015.

The international partners, in a statement, said: “Our aim is to build a world where for the first time no boy or girl is denied the right to education.

In this, the challenges faced

by Nigeria are real and many – with 10.5 million primary school-age children not in education; Nigeria is home to the world’s largest out-ofschool population.

FORMER Minister of Works and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Adeseye Ogulewe, has berated the Abubakar Baraje group for playing what he called “school boy politics” that is causing distraction in governance.

Ogunlewe told our correspondent that what the group did on the day of the special convention in Abuja showed that they were inexperienced politicians.

The former minister said they should have planned a parallel convention instead of walking out and announcing the formation of a new PDP. He said: “They played schoolboys’ politics by storming out of the convention. Regrouping to form a parallel party is defeatist. It is too elementary. They should have planned a parallel convention from the word go and refused to participate in the mainstream convention.”

On the move by the group to open a new PDP secretariat, the former minister warned that they would see the consequences of their action.

‘Fed Govt should fight kidnappers as terrorists’ From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

T

HE Zonal Coordinator of the Northeast Bishopric of the Church of God Mission International Incorporated, Rev. Great Nkem, has urged the Federal Government to use its military powers to curb kidnappers as it is doing with Boko Haram insurgents.

He said this is the only way to stop the menace across the land.

The cleric spoke yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, in a sermon marking his 20th year on the pulpit.

Rev. Nkem, who was reacting to the abduction of Archbishop Ignatius Kattey and his wife, noted that kidnapping would stop if the Federal Government showed the determination to fight its perpetrators.

He wondered why the Federal Government had not taken any decisive stand on the crime.

Rev. Nkem also presented a book, titled: The Emergence of True Worshippers, to celebrate his two decades in the service of God.

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

7

NEWS

Airtel invests $3.5b in expansion •May reduce call rates From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

M

OBILE telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria Plc, has said it has invested $3.5 billion for service expansion and acquisition of new technologies.

Accordingly, its subscribers may soon experience a drastic drop in the cost being charged by the telecommunications outfit.

The Regional Operation Director, West, Oluwasegun Macaulay, spoke to reporters at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He said: “We have brought in a new technology, mapped the country and saw where these challenges are coming from. It was actually a congestion issue. “So, we have spent the money in capacity expansion. We have also spent it in acquiring a new technology.”

Macaulay added that reduction in service charge would depend on whether the nation was capable of providing a stable electricity supply and guaranteeing the restoration of peace and orderliness in the crisis-ridden parts of the country.

He said the problems of erratic power supply and insecurity of life and property in some parts of the country remained the strongest challenges confronting the business sector.

Macaulay said: “We don’t like talking about challenges, but they exist.

They are not peculiar to us. These are power supply and security. If we get our power right, we will bring down the cost of rendering services to our customers.

“Besides, due to insurgence in some parts of the country, where our masts are mounted, we need security personnel to guard them 24 hours.

“In some cases, the hosting communities are mobilised to keep watch over the masts.”

200 brokers risk suspension

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

B

UT for the intervention of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), about 200 insurance brokers’ operating licences would have been suspended by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

This followed their disregard for the ‘No premium, no policy’ law.

The brokers, of the 577 existing brokers in the country, failed to remit the premium collected from the insured to insurance companies as required

by Section 50 (1) of Insurance Act, 2003, which stipulates that “the receipt of an insurance premium shall be a condition precedent to a valid contract of insurance and there shall be no cover in respect of an insurance risk, unless the premium is paid in advance.”

NAICOM, however, began strict enforcement of the law on January 1, making it difficult for brokers and insurers to sell insurance on credit.

NCRIB President, Laide Osijo, a lawyer, who showed the brokers’ wrongdoings when speaking at the weekend at the maiden edition of the Investment Platform for Insurance Brokers and a farewell luncheon held for her in Lagos, said she intervened for a waiver of the intended sanctions by the commission.

T

•From left: Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Alwali Kazir; Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Senate President David Mark; and Deputy Governor, Niger State, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, when officers of the Nigerian Defence Academy Course 3 held their annual Annual General Meeting in Minna... recently.

ASUU warns Suswam over utterances

•Says strike has Mark, Benue governor seek spiritual intervention no political link ENATE President David Mark yesterday took

T

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam to be mindful of his utterances on the strike.

Suswam, when hosting the National Union of Benue State Students last week, said the ASUU strike was becoming politised, adding that it was no longer an agitation for the improvement of the lecturers’ welfare.

But ASUU denied any political connection to its strike, saying there was nothing political in asking for the full implementation of a four-year-old agreement.

The union said if at all, it was the Federal Government through its propaganda machinery that was politicising the issue by refusing to implement the agreement it signed with the union.

A statement by the ASUU Chairman, University of Ibadan chapter, Dr. Olusegun Ajiboye, made available to reporters, urged Governor Suswam to guard his utterances and limit his comments to the mandate given him by the Federal Government.

Ajiboye quoted Suswam as saying: “ASUU has no business continuing with this strike because the Federal Government has met its demands.

There is nothing on the list of their demands that government has not touched.”

According Dr. Ajiboye, ASUU has a legitimate agreement with the Federal Government since 2009, which the government has refused to fully implement.

He asked the leaders to demonstrate the love they have for the country by withdrawing their children from private universities in the country and abroad and stop travelling abroad for medical treatment, adding that they should use the health facilities in the country.

The ASUU leader said as members

S

stock of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike and urged religious leaders to intervene.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, said Mark spoke when he addressed the Second Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Otukpo, Benue State at the weekend.

It said Senator Mark noted that the disagreement between the Federal Government and ASUU required spiritual intervention.

It said the Senate President spoke against the backdrop of the collapse of the dialogue between the Federal Government’s negotiating team and ASUU on the latter’s demand.

It quoted Mark to have lamented the plight of the students, who have been deprived of a stable academic calendar and the consequences of the strike.

Mark was reported to have said: “The culture of confrontation and conflict does not build harmony between and among people.”

He went on: “We must always seek the culture of dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness. We have a duty to work hard to overcome the barriers to peace.”

On the issue of insecurity, Mark was quoted to have said the present state of security was worrisome, considering the high number of innocent Nigerians that were killed everyday as a result of bombing, armed robbery, road accident, ritual killings and cult activities.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

the division, Gen. Ebenezar Oyefolu, the GOC said the course became necessary to facilitate communications with neighbouring francophone countries and ensure effective communication during peacekeeping operations.

Umahi congratulated the officers for a successful completion of the course, enjoining them to speak the language regularly with Frenchspeaking persons.

The division’s Education Officer, Col. Mohammed Akilu, said the three months course had 99 officers

He enjoined Nigerians not to use religion for negative purposes, adding: “Religion is to unite and not to divide, to love and not to hate, to gather and not to scatter, to be just and not to be unjust.”

Mark frowned at the provocative utterances by highlyplaced people, which he said could negatively affect the society if not curtailed.

He said the present religious, economic and political turmoil should not scare anybody, adding: “As Nigerians, we should remain resolute and focused.

“As a people, we should continue to fast and pray. I acknowledge the fact that prayer without good work is not good. We should also embark on a serious work at all levels to ensure good governance and a better Nigeria.”

The statement said Mark was optimistic that Nigerians are capable of overcoming the challenges only if “we work together and see ourselves as one people bounded by a common mission and purpose.”

Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam was quoted to have called for a partnership between the church, the government and the people to fast- track political development and stability.

It said Suswam urged the Bishops to use the session to appeal to ASUU to shift ground as the Federal Government has made reasonable concessions to its demands to give peace a chance.

The President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, was said to have urged Christians to obey biblical teachings in their dealings.

of the intellectual community, they were surprised that the leader of the Federal Government’s Needs Assessment Implementation Committee was losing sight of the reality that there was a difference between an agreement and a demand.

Reiterating the resolve of the body to get full implementation before going back to the classroom, Ajiboye said ASUU would not allow the Federal Government to mortgage public education.

He said the political class has been selfish.

Ajiboye said it was laughable that Governor Suswam could ask ASUU to consider the nation and students

when it was ASUU that was fighting to save the nation from maladministration.

“Are Nigerians heating up the polity when they say roads are bad, health facilities are in comatose and that politicians are sucking the nation dry? Are these not visible everywhere? How can a governor say we should softpedal and stop heating up the polity?

“Our leaders should show leadership and faith in the country by withdrawing their children in foreign and private universities. Governors and other political office holders must also show Nigerians that they can vouch for the quality of health facilities and roads by patronising our hospitals and travelling by road. The roads are so

nominated from the formations under the 81 Division.

Akilu said 27 of the officers dropped as the course progressed due to reasons, including posting.

He stressed that the 66 participants graduated from five centres, adding that non-inclusion of excursion to the French Village and Benin Republic was part of the challenges faced.

The Director, NOUN Centre for Lifelong Learning, Prof. Abdul Yesufu, said the training was a partnership between the Army and his institution in peace building for the Africa sub-region.

HE public has been urged to stay clear of the Owode shooting range from September 11 to September 13, following the Navy small arms’ firing exercise.

The exercise, which will hold at the 192 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Owode, Ogun State, is aimed at testing the proficiency of the personnel of the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) in weapon handling during internal peace operations.

The command’s Information Officer, Lt.- Commdr. Hamman Ahmed, said the exercise would also aid the selection of best marksmen and women to represent NAVTRAC at the NN small arms firing competition.

“Consequently, there will be movement of troops from the Naval Base, Apapa, Lagos to Owode in Ogun State. The public is urged not to panic on sighting movement during the period.

“Also, farmers, hunters as well as grazers are hereby advised to steer clear of the shooting range,” he said.

From: Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

bad that it has become fashionable for our leaders to buy jets. Nelson Mandela was ill and was treated in a Pretoria hospital. Our Governors, President’s wife, Senate President and other political office holders travel out to treat Malaria and undergo medical check up. Yet they do media hype, claiming they have revived the health sector.

“People die on a daily basis due to insecurity. Who is then heating up the polity? We are patriots in ASUU. We believe Nigeria must work and our children deserve the same quality education, health, and roads, which our leaders and their children have access to abroad, using our collective patrimony,” the union boss said.

Navy holds firing exercise

Army graduates 66 in French language

HE Army at the week graduated 66 officers, including 35 soldiers from the Basic French Language Course.

This is to enhance the capacity of the troops deployed for peace support operations and ensure effective communication with the forces from neighbouring countries .

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Gen. Obi Umahi, at the ceremony said French language was becoming the second internationally- spoken language in the Army due to its operations.

Represented by the Chief of Staff of

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T

By Precious Igbonwelundu

8

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

NEWS

•A choir performing at the grand finale of the Lagos Archdiocesan Choir Competition at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island...yesterday.

•PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

Lagos gets panel to probe students’ riot

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola at the weekend inaugurated a panel of enquiry into the students’ riot at the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija, Epe, which occurred on June, 17.

The tribunal is chaired by Prof. Idowu Sobowale, a former commissioner for education, an accomplished educationalist, journalist and human resource manager.

Members include Prof. Funke Lawal, a scholar of Distance Learning; Dr Moshood Lawal, an academic; Mr. Tajudeen Oshikoya, a lawyer; Mr. Ayodeji Adenekan and Mr. Sulaimon Ajayi, the secretary.

The panel is to determine the immediate and remote causes of the protest.

Fashola, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, urged the panel to assess the degree of culpability of staff, students and the police; evaluate the extent of damage and casualties in the riot and recommend an amount to be paid by students for damages.

He urged the panel to examine the internal control system of the college vis-a-vis its general mode of operation, examine any matter related to the terms of reference and recommend ways to prevent riots in the future.

Fashola urged students to shun violence and always express their grievances peacefully.

Sobowale said the panel would discharge its duties without fear or favour.

No one is indispensable in PDP, says Gana

F

ORMER Minister of Information and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana yesterday declared that no one is indispensable in the party.

There have been recent calls for the removal of the National Chairman Bamanga Tukur which resulted in the factionalisation of the party.

But speaking at the PDP Post Convention Dinner at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja last night, Gana noted that lack of trust was a major factor in the recent crisis in the party.

He said: "Our party is going through unnecessary crisis.

Reconciliation is going on and it is necessary. We are not against reconciliation. We should not give the impression that certain people are indispensable."

"This party will move forward.

We are one family. In the party, there must be truth and trust. The way some members behaved recently showed lack of trust. We need trust to remain a strong party and by 2015 we shall do it again."

He stated.

The Special Adviser to the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

President on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak appealed to members on the wrong path to return back to the right path.

Gulak said: "This party is unshakable. Majority of Nigerians are happy with your leadership."

"Those who are likely not here are those on the wrong path. We appeal to those our brothers and sisters on the wrong path to return back to the right path."

"Goodluck and Sambo will take us to the promised land. Loyalty and support is not the word of mouth, it is by action. Mr. President, 90 percent of Nigerians are with you." He added Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, and the aggrieved governors were absent at PDP villa dinner.

Among governors at the dinner were Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Ramalan Yero (Kaduna),Theodore Orji (Abia), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Liyel Imoke (Cross Rivers), Serieke Dickson (Bayelsa).

Olubadan elevates ex-Senate leader

N

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

INETY-NINE year-old Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, at the weekend appointed former Senate Leader Teslim Kolawole Folarin as the Lagunna Olubadan.

The Chairman of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, was also elevated to Lagunna Balogun Olubadan.

Folarin was moved a step higher in the chieftaincy line of Ibadanland from his former post of Oota Olubadan.

The monarch’s Monatan palace in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was turned into a carnival arena as Folarin’s friends and political associates in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrated the promotion.

Ekiti disowns FRC’s debt claims

T

HE Ekiti State government has condemned a publication by the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), which put the state’s debt profile at N35.4 billion.

It described its financial status as “very healthy” and under the control of a “prudent and efficient administration”.

Speaking with reporters, Commissioner for Finance Dapo Kolawole and the State FRC Chairman, Mr. Bayo Aina, said the publication was “twisted, misleading and intended to bring the current administration to disrepute”.

They said it was unfortunate that the publication on

A

ment to regulate borrowing, but when it seems difficult to compute, the percentage of expenditure and revenue are considered. As at last December, Ekiti’s debt was N14.5 billion.

“The N20 billion loan was spent on capital projects that were regenerative in nature and not spent on recurrent expenditure.

“The moribund Ire Burnt Brick Factory that would employ about 300 people was resuscitated. The once bushy Ikogosi Warm is now worth over N3 billion in the Capital Market. It is not borrowing that is the issue, but how the government could use it to boost the economy.”

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

The octogenarian, who was an information minister during the 1976-1979 military regime, spoke at his Ilupeju-Ekiti country home at the weekend.

He said although a “secret document”showed that the “amalgamation” was an “experiment” by the imperialists, Nigerians must allow the entity to continue, despite its current challenges.

Ogunlade said: “Nigerians need not fear disintegration because the so-called experiment has worked, despite our ups and downs, including a three-year fratricidal civil war. There are far more compelling reasons Nigeria must remain a sovereign nation.”

He opposed the Federal Government’s “plan” to commit billions of naira into the centenary celebrations, saying the money should be

committed to lasting legacies.

Ogunlade said: “No Nigerian will not glow with pride when he hears people say one of every four black persons in Africa is a Nigerian. These and many other statistics were probably the reasons for planning a centenary celebration. I have nothing against the celebration. Staying together as a nation for a 100 years is worth celebrating.

Man jailed for stealing at Lagos Airport

MAN, Okereobede Chiwendu (38), has been jailed for stealing items belonging to passengers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

He was caught in the act last week Monday and charged with conspiracy and stealing.

Okereobede was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at the weekend.

The General Manager (Corporate Communications) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yakubu Dati, said “missing luggage” was ram-

T

the debt profile of some states was not up-to -date, adding that Ekiti’s indebtedness stood at “only N14.5 billion as at last December”.

Kolawole said the N20 billion taken by the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration from the Capital Market went through “clearances and was certified by the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), the Debt Management Office (DMO) and FRC in Abuja”.

He said N12 billion had been repaid.

The commissioner said the publication of the 2011

debt profile, when the 2012 figures had been presented before it, “revealed not only the FRC’s inefficiency but a complicity with politicians who cry foul needlessly and ceaselessly.”

He said: “Ekiti is one of the few states that have domesticated the Fiscal Responsibility and Freedom of Information Laws, so we have nothing to hide.

“FRC and DMO have set certain limits for borrowing and Ekiti has not gone beyond that. So, the borrowing by this government was done in consonance with international best practices.

“The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the best instru-

‘Nigeria must exist beyond 2014’

FORMER Minister of National Planning, Chief Ayo Ogunlade has urged Nigeria’s leaders to ensure “the nation’s continuity as a single entity”.

Ogunlade was reacting to next January’s purported expiration of the “100-year experimentation of the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria’s Northern Protectorate, Southern Protectorate and the Colony of Lagos by the British government.”

A

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

pant at the airport.

He said the suspect was caught on Close Circuit Television (CCTV) “stealing” luggage.

Dati said: “The suspect, an employee of the Check Port Security (the official airline security company of the Emirate Airlines), was identified in the footage and apprehended. He confessed to giving Mr. Oriola Afeez, a Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) official, who is at large, permission to go ahead with pilfering on the parked aircraft

‘The culprit confessed to aiding and abetting the NAHCO staff in removing an I-pad computer and other valuables belonging to passengers,...’ while he gave him protection inside the aircraft bulk hold.

“The culprit confessed to aiding and abetting the NAHCO staff in removing

an I-pad computer and other valuables belonging to passengers, which were sold and the proceeds, N8,000, was given to him.

“This discovery has confirmed that pilfering gangs are mainly cargo handling agents and airline security officials, who have been operating from inside parked aircraft, contrary to the wrong assumption that pilfering was done inside the terminal.”

The police are on the trail of the NAHCO staff. FAAN assured passengers of the safety of life and property at airports.

Gunmen kill policeman in Ogun

HE Assistant Head of the Anti-robbery Squad in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Mr. Tosin Oyekan, has been killed by gunmen.

It is not clear if the gunmen are robbers or cultists.

A source, who pleaded for anonymity, said Oyekan was killed at his home yesterday during a gun battle with robbers

in Irewon, Ijebu-Ode. He said the area was no longer safe, adding that three people were killed recently.

The victims include a student of the Tai Solarin University of Education, simply identified as Olawunmi; a secondary school teacher and a business man.

Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said the command was investigating the killing.

He said it was not clear whether the gunmen were robbers or cultists.

Adejobi said 11 suspected cultists were arrested yesterday in Ijebu-Igbo, adding that two guns and some charms were recovered from them.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

9

NEWS

Ekiti invests N10m in children

T

HE Ekiti State government has invested N10 million in the Multiple Birth Trust Fund (MBTF).

The money is to be spent on the upkeep and education of triplets and other products of multiple births.

The initiator of the MBTF and wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during the fifth disbursement of cash and other gifts to parents with multiple births.

She said N200,000 was kept in trust in interestyielding bank accounts for the school fees of 21 sets of triplets.

Erelu Fayemi said since the MBTF was initiated in 2011, over 754 low-income multiple birth parents have benefited from it.

She said the free health programme for expectant mothers and children under five years was aimed at improving maternal and child health.

The MBTF is funded by the Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF), founded by the governor’s wife, and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Mrs. Fayemi said: “Some men abscond from home when their wives give birth to multiple children. We do not want that to happen in Ekiti. That is why the government deposited N200,000 in trust for 21 sets of triplets to cater for their needs. The future of these babies is being guaranteed

by saving funds for their education.

“The money is not meant for the parents to buy aso ebi or settle debts. We have put a mechanism in place to ensure that the money is used for the purpose it is meant for.

“The beneficiaries were not selected based on political or ethnic affiliation; they were chosen based on hospital records and notification from the families. This initiative is not political. All we care about is the Ekiti child.”

O

T

R

•Mrs. Fayemi

EGULATORS and operators of businesses producing large volume of waste water must meet to curb the uncontrolled discharge of wastewater and contamination of water resources, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Tanwa Koya, has said.

Mrs. Koya, whose agency manages waste water, said an effective collaboration between the parties would lead to voluntary compliance

as is the practice in the developed world.

Speaking at the Annual National Conference of the Association of Fast Food Confectionery of Nigeria (AFFCON) in Lagos, she said it was time Nigerians imbibed the culture of voluntary compliance, saying it helps businesses and eases governance.

Mrs. Koya said: “We believe the future of regulation is not in enforcement but voluntary compliance and self regulation. We should know about the standards and things we need to do, so that the effect will show in businesses and in the environment.”

Fayemi begins repair of 18 hospitals

E

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (middle) with Mr. & Mrs. Toluwalope Olaniran (right) at their wedding in Lagos...at the weekend. With them are Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) (second left) and a family member.

Oyo council begins N90m projects

LUYOLE Local Government Area of Oyo State at the weekend kicked off the construction of capital projects worth N90 million.

They include asphaltic tarring of the Agbanlepanu-New Garage road, Ashipa to Academy road; construction of a block of three classrooms, headteacher’s office and toilet at Kolajo Primary School, Olomi; and construction of 48 open stalls at Liberty Academy Market.

Oluyole Council Caretaker Chairman Ayodeji AbassAleshinloye said the projects would be funded with part of the council’s share of the Excess Crude Oil Fund.

He said: “When Governor Abiola Ajimobi visited Kolajo Primary School and other areas affected by rainstorm in February, he promised to pro-

She urged women to plan their families to guarantee a better future for their child.

Mrs. Fayemi advised parents to always entrust their children in the care of reliable persons to prevent them from sex abuse and assault.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, said the administration was dedicated to the promotion of family health.

Lagos tackles pollution

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

vide a block of three classrooms to replace the old one that was destroyed.

“What we are witnessing today is a further fulfillment of Ajimobi’s campaign promises.”

Abass-Aleshinloye said the 48 open stalls at Liberty Academy Market would provide a safe and affordable alternative for street traders.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oluyole chapter, Seye Obadina urged the council boss to complete the projects on time.

Oyo State Chairman of the League of Veteran Journalists Alhaji Kola Animashaun said: “A good road should last for, at least, 20 years, before showing any need for repair. Please make sure that the roads being built can stand the test of time.”

‘De Raufs not political’

HE socio-volunteer group, De Raufs, is not political, its Osun State Chairman, Mallam Musiliu Oladimeji, has said.

He said the group was formed to support the “good works” of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and propagate his ideals.

Speaking at the inauguration of its Irepodun Local Government chapter, Oladimeji said: “It is amazing to hear from some quarters that our Director-General, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, an activist, has political ambition and that is the reason De Raufs was formed.

“I hereby debunk the rumour, which is being peddled by the group’s enemies. They are envious of the rising profile of the group and are trying all tricks to discredit it.

“Shittu and leaders of De Raufs are foremost human rights’ crusaders. When we saw that Aregbesola was fulfilling his campaign promises, we decided to support him.”

He urged residents to support the Aregbesola administration to improve the state.

De Raufs Coordinator in the council Comrade Kamil Olawoyin said the group was devoid of party, religious or ethnic biases.

He said: “De Raufs is against the moneybags and cash-andcarry politics that was the trade mark of the previous administration in Osun. We have branches in Oyo, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo and Rivers states, Abuja, Ghana, Britain, United States (US), Germany, Japan, Canada and Malaysia. Our emergence is to promote Aregbesola’s good works beyond 2014.”

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi will, today, kick off the renovation of 18 General Hospitals.

The governor will be at the General Hospital, IyinEkiti at Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, by 9am; Okemesi General Hospital in Ekiti West Local Government Area by 11am; Otun-Ekiti General Hospital in Moba Local Government Area by 1pm and Ijan General Hospital in Gboyin Local Government Area by 3pm.

Top government officials, religious and opinion leaders are expected at the ceremonies.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

10

CITYBEATS 23 suspected passport touts, human traffickers held in Lagos T WELVE suspected passport fraudsters have been arrested at the Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos passport office, which was opened four months ago.

The Passport Control Officer (PCO), Mr James Ajisafe told the visiting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr David Paradang, said the suspects were arrested for what he called “identity fraud.“ The suspects, he said, came to claim the passports bearing the names of some applicants or presented false identity information.

Ajisafe said the others were arrested for human trafficking, adding that all the suspects had been transferred to the Anti-human Trafficking and Child Labour Section of the NIS’ State

‘We are not satisfied with what we hear about passport offices and airports ... We are not running a secret society. Do not give our work to touts ... No form of extortion will be accepted. I will never entertain touts here’

By Jude Isiguzo

Command Headquarters at Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Paradang was on a working visit to the three passport offices in Ikoyi, Alausa, FESTAC; the Airport and Lagos Commands and the Zonal Command Headquarters at Ikeja GRA, last Friday.

He was joined on the visit by the Assistant Comptroller General

Police arrest suspected serial killer, cultist

A

FTER several months of investigation, a suspected serial killer, Adigun Muda, who was last year remanded in prison custody for alleged murder, has been rearrested by the Lagos Police Command.

The suspect, who was declared wanted several months ago, according to police sources, has been linked with no fewer than 10 murder cases between 2010 and 2013 in Mushin and Fadeyi areas of the state.

Muda, who is alleged to be the leader of a cult group, was set to have been nabbed at the Visa Centre, Oregun, Ikeja by men of the Area D Command, Mushin, led by the Area Commander, Omololu Bishi.

A police officer who craved anonymity, said: "Around 2pm on Thursday, a team of patrol policemen hit the scene and arrested the suspect.

We found forged documents on him, including a fake identity card portraying the suspect as a supervisor at the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA). He confessed that he was a cultist and had killed many

By Precious Igbonwelundu

people.

"He mentioned other members of his gang and we will make more arrests. We have transferred him to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba."

The suspect was allegedly arraigned before a Yaba Magistrates' Court last year for murder, after which he was remanded at Ikoyi Prisons.

It was gathered that his co-cultists who are 'influential' helped him secure his bail from custody, hence he went after those who helped the police to ensure his arrest and arraignment.

Although Muda's re-arrest was greeted with jubilation by Mushin residents, The Nation gathered that security has been beefed up to stop the suspect's cohorts from holding the area to ransom.

At the SCID, the Homicide Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding Muda's previous release.

'Deliver our society from prostitution'

A

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), 'Empowering Women to Begin New Life Initiative (EMBNL), has appealed to the Lagos State Government, corporate bodies and individuals to partner with it to tackle prostitution and its inherent evils.

Its Initiator and National Coordinator, Ms Anietie Mbosowo, who visited The Nation, also sought the support of the media to stamp out the vice in the interest of the society.

Urging the Lagos State Government to demolish brothels in the state, where the evil is being perpetrated, Mbosowo said her group's vision is to beautify the lives of women in the society by training prostitutes to be morally upright and self-supportive.

•Mbosowo

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

By Uyoatta Eshiet

On what prompted her interest, she said: "After leaving the university, I visited Lagos and one evening, I saw half-nude women on the Victoria Island and other areas, begging men to have sex with them for money. I was touched. I thought of how to make them realise that it was not a good thing to do. That was how the Initiative was born in 2008. It was fully registered in April, this year."

She said the vision became bigger when she met her spiritual father, Pastor Seyi Ogunorunyinke, who encouraged her. Though she said she initially objected, she later accepted to rescue women from the path of destruction.

About those she had met, Mbosowo said: "Some are selfemployed, while some are happily married with children after they gave their lives to Jesus Christ.”

She said brothels were many in the state, adding: "Girls and women give themselves out for sex for as low as N300 and some on credit. At Ijora two years ago, I met an 18-year-old expectant prostitute. I talked to her, but initially, she didn’t listen to me.

When I met her later and asked about the pregnancy, she said she had sold the baby for N80,000 and the money was used to repair her boyfriend's car."

She urged the state government and other relevant agencies to check the excesses of landlords who use their houses as brothels.

•Paradang (left) with Ajisafe during the visit

(ACG) in charge of Zone 'A' comprising Lagos and Ogun, Mr Joseph Olaitan; the Comptroller in charge of Ikoyi and FESTAC Commands, Mr Tams Ngeri, and the Comptroller, Lagos Command, Mr Lucky Ogbu.

Ajisafe, a Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), said within the last four months, 23,454 applications had been received out of which 21, 404 passports were issued, with N205, 222, 500 accruing to government's purse.

The Ikoyi PCO, Mrs Modupe Anyalechi, a Deputy Comptroller, said her office had about 4,000 unclaimed international passports from July 27, 2007 till date.

She urged the CGI to assist Ikoyi passport office to offset the N2, 857, 191.45 debt it owes the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Paradang, who promised to handle

T

PHOTO: JUDE ISIGUZO

all the challenges, told his officers: "Total discipline is the watchword in the service now. We know what the service should be like. We want ideas from every one. We want to do border patrol in a new way. We are not introducing a new border patrol but strengthening the existing one.

"Welfare is paramount on my agenda. Government owes you salary and you owe government hard work.

I will not support anybody who wants to buy home theatre but who wants to buy a house. We want you to own houses of your own. You have to make some contributions. We will consult you before we take any decision because if we do not have any contribution or money in the banks, they cannot give us loan."

He added: "Corruption is indiscipline. Do not change the data of persons on their international passports or other documents because

the person may turn out to be a terrorist and when trouble starts tomorrow, you may never remember you were responsible in the first place.

Be contented with what you get because government is paying you so well to do this job. You will be sent on courses abroad and locally and allowance will be paid. These things should be enough for you. If you have not been coming to work, change because you will be punished if we find out. Anybody who has a disciplinary case will not be promoted.

"We are not satisfied with what we hear about passport offices. There are very few people that are spoiling this job. Try and be as transparent as possible. We are not running a secret society. Do not give our work to touts.

Do not patronise touts. No form of extortion will be accepted. I will never entertain touts here".

‘We feel the pains of our communities and we know that failure to act now threatens this generation’

Adenrele said the communities are clamouring for change in basic infrastructure to make life meaningful for inhabitants.

He said the communities are committed to the upliftment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party and the state, but added that the communities equally need the support of the state for their all-round development and the unlocking of the vast human and natural resources that are there.

On the controversial Ward J in Amuwo-Odofin, Adenrele said there are two War Js, adding that while the Ward J in Amuwo-Odofin LGA is neglected, the other Ward J in Oriade area is taken care of, "all for political reasons."

He said the communities were sidelined in local government projects, while no regard is accorded their traditional ruler.

Communities angry over alleged neglect, under-development

HE 18 communities making up Onisiwo Islands Kingdom in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State are angry over what they called the "forceful inclusion of Ward J into the Amuwo-Odofin Council. They have petitioned Governor Babatunde Fashola, his predecessor, Senator Bola Tinubu; Deputy, Governor Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire and Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Kuforiji, among others.

In a petition signed by the 107 leaders of the riverine communities, they alleged that their forceful inclusion in Amuwo-Odofin Council Area had resulted into the neglect and underdevelopment of the area despite their various contributions.

They, therefore, expressed their willingness to be classified under Apapa Local Government Area where, according to them, they belonged before their forceful inclusion in Amuwo-Odofin.

The communities' Elders' Forum, in a statement, said: "Our people have continued to groan under poor and selfish leadership. Our people are crying to have the saviour that will take them to the Promised Land. We feel the pains of our communities and we know that failure to act now threatens this generation and the generations yet unborn."

In a document made available to the The Nation, Alhaji Saka Adenrele, the leader of the communities, alleged they have been "used and dumped" severally, adding that their huge turnouts during elections which often translate into votes and victories for aspirants are yet to yield any results for the communities.

He said no single elected person had ever returned to thank them or

By Uyoatta Eshiet

contribute to the development of the communities because they are not seen as bona-fide members of Amuwo-Odofin LGA. "No Senator; House of Representatives member; House of Assembly member; council chairman or counselor has ever made any attempt to help develop our riverine communities despite our huge votes for them at elections."

•The dilapidated public health centre in the area

11

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Succour for Takwa Bay pupils

R

ELIEF has come the way of pupils of the Government Senior Secondary School in Takwa Bay, off Snake Island in Ikoyi, Lagos.

They have got a block of eight classrooms, courtesy of construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, to stop them from crossing rivers in boats to attend school in neighbouring towns.

Julius Berger, as part of its social responsibility, donated the classrooms to the school, under 'Education District III.' The building, will serve as the school's centre of Senior Secondary education.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Chairman of Iru Local Community Development Authority, Hon. Muhideen Daramola, thanked the donors, stating that such a gesture would go a long way in developing the area and saving lives.

He said: "Students in the community had had to travel by boat, with the attendant occasional boat mishaps, to the environs to continue their senior secondary school education, after graduating from junior secondary school."

Daramola, who restated his commitment to providing affordable and quality education to the community, implored the Ministry of Education to ensure the functionality of the school through constant intervention in every

APCON, OAAN mourn member

By Lateefat Runsewe

THE chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Mr Lolu Akinwunmi has described as “ a shock ” the death of Pa Chinyelugo Anyibuofu Megafu, founding Chairman and Chief Executive of Nigerian Advertising Service (NAS) Limited.

The late Megafu was a pioneer and senior practitioner in the out-ofhome advertising profession and business, adding that he was an innovator reputed to have modernised outdoor advertising in Nigeria. "He was one of those who helped and worked very hard to introduce innovations in the industry.

He was industrious, forthright and honest in his business engagements," he said.

Similarly, Mr Charles Chijide, President of the Outdoor Adverting Association of Nigeria (OAAN), said: "He was one of the founding fathers of OAAN and his legacies in the industry are very much intact. His death calls for celebration because he died fulfilled at the ripe age of 87."

The late Pa Megafu died on July 26. He founded NAS in 1958; the company ranks among the leaders in the industry in Nigeria. His remains, it was learnt, will be buried on Saturday.

By Medinat Kanabe

ramification.

The Consultant, Nigeria Projects of Julius Berger International, Mr Henk Rijpma, said: "When JBN was contracted to do some work in the Atlas-Cove community, it felt as part of their social responsibility to the community, it should approach the elders of the community and the LCDA chairman. It was decided that for safety of the children and to facilitate rapid development in the area, the construction of an eightclassroom block for a Senior Secondary School would be the ideal JBN contribution."

He promised further that

•The new block of classrooms

handing over the classrooms would not be the end of JBN's involvement in the school, but that they would endeavour to improve on existing facilities and

construct more in future.

Acting Tutor General/ Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Government, Ministry of Education and Director, Personnel Matters of the

District, Mrs Folusho Ajimoti, thanked JBN and promised that all efforts to facilitate and make the school immediately functional will be expedited.

She said that all personnel and infrastructural needs of the new school had been concluded, adding that the school would begin immediate operations.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

12

NEWS

Delta DPP in turmoil From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

T

HERE is crisis in the Delta State chapter of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) over the choice of the candidate for the by-election into the Delta Central senatorial district.

Senator Pius Ewherido, who represented the district on the platform of the DPP, died in June.

The process of nominating a candidate for the seat is tearing the party apart.

Aspirants are locked in battle with the party leader, Great Ogboru, who they have accused of attempts to impose one of his loyalists, Richard Odibo, as candidate for the position.

Other aspirants are Ede Dafinone; a former member of the House of Representatives, Napoleon Gbinije and Abel Ogharome.

Ogboru’s alleged decision to endorse Odibo as a consensus candidate is said to have irked the other aspirants, who are insisting on free and fair primaries.

More disturbing to the three aspirants is the fact that Odibo is from the same local government with Austin Ogbaburhon, who represents Ughelli South/Ughelli North and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Chairman of the state chapter Tony Ezeagwu dismissed the reports of attempted imposition.

•Children enjoying themselves at the cultural funfair organised by St. Peter’s Military Church, in Onitsha, Anambra State ...yesterday.

D

PDP youths stab Delta commissioner

ELTA State Commissioner for Secondary and Basic Education Prof Patrick Muoboghare was at the weekend stabbed by suspected youth members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This followed a protest over wards executive list at the party’s secretariat in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

There is the suspicion that the incident may not have been unconnected with the forthcoming local govern-

From Polycarp Orosevwotu and Shola O’Neil

ment and Delta Central senatorial elections.

The attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart came just six years after his younger brother, Arido, was killed by hired assassins in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area in similar circumstances.

It was alleged that the party youths from Uwheru, Muoboghare’s home town, accused him of manipulating

the executive list of the ward congress held last year.

The youths, who stormed the party secretariat, disrupted the inauguration, sending party leaders and supporters scampering for safety.

They destroyed plastic chairs and some other property belonging to the party.

A source said Muoboghare was stabbed in his upper arm and abdomen.

He was rushed to Ufor Hospital, Ughelli and later referred to the Oghara Teaching Hospital, following the

intervention of his colleague, Dr Richard Otumara.

The source said: “He is receiving treatment after he was stabbed by Uwheru boys, who are opposed to the ward list.

“The commissioner was placed on oxygen yesterday due to excessive bleeding, which led to shortage of blood. A suspect has been arrested.”

The suspect, who is said to be from Ohoro-Uwheru, is said to have reportedly confessed to the crime and

named other members of his gang.

Efforts to reach the Ughelli ‘A’ Divisional Police Officer for comments failed but a senior officer attached to the division confirmed the arrest.

He said it took the combined intervention of the police and the Joint Task Force (JTF) soldiers to restore normalcy after the incident.

The Communications Manager to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Paul Odili confirmed the report.

Rivers sinking into anarchy, says Amaechi

Omo-Agege: why I want to be senator

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

F

ORMER Secretary to the Delta State Government Ovie Omo-Agege has said his appreciation of the challenges the state face made him the best senatorial candidate to represent Delta Central.

Omo-Agege is aspiring to take over Delta Central Senatorial seat made vacant by the death of Senator Pius Ewherido two months ago.

The former SSG, who is also a former Commissioner for Special Duties, in a statement in Abuja, said if elected he would work with his colleagues to make Delta State and the country better prepared for the challenges of the future in line with the “Delta Beyond Oil” vision of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

He assured that he would work with his colleagues to ensure the speedy passage of the contentious Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) for the economic well being of the country.

“Voters in Delta Central must decide whether they want a senator, who share the vision of our president and governor to diversify our economy or a senator that will obstruct this noble cause for the sake of opposition.

“Are we not tired of what is happening to the Urhobo nation today and are we not sick and tired of what is not happening to make life better for the people of our state and country?

“I, Ovie Omo-Agege, offer myself as a candidate for election to the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

PHOTO:NAN

•Amaechi

R

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has said Friday’s kidnap of the Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Delta North Diocese, Rev Ignatius Kattey, is an indication that the state is sinking into anarchy.

He said this was a pointer to the deteriorating security situation in the state.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Tele Ikuru, spoke yesterday at an interdenominational thanksgiving service to celebrate Port Harcourt Centenary at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Elekahia, Port Harcourt.

O

Amaechi said: “It is very unimaginable that our Bishop, whose only asset is in the Lord’s vineyard, could be so abducted.

“The times are very challenging. The only way we can plan for the next 100 years for the state and our children is through prayers.”

The guest preacher, Rev. Anga Nyanabo, who is the Bishop of Northern Izon diocese of the Anglican Communion, said the centenary celebration was an opportunity to assess the past, chart a course for the future and appreciate the contributions of men and women, who had been instrumental to the growth of Port Harcourt City.

Nyanabo added: “We have received numerous blessings from God and it is only right that we thank Him. “When people return to thank God, the Lord blesses them even more. The celebration could not have come at a

Presbyterian Prelate condemns kidnap The Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Rev. Emele Mba Uka, has condemned the kidnap of the Archbishop of the Niger Delta North Province, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey.

The Prelate lamented the fact that servants of God, who should be accorded reverence as spiritual leaders of the nation, were rather being made kidnap victims.

Uka urged those responsible for this act of affront against God to release Archbishop Kattey immediately and without any conditions. He also urged the government to step up the delivery of the dividends of democracy to create the enabling environment for the youths to engage in meaningful ventures.

This, he stated, would curb the ugly incidence of crime and social vices in the country.

Uka also called on the government to resolve without further delay, the lingering crisis with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). more appropriate time than now, when we have witnessed unprecedented development in Port Harcourt City.”

Police spokesman Mrs. Angela Agabe assured that with the efforts of the policemen, the Archbishop would be released unhurt and the kidnappers apprehended.

The gunmen seized Kattey, an indigene of Aleto-Eleme,

and his wife around 11:30 pm.

The wife, Beatrice, was abandoned with their car.

Members of Council of Clergy of the Niger Delta North yesterday appealed to the abductors to release the cleric immediately.

The group in a prayer session/briefing in Port Harcourt yesterday evening called on se-

curity operatives to expedite action to secure the bishop's safety.

The prayer and news event was organised in collaboration with the members of the Council of Knights in the zone.

The Chairman, Council of Clergy, Ven Richard Opera said: "The news of the kidnap came to us as a shock.

"The holy reed abhors kidnap and so we condemn it and so we ask for the unconditional release of Rev Kattey."

The Chairman of the Knights, Sir Charles OgunduChukwu said: "The council is appealing seriously to his captors to please in the name of God who created us all to release the servant of God who was on his way to carry out God's work."

The church said the kidnappers have not contacted the family. "The church does not believe in ransom payment and would not pay any."

Members of the clergy were dressed in black and the knights in red and white to demonstrate their grief.

Confusion over alleged release of Ozekhome

NE of the seven persons abducted in Edo State, Athanasius Ogbome, has been released.

He was abducted with human rights lawyer Mike Ozekhome on August 23 on the Benin-Auchi Road.

Others are a primary school teacher, Mrs. P Elebe, her three children and Ozekhome’s driver.

It was gathered that Ogbome was released at about 1am yesterday. It was not confirmed if any ransom was paid for his release.

A privately owned radio and television station in its repeat broadcast reported that

•Fawehinmi’s ‘alumni’ seek release

From Osagie Otabor, Benin and Joseph Jibueze

Ozekhome was also released.

At Ozekhome’s Benin home, security guards said they were surprised at the reported release.

They said they had heard nothing about the release of their boss.

Reports from Iviuku community, Ozekhome’s hometown, said there was initial jubilation at the report but that they are now uncertain about the truth of the reports.

Ogbome’s elder brother, Paschal, in a short message confirmed his brother’s release.

The message reads: “Praise be to God, he has been released”.

Police spokesman Moses Eguavoen said there was no official confirmation of Ozekhome’s release.

Mrs. Elebe’s husband, Nathaniel, said he was hoping on God for his family’s release.

The Gani Fawehinmi Chambers Alumni Association, made up of lawyers who

trained under the late human rights crusader, Gani Fawehinmi, has urged the police to intensify effort towards securing the release of their colleague, Ozekhome.

The group, in a statement

by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) and Ugwuzor Adindu, urged the abductors to take into consideration that Ozekhome, who is its prominent member, was a close ally of the late Chief Fawehinmi, who lived and died for the country’s masses.

“We draw the attention of

the abductors to the fact that September 5 marked the fourth anniversary of the death of the late sage.

“It would be a great honour if the abductors could release Ozekhome as a mark of respect for Fawehinmi’s memory.

“While we sympathise with the Inspector-General of Police and the relations of the police officers who were reported to have been killed by the abductors, we call on the Inspector-General to take urgent steps towards Ozekhome’s release to reassure Nigerians of their safety,” the group said.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

13

14

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

15

16

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

17

18

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

19

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

U.S. loses focus on Egypt

Behold, the tattered umbrella

I

•PDP going, going ... but the crumbling ruling party must not take the democratic republic with it

T is all reminiscent of the popular saying: those the gods will destroy, they first make mad! But in this case, the madness is not from the gods. Rather, it is self-inflicted by the unconscionable power greed of the partisan players in the federal ruling party.

Hence, the crumbling of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is disaster foretold. But even with greater tragedy writ large, it is the same circus of impotent threats and brainless grandstanding emerging from its troubled chambers. The ruling party has obviously outlived its usefulness. It should be helped into its grave, with minimum damage to the democratic republic.

Before the August 31 PDP special national convention bust-up, which alleged electoral manipulation led to the stormout by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with seven governors in tow, the federal ruling party had ruled the country on three ruinous principles: to

‘Indeed, the August 31 bust out was due comeuppance for a party that has serially raped its own laws, held its own members in utmost contempt and criminalised lawful dissent as rebellion. It serves it right: a party that cannot run its own affairs has no business running the country. Also, a party that would not follow due process and is also stone-deaf to voices of reason is clear and present danger to this democracy’

Nigerians, power without purpose; to PDP members, domination without conscience; and to the grundnorm, rule of law is a luxury a democratic republic could happily do without.

In other words, the PDP has no respect for democratic niceties, neither in the allimportant matters of state; nor in its own internal affairs. So, while it resorted to intimidation and other strong arm tactics to bypass general due process, it has made the Presidency near-imperial, a poisoned chalice former President Olusegun Obasanjo bequeathed the party, in running, or more aptly, misrunning, its internal affairs, while pretending to follow the law. The president as party leader is a euphemism for lawlessness – an illegal charter purporting to enslave even its own laws in an illicit presidential pouch.

The PDP tragedy is landing a Goodluck Jonathan who lusts after Obasanjo-era lawlessness; but lacks the personal force to impose consequent presidential banditry. Like Obasanjo, Jonathan secured a presidential poodle in Bamanga Tukur (roundly rejected by his own Adamawa PDP members) as party national chairman. Through Tukur, Jonathan could then exclude as many as are opposed to his bid for second term nomination.

That would explain the total shutting out of the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and almost all the PDP constitution-recognised Rivers delegates to the August 31 special Abuja convention, on the basis of alleged “suspension”. The protesting governors, Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto) and Murtala Nyako

(Adamawa) complained of similar delegate gerrymandering, just to work to the answer of delivering Goodluck Jonathan the 2015 presidential nomination, even if at the end of it all, PDP is all but dead!

Indeed, the August 31 bust-out was due comeuppance for a party that has serially raped its own laws, held its own members in utmost contempt and criminalised lawful dissent as rebellion. It serves it right: a party that cannot run its own affairs has no business running the country. Also, a party that would not follow due process and is also stone-deaf to voices of reason is clear and present danger to this democracy.

Still, every effort must be made that the PDP catastrophe does not mutate to the death knell of the current democracy. To start with, other parties, particularly the new All Progressives Congress (APC) must learn from the PDP split and make law and decency their essence and operational foundation.

Then the PDP itself, as lawless as it has been, should learn from its own mistakes and, for once, embrace due process to tackle whatever challenges it is now facing. Instead of Alhaji Tukur threatening thunder and brimstone, suggestive of illegal unleashing of security agencies on real or perceived opponents, the aggrieved should resort to legal arbitration as any civil and civilised group should.

Political intolerance led to the crash of the First and Second Republics. Patriotic Nigerians must ensure it does not lead to the crash of this one, simply because PDP cannot manage its internal contradictions.

Not enough

O

• With growth in credit comes the time to pay heed to other indicators

NE item that would be hard to miss in the 2012 annual report of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, is the rather extravagant picture of flow of credit from the banking sector to the economy. Aside presenting a definitive rebuttal of the charge which appears to have stuck over the years, that the banking sector has been largely unresponsive to the credit needs of the real sector, it generally painted a picture of a banking sector finally coming to its own after years of restructuring.

The statistics is probably meant to say that things are beginning to look up. For instance, whereas in 2011, the total loans volume was N7.27tn, in 2012, it jumped to N8.15tn – a leap by 12.10 per cent.

There are of course other indications aside the absolute numbers. Loan performance appears to have improved appreciably during the period. Whereas the volume of Non Performing Loans (NPL) was N360.07bn in 2011, it fell to N286.09bn – a net decline of 20.55 per cent.

Overall, the picture is however a mixed bag. First, the breakdown of the sectoral allocation is revealing of disproportionate allocation to sectors with very minimal local value addition. As one would expect, the lion’s share of credit went to the oil and gas sector with N1.912tn; followed by manufacturing (N1.185tn); general (N977.20bn); commerce (N813.40bn); information and communication (N722.87bn). The public sector (govern-

ments) got N640.06bn, real estate N376.58bn; while agriculture, forestry and fishing got distant allocation of N293.09bn. These sectors account for 84.93 per cent of total credits to the economy as against 83.53 per cent in 2011.

The other revelation is no less instructive. Only seven of the 20 banks in the country managed to pool a whopping 80.73 per cent of the total loans in 2012.

In the preceding year, the seven banks accounted for 68.22 per cent of the total loan stock. The banks are First Bank, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, EcobankPlc and Skye Bank Plc. The other banks make up the difference of 19.27 per cent.

We certainly welcome the growing numbers if only because the economy needs all the credit to keep afloat and to expand.

However, the problems are deeper and indeed more complex than the absolute growth in loan volumes suggest. To start with, it is known that the greatest issue in the financial services industry today is the cost of credit. The fact remains that those sectors considered as being in direst need of cash are often those in the least position to get it. If we may be more specific, it explains why the oil and gas sector – with their sometimes incredibly fast turn-around cycles – are the preferred destination of most of the credit, whereas a sector like agriculture, or infrastructure financing, or the small scale business for that matter, with longer ges-

tation periods but with greater, proven potentials to stimulate the economy and generate employment in the short, medium terms, are least likely to draw much credit.

The refrain bears repeating that the economy would never get the required lift without the Federal Government tackling the problem. The problem of out-ofcontrol interest rates, ensuring that priority sectors like manufacturing and the housing/construction sector are able to access cheap affordable credit, and ensuring that banks shun their preference for short-term to long-term credit are clearly those for the Bankers Committee and the Federal Government to solve, collectively. What has been missing is the will to tackle the problem headlong.

‘However, the problems are deeper and indeed more complex than the absolute growth in loan volumes suggest. To start with, it is known that the greatest issue in the financial services industry today is the cost of credit. The fact remains that those sectors considered as being in direst need of cash are often those in the least position to get it’

T

HE DEBATE over Syria has obscured another critical decision about Middle East policy that President Obama and Congress must soon make: whether to sustain aid to the military-backed government that has been consolidating power in Egypt. An administration policy review was nearing completion when the chemical weapons attack near Damascus was detected; as we understand it, the options include a substantial cut in the $1.3 billion in annual U.S. aid provided to the Egyptian armed forces. The White House tells us that Mr. Obama “has not made a decision to suspend or terminate our assistance to Egypt beyond what the administration has already announced”: delays in the delivery of F-16 fighters and other weapons and the cancellation of a planned exercise.

It’s understandable if the president’s hand has been stayed by the new crisis; nonetheless, it is important that Mr. Obama act soon.

While Washington has been fixed on Syria, the Egyptian regime of Gen. Abdel Fatah alSissi has moved steadily toward constructing an autocracy that would reverse Egypt’s 2011 revolution and its subsequent move toward democracy.

In the past week alone, the Sissi regime has stepped up its arrests and prosecution of leading figures of the Muslim Brotherhood, including Mohamed Morsi, the democratically elected president ousted in a July 3 coup.

Dozens have already been tried and sentenced in military courts under a state-of-emergency law that was the underpinning of the former autocracy of Hosni Mubarak. Mr. Morsi himself has been charged with murder. Meanwhile, authorities are taking steps toward formally banning the Muslim Brotherhood, excluding parties with a religious identity from the political system and returning to the Mubarak-era system for electing parliamentary representatives, which was weighted against opposition parties. All that would make the elections the regime is promising next year a sham.

In some respects, Egypt already is less free than it was during the last years of Mubarak.

Authorities have shut down three satellite television networks considered sympathetic to the Islamists, as well as the Egyptian affiliate of al-Jazeera. A once-diverse press has swung into line behind the government, parroting its far-fetched claims about opponents ranging from the Brotherhood to outgoing U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson. Last week the government-owned Al-Ahram newspaper accused Ms. Patterson of conspiring with a Brotherhood leader to “spread chaos” in Egypt by smuggling in militants from the neighboring Gaza Strip; Ms. Patterson rightly described the article as “absurd and dangerous.”

The Obama administration has been pressing the government to reconcile with the Islamists, release Mr. Morsi and other political prisoners and carry out a transition to a genuine democracy. That these appeals are ignored while the government indulges in grotesque anti-American propaganda reflects the generals’ conviction that the administration will ultimately tolerate a new dictatorship while maintaining U.S. aid. It follows that the only means to exert U.S. leverage is to suspend the aid programs, while linking their resumption to the restoration of democracy. Not just Syria but Egypt requires a “shot across the bow”; Mr. Obama should take it before it is too late.

–Washington Post

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

• Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

•Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Dep. Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

20

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: I write on behalf of the millions of dreams that are getting dashed by the day as the total shut-down of our universities persists. I write on behalf of the future of the several hundreds of thousands who have been privileged, amidst the stiff competition for admission, to grab tertiary education but may end up worse than their disadvantaged counterparts since they may never finish on schedule.

The handwriting on the wall, more than ever before, foretells of a dangerous twist to the continuing imbroglio between your administration and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

I do not know if the public keeps

S

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

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

Open letter to the President

the date as much as we do, but it is well over 65 days already and I cannot help but wonder if anyone really cares as to what becomes of our street-wandering undergraduates.

Our dear President, we are tired.

We, the students in the federal universities are always at the receiving end of every impasse between

ASUU and the government and all I can ask for now is that you and your think-tank reconsider your stand on the matter. We can only bear this much!

I am not ASUU’s spokesman, but it is only logical that I expect your administration to honour the 2009 agreement with the union so normalcy can return to our campuses

and of course, our disenchanted academic lives.

I have spent more years than is required to have a second degree and yet I am grappling to take a Bachelor’s degree out of an institution that only recently had an internal strike because you would have our name ‘re-branded’.

Mr. President, every day this

ished Awolowo’s statue are not only walking free, they still intend to masquerade to re-enter the same Government House which Awolowo left as a legacy of the power of democracy. If they hated and still hate Awolowo this much, why should they want to reap from the dividends of his sagacity?

When the barrier on the Mokola,

Ibadan flyover was demolished recently, many people saw it as a throw-back to the demolition of the Awolowo statue. Those who demolished the sage’s statue, empowered by our nonchalant attitude as a people, and since they were not arrested and punished by the lawenforcement agencies, went ahead to demolish the flyover barrier.

The way out is for the law-enforcement agencies to get to the roots of the demolishing of the flyover’s barrier. Once we find out who demolished the Awolowo statue, we will find out who demolished the flyover’s barrier. It is simple as ABC. • ‘Ladi Laotan, Ayeye, Ibadan, Oyo State.

parents.

From my vantage position as an active player in the field, I have noted that many parents seem to see their role in the education of their children as merely in paying their fees and buying them books.

Many, once they do these, almost hands off the children. They rarely monitor their academic progress, ask them how they are faring, see if they are being given assignments and if so, whether they do them, whether they ever make out time at home to study etc. Many rarely visit the school and do not attend PTA meetings.

The task of grooming the children into useful members of society is not for the teachers or the school alone. For success in this very important endeavour, there’s need for the support and collaboration of parents. Where the influence of the school

terminates, the parents must take over. The children of nowadays face too many distractions. They seem to even have lesser incentive to excel academically; left on their own many relegate their books to the background. This is why parents must watch out.

There seem to be a relationship between parent’s interest in education and the child’s academic performance. The level of importance a parent attaches to education to a large extent determines the seriousness with which the child will approach his/her studies. Children, whose parents closely monitor their academics, check their notes and assignments scrupulously examine their report cards and offer reward or impose sanction where necessary do better than those whose parents pay little or no attention to their academic life

Who felled Awolowo statue in Ibadan?

IR: We are a forgetful people in this country. This is partly responsible for some of the woes that befall us. Because, but for our forgetfulness, many of those who latch on our poor memory would not have the temerity to insult us with their comments and actions. If we do this, we would be victors over those who seek to draw back the hands of the clock of state.

I remember that some people were accused of destroying the statue of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, sometime during the regime of Senator Rashidi Ladoja.

What has happened to those people till now? Indeed, who were the people who destroyed a statue that was supposed to remind us about the shining light of our century?

Unfortunately, no one is asking questions.

An ardent fan and apostle of the sage, Late Alhaji Lam Adesina, had constructed the statue, in memory of his political icon, Awolowo. The statue was made to replace that of the Unknown Soldier that donned the state capital before the Adesina government.

But in the heat of the politics of ‘Kill and Go’, ‘Maim and Destroy them’ that was the order of the day then in Oyo State, this statue was demolished, apparently for political purposes. The refrain in Oyo State was that those who demol-

S

strike continues, more dreams die and more future riffraff are born. Posterity will remember you for good or ill based on how you handle this crisis.

It goes without saying that for 14 years that your party has held sway over the affairs of this nation, we cannot boast of a Nigerian university amongst the first two thousand in the world. This is more than enough reason to release the requisite fund for the upgrade of our educational infrastructure as well as the welfare of the future’s moulders. We can only get out of our educational system as much as we invest in it and though investment in educational is long term, it is also long-rewarding. The futures of our unborn children are in jeopardy even before their conception, but you can change all of these!

Mr. President, help me and my fellow undergraduates live decent lives even if our parents are not among the top one per cent who squander our national earnings as political office holders. Would you do this for me, for us, for Nigeria’s future?

• Joshua Oyeniyi, Lagos

Children’s education deserve more attention

IR: Lately there has been remarkable dip in the academic performance of students across the country. In the last couple of years, statistics from the various national examination bodies have been nothing to write home about. Naturally the country is worried over the high failure rate of students in national examinations. The question has been: why is it so, how can it be remedied?

The blame for this unfortunate situation has often been placed at the doorsteps of inadequate educational infrastructure and instructional materials, undedicated and even unqualified instructors. These, however, are only part of the problem and by no means all of it. There’s a crucial but often ignored aspect of the present educational conundrum. This is the role of

and show little interest in their end of term assessment. How would parents even know if their children are being properly taught unless they closely monitor their academics?

Understandably the difficult economic situation in the country which sees many parents working for longer hours and often coming home exhausted makes the close monitoring even more tasking. However, this is one duty that must never be ignored; the future of our children is at stake here. All our struggles and efforts on their behalf would have come to naught if we fail to accord the deserving attention to their studies and they eventually turn out uneducated and illequipped.

• Ananti Ifeoma Onyinyechi Aba, Abia State.

21

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

COMMENTS

P

ERHAPS anyone looking for a faultless model of a square peg in a round hole should focus on Shawo Southwest Ward in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, where a certain Afolabi Jimoh Olawole made news by pooh-poohing an official declaration that he won a re-run councillorship election. Three days after the poll conducted by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) on August 31, Olawole spectacularly shunned the crown, insisting that it was thrust upon him without merit.

Even more dramatic was his choice of forum for the disclaimer. For a candidate who went into the contentious election ostensibly as a card-carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), it was a sight to behold when he took the stage at a media briefing organized by the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) in Offa to rubbish his own party.

Olawole’s performance was not only unheard-of; it was also unbecoming of a loyal party man.

Certain questions are inevitable in this absurdist show: Could Olawole possibly represent the ideal politician that the country has lacked to its detriment? Is he the kind of democratic champion that the people desire? His denial of alleged victory was suffused with the sentiment of divine justice, but he clearly missed the point. According to him, “To me, I know that we shall give an account of all our acts on this earth one day. On that day, there will be no influence from anybody; be it Oba, governor, leader, elder, father or mother; but you will be left alone with your deeds. In this wise, I have resolved not to be a partaker in getting what is not mine from anybody at all in Offa and in Nigeria as a whole.” He added, “In all the eight polling units in my ward, the PDP lost, while the APC won convincingly.”

Evidently, this was a speech for the priestly pulpit rather than the political podium, and it was discriminatory by not taking others into account, individuals of a different mind, especially materialists who dispute the existence of a spiritual world where earthly conduct is judged. Olawole’s overriding logic was simplistic and, in the final analysis, did little to further the cause of democracy. His one-dimensional appeal to spirituality was not only mystifying; it also carried the invalid implication that the non-religious may not be sufficiently moral to do what is right in the realm of politics.

It is important to appreciate that, although Olawole’s argument might sound appealing, it would be unjust to restrict the business of political leadership to the circle of those who claim religious or spiritual credentials. Reality has proved that those who wear their religion like a badge are not necessarily moral exemplars, and it will always be debatable how much the practice of religion influences moral conduct. Perhaps one of the most fascinating ideas about moral behaviour is Immanuel Kant’s notion of “the categorical impera-

F

OR weeks now, I have diligently followed the issue erroneously tagged “deportation” of the destitute to Anambra State. I have read numerous comments and views of Nigerians from various walks of life – Femi FaniKayode; Femi Falana (SAN); my brother, Chief Ojo Maduekwe; the Secretary, Ohaneze Youth Organization, Ogwusike Nwachukwu. Also, the reaction of Governor Peter Obi, a gentleman I hold in high esteem, notwithstanding that we do not belong to the same political party.

The issue at stake is quite close to my heart for obvious reasons; while Lagos is my state of origin, the other, Anambra for me is home. It is one part of the country I feel closely affiliated to. I am also an incurable supporter of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State.

I have been amused by most of what I read and let me also add that I sincerely respect all the views that have been expressed because each and every one of the commentators and writers have a strong ground on which their respective argument are premised.

In as much as I see myself as a huge supporter of genuine comments expressed on the grounds that individuals are entitled to their opinions, but I dare ask here and now – have we not honestly created a mountain from a little heap of sand?

In going into the fray, it’s important for me to make it clear from the onset that it is erroneous for some people to claim Lagos is a “no man’s land”, or for that matter that “the Igbos developed Lagos”; such statements could be likened to making the truth stand on its head. I have heard several opinions on this issue over the years but never wanted to join issues. At this point in time, I must express my strong views on this. Whether people want to accept it or not, there are indigenous people in Lagos State and bona fide Lagosians for that matter. The Centre of Excellence has served the Nigerian nation well and the fact that the state has been so accommodating is no license to be labelled a “no man’s land”.

I am an indigene of Lagos State and I am proud to be one; so was my father, the Late Otunba (Dr.) Adeniran Ogunsanya (SAN) and generations before him. Nonindigenes come into Lagos to make success of their business enterprises as well as their political aspirations and at times go back to their states of origin to contest elections also.

‘Lagos has never discriminated against the Igbos – we enjoy the same facilities; not even during the civil war did we go out to hunt down the Igbos. Over the years, we have inter-married and have lived side-by-side in harmony.

This is certainly not the time to erect barriers where none is needed’

Good man of PDP

By Femi Macaulay tive”, which bespeaks the possibility of moral action based on a rationally defined duty to do what is right. Of course, it is a philosophical issue whether the idea of what is morally right can only come from religion.

So, on two counts, Olawole has the aura of a stranger. First, by his rejection of allegedly contrived political glory, he proved to be in the wrong ring. He must be the butt of jokes among “real” politicians across the country; they would eagerly give anything for political relevance, and would celebrate even the most brazenly invented and undeserved electoral success. In this context, it is significant that only Olawole rejected victory; his fellows, 11 other councillorship candidates and a chairmanship candidate, in contrast, are basking in the glow of alleged triumph in the local government poll.

Not surprisingly, PDP disowned Olawole, claiming implausibly that he had crossed over to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which morphed into APC, and that he was not regarded as the party’s candidate. Obviously, such argument was disingenuous, as the party would likely have kept mum if there had been no rebellion. Furthermore, not only was Olawole listed a the PDP candidate; also, the logic of a re-run implied unchanged candidacy, except in well defined special circumstances. It was scandalous that PDP talked of a substitution after the election, claiming that one Olagunju Olalekan was its councillorship candidate. This move mirrored a party that has no qualms about how it pursues power.

The second count: By his sermonising style, Olawole equally demonstrated his oddity. Evidentially, “real” politicians in the Nigerian context hardly spare a thought for after-life judgment, despite their flaunted godliness. For, if the reverse were true, the fear of God should be enough to guarantee nearzero corruption and good governance.

Profiling Olawole is particularly difficult because his background is unclear. It would be interesting to have information about his early life, education, work history, family life and social circle, among other pointers. However, perhaps the most intriguing aspect is the puzzle about how he found himself in PDP, the country’s stifling ruling party. Considering his grand moral standpoint, it is incredibly incongruous that Olawole must have identified with the party convincingly enough before emerging as its candidate in the council election. Is it possible that he was never aware of PDP’s duplicitous politics? Isn’t it said that birds of a feather flock together? Could his new song be an indication of reforma-

tion on his part? Or, to stretch the imagination, could Olawole’s presence in PDP mean that the party’s dark image is not without redeeming features? Interestingly, Olawole’s script is reminiscent of a play by the German theatre giant, Bertolt Brecht, The Good Woman of Setzuan, which is about a young prostitute, Shen Te, who struggles to lead a life that is “good”, according to religious standards.

Without doubt, it was a revelatory episode of tentacular dimensions. In the light of Olawole’s unexpected righteousness, the PDP, which is in power in the state, KWASIEC, and even the man himself, surely cannot be beyond scrutiny and reproach in this drama that is at once comical and tragic. It is apt to ponder how much influence the PDP perhaps exerted, how much money possibly changed hands, how unconscionable the formal electoral structures could possibly be, and the candidate’s apparent inconstancy.

It was a welcome demonstration of political awareness and sovereignty consciousness that the people said “No”. Despite the protests, the state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, hastily inaugurated one of the alleged usurpers as the new local government chairman, while the new councillors were presented to the media in moves that suggested a fait accompli. Certainly, it was alarming and suspicious that KWASIEC reportedly announced a “blanket result” without a breakdown. It is predictable that the protest will eventually shift to the court of law.

With the 2015 general elections approaching, the Offa example gives little cause for optimism concerning the integrity of the electoral system and its operators, and right conduct on the part of politicians.

• Macaulay is on the editorial board of The Nation

‘Politicians in the Nigerian context hardly spare a thought for after-life judgment, despite their flaunted godliness. For, if the reverse were true, the fear of God should be enough to guarantee near-zero corruption and good governance’

Mountain from heap of sand

By Adenrele Adeniran Ogunsanya Many make it a ritual to return home to spend the Eid-El Kabir, Christmas and New Year festivities. It is nonindigenes who return home to be counted during census; it is also non-indigenes who return home to register for electioneering purposes. But as indigenes we remain here because, for us, this is our beloved home; we have no other place to run to and in all sincerity, we are proud of our Lagos.

One only needs to take a cursory look at successful indigenous Lagosians who have played prominent national roles to appreciate the fact that Lagos indeed belongs to some people; the late Herbert Macaulay; Ibiyinka Olorunnibe; Ibikunle Akintoye; Fagbenro Beyioku; The Bensons; the Johnsons; I. S. Adewale; S.O. Gbadamosi; Oba Adeniji Adele; Oba Adeyinka Oyekan; Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony; the Cardosos; the Gomez family; the Gbajabiamilas; the Tinubus; the Keshinros; the Shitta-Beys; the Fasholas; the Animashauns; the Fasinros; the Obanikoros; the Alli-Baloguns; the Anibabas; the Williams’; the Philips; the Ojoras; the Kosokos; the Dosunmus; the Oluwas; the Olotos; the Ajose-Adeoguns; the Taiwo Olowos; the Sasores; the Disus; the Kekere-Ekuns; the Durosinmi-Ettis; the Olusis; the Okis; to mention just a few.

Before this trend of argument is read wrongly, let me quickly point out that I share in the strong belief that once you live in a place and pay your taxes regularly, have properties and investments, you have a stake in what goes on and are entitled to the privileges in that environment.

There is something an uncle of mine told me before he died some years back and I have played it over and over in my mind since this saga started. He had said to me that if you visit someone’s home and your host tells you that you are free to explore the environment and feel free to do as you wish in his home, common sense and good behaviour will make it clear to you that this is not your home but the home of your host and you would know that his bedroom, possibly his study and his wife’s kitchen is out of limits.

It’s just common etiquette. Simply put, what my uncle was trying to say is that any decent person would know his or her limitations.

Those who wrongly call Lagos a ‘no man’s land’ probably based their argument on the input of the Federal Government to the development of Lagos, but even at that, the federal largesse was restricted to the Federal Capital Territory which does not cover the entirety of Lagos State. The same largesse was extended, simultaneously to other cities across the country - Kano; Jos; Kaduna; Port-Harcourt; Calabar (once the capital of Nigeria); Lokoja (the former capital of

the Northern Province of Nigeria); Enugu; Onitsha. How come these locations are not labelled ‘no man’s land’? Even the present Federal Capital Territory, Abuja which is predominantly Gwariland; special attention is given to the indigenous people when it comes to nomination for elections, etc.

Having said that, it is also imperative to stress that the Igbos and Lagosians have a long history. A good number of commentators who have had cause to join the fray have also gone down memory lane to dig up historical facts Femi Fani-Kayode; the respected lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana; Akin Ajose-Adeogun; Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene; Orji Uzor Kalu; Tony Oganah (Ohaneze’s spokesman) have gone back into history to put the records straight. But for me, we need not go that far. If you grew up in Lagos, you would remember Madame Mercy Eneli; Ibezim Obiajulu and Moronu–all the three personages were councillors who won election into the Lagos Town Council and served Lagos. It’s on the strength of their meritorious service to the city of Lagos that streets were named after them in Surulere (new Lagos). Several non-indigenes have contested elections and Lagos voted for them. It is also refreshing to note that Yorubas, Hausas and Igbos trade sideby-side in various markets and streets in Lagos. When the civil war broke out my friends and I did not understand why some of our friends had to leave. And when they did return, we were excited to see our friends back again; though I lost a very dear friend and still miss her till today.

When African Continental Bank (ACB) came into being as a result of the joint effort of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and some prominent Lagosians such as Papa Abibu Oki, it enabled indigenous businessmen an avenue to access loans to enhance their businesses. Lagos has never discriminated against the Igbos – we enjoy the same facilities; not even during the civil war did we go out to hunt down the Igbos.

Over the years, we have inter-married and have lived sideby-side in harmony. This is certainly not the time to erect barriers where none is needed. While lessons have been learnt from this saga, it is my candid wish that this issue is summarily settled. I feel and pray that as we all go into the year 2014 and cruise along into elections that we be careful; that we do not spread tribal disaffections in the course of electioneering campaigns, the quest for political offices and people should definitely not take advantage of this issue because of personal beef. We must lay gutter tactics to rest and discuss issues. For me, any disaffection between the South-east and South-west or any other ethnic group for that matter will be an uncomfortable and painful development for our nation. Nigeria has more serious and pressing problems at hand to deal with.

• Princess Adeniran Ogunsanya is a former Secretary to the Government of Lagos State.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 , 2013

22

COMMENTS

T

HAT the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has been having a rough time building consensus among its members has not been in doubt. What has not been certain is whether the widening disagreement among its key leaders will either be amicably resolved or further tear the party apart. It had also not been certain the dimension the crises may assume.

Before now, the PDP has been basking on the euphoria that its problems are family affairs. We have also been treated with the recurring claim that the party has developed foolproof capacity to internally resolve its challenges. Because it controls the federal government together with the enormous resources at its disposal, our largely unprincipled and selfish politicians will do anything to remain within its fold in the hope that someday, it will be their turn to be part of the cake sharing.

Not unexpectedly, the party has overtime exploited this lure and self-serving weakness to advantage. That is why it can afford to impose candidates at will and pay scant attention to internal democracy. Our flawed electoral process that gives little room for the will of the electorate to have full expression has not equally helped matters.

Given the above, many had hoped that the latest complaints of marginalization, lack of internal democracy, agitation for power shift in 2015 and high handedness by the leader-

‘It would appear the PDP is bound to live with this crisis for quite sometime. Already, both parties have gone to court. They have also been trading words and soon everybody will be at each others throat. Accusations will soon start flying round on which part of the divide members stand. Cracks have already set in and shoulders ruffled. It will require daunting efforts and divine intervention for the centre to hold again’

T

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

PDP and crises within ship of the party and the presidency will somehow be sorted out as usual.

But that has failed to happen. The party is now split into two factions following the pulling out of some of its governors and delegates from the venue of its mini convention. Apparently stunned by the turn of events, President Jonathan summoned a number of meetings to seek ways out of the embarrassing impasse.

He also met with his predecessor, Olusegun Obasanjo who undertook to summon elders of the party and its governors to seek ways out. As this piece was being put together, feelers had it that the meeting summoned by Obasanjo will no longer hold following protests against his competence to preside over it. There are allegations that he is an ardent supporter if not the prime mover of the splinter group. There are reasons this line of thought cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand. That most of the dissenting governors and leaders of the PDP are his known loyalists cannot be wished away.

Even if the meeting goes ahead as planned, there are clear indications that it may not achieve much. There are two reasons for this conclusion. The first is that the credibility of its convener as an impartial arbiter is in doubt.

It is therefore doubtful whether he can command that trust and confidence of the parties that is in dire need in a very critical assignment of this nature.

There is everything to suspect that Obasanjo is part and parcel of the group being the first person the five governors consulted earlier.

He is also known to be a critic of the Jonathan regime. If he could not pull any surprise at the budding stages of the crisis, there seems

HE Masquerades’ festival among the Yoruba of the South-west is a popular traditional festival, largely characterized by peerless feasting, dancing, drumming, ahead-of-class costuming, spontaneous distribution of farm produce and other festival largesse. It is one celebration that attracts natives from wherever they are scattered all around the globe and brings them together despite their personal and social differences. It is a moment when people’s attention would be drawn away from other pressing realities of their lives (personal and communal); worries are pushed aside, hurts are hidden under transient euphoria, provocative truths are post-dated, after all, “everyone must be happy”.

It is always a celebration of the people, by the people and for the people. But the truth of it all is that the festival is only seasonal and after a few days of jamboree and the transient wingding, personal hurts return to their owners, worries are back from where they left for sabbatical and post dated truths return from exile, in much greater provocative expressions, all because the festival has ended!

Sure, no one wants the festival to end as most people are often enveloped in a utopia of sort. But there is always a warning from the declining sounds of the drums and the gongs signaling the approaching end of the festival, because the festival must end. In the same manner, the warnings of approaching end of the 57-year old “festival of oil” of the most populous nation of Africa, have been sounding loud and clear to the ears of her teeming populace. In a recent report, a group of experts declared that Nigeria’s oil reserves may dry up in 35 years and this was later echoed by President Goodluck Jonathan at an event commissioning a new Cement plant in Ewekoro, Ogun State in 2011. More specifically, the Managing Director of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, Victor Briggs, while serving as General Manager, Planning, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) in 2010 warned that Nigeria may run out of oil soon and we may no longer be on the list of OPEC members again. If these predictions were to be true, it then underscores the import of the aphorism that “Every day is not Christmas and the Masquerades’ festival must end someday!

However, from my vantage point, the imminent end of our “festival of oil” does not have to be the literal drying up of the nation’s “black gold” that currently accounts for over 90% of our exports and over 70% of the consolidated government revenue, but the resultant insufficiency of the proceeds of oil to meet the needs of the nation’s constantly growing population in the near future. The alleged insufficiency is predicted on three grounds. Firstly, with the current population of the country roughly put at around 160 million, the nation is importing 2.5 million tons of milled rice annually and expends a sum of about N1.3 trillion on food imports annually, with the said figure noted to have been rising by 11% every year.

With the projected population of Nigeria in 20 years, 35 mil-

little hope that he can do any magic now.

Moreover, his absence at the mini convention is another factor why he cannot be trusted to shoulder the new responsibility.

Besides, there are key demands of the new PDP that the meeting will find nigh impossible to resolve. And despite all pretensions, all the grievances can be conveniently subsumed into two. These are the twin issues of the removal of PDP national chairman, Bamanga Tukur for alleged dictatorial tendencies and the ambition of Jonathan to run for another term in 2015. Both are two sides of the same coin and therefore inseparable.

Tukur is behaving the way he does because he is dancing to the drum beat of his paymaster. So there is some form of deceit in the mounting accusations against Tukur when it is obvious where he is coming from.

Tukur can be removed only if the presidency buys the idea. But that has failed to happen.

In two previous articles in this column titled “Reconciling the irreconcilable” and “Antics of five governors” I had among others, examined the grouse of the opposition within the PDP. I had argued in the case of the issues raised by the five governors during their controversial consultations, for which Ibrahim Babangida called them patriots that all can be encapsulated within the domestic affairs of their party. It is a huge surprise how such internal dissension could be elevated to national fame as Babangida would want us to believe. Today it stands to be seen the inappropriateness of that hurried assessment.

In the case of the former, I had also pointed out that the crises in the ruling party have their roots in the speculated ambition of

Jonathan for another term. Our conclusion was that if Jonathan opts out of the race for 2015, all issues to the crises will fizzle out unilaterally. But since it appears this is unlikely to happen, all efforts at reconciliation will come to naught because those opposed to him are irrevocably committed to the same agenda.

There is no room for reconciliation in a situation where two persons lay claim to the same object and no one is prepared to let go. Such a scenario in game theory is called a zero-sumgame. Its payoff is a situation where one party gains all while the other loses all. That is what is bound to happen in respect of the recent implosion of the party. Renewed efforts to mend fences with the foregoing mindset will produce no fruitful result unless one of the parties gives up the quest for the presidency.

Jonathan cannot now let go that ambition though he has not made his intention public.

But his body language says it all. To give up now will amount to succumbing to intimidation, pressure and blackmail from his traducers. He will lose esteem and integrity for chickening out against his own volition. It would have made better sense he did it earlier than now he has been put on edge.

There is nothing also to suggest the opposition, having dared the consequences, will back-pedal at this point in time. There is no indication to that effect. Not even the removal of Tukur can assuage their feelings. That is the foreboding scenario now.

It would appear the PDP is bound to live with this crisis for quite sometime. Already, both parties have gone to court. They have also been trading words and soon everybody will be at each others throat. Accusations will soon start flying round on which part of the divide members stand. Cracks have already set in and shoulders ruffled. It will require daunting efforts and divine intervention for the centre to hold again.

The next couple of weeks will witness renewed efforts by each of the factions to reposition themselves to struggle for the soul of the party. In this fight, the Tukur-led faction will obviously be at advantage of being recognized as the authentic PDP. The other group will not loose sleep if that happens. They have been able to demonstrate unambiguously that the party has broken into factions and that is the issue. Re-alignment of forces will follow next. And the way it goes will harbinger the direction of the nation’s politics. It could also utter the political equation in the country if it does not turn out nasty.

Before the oil festival ends

By Solomon Okedara lion tons of rice will then be imported annually. I frankly hold that even with the current value of our “petro-naira”, we are not poised to foot the bill for such huge food imports.

Secondly, United States of America which hitherto has been the biggest buyer of Nigeria’s crude oil has recently reduced the volume of its patronage for the obvious reason. The United States now holds the world’s largest deposits of oil shale, a kerogen-containing rock which can be extracted and processed into usable transportation fuel. The oil shale deposits found on federal lands in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming in United States contain an estimated 4.285 trillion barrels of oil in place according to the U.S. Geological Survey — enough to sustain America’s fuel needs for over a century. In the words of Roger Day, Vice President for operations for American Shale Oil (AMSO) “In the past 100 years — in all of human history — we have consumed 1 trillion barrels of oil. There are several times that much here,” This practically accounts for the reason why America’s imports to Nigeria slid to 194,000 barrels per day in February 2013 from average of about 376,000 barrels per day that it used to be. Even though Nigeria seems to have found a replacement for United States in China and India, it is not certain, how far the substitute may be sustained. It is however advisable to prepare for a slide in sales.

Lastly, there is now a stiff competition for Nigeria, as Angola is now poised to overtake Nigeria as the continent’s largest producer of crude oil as the Southern African country produced 1.87 million barrels per day in May, as Nigeria also produced. It is also noteworthy that Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroun, Chad and some other nations have also found oil thereby making the competition stiffer. Distilling from the above, it therefore requires no soothsayer to predict an inevitable end to the nation’s hitherto celebrated “festival of oil” If the festival must truly come to an end, what then should we do? The only answer is “DIVERSIFY! Economic diversification is generally defined as the process in which the economy becomes more diverse in terms of goods and services it produces. This is distinguishable from export diversification which portends deliberate policies intended to change the shares of commodities in the existing export mix by introducing new products in the export portfolio, and/or breaking into new geographical markets. A successful diversification plan requires firm political commitment, consistent public policies and substantial financial resources. Of course, many challenges arise when pursuing a diversification

scheme. It is often necessary to make significant investments in human resources and infrastructure to support economic sectors and activities such as value-addition in commodities. These are long-term endeavours that need government’s commitment and political will, not to mention major capital investments.

If an economic diversification scheme is vigorously and sincerely pursued, benefits accruing to it include less exposure to external shocks, increase in trade, higher productivity of capital and labour, better regional economic integration, appreciable reduction of poverty and promotion of human and social development. Success stories of economic diversification from resource-dependency include those of Malaysia, Chile, Indonesia, Kenyan, South Africa and Tunisia.

To appreciate huge bounties that await us if we give diversification a chance, we should consider the following facts: UNESCO recently declared that Nollywood (Nigeria’s movie industry) has the largest production of films in the world; no doubt, this industry is often regarded as one of Nigeria’s largest exports. But so pathetically, the movie industry is largely underfunded, as the entire Nigeria’s movie industry is valued at $250 million, whilst the total budget of “Avatar” a recent American movie, was $280 million. Avatar reportedly made a huge figure of $2,782,275,172 at the box office, while all the Nigerian movies since 1992 could not boast of the figure attributed to Avatar. You may contest the worth of this industry but one thing no one can contest is the economic promises of Nollywood if properly funded.

The Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos State, according to the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson generates about US$2billion to the nation’s economy every year and today constitutes an ICT hub for the West African states, yet, this hub is yet to be fully developed.

Of course, much need not be said about the potentials of our first love- agriculture, which at independence accounted for over 80% of the nation’s exports. There are proofs that other sectors like manufacturing and sports are limitlessly promising.

With all of these, does it appear we have much to benefit by giving diversification a chance or we should rather continue in our age-long “dancing and feasting” that our “festival of oil” has brought and await the sudden end of the festival.

• An excerpt of paper delivered at the 2013 Nigerian Diaspora Youth Leadership Summit held at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) from September 4- 5

BUSINESS

25

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

JOBS

‘IT students’payment will stop in 2014’ -P. 28 News Briefing Shippers’ Council seeks more powers

THE Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, has called for the review of the enabling law that established the Council to give it more powers to check the excesses of terminal operators.

- Page 26

Govt, insurers meeting on premium deadlocked A meeting convened by the Head of Service (HoS) and insurers over Federal Government’s unpaid premiums for its workers’ Group Life has ended in a deadlock as parties were not able to agree on a common ground, The Naton has learnt.

- Page 26

Shut Arewa Textile to reopen soon AFTER an eight-year closure, this Arewa Textiles Limited, Kaduna may reopen early next year, barring any technical hitch.

- Page 40 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa-$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N12.1 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8.4% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $46.9b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

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

-Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

Welding no longer for drop-outs - Pg 37

Success of Dangote’s $9b refinery depends on govt, say operators T HE latest attempt by Dangote Group to build Africa’s largest refinery in Nigeria when investors, both foreign and local, have kept a far distance from investing in the downstream sector, could be light at the end of the tunnel, operators have said.

The investment, worth $9billion, comprises a 400,000 barrel per day oil refining capacity and a fertiliser plant. The project is being financed by a consortium of local and foreign banks.

Of interest in the project, is that the refinery is coming against the backdrop of failed efforts by the government to encourage private sector participation in the establishment and management of private refineries.

For example, in 2002, the government issued 12 operational licences to firms to build private refineries.

Since then, not one of them was able to convert or utilise them until they were revoked five years later.

Many reasons were advanced for the failure. They ranged from poor pricing of petroleum products, lack of interest in bank funds, and increased restiveness in the Niger Delta, the oil rich re-

By Simeon Ebulu and Emeka Ugwuanyi

gion, among others.

Besides the challenges that stalled the take-off of these licensed refineries and other three greenfield ones proposed by the government, the state of the four refineries, in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), have not elicited any hope to would-be investors in the sector.

The immediate past NNPC Group Managing Director, Austin Oniwon, said running private refineries was not feasible.

Oniwon, who spoke with reporters after he delivered a paper as Guest Speaker at the pre-convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, said the cost of running a private refinery is so enormous for a businessman to survive.

He urged those calling for the establishment of private refineries before the removal of oil subsidy to do a rethink, saying it was only

Anti-money laundering auditors coming

E

XAMINERS from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will be in Nigeria in 10 days to assess banks’ compliance with international money laundering laws, GIABA Information Manager in Nigeria, Timothy Melaye, has said.

Speaking on the telephone with The Nation over the weekend, he said officials of the groups will carry out checks at the branches of selected banks across the country, ading that compliance at the airports and land borders may also come under their scrutiny.

The outcome of recent evaluation of Nigeria financial sector revealed an abysmal performance on the recommendations relating to the adoption and implementation of the FATF standards. This makes the sector one of the vulnerable sectors in African economies.

Melaye said the country’s inclusion on the list of nonco-operative countries (NCCTs) has stalled foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country, adding that many investors avoid bringing their funds into noncompliant countries.

The FATF had listed the

By Collins Nweze

non-implementation of procedures to identify and freeze terrorists’ assets and failure to ensure that customer due diligence requirements apply to all financial transactions as areas Nigeria needs to address in order to ensure her removal from the high-risk and noncooperative jurisdictions list.

He said: “There is need to protect bank officers involved in driving the implementation of the money laundering laws and regulations as well as institution of penalties against noncompliant staff.

“However, Nigeria has largely addressed its action plan by enacting legislation to adequately criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing, implementing procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets, ensuring that customer due diligence requirements apply to all financial instructions.”

He said there was also a meeting between the Nigeria Presidential Committee of FATF and the FATF Regional Review Group in Paris, France,in addition to other significant remediation measures/actions taken by the country.

the government that could withstand the financial rigour of the project.

He said where you control a price of petroleum products to a point that is below the cost of manufacturing, only the government can really invest in such sector because it alone can bear the loss.

He said: “Anybody you tell to go and pay for crude oil at international price and earn below the international price for the product he is going to bring, will not do it.

“That is why private refinery licences are stalled. But once we have the courage to deregulate the sector, you will be surprised. The upstream was deregulated. In fact, nobody ever regulated the upstream and you can

see how many people are there. The telecoms was deregulated, you see how many people are playing there.”

Oniwon’s argument for the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, may have spured Dangote into this gigantic project.

One of the major marketers told The Nation that one of two factors must be in place to make the $9 billion Dangote planned refinery to be viable, adding it is either that the government deregulates the sector before the refinery begins operation, or that it would put stringent measures in place to regulate importation of petroleum products.

He said access to foreign exchange is paramount, in

• Dangote

addition to the government giving the company waivers in crude supply.

The marketer said: “Businessmen are not Father Christmas. They invest to make profits.

Maybe • Continued on page 26

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

26

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

Fed Govt, insurers meeting over premium deadlocked

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

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

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

2.

3.

4.

5.

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

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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

08.50 09.45 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

A

• From left: Executive Director, Technology and Operations, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc. Mr Niyi Ajao; Head, ATM/POS e-Business Group, Sterling Bank Plc. Mrs. Juliet Odesanya and Group Head, e-Business, Mr Abdul-Fattha Amoo, at Sterling Bank Overview of Cashless Policy Workshop, in Lagos ... on Thursday.

Shippers’ Council seeks more powers

T

HE Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, has called for the review of the enabling law that established the Council to give it more powers to check the excesses of terminal operators.

He lamented that in this dispensation, the Council has been constrained to play an advisory role in the maritime industry. He said the Act that established the Council was promulgated since 1974, adding that it was long overdue for review to take into cognisance, emerging issues in the maritime industry.

“The council needs full powers to be more effective in the discharge of its critical role in the industry. The appointment of the board is extremely timely and it is hoped that the board will apply its wisdom and experience to ensure

• Continued from page 25

Dangote has done all the arithmetic and has been assured by the government that prices will be deregulated before the refinery begins operation. So, he is sure that he will cover all his cost and make reasonable margin.

“The second factor is that the government might have assured him that he will be given concession for crude supply at prices lower than what obtains at the international market. You know that the government doesn’t give waiv-

08.00 18.00

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

a successful restructuring of the legal and institutional framework of the Council,” Bello said.

According to him, the Council is set to improve the operational performance of the ports industry and tackle high port charges to make the industry more cost-effective.

Speaking with The Nation, the NSC boss assured that he would work assiduously with other stakeholders to give the council the necessary backing it deserves in order to be able to assume its role as port regulator.

He said the role of the council involves the interface between the various modes of transportation and international trade among others and that it has over the years been able to discharge its functions commendably in this regard, despite the weakness of its enabling

Act. He said the Council is intensifying efforts on the construction of Truck Transit Parks (TTP) to enhance road haulage activities.

The Federal Government, he said, has approved the construction of seven model parks for trucks under Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

According to him, the parks are expected to comprise petrol stations, hotels, mechanic garages, shopping malls, restaurants, police posts, fire stations and hospitals.

He said the first TTP was being constructed in Lokoja, Kogi State, adding that the state government had already processed the land.

He added that the council has found ways of enhancing the participation of the private sector under PPP arrangement.

Success of Dangote’s $9b refinery depends on govt, say operators

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

By Oluwakemi Dauda

MEETING convened by the Head of Service (HoS) and insurers over Federal Government’s unpaid premiums for its workers’ Group Life has ended in a deadlock as parties were not able to agree on a common ground, The Naton has learnt.

According to sources, a meeting was held last week in Abuja by insurance operators with the HoS with how outstanding premiums owed in 2011 and 2012 will be paid as top on the agenda of the meeting.

At the meeting, it was learnt that the HoS proposed different rates on 2013 Group Life for different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), a proposal which was vehemently turned down by the insurers.

According to the source, based on the disagreement of rates, conclusion could not be reached for the insurance of government workers for 2013.

The source said insurers have decided to clos ranks, speak with one voice and resist any attempt by the government to pile up premium debt, adding that the ‘No premium, no cover’ policy enforced by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has set the pace for a new era in the industry.

A source in NAICOM however said the commission will not compromise its position on ‘No premium, no cover’ policy adding that any underwriter who grants insurance on credit risks suspension of its license as stipulated in the law.

Section 9(3) The Pension Reform Act 2004 states that employers shall maintain life insurance policy in favour of their employees for “a minimum of three times the annual total emolument of the employee.”

• Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke

ers, but in Dangote’s case, it is different. Even if the government deregulates the petroleum marketing sector, it (government) will make it impossible for people to bring products to save the refinery.

The government may direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to give forex to importers just to ensure that the investment is protected.

“In the absence of these factors, I don’t see the viability of the project because there is no way he can sell gasoline (petrol) at N97 per litre and the business surviving.”

On supply of crude oil to the refinery, NNPC Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, Abiye Membere, assured that the corporation will give uninterrupted supply of crude to the refinery, barring any acts of vandalism of pipelines that convey the crude there.

He told The Nation that the steady supply of crude applies to any investor that builds a refinery in the

country, but however noted that it may not be possible to sell crude to the refinery at a reduced price.

He said even the NNPC buys its crude at international price, insisting that the government would sell crude to the refinery at international price.

However, President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that the Dangote Group will not find the government wanting in this endeavour.

Jonathan, who spoke while receiving the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who led other investors and bankers to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, moments after the $3.3 loan agreement was signed, said his administration was committed to removing major impediments to investments in the country, such as inadequate infrastructure and unsteady power supply.

“We are pleased that you are now investing in refining, petrochemicals and fertiliser produc-

tion. It is the downstream sector of oil and gas that can really create many jobs. Your interest and investment in that area will help in the area of job creation which we have been emphasising. You are also helping us to move away from being a mere producer of raw materials by adding value to our natural resources.” he told Dangote and members of his delegation.

Dangote has acknowledged government’s support in the phenomenal growth of his Group. He said government’s policies have helped “us greatly.” “Without them, we will not be where we are today. We have taken the challenge and we will replicate the successes recorded in the cement industry through the backward integration in petroleum refining,” adding that the refining, petrochemicals and fertiliser complex will make Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products.

‘The second factor is that the government might have assured him that he will be given concession for crude supply at prices lower than what obtains at the international market. You know that the government doesn’t give waivers, but in Dangote’s case, it is different’

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

27

THE CEO When in 1971, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was established by Decree 47, it was charged with producing skilled manpower, among others. Its Director-General, Prof Longmas Wapmuk, in this interview with TOBA AGBOOLA and OLUWAKEMI DAUDA, speaks on the workings of the fund and its role in achieving the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda.

• Wapmuk

‘IT students’ payment will stop in 2014’ H

OW long have you been at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and what is your experience?

Well, I was appointed in August 2006. This means that I’m slightly above seven years in the organisation now. When I came on board, many companies, particularly, the foreign ones were not interested in training at the ITF. They believed that our staff were not very competent. We addressed this problem by training many of our people overseas. And today, in Lagos, we have many training programmes given to us to implement by major companies. A proof of the rise in training consciousness, on account of ITF intervention, is the increasing request for reimbursement by employers registered, and the remitting of training contributions to the fund. Reimbursement of training contributions is done on condition that ITF’s guidelines on training are met. Therefore, the number of employers that request for and get reimbursed, indicates that training consciousness has really increased.

One of the visions of the ITF, when it was established in 1971, was to be one of the foremost field training and development organi-

Profile Institutions attended

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Birmingham, England; University of Maiduguri.

Qualification

B.Sc. (Social Sciences); M.Soc. Sc.; Ph.D. (Public Administration).

Previous positions

Study Centre Manager, Jos Study Centre, National Open University of Nigeria.

Present position

Director-General/CEO, Industrial Training Fund

Experience

Over 7 years

sations. Would you say your organisation has achieved this aim?

I believe the organisation has achieved its aim. The ITF was little known before I took over as the chief executive. We had problem of poor funding. The budget of the organisation was around N3.6 billion, which was too small to achieve all we wanted to achieve. Also, the members of staff were not happy because there was no motivation and the salary was very poor. The relationship

between ITF and corporate bodies was not good. My management was also dissolved.

These and many more are some of the challenges.

So, how did you address these challenges?

The ITF currently is a household name. First of all, I took a trip to Lagos. I met with stakeholders in the organised sector. We discussed on the way forward. This, of course, enhanced our relationship. As I said, my management was dissolved, so I had to set

up a new management. Restructuring and re-organisation took place; and today we have about six vibrant departments in the organisation. I was able to get an improved salary structure for the staff and all the outstanding promotions were implemented.

How did you address the issue of poor funding?

We discovered that, over the years, the money available for training has been very small and we thought that there was the need to improve the level of funding. When I came, I started by soliciting for money from government. I drew up a plan and followed it up by going to the supervising ministry, the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and many other places but I could not generate any revenue from my efforts. So, I decided to look inwards to see areas to generate revenue from, if we are to function properly as provided in the law that set us up. I found out that in many countries I visited, they have similar laws but with no reimbursement clause because they use all the money to train. But in our own case, we reimburse •Continued on page 28

28

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE CEO

‘IT students’ payment will stop in 2014’ •Continued from page 27

60 percent to the industry and 40 percent is left for us to pay our salaries and do the training.

On assumption of office as the Director-General, I found out that there was a law establishing a Fund. The law provides for the collection of some money to sustain the activities of the ITF. As I said earlier, when I came in, the level of fund generation was very low. Apart from the fact that the budget of the ITF was around N3.6 billion, the law stipulates that ITF should collect one per cent of firms’ and government agencies’ annual staff salaries. ITF is sustained by contributions from the organised private sector. But, when they contribute this money, ITF does not keep all of it. We require them to train their own staff; so part of the training is done by them. When they train, in accordance with our new law, we refund 50 per cent of what we collected from them. So, we do not keep all the money. What is left is not enough to fund us, and to equip our centres. That is why, of recent, you see that we have been making a lot of efforts to collect revenue.

Have you started collecting the one per cent of workers’, and what is the level of compliance?

Yes, we have started collecting the money but what we have collected so far is not much. This is because we are just implementing the legislation and there are so many things in the amended Act. If you look at section six of that law and the subsection, the level of compliance is not high, but it has improved. For instance, the number of companies have improved from 5,000 to 20,000. Our revenue has increased to about N18 billion now. Mind you, about 800,000 companies are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). So, you can imagine 20,000 companies out of about 867,000 companies. If we can get hold of at least 300,000 companies, it will solve most of our problems. We still have a long way to go, though, but I know we will get there.

The mission of ITF is to set and regulate training standards and offer direct training intervention in industrial and commercial skills and technology. How have you been able to achieve this?

Since I assumed office as the Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund, we have scaled up the training of our staff both locally and abroad with the objective of enhancing their professional competence. We trained members of our staff internationally, particularly in the area of technical vocational education.

The objective here is for them to come back and impart knowledge to those at home, so that we would be able to build a core of highly trained technical manpower. At the home level, we have organised short courses for our staff.

Consequently, the ITF has created a crop of well-trained development officers, some of whom are certified and recognised internationally in their areas of specialisation. For instance, we’re very good in the areas of occupational safety, health and environment. Also, we are involved in productivity and efficiency improvement training.

Can you tell us about your training centre? How are they functioning?

The ITF training centre, particularly our model skill training centre, which is located in this compound, has become a ‘Mecca’ for Technical Vocational Education.

We have centres in Lagos, Jos and Kano. We have a modern one in

• Wapmuk

• Wapmuk

• Wapmuk

‘We have been able to pay some of our SIWES students. We have paid about 430,000 participants between 2007 and now. However, the issue of paying students by the government will stop next year. We want to focus on the training’ Abuja. We have been able to complete the one in Lokoja. When people come around we start to showcase our centre, which we built with technical support from the Institute of Technical Education Services of Singapore. The ITF also is always at the cutting edge of technical vocational skills train-

ing in Nigeria. In addition to bringing people for training, the ITF takes training to the people in the nooks and cranny of Nigeria by deploying a number of mobile training workshops decked with the state-of-the-art modern equipment tools and facilities in eleven trade areas.

So, when we have these mobile workshops, we would be able to take training to the doorsteps of our people. All these attest to our technology-driven processes, functions and programmes in the ITF. And definitely with all these efforts of offering direct intervention in industrial and commercial

skills training and development with competent staff, we believe that we will be doing a good service to our country.

We also proposed something to government, which we presented to stakeholders known as National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) which is an aspect of the national industrial development plan for the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment.

This plan envisages that we will have industrial skills training centres in the 36 states and Abuja. And in each of these centres, we have provision for training people in 24 trade areas. We have also made provision in this plan for Centres for Advance Skills Training for Employment (CASTE) and these are bigger centres that have provision for about 45 trade areas and these will be located in the six geo-political zones of the country.

How much does it take to establish each of the centres?

The skill centres are very costly to establish because some equipment can cost up to N15million. We have estimated that the Industrial Skills Centres in the 36 states and Abuja will have provision for 24 trades and will cost about N3.5 billion, while the bigger ones, the advance skills centres in the six geo-political zones, will cost about N5.5 billion. So, if you cost it, you will realise it’s a lot of money. But we have envisaged that with our amended Act, we will be able to generate the required money over time to help us establish the centres.

Enlighten us on your other programmes, such as SIWES? We have been organising the Student Industrial Works Experience Scheme (SIWES) for students and there is hardly any technical person in Nigeria that has gone through tertiary education that does not know about the ITF. We have been able to pay some of our SIWES students. We have paid about 430,000 participants between 2007 and now. However, the issue of paying students by the government will stop next year.

We want to focus on the training. In fact, we have recommended that government should de-emphasise the payment of money and focus on training.

What role is ITF playing in the economy, especially in the Transformation Agenda?

The ITF is one of the major parastatals of the Federal Government. It is one of the organisations being used by the Federal Government to achieve the Transformation Agenda of this administration. The ITF, according to the Act establishing it, has the responsibility of providing, promoting and encouraging the acquisition of skills in commerce and industry. It is to generate enough manpower to meet the needs of the economy. Over time, the ITF has been performing these functions.

Human capital development is a sine qua non to the economy of any country. Without identifying and developing technical manpower, most of the industries and organisations will not be able to function and that is where the ITF comes in.

We are charged with developing and training and providing technical manpower. And you can see that most of our activities are geared towards this noble objective. So, you cannot say the ITF has lost its relevance – no! In fact, the ITF has rather become even more relevant in the light of the Federal Government’s aspiration to meet up with the leading economies of the world.

29

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

INSURANCE

I

Insurers blame FIRS for excessive taxation NSURANCE operators have cried out over excessive taxation they are being forced to

pay by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), lamenting that the development was crippling the insurance business.

The Nigeria Insurance Association (NIA) said FIRS imposes heavy taxes on premiums

Stories by Omobola ToluKushimo

paid by the public, forgetting that when the unforseen happens, the insurance companies would pay claims.

Spokesman of the association, Mr Davies Iyasere told The Nation that officials of the FIRS are ignorant of how insurance business op-

erates.

“Our claims are that they do not understand fully how insurance works. The tax they are charging insurance operators is (too) heavy.

They tax all premiums we receive not minding the fact that we have to pay claim.

“We have to invest the money paid as premium so that we can pay claims. Sometimes the claim oc-

curs immediately or in the future.

We have to make valuation and projections for 10 years and this is why we are saying they cannot tax on every premium collected. They are looking at premium and not claim and we believe this is not fair on insurers. We have reached the Inland Revenue and the channel of communication has been opened,” he added.

To find solution to the problem, he said the NIA and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the supervisory authority, are engaging the FIRS, adding that the association has also been speaking with the Consumer Protection Unit (CPU).

He lamented that no progress has been made on finding solution to the problem.

‘Inconsistent policies, regulation threat to industry’

T

HE Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has identified inconsistent policy and regulatory frameworks as factors inhibiting the growth of insurance business in the country.

Its President, Fatai Lawal, who spoke at the weekend in Ibadan, said operators were also under pressure from business owners to deliver huge returns on investment, adding that the development posed daunting challenge to insurance manager who must not cut corners or compromise his professional calling.

Lawal, who is also the Managing Director of Sterling Assurance Nigeria Limited spoke on The insurance industry in motion: emerging issues for the professionals at the Professionals’ Forum.

He said the theme was apt and reminded practitioners of the dynamics of the business environment.

According to him, it also brings into focus, the predicament of the average Manager in maintaining a stable operation to the satisfaction

P

RESIDENT, Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN), Lebi Omoboyowa, has said the country does not need more than 12 insurance companies going by the poor performance of some of them.

Omoboyowa spoke with The Nation at the institute’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

He said the N300billion premium income generated by the insurance industry since 2007 till date can be improved upon if

E

of investors and other stakeholders.

He said: “These scenarios justify the annual professionals’ forum as a robust platform for practitioners’ collective review of the workings of the insurance sub-sector of the national economy in order to strengthen the profession, the practice and the Industry.

“It remains the only way to guarantee that professionals can think and act as one in unveiling the hidden opportunities for the industry despite the business landscape that has remained volatile.”

The CIIN chief further said that the institute has inaugurated a committee of writers with a deadline to produce an insurance course book for the teaching of insurance in secondary schools. This is in a bid to actualise the approval of insurance by the Federal Ministry of Education as a course of study for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria.

He noted that part of his objectives include providing support for accredited tertiary institutions offering insurance to enhance their

capacity to offer quality education and reinforcing activities at the College of Insurance and Financial Management where the second phase of construction work is in progress.

On the Insurance Industry Consultative Committee (IICC)

inaugurated last month by the Commissioner for Insurance, Lawal said the IICC is to serve as a springboard for harnessing industry views and providing a unified voice for interactions with government and other stakeholders.

It will also serve as a veritable tool

for conflict resolution within the industry, he said.

He said the inauguration of the IICC has guaranteed the fact that the institute will be acting in concert with the rest of the industry in breaking down the barriers militating against insurance and financial literacy.

‘12 operators enough for insurance’

By Deji Fakorede

NAICOM reduces the number of insurance companies in the country.

According to him, the industry would thrive if there are few companies that are strong.

He further said instead of insurers’ spending money on in-

Equity Assurance pays N556m claims

QUITY Assurance Plc said it has paid over N556 million as claims for policyholders between January and August, this year.

Giving breakdown of the payment, the firm explained that fire claim had the highest figure of N198,759,849.28 followed by motor insurance N189,581,860.86.

General accident claim amounted to N90,565,467.92 while marine claim was N44,874,679.94. Claims from Oil & Gas was N24,372,069.87. Engineering had the least with N8,447,518.50 claims.

Managing Director of the underwrit-

• From left: President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mrs Laide Osijo; Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel and Lawal at the event.

ing firm, Dr. Ekpe Ukpabio said the company has lived up to its responsibility to its customers. He added that it reflected the financial strength of the company and the ablity to stand by its policyholders in their time of need.

According to him, the company has an uncompromising stand towards claims settlement adding that a customer-friendly claim process is in place to ensure timely settlement of claims with the interest of customers in mind.

This he said is in line with its core values, promptness and excellent customer service.

surance awareness campaign, they should itemise their claim settlement to boost awareness.

Speaking on the institute’s charter, Omoboyowa said it would soon be accomplished, adding that a bill on it is with the House of Representatives.

On fees payment, he said: “We are not happy with fees paid to

us by insurers and we have been discussing with them. We have also visited the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA).

“Although the council members have indicated their willingness to consider a review of the fee scale as soon as the Insurance Act 2003 is being implemented and yielding positive results, we are hopeful that loss adjuster busi-

ness will get better in the country.

“The International Federation of Adjusting Associations (IFAA) has made provisions for Associate membership with the existing fellow membership and this will enable ILAN associate member to apply through the institute to become an associate of the world adjusting body.”

well as cash benefits for protecting the holder or the family in the natural course of events like disability and accidental death.

He said the plan, by virtue of its special structure, is an ideal policy for a progressive young persons.

He said: “While the premium payable by the policyholder is competitive, the benefits are sufficiently attractive and among them are: regular cash payments on survival; lump sum cash payments at death, family protection; accidental death benefit; waiver or premium disability benefits and guaranteed insurance option.

“The company is constantly striv-

ing to be more responsive to the needs and yearnings of customers in realisation of the fact that the organisation is primarily in business to satisfy its esteemed customers.”

The company said it has also reviewed its information communication technology (ICT) application to business.

“We are also working on other traditional products to make them more user-friendly because our focus now is on the customers. What we are trying to do is for them to always come back to make repeat purchase; we want to have satisfied customers, because here, the customer is king.”

Niger Insurance introduces Cash Plan policy

N

IGER Insurance Plc has introduced Niger Cash Plan into the market to encourage people to plan.

Managing Director of Niger Insurance, Kola Adedeji, explained that rather than just catering for people after they might have suffered misfortune, he believes people should be given the opportunity to project a financial earning for the future, while at the same time getting insurance value for them and their dependants.

According to him, the new policy is designed to provide the holder with income in the form of cash payments at regular intervals, as

Cost of flood insurance soars

A

FTER a decade of storms like Katrina, Rita and Sandy, the National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP) has had to borrow billions from the US Treasury to pay claims, insure.com reports.

According to the Casualty Actuarial Society, the NFIP never charged an actuarially sound rate

for flood insurance to begin with.

More than 30 per cent of homeowners have subsidised policies under the program, since they couldn’t afford coverage, and many more were undercharged.

Worse, too few property owners even purchase flood insurance, which means a lack of revenue for

the NFIP. Now, add climate change to the NFIP’s problems. A recent report commissioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) raises the question of whether climate change will make the cost of flood insurance unaffordable for most of us by the end of the century

— if not before.

The report predicts that because of climate change, for inland areas, the average increase in both river depth and the area in the flood plain are expected to increase by 45 percent by the year 2100. Areas classified as part of a flood plain would increase by over 100 percent for

portions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coasts, and up to 50 per cent along the Pacific Coast.

Here comes the water

Susan Pino, a director for actuarial, risk and advanced analytics at Deloitte Consulting, explains that modeling shows three things happening:

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

30

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 6-09-13

Costain's directors mull restructuring over losses, corporate failures

D

IRECTORS of Costain (West Africa) Plc are scheduled to meet next week to consider decisive measures to be taken to rescue the ailing construction company.

Regulatory filing obtained

by The Nation indicated that the main agenda at the meeting is consideration of urgent measures to be taken to halt the downspin and resuscitate the struggling 65 years old construction company.

According to the report, directors of Costain would deliberate on possible restructuring strategies, the wobbling financial position of the company and its consistent failure to meet prerequisite post-listing and disclosure requirements.

The first construction to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Costain has struggled with streak of losses and poor corporate compliance records over the years.

The NSE imposed a sanction of N2.85 million on the company for failure to submit its 2011 audited report within the timeline, a similar situation that led to higher fine of N3.6 million for the 2012 audited report. It was also fined N575, 505 for failure to obtain the necessary approval from the NSE before announcing the appointment of an external auditor.

Latest audited report and accounts for the year ended March 31, 2012 showed a generally negative performance outlook. With declining sales, increasing losses and negative working capital, significant erosion of the net assets had heightened concerns about the prospects of the construction company.

-Equities in mild rally with 0.43% weekly gain

By Taofik Salako

Total turnover dropped from N9.20 billion in 2011 to N7.39 billion. Total cost of sales and administrative expenses stood at N9.11 billion in 2012 as against N8.39 billion in 2011, setting the background for the huge increase in loss before tax from N880.82 million to N1.93 billion. Loss after tax rose to N1.85 billion in 2012 compared with N1.25 billion in 2011. On this, each ordinary share carried a loss of N1.71 in 2012 as against N1.15 in 2011. With this, shareholders' funds dropped by N1.93 billion from N6.61 billion to N4.68 billion. This implied reduction in net assets per share from N6.10 to N4.32. The company struggled with a negative working capital of N1.10 billion in 2012 as against N1.02 billion in 2011.

The latest report, though worse, followed similar fundamental pattern since 2008.

For numerous shareholders that had bought into the company's message of restructuring and turnaround in 2007, it's not only the recent losses that count but the unyielding depreciation that has taken over a company which they bought into its corporate message of turnaround and public offer at N13 per share.

With the emergence of Shoreline Energy International Limited as the new core investor in Costain, the company had floated a combined rights and public offer in December 2007 with a view to raise N8.04 billion. Nearly three-quarters of the shares were offered to pre-qualified

existing shareholders under the rights issue at a discount of N11 per share. New investors paid N13 per share to buy into the public offer. As the application lists closed, investors had watched eagerly as their share price hit a high of N26.55 per share by the end of January 2008. But between 2008 and now, shareholders have lost on both counts. With no dividend whatsoever, Costain's share price opens today at N1.22 per share.

Meanwhile, turnover at the NSE last week stood at 1.14 billion shares worth N14.13 billion in 24,122 deals. The financial services sector topped the activity chart with 704.56 million shares valued at N5.99 billion in 13,362 deals. The trio of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Arbico Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc were the most active stocks with combined turnover of 334.613 million shares worth N2.602 billion in 2,434 deals, about 29.4 per cent of aggregate turnover volume during the week.

In spite of the downtrend that dominated trading sessions, the overall market position still retained some growth. The All Share Index (ASI), the value-based index that tracks all equities on the NSE, recorded a week-onweek gain of 0.43 per cent to close at 36,403.95 points as against its week's opening position of 36,248.53 points.

Aggregate market capitalization of all equities also increased from value-on-board of N11.497 trillion to close at N11.591 trillion, reflecting marginal capital gains and supplementary listing of shares by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI).

A total of 3.125 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each were added to the outstanding shares of ETI following the completion of the special placement by ETI to Public Investment Corporation of South Africa.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 6-09-13

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

31

MONEY LINK

CBN: Fed Govt earned N938b in June

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the weekend said Federal Government retained revenue was N938.29 billion in the second quarter ended June. The CBN said in its Economic Report for the second quarter that total expenditure was N1.2 trillion.

The report said the fiscal operations of the Federal Government resulted in an estimated deficit of 4.8 per cent of estimated nominal Gross Domestic Product for second quarter 2013, compared with the quarterly budget deficit of 3.1 per cent of estimated GDP. It said Nigeria's crude oil production, including condensates and natural gas liquids, was estimated at an average of

By Collins Nweze

1.93 million barrels per day (mbd) or 175.63 million barrels for the quarter.

Crude oil export stood at 1.48 mbd or 134.68 million barrels for the quarter, while deliveries to the refineries for domestic consumption remained at 0.45 mbd or 40.95 million barrels.

Also, the average price of Nigeria's reference crude, the Bonny Light(370 API) fell by 8.8 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter.

Foreign exchange inflow and outflow through the CBN amounted to $9.44 billion and $12.45 billion, respectively, resulting in a net outflow of $3.01 billion during the quarter. Foreign ex-

change sales by the CBN to the authorised dealers amounted to $10.77 billion, compared with $4.65 billion in the preceding quarter.

The average exchange rate of the Naira against the dollar at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) window remained unchanged at N157.30 per dollar, but appreciated marginally by 0.03 when compared with the level in the corresponding period of 2012.

Available data indicated mixed developments in banks' deposit and lending rates. The spread between the weighted average term deposit and maximum lending rates widened by 1.34 percent in the preceding quarter.

Also, the margin between the average savings deposit and the maximum lending rates, also widened by 0.43 percentage point. The weighted average inter-bank call rate rose by 0.34 percentage point in the second quarter of 2013, reflecting the liquidity condition in the inter-bank funds market.

The report said provisional data indicated that the value of money market assets outstanding for the second quarter of 2013 increased by 5.9 per cent, in contrast to the decline of 0.6 per cent at the end of the preceding quarter. The development was attributed, largely, to the 5.6 per cent rise in FGN Bonds outstanding.

Diamond Bank engages entrepreneurs on capacity building

D

IAMOND Bank Plc at the weekend, held its 36th BusinessXpress Enterprise Series for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) during which it advised participants on how to grow their businesses.

The Head of SME, Chima Nnadozie, said the lender understood that banking is not just about offering customers financial services alone, but seeing how it could add value to their businesses.

Nnadozie, who was represented by Segment Manager, MSME Proposition Segment Manager, Cheta Agbo, said: “In as much as they need money to grow their businesses, they also need knowledge to drive the business.

So we are trying to provide a platform in such a way that as we grow a business, we are offering multiple things that support their growth.”

He said Nigeria has 18 million SMEs contributing about 50 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which he described as massive. He said banks need to extend their contributions to the SMEs sector, adding that

Diamond Bank is committed to providing the support that SMEs need to move their businesses to the next level.

He disclosed that the bank is supporting the SMEs with the realisation that the wealth of a nation is directly connected to the level of entrepreneurship in that nation.

“We are supporting the growth of

K

SMEs because we recognise that the future of this nation lies in the hands of entrepreneurs, so any energy expended in building that sector cannot be wasted. It is something that is going to benefit the economy in years to come,” Nnadozie said.

He noted that the business express seminar is a complete package of ev-

erything a bank could provide to a small business to enable it grow.

The facilitator, Olugbenga MarkGeorge, of Mark-George Consultants, said the purpose of the seminar which is being hosted across the country, was to support owners of SMEs grow their businesses through capacity building.

Keystone Bank inaugurates trade portal

EYSTONE Bank Limited has introduced a trade portal to support the international trade activities of its customers.

In an address presented at a customers’ trade forum in Lagos, the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, described the product as a simple endto-end solution that supports manufacturers, importers, and other companies engaged in foreign exchange transactions.

He said the portal would also help customers initiate trade transactions from the comfort of their offices, homes or anywhere they are.

Besides, he said new trade patterns would lead to new financial instruments and new ways of adding value for customers. This, he pointed out would also drive trade transactions in the economy.

Ikeazor said the forum was vital as governments and various bodies have continued to emphasise the significance of international trade to the growth of the economy.

“As a country, we cannot afford to wait while other nations are moving ahead with various bilateral arrangements which will not only redefine global trade flows but also deploy-

ment of resources and investment flows.

“As an industry, banks must be more proactive in engaging with all stakeholders, including the regulatory community. This is the reason we invited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), importers, exporters and other stakeholders to be part of this forum.

Comptroller-General, NCS, Inde Dikko, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General, Aber Benjamin, acknowledged the lapses and delays caused by the service providers at the ports.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS 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

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

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 JOSBREW PRESTIGE VONO IHS IPWA TRANSEXPR AFRIPRUD CUTIX CONTINSURE JBERGER

O/PRICE 4.27 0.52 1.27 2.56 0.75 1.00 1.84 1.75 1.22 71.50

C/PRICE 4.69 0.57 1.39 2.80 0.82 1.09 2.00 1.90 1.32 74.70

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

CHANGE 0.42 0.05 0.12 0.24 0.07 0.09 0.16 0.15 0.10 3.20

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

O/PRICE 0.92 0.82 1.04 0.82 10.99 65.30 2.14 2.75 18.04 60.00

C/PRICE 0.83 0.74 0.94 0.78 10.66 64.00 2.10 2.70 17.72 59.00

CHANGE 0.09 0.08 0.10 0.04 0.33 1.30 0.04 0.05 0.32 1.00

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

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

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 30-08-13

SYMBOL INTENEGINS IKEJAHOTEL WAPIC ABCTRANS UBN GLAXOSMITH MANSARD FIDELITYBK STANBIC UNILEVER

M

AINSTREET Bank has committed over N10 billion for the procurement of fertilizers, the Managing Director, Mainstreet Bank, Ms. Faith Tuedor-Matthews, has said.

Ms. Tuedor-Matthews, who spoke at the just concluded Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja, lauded the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda in introducing the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS).

She said the GESS has offered an effective framework for supporting small farmers who are the drivers of food production and agricultural development in the country, adding that the bank’s successful intervention in the procurement and distribution of fertiliser, has impacted about one million farmers.

She stated that following from the success achieved in the GESS scheme, Mainstreet Bank is developing a project initiative in partnership with willing state governments to support funding of primary production activities in rice, sorghum, cassava, cotton, soya beans, and Maize.

The target beneficiaries for this product shall be small farmers who have major buyers or Agro processors.

Ms. Tuedor-Matthews emphasized four critical steps that should be embraced by stakeholders, which includes the need for greater investment in Research and Development (R&D) in the seeds sector, quality control of the seeds to ensure standards, deliberate branding of the seeds to achieve market differentiation, as well as investing greater effort on general awareness.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Mainstreet Bank commits N10b on fertilizer

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

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

32

ISSUES His action beat every stretch of imagination! On August 24, 13-year-old Daniel Ohikhena found his way into the tyre hold of an airplane at the Benin Airport. He hid in that compartment until the Arik Air Plane got to the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. How did he beat security checks to hide in the tyre compartment of all places? Did he know the implication of his action? Daniel has since been released to the Edo State government by the State Security Service (SSS) which kept him for days. What did the SSS find out from him? KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR reports

A teenager’s daring air ride

T

HE aviation sector is once again in the eyes of the storm over the stowaway story of a teenage boy

who beat security checks at the Benin Airport to get into the tyre compartment of an aircraft belonging to Arik Air that landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Like a movie with an intriguing plot, the circumstances leading to how the boy got into the aircraft tyres before it landed in Lagos are still unfolding.

Allegation of dereliction of duty is being levelled on Arik Air and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),Captain Folayele Akinkuotu said the regulator is investigating the circumstances that may have led to the incident, promising to sanction any party found wanting in the incident.

Master Daniel Oikhena was released last Tuesday after he spent 11 days with operatives of the State Security Services (SSS), apparently answering questions on how he got into the tyre compartment of Arik Air aircraft as a stowaway from Benin Airport.

Though he has been released to officials of the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to undergo another round of questions at a correctional facility, the effect of his adventure flight in the tyre compartment of the aircraft still remains a huge puzzle to watchers and players of the sector.

As the industry was coming to terms with the adventure of Daniel, another resident around the Benin Airport, Mr Leroy Ugaga, 25, was arrested last Monday for runway incursion at same Benin Airport.

The man described as a trespasser, according to FAAN, was trying to gain entry to the airside, before he was arrested.

Aviation experts say the incident has exposed the industry where issues of security and safety at airports has polarised the sector.

Questions are being raised as to how the teenager found his way into the tyre compartment.

Could there be insider threat or abuse?

Was there any security lapse at the Benin Airport? Could the infraction have occurred because of lack of perimeter fencing at the airport?

These are some of the questions the tripartite investigation being carried out by FAAN, NCAA and the SSS would answer in the days ahead.

Some experts in the sector have raised concerns over the failure of the pilot to abort the flight after some passengers observed that they saw a boy around the aircraft when it was set to take off at the runway.

An aviation security expert, Group Captain John Ojikutu (Rtd), said the pilot

• Murtala Muhammed Airport

• Daniel after his arrest

ought to have aborted the flight and get airport security personnel to double check the aircraft before finally embarking on the trip.

Ojikutu said: "What happened in Benin Air-

‘

port, you need to find out the security programme of the aerodrome. Every airport and airline that operate there ought to have a security programme in place.

What happened in Benin Airport, you need to find out the security programme of the aerodrome. Every airport and airline that operate there ought to have a security programme in place. What is the status of the airport access control? What is the status of the airport perimeter fence for a teenager to pass through access control to enter the airport and enter the aircraft?

’

“What is the status of the airport access control? What is the status of the airport perimeter fence for a teenager to pass through access control to enter the airport and enter the aircraft?

According to him, there is need to take a second look at the security programme and that of the airlines operating from the airport.

“The airline has a security programme in place. A passenger observed that he saw somebody under the aircraft. What was reasonable for the pilot to have done accordContinued on page 33

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2013

33

ISSUES

•Aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah

• Ojikutu

A teenager’s daring air ride

Continued from page 32

ing to regulation, was for the pilot to abort take off.

“It was for the pilot to turn the aircraft back, do an inspection on the aircraft, ask all passengers to disembark, do a proper check, search the aircraft to ensure there was nothing before allowing the aircraft to take off.

"What is FAAN’s security programme for access control and perimeter fencing? I have said one thing clearly and it is that there is no airport in this country that has a security fence. What we have is a perimeter fence which is only complying with Annex 14 of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It is not aviation security. For you to comply with Annex 17, is for the airport authority to have a security fence,” he said.

The retired Airforce chief said the best that could be done with the perimeter fence is to enhance it with adequate security measures for it to be Annex 14-compliant, lamenting that the MMIA does not have a security fence.

No airport in this country has a security fence, the best they have is a perimeter fence, he added.

“I have been telling them since 2006 that we do not have a security fence around the airports. What we have is mere perimeter fence and the government is building terminal buildings around the whole place.

“So, we need a security fence. Everything borders on access control and perimeter fence. There is no control. ICAO prescribes that you must provide six metres control from the fence, this does not exist in Nigeria.

“The security arrangement in Nigeria as it affects airport perimeter fence does not meet the requirements if Annex 17 of ICAO on security, not a single airport,” he said.

He said further FAAN was complying with Annex 14 of ICAO, which does not cover airport security, stressing that it only tells the boundary of the land area. “You must comply with Annex 17, which is security. If you do not have sufficient land to do it, you must be able to control the other side of your airport perimeter fence, which must be six metres away from the fence from outside.

“In Nigeria we cannot control it because people have built on the other side. So, we are not complying with Annex 17. This problem now is the problem of NCAA, it should go and investigate in Benin, the nature of the perimeter fence, the nature of the access control,” he added.

According to him, NCAA should look at the airport security arrangement, once it discovers any deficiency, it should do an audit or a survey of the airport and act on its findings.

“NCAA needs to do that very quickly. It needs nobody to tell it, especially under the condition we are with the obvious security challenges including Boko Haram.

“But they are not doing that, yet the agencies are making noise. If there is any breach of the security programme, there should be sanctions," he insisted.

An industry analyst, Olu Unhunayo said: "This is not the time to trade blame, what if the boy was carrying a bomb? Please we should put heads together on how to solve this matter. FAAN and the airline are to be blamed. There is no perimeter fence at our airports, all the airports must be fenced to

• Ohunayo

keep people or animals from straying into the airport environment especially the runway.”

Speaking through its Media Officer, Mr Banji Ola, Arik Air, said: “The pilot of Arik Air flight W3 544, departing Benin Airport for Lagos at 9.00am today August 24, 2013 reported to the control tower the presence of a strange boy in the bush about 200 - 300 meters at the end of Runway 23.

“Officials at the Control Tower told the captain that they were sending security men to the place to arrest the boy. As the captain was making his final turn, preparatory for take-off, a cabin crew called his attention to the information by some of the passengers that they saw a boy running towards the airplane.

The First Officer confirmed that they had observed it earlier and alerted the control tower which responded that they have sent the patrol team to arrest the boy.

“The captain again reported to the control tower and was informed that the situation was under control and that he had been cleared for take-off. On arrival at the domestic wing of MMA, Lagos, a teenage boy, who apparently had sneaked into the aircraft main wheel well jumped out and was arrested by Arik personnel and handed over to FAAN security.”

The management of the airline expressed shock over the incident wondering how the teenager beat the aviation security personnel at the Benin Airport to get to the runway.

Arik Air's Managing Director Mr Chris Ndulue said: "We are worried by the incessant security lapses at our airports. We are appealing to the management of FAAN to immediately address the problem."

Reacting to the indictment by Arik Air, FAAN’s General Manager, Mr Yakubu Dati said it is regrettable that the airline is holding the airport authority liable for the infraction.

He explained that Arik Air acted with impunity, by not stopping the aircraft to check when the crew and ground personnel 's attention was drawn to an abnormality on the Tarmac.

According to Dati, the procedure for such infraction is for the crew to abort the flight and return to the apron for check-up. “It is revealing that Arik Air accepted that their attention was drawn to the presence of foreign bodies on the tarmac. Why they ignored this vital safety precaution reveals their disdain for following safety procedures,” he said.

He blamed the airline for the problem, warning that the airport authority will not tolerate such infraction from any operator.

He said: “This is an arrant display of impunity. The aircraft should not have taxied further, but return to the apron until a

‘

proper check is carried out on all parts of the aircraft.

“FAAN will not tolerate such impunity henceforth from Arik or any airline. Any violation would be met with applicable sanctions.

"The facts of the matter as FAAN's investigation has revealed, are completely different to the Arik account.Our investigations reveal that a passenger on board the flight called the attention of the cabin crew while the aircraft was waiting to take off at the threshold of the runway, to the effect that they had seen a young boy walk under the aircraft and had not seen him reappear either side.

“The cabin crew in turn informed the pilots in the cockpit about this. The pilots called the control tower and asked them to request FAAN to do a sweep of the area after their departure, opting to carry on with their flight despite the report.

“Immediately upon the departure of the aircraft, FAAN's security did another sweep of the area and found nothing unusual.

Upon the arrival of the aircraft in Lagos, we were informed that there had been a stowaway found alive alighting from the wheel well of the aircraft,” he said.

According to him, given that security is a responsibility for all players in the industry, a critical last opportunity to detect and prevent this stowaway was offered and had the airline taken the information by passengers as seriously as they should have, this incident would have been avoided.

He said FAAN was dealing with a number of legacy problems stemming from neglect over the years. “One of these is the perimeter fencing of airports across the country, which either did not exist before or have deteriorated significantly. A decision was made by this administration to prioritise the perimeter fencing of every FAAN airport.

This is a major undertaking and we are following an aggressive program to achieve this at all its 22 airports,” Dati said.

He said as a result of the incident, FAAN has further tightened risk amelioration procedure to ensure that a similar incident does not occur.

He said since 2011, the fencing of major airports across the country has started with some level of completion in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Lagos.

Dati said the fencing of other airports is in line with the infrastructure upgrade of the airports, but that the project was delayed because of inadequate funds.

He said the government is considering fast-tracking of funding to see the airport perimeter fencing through.

Dati said: "We have already started the perimeter fencing of all airports in the country

We are worried by the incessant security lapses at our airports. We are appealing to the management of FAAN to immediately address the problem

’

in terms of planning. But, we are doing in phases, sector by sector. It is part of of the strategy of the airport security master plan.

The delay in the project is due to the myriad of challenges the sector is going through.

“The remodelling of the airports has attained up to 90 per cent with the installation of safety and security equipment are completed.

“The fencing of the major airports are on going, because of the importance we attach to safety. We have also strengthened our procedure for safety by improving on ramp inspection of the tarmac through the synergy we have with other security agencies.

“But, the major challenge we have now is inadequate funding and the procedure for getting approval.

“Security remains on the front burner to ensure we meet the requirement for airport certification," he said.

He continued: “We have sent our security officials to carry out investigations about the circumstances that led to the incident in Benin Airport.

“Anybody found guilty will receive appropriate sanctions. Government will execute appropriate sanctions, wherever the leakage is we are going to look at it. The teenager did not beat our security. It is just that the airline pilot was not patient to have gone back for another check. The teenager was detected, the pilot did not do back to go for review,” he said.

An aviation industry union leader, Comrade Benjamin Okewu, said the airlines, FAAN, and all the security agencies must work together, to nip in the bud any security breach and there must be 24-hour patrol around the perimeter fence of the airport.

FAAN said it has taken additional security measures to forestall runway incursions at all the airports, especially those without perimeter fences. This is in response to the recent stowaway incident that occurred at the Benin Airport on August 24, 2013.

First, at every airport without fully functional perimeter fence, a FAAN security vehicle will be deployed to a point within full view of the aircraft as it taxies out to take off and maintain visual scrutiny and if necessary to respond to any situation until every departing aircraft is safely airborne.

Secondly, bushes at all airports are to be cleared to ensure full view of the perimeter, to allow both the control tower, FAAN Fire and Rescue observation posts and aviation security patrol teams have a sweeping view of the perimeter of an airport from their duty posts.

Again, static observation posts will be erected at strategic locations within the perimeter fence of the airports to forestall premeditated and inadvertent unauthorised access to the airside. This will be complemented by motorised and foot patrols.

FAAN lamented that the absence of perimeter fences at most of the airports poses a challenge to it because of the huge capital required in their construction, adding that some of them are as long as 40 kilometres.

34

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 , 2013

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Berger Paints holds the distinctive records of being the first paints factory in Nigeria and the first paints and chemical company to be quoted on the stock market. It has since sustained its preeminent position as a leader in the paints industry. Capital Market Editor, TAOFIK SALAKO, reports that ongoing recapitalisation will create opportunities for future growths and returns

What intrinsic values for Berger Paints?

T

HE Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) Industrial Index indicates the robustness of the industrial goods sector, largely made up of two subgroups-cement manufacturing and paints and chemical companies.

The NSE Industrial Index opens today with a year-to-date return of 55.13 per cent, almost a double of the average return at the stock market. The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that serves as benchmark for all equities on the Exchange and doubles as country index for Nigeria, opens today with year-to-date return of 29.65 per cent. Unlike the ASI which tracks all equities on the NSE, the NSE Industrial Index is a representative index with selected active stocks forming the benchmark for the entire sector.

The NSE Industrial Index thus consists of 10 stocks while there are 26 stocks under the industrial goods sectors at the NSE. The index-making stocks included four paints and chemical companies, four cement manufacturing companies, a packaging company and an electrical and electronic company. The paints companies are Berger Paints, CAP, Paints & Coatings Manufacturing Company and Portland Paints and Products Plc. Other stocks in the index are Ashaka Cement, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, Dangote Cement and Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, Beta Glass and Cutix Plc. Besides the significance of the industrial goods sector’s return over the average overall market return, returns by other sectors are significantly below industrial stocks. The NSE Banking Index starts trading today with a year-to-date return of 14.67 per cent. The NSE Oil and Gas Index opens with 24.27 per cent. The NSE Insurance Index has average return of 17.45 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods Index places a return on board of 21.31 per cent while the NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised stocks at the stock market, indicates average return of 27.07 per cent. The above-average return of the NSE Industrial Index illustrates both the intrinsic strengths of the constituent stocks as well as the overall industry outlook for the building and construction industry.

Industry outlook

The building and construction industry is regarded a growth industry with immense potential for operators. With the government focus on infrastructure and private sector initiatives in housing and infrastructure, Nigeria is a large expanse of building and construction projects. The largest country in Africa, with more than 170 million population and in critical need of development of infrastructure, the need for capital projects especially in housing and roads has continued to grow year-on-year. Nigeria’s stable Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth has also enhanced the outlook for the building and construction industry, given that it is generally accepted that the level of GDP per capita positively correlates with the level of building and construction activity. The continued optimisation of existing production capacity and planned installation of a new production line to increase production capacity by several companies in the sector underline the robust future outlook for the building and construction and allied sector.

Besides being a major part of the building

2013

2014

2015

2016

and construction sector, the chemical and paints subsector stands to benefit from Nigeria’s burgeoning oil and gas as well as transportation sectors.

In all these, Berger Paints holds substantial stake as a pioneer and leader in the paints and chemical subsector. Incorporated in Nigeria on January 9, 1959 as British Paints (W.A.) Limited, Berger Paints derived its legacy name from Lewis Berger, the German colour chemist who founded the Berger Paints’ dynasty of London in 1760. It commenced business in 1961 by importing paints from its principal partner in the United Kingdom in March 1962. It subsequently commissioned its factory in Lagos, which made history as the first paint factory in Nigeria. It added another first when it became the first paints manufacturing company to be quoted on the NSE. Over the years, Berger Paints has developed a large portfolio of decorative and industrial paints, marine and protective coatings, automotive and vehicle refinishes and allied products. In many instances, it pioneered the product range that set the new trend for industry growth. These products included Berger Fire Retardant Texcote, a textured finish that it pioneered and which its short-code, Texcote, became the generic name for textured paints.

Growing the margin

In a bid to enhance its competitive edge in the paints and allied products industry, Berger Paints has been initiated several strategic plans to strengthen its manufacturing, marketing and delivery processes. One of the key thrusts of these initiatives is the ongoing recapitalisation of the company, being led by the core investors and directors.

Berger Paints is offering about 72.46 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at N7.50. The offer price implies a discount of some 16 per cent on the company’s market price of N8.70 at the stock market. While shareholders have opportunity to request for additional allotment subject to availability of renounced shares, shareholders can also alternatively trade their renounced shares at the NSE. Application list for the rights issue opened on August 20, 2013 and the rights are being offered on the basis of one new ordinary share for every three ordinary shares held as at May 31, 2013. The net proceeds of the offer amounting to N521.71 million will be used primarily for the modernisation of the company’s manufacturing operations. According to the breakdown of utilisation of net proceeds approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NSE, the net proceeds would be used primarily to purchase and install water-based plant and solvent-based plants from Spain. Besides, the company plans to invest additional N150 million out of its operating cash flow in support of the modernisation.

Chairman, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mr. Clement Olowokande said the modernisation was the main thrust of a strategic plan to ensure that the company continues to operate at the forefront of paint technology by replacing its aging manufacturing infrastructure.

According to him, the modernisation of the company’s factory operations would lead to improved efficiency that will posi-

tively impact on turnover and profitability.

He noted that Berger Paints has always been the standard-setter in the industry with enviable records of pioneering wide range of popular special products.

Olowokande said the company has taken several initiatives and entered new partnership that would greatly enhance its products and services in the paint and coating industry in the period ahead.

He expressed confident that the company would record significant growth and improvements in its operations in the years ahead in order to create better value for shareholders.

Besides, the company also plans to commit substantial investments on major improvements of its distribution channels.

Berger Paints also recently entered into partnership agreement with KCC Corporation of South Korea, one of the largest paints and chemical manufacturing companies in the world, a new partnership that expectedly will enhance its products and services. Under the arrangement, both companies will jointly serve the Nigerian paint and coating market in the first instance and thereafter, the broader business community of West African States. Berger Paints will provide KCC with ease of access it requires to operate in Nigeria as well as a strong platform to access the growing marine and protective coating market in Nigeria while KCC Corporation will contribute advanced technology, technical and training support as well as research and development. Already, KCC products are internationally certified and qualified to operate in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Managing Director, Berger Paints Plc, Mr. Tor Nygard, said the company decided to partner with KCC Corporation, the largest coatings manufacturer in Asia, to offer the growing maritime market superior products that are comparable to competition.

According to him, the introduction of KCC brands was a demonstration of Berger Paints’ commitment to providing customers with real choice and widest range of marine and heavy duty coatings that meet the specific needs of their vessels, ship, fleets, offshore and mainstream operations.

While diversifying its products base, the company has also been investing in allied assets that could provide diversified revenue stream. It recently commissioned a N650 million building materials and related products shopping complex in Abuja, as part of its diversification strategy. The complex, which is located in the Central Business District (Wuse II District) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, is expected to have great impact on the company’s income from this year onward.

Financial mismatch has been the main weakness of several companies that had embarked on expansionary initiatives. Several companies that had resorted to shortterm bank loans to finance their business development plans often ended up with interest burden, which neutralises earnings and stifles value-creation potential of the expansion to the ordinary shareholders. In most instances, shareholders will then be called upon to refinance the short-term loans with equity funds, in order to give the company a breather from mounting interest expense and in some instances, loan-induced

2017 2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

•Mr Nygard

losses. This is one of the strategic benefits of the decision by shareholders of Berger Paints to finance the next strategic investment of the company with equity funds. Why wait until the interest expense becomes a drag?

Although it is the second most capitalised chemical and paints company, Berger Paints has the second lowest outstanding shares in the subsector. With 217.37 million ordinary shares currently outstanding, the addition of 72.46 million shares will increase postoffer outstanding shares to 289.82 million shares, still the second lowest issued shares in the subsector. Higher earnings and relatively low issued shares will translate into high basic earnings per share, which will enable the company to declare above-average dividends and still build up reserves, which it can return to shareholders later in form of bonus shares. Most analysts also see high net basic earnings per share as a driver of share price appreciation.

Besides, the rights issue option underlines the confidence of the directors and key shareholders in the prospects of the company. CAB (Overseas Holdings) Limited, United Kingdom, holds 11.26 per cent equity stake in Berger Paints while directors and key Nigerian shareholders hold the largest stakes. In a strong demonstration of firm opinion on the fairness of the offer price, the lead issuing house has underwritten 30 per cent of the rights issue on a stand-by basis. In effect, the lead issuing house will come up with 30 per cent of the offer value where the shareholders failed to pick up such shares. No discerning investor will fail to notice the significance of the preparedness of the directors and key shareholders as well as the lead issuing house to lead the fund raising. It points to the current discounted value of the share as well as the future earnings.

Forecasting the earnings

On the basis of the expected new equity funds and the outlined modernisation project, directors of Berger Paints estimate that average dividend yield would be 11.73 per cent over the next five years. The company is expected to sustain stable and substantial dividend payout over the years. With profit after tax projected to rise steadily to N328.4 million, N429.18 million, N478.17 million, N541.7 million and N597.1 million in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, earnings per share is expected to follow the uptrend at N1.13, N1.48, N1.65, N1.87 and N2.06.

Shareholders will receive dividend per share of 70 kobo each for 2013 and 2014 and thereafter N1 per share yearly from 2015 to 2017.

These show substantial returns at current offer price. Dividend yield is expected to be 9.33 per cent in 2013 and 2014 while this will rise to 13.33 per cent annually from 2015 to 2017. Substantial returns will also be locked into the reserves for the shareholders with earnings yield expected to rise steadily from 15.67 per cent in 2013 to 19.73 per cent, 22 per cent, 24.9 per cent and 27.47 per cent in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

According to the forecasts, turnover is expected to increase to N3.46 billion in 2013 and subsequently to N4.08 billion, N4.56 billion, N5.08 billion and N5.64 billion in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . Profit before tax is estimated at N482.94 million for 2013 and thereafter at N631.14 million, N703.19 million, N796.67 million and N878.09 million in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

An average yearly dividend yield of 11.73 per cent will expectedly drive share price appreciation, creating additional values for investors through capital gains. For investors seeking to hedge against possible stock market downtrend and hoping to lock in stable stream of incomes, Berger Paints’ projections offer exciting opportunities.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

35

MONEY MARKET REPORT

Improved banking regulation creates quality loans for SMEs E

NHANCED banking regulation by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sharpened banks' loan assessment skills, making the lenders to create better loan options for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

The SMEs sub-sector currently faces constraints which tend to limit its ability to realise its full growth potentials. These constraints have been identified to include competition, infrastructure, taxes, accounting, management, marketing, economic planning and poor funding. Poor economic conditions, which also implie poor finance and inadequate infrastructure, have been identified as the most crucial factors.

This position was corroborated by other studies which identified financial support as one of the main factors responsible for small business failures in Nigeria.

Speaking during a Small and Medium Scale (SMEs) seminar organised by Skye Bank in Lagos, it's General Manager, Retail Banking, Mrs. Arinola Kola-Daisi, said reforms in the banking sector have also put higher risk management systems in place, ensuring that SMEs get loans and repay them as at when due.

She said the banking sector is well regulated now than before, making loan approval process strict, as banks no longer experiment with depositors' funds, adding that banks now look at ways of improving customer services and helping emerging businesses to grow.

Mrs. Kola-Daisi, said SMEs constitute an important vehicle for national development as they have the capacity to integrate a large segment of the populace in productive economic activities. Specifically, she said the economies of the Asian Tigers or Asian Dragons of the highly free and developed Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, owe their rise to economic pre-eminence to an extent, to the existence of well-organised and efficiently run SMEs. She noted that the Tiger Club Economies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, follow the same exportdriven model of economic development pursued by the four dominant Asian Tigers where SMEs constitute a sizeable vehicle of bringing about development and have remained so till this day.

She said SMEs remain a tool for employment generation and providing opportunities for entrepreneurial sourcing, training, development and empowerment. Developing nations such as Nigeria characterized as low income earners by the World Bank, value SMEs for several reasons.

She said SMEs have generally achieved decent levels of productivity, especially of capital and factors taken together while also generating relatively large amount of socio-economic development. The SMEs sector is viewed as being populated by firms most of which have considerable growth potential.

The Skye Bank SME seminar tagged: 'It is Possible' was meant to tackle financing challenges being faced by the subsector headlong. It was attended by young business owners and entrepreneurs who are bogged down by the constraints of finance and other stifling conditions to chart a success path for their growing businesses.

The seminar was one of the bank's contributions to support and promote the growth of SMEs as the growth engine of the Nigerian economy. The well attended seminar was not only rich in content but the experience sharing was also pivotal as it helped boost the resolve of those present to continue to work hard for success to beckon.

It had in attendance many operators in the SMEs sector who came to gain fresh and new insights and trends into the operations, financing and management of SMEs. Declaring the seminar open, the bank's Managing Director, Kehinde DurosinmiEtti, represented by Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Timothy Oguntayo explained that the lender organised the seminar as part of its contributions to the development of SMEs in the country.

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

•Durosinmi-Etti

‘The SMEs sub-sector currently faces constraints which tend to limit its ability to realise its full growth potentials. These constraints have been identified to include competition, infrastructure, taxes, accounting, management, marketing, economic planning and finance’

By Collins Nweze

He said the SMEs sector was an important sector as it provides more opportunities and employment than the mining, oil and gas sectors. Indeed, the sector can increase economic opportunities for those who have not been able to participate directly in large-scale projects. "‘Without doubt, the SMEs sector has the capacity to drive and encourage indigenous business and rural economic development that help people create wealth and contribute to national development’", he said.

Durosinmi-Etti said the SMEs sector has the capacity to solve Nigeria's rising unemployment challenge adding that the lender would continue to play the role of a facilitator and development partner to help young businesses grow and realize their full potentials to the benefit of the nation, the people and the economy.

Managing Director of the Wedding Store, Mrs. Bolanle Koya, advised start up enterprises to shun ostentatious life style but to work on improving their offerings until their services or products have become successful and embraced in the market.

The entrepreneur took the audience down memory lane about how she started small, shunned a life of flamboyance at the beginning and how she overcame the initial challenges of access to funding.

According to her, small enterprises should grow organically and be mindful of cost.

Another entrepreneur, Chinedu Nwobi who is the Managing Director of Everrise Wire and Cable Limited, told participants that the business which started as a trading concern some years ago is now into manufacturing of cable and wires.

According to him, after leaving school and serving his apprenticeship, he chose to deal

in original cable products.

This, he said, set him apart from the others who were selling sub standard materials. Before long, his fame and acceptance became widespread and opened flood gate of opportunities for him. He urged the participants to build their businesses on honesty, integrity, and trust.

He said ideas are also key in starting up a successful business. He said entrepreneurs also need to be creative to succeed. He said customer service is a key factor that determines whether a business succeeds or not.

"When customers are well treated, they see you as a friend. When you allow customers to know that as your business is growing, they too, will be growing, they will give you their support," he said.

Nwobi said small businesses also need to address the issue of succession plan. He regretted that in many small businesses, once the owner dies, the business also dies.

He said building an investors' team that will spell out succession plan, ensures that business continues when the owner dies. He also advised small business owners to run their firms with integrity. He said, doing so pays, not only in the short run, but in the long run.

Skye Bank officials said the SMEs seminar series would continue and many entrepreneurs would be supported to grow their business from small enterprises to large manufacturing outfits that would in near future attain the status of global brands.

Role of leasing in project financing Leasing has also been identified as a significant financing alternative for projects and businesses that would create wealth for the economy, Executive Secretary, Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), Andrew Efurhiewe, has said.

He explained that globally, leasing has been

‘Without doubt, the SMEs sector has the capacity to drive and encourage indigenous business and rural economic development that help people create wealth and contribute to national development’

used to facilitate the sale of vendors' goods, enhance lessors' profits and grant lessees the access to productive assets.

He said the lessor, vendor and lessee, need to collaborate for them to achieve set objectives. "There exists a communication gap between the lessor and vendor which must be adequately bridged to produce a more robust leasing environment.

He said the potential of leasing is high, considering the low lease penetration in Nigeria in comparison with other countries, stressing that there is need to regulate the activities of vendors in order to check the unscrupulous acts of some that are detrimental to the growth of the industry," he said.

Efurhiewe said professionals should facilitate accurate valuation of leased assets and create a strong secondary market for used assets. He said improved synergy between lessors and vendors will create growth and employment for the economy.

He said ELAN is going to liaise with vendors and other stakeholders to create an efficient leasing industry that will continue to build wealth for the economy. He said the body will continue its proactive initiative by bringing to the membership fold reputable vendors and work towards setting standards for their dealings with lessors.

Lessors should know their vendors very well and ensure they understand their products to enable them educate the final users of the assets, he said, stressing that Vendors should support efforts of ELAN, in its pursuit of establishing the leasing law aimed at improving the regulatory framework for the leasing industry that will invariably create more businesses for vendors.

DMO The Debt Management Office (DMO), said it is looking for an international bank and a local lender to act as co-arrangers for N80 billion depository note to be issued this year.

The debt office in a notice, said it has appointed a sole depository bank and an arranger for the offering, but did not give any names. Hoever, a source at DMO said Nigeria has mandated Citibank to act as the depository bank. Bids for co-arrangers are due on October 3. Nigeria is increasing the amount it borrows from overseas to around 40 per cent of all debt over the next three to five years, from 12 per cent, seeking lower funding costs.

The debt office in May said it would issue N80 billion in global depository notes this year, after a $1 billion Eurobond, to deepen its footprint in international debt markets.

Citibank and Deutsche Bank acted as advisers on the $1 billion Eurobond issued in July, which was four times oversubscribed.

Nigeria also plans to issue $100 million in Diaspora bonds this year and is seeking advisers. The DMO said the depository note will be documented under U.S. rules and listed in Europe.

Money market review Rates across all tenors moved higher by an average 230 basis points (bps) last week.

The call rates gained 262 bps, while the 180days rates gained 216 bps. Week-on-Week however, rates jumped by an average 600bps across all tenors. The call and seven-day rates both climbed the highest week-on-week by 730 bps to 19 per cent, and 19.3 per cent respectively. The Nigeria Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) is expected to re-stabilize back in the coming weeks.

In the Treasury Bills market, liquidity eased following the maturity and repayment of N97.2 billion Open Market Operation (OMO) bills by the CBN. The apex bank subsequently mopped up excess liquidity selling N84 billion in OMO bills.

Forex market review The CBN last week, offered $600 million at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS), while a total of $525.1 million was sold, $266.6 million on Monday and $258.5 million on Wednesday's auction respectively. The Marginal rate at both auctions remained at N155.76 to a dollar.

The Naira however lost 50 kobo Week-onWeek at the inter-bank market, to close at N163.60 to a dollar from N163.10 to a dollar previously.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

36

DUE DILIGENCE

Unilever Nigeria: Still tight

By Taofik Salako

•Thabo Mabe

U

NILEVER Nigeria Plc continues to walk the path of narrow sales growth and muted margins. Earnings reports in recent periods show striking similaritiesrelatively low sales growth amidst tight margins. Earnings report for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 showed top-line growth of 10.2 per cent but net earnings after tax dropped by 3.2 per cent, underlining the decline in average pre-tax profit margin from 14.19 per cent to 13.35 per cent. With these, basic earnings per share slipped to 72 kobo by June 2013 as against 75 kobo recorded in comparable period of 2012.

Audited report and accounts of the fast moving consumer goods company for the year ended December 31, 2012 had shown almost a standstill position as the conglomerate struggled with slowdown in sales and rising interest expenses. While it ostensibly leveraged on largescale global purchasing power to reduce relative cost of sales and create larger top-line profit, a double in financing charges sapped the midline, leaving the conglomerate with almost flat bottom-line.

With negligible 1.5 per cent increase in profit after tax and just difference of 8.0 kobo between distributable earnings per share and previous dividend payout, the company was constrained to retain dividend payout at N1.40 per share. The constraints also reflected in underlying returns, which slipped to lower levels in 2012. The2013 half-year bottom-line suggests possibility of a flat dividend payout again this year.

Financing structure

The audited report for 2012 showed that total assets increased by 13 per cent from N32.25 billion in

2011 to N36.50 billion in 2012. Current assets had dropped by 8.4 per cent from N16.13 billion to N14.78 billion. Total long-term assets meanwhile improved significantly from N16.12 billion to N21.72 billion. Total liabilities however grew by 17 per cent to N26.46 billion in 2012 as against N22.62 billion in 2011. Liabilities had grown on the back of 18 per cent increase in current liabilities from N18.9 billion to N22.33 billion and 11 per cent rise in long-term liabilities from N3.72 billion to N4.12 billion. While paid up share capital remained unchanged at N1.89 billion, shareholders’ funds inched up from N9.64 billion to N10.04 billion. The underlying financing structure weakened in 2012 with debt-to-equity ratio of 43 per cent as against a zero immediate bank loans in 2011. The proportion of equity funds to total assets also slipped from about 30 per cent to 28 per cent while current liabilities increased to 61 per cent of total balance sheet size as against about 59 per cent in 2011.

Long-term liabilities amounted to 11.3 per cent of total assets in 2012 compared with 11.5 per cent in 2011.

However, the disproportionate growth in assets and liabilities in first half of 2013 impinged on the equity base of the company. Shareholders’ funds dropped to N7.49 billion by June 2013 as against N10.04 billion recorded by December 2012.

Total assets had increased slightly from N36.50 billion in December 2012 to N38.13 billion by June 2013.

Total liabilities rose from N26.45 billion in December 2012 to N30.64 billion by the end of June 2013.

Efficiency

Tight cost management and stable productivity underpinned a relative efficiency outlook. Total cost of business, excluding financing charges, was 84 per cent of total sales in 2012 as against 84.9 per cent in 2011. It had in the previous year achieved considerable improvements in employee productivity and cost management with average contribution of each employee to the bottom-line improving appreciably from N6.19 million in 2010 to N7.46 million in 2011.

Profitability

In 2012, Unilever Nigeria’s profitability outlook was coloured by the almost standstill in its market share.

fared better with 11.3 per cent growth The profit and loss accounts showed from N9.76 billion to N10.86 billion. spirited efforts by the management Operating profit however pared to cushion the adverse impact of the down with an increase of 8.8 per cent top-line slowdown on the bottomto N4.34 billion as against N3.99 billine, holding tightly to costs. In the lion in comparable period of 2012. immediate, the cost management The bottom-line was further constrategy helped to stabilize both strained by interest expense, with actual and underlying profitability profit before tax rising by 3.7 per cent measures. Turnover stood at N55.55 from N3.82 billion to N3.96 billion. billion in 2012, a marginal improveAfter taxes, net profit dropped by 3.2 ment on N54.73 billion recorded in per cent to N2.74 billion compared 2011. Cost of sales meanwhile with N2.83 billion. The underlying dropped by 2.4 percent from N34.72 margins showed decline in the unbillion to N33.90 billion. Lower cost derlining profit-making capacity. of sales nudged gross profit to While gross profit margin increased N21.65 billion in 2012 compared slightly from 36.26 per cent to 36.6 with N20 billion in 2011, indicating per cent, operating profit margin an increase of 8.2 per cent. Total opslipped from 14.82 per cent to 14.63 erating expenses-including adminper cent. Profit before tax margin istration and distribution expenses; declined to 13.35 per cent as against rose by 8.3 per cent to N12.74 bil14.19 per cent in comparable period lion as against N11.77 billion in preof 2012. vious year. While non-core business income was steadied between N215 Liquidity million in 2012 and N209 million in The liquidity position of the con2011, a 119 per cent increase in figlomerate weakened further in 2012. nance charges from N428 million Current ratio, which generally relates to N935 million impacted negaeasily available assets to similar potively on the bottom-line. Profit tential liabilities, declined to a low before tax thereafter closed 2012 at of 0.66 times in 2012 as against 0.85 N8.19 billion as against N8.02 biltimes and 0.99 times in 2011 and 2010 lion in 2011. Profit after tax was also respectively. The negative working almost flat with negligible increase capital further built up to approxiof 1.5 per cent from N5.52 billion to mately 14 per cent of total sales in N5.60 billion.

2012 compared with 5.1 per cent and Underlying profit-making indices 0.4 per cent in 2011 and 2010. Debtalso showed similar top-down stiffors/creditors ratio closed 2012 at 38 ness. While gross profit margin per cent as against 34 per cent in 2011. improved from 36.6 per cent in 2011 to 39 per cent in 2012, average preGovernance and structures tax profit per unit of sale was stunted Unilever Nigeria is the earliest at 14.7 per cent. Return on total aspublicly quoted conglomerate. With sets slipped from about 25 per cent some 100,000 shareholders, it has one to 22.4 per cent while return on eqof the largest diversified shareholduity dropped slightly from 57 per ers base. Incorporated in 1923, it was cent to about 56 per cent. listed on the stock exchange in 1973.

Further earnings analysis showed Individual and institutional Nigerian earnings per share of N1.48 in 2012 compared with N1.46 in 2011, a difference of 2.0 kobo. The bottom-line obviously provided no headroom for dividend increase, no matter the consideration of the directors. The board of directors thus reasonably decided to retain dividend payout at the same rate. Gross dividend and dividend per share remained unchanged at N5.30 billion and N1.40 respectively. Unless it unlocks new opportunities, there is little room 2008 2009 for any future dividend increase with dividend cover at 1.06 times and 1.04 times in 2012 and 2011 respectively.

Latest earnings report also showed similar outlook. Turnover rose by 10.2 per cent during the sixmonth period 2011 ended June 30, 12 months 2013 to N29.67 billion as against N26.92 30,835 billion re54,725 corded in cor2008 2009 responding pe34,723 riod of 2012.

20,002 Gross profit 11,765 209 428 Fiscal Year Ended December 31 2012 8,018 % 5,515 146 Financing structure 5,296 Equity funds/Total assets 27.5 140 Long-term liabilities/Total assets 11.3 255 Current liabilities/Total assets 61.2 Debt/Equity ratio 43.4

Fiscal Year Ended December 31 Nmillion

2012 12 months

% change

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)

NA 55,548 33,902 21,646 12,739 215 935 8,186 5,598 148 5,296 140 265

0.0 1.5 -2.4 8.2 8.3 2.9 118.6 2.1 1.5 1.4 0.0 0.0 3.9

19,266 21,719 5,638 14,778 36,497

35.0 34.7 3.9 -8.4 13.2

14,267 16,123 5,426 16,127 32,250

14,782 4,359 22,333 4,122 26,455

-8.0 0.0 18.2 10.7 17.0

16,068 0 18,892 3,723 22,615

1,892 10,043

0.0 4.2

1,892 9,635

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

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

shareholders currently hold 49.96 percent equity stake in the conglomerate while Unilever Group holds 50.04 per cent majority equity stake through Unilever Overseas Holdings B.V. There were no notable changes on the board of the company during the year. His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe still chairs the board of directors while Mr Thabo Mabe still leads the executive management team as managing director.

Unilever Nigeria complies with international best practices and codes of good corporate governance.

It is one of the predictable companies in terms of voluntary compliance with extant rules and regulations.

Analyst’s opinion

The performance of Unilever Nigeria shows that the conglomerate needs to open up new market opportunities to stimulate the top-line while sustaining efficient cost management strategy. While cost management strategy can help to stabilize both actual and underlying profitability measures in the immediate period, the sustainability of such in the absence of top-line breakthrough is doubtful and precarious.

Besides, it had been noted that though its low liquidity position might not pose a serious drawback given its overall credit worthiness and global group, Unilever Nigeria needs to back-up its rapid expansion and ambitious target of doubling its business size with appropriate financial mix, especially equity funds that can provide the much-needed linchpin for long-term growth. The rising gearing ratio and declining liquidity underline the urgency of financial rebalancing.

2010

2010

2011

2012

2011

2012

2011 % 29.9 11.5 58.6 0.0

39.0 14.7 22.4 55.7 1.06

36.6 14.7 24.9 57.2 1.04

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

84.0

7.46 3.50 84.9

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

0.66 -13.6 38.1

0.85 -5.1 33.8

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

37

• Welders fixing a damaged oil pipeline

It used to be a job looked down upon. It is no longer so, as the educated can now be found in welding. What happened? There are now lots of opportunity to make money from the job. In the next three years, the government plans to create 35,000 welding jobs from the exploration of three deepwater oil fields. LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

Welding no longer for drop-outs I

N the next three years, Nigeria is to create 35,000 jobs from the exploration of three major deepwater oil fields by Shell, ExxonMobil and Total.

The projects are Shell’s Bonga Southwest, ExxonMobil’s Erha North and Total’s Egina oil fields. The projects have received the approval of the Federal Government, while the oil majors are bracing for the execution of the projects.

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Ernest Nwapa said about 20,000 tons of welding/fabrications jobs for the three projects would be carried out incountry.

The Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW), a body set up to regulate professional practice, said about 80 per cent of

the works in the oil and gas sector of the economy is related to welding, adding that the country should leverage on this and build indigenous capacities to grow the economy.

For job seekers, this is another window of opportunity to earn a decent living in welding/fabrication.

Academic requirement

Making a career out of welding does not require a college degree. A welder could obtain a certificate within six months. But whether a welder gets patronage depends on his skill and most jobs require passing a hands-on welding test.

Choosing a career path

Job and advancement opportunities

abound in welding than any other career choice. Welders are needed in almost every industry and those who want to advance their career have the ability to do so with additional schooling. Welders can find career opportunities in inspection, engineering, robotics, education, project management and sales.

Travelling opportunities

Welding jobs are done everywhere ranging from the bottom of the ocean to outer space and everywhere in between! Welders have opportunities to travel. Travelling jobs typically pay the most and there is no shortage of openings. Welders who travel for a living are known as “Road Warriors”. The road warrior lifestyle is a culture and a way of life for many people. It is a small commu-

nity of welders and craft professionals that literally live on the road, eat out every night and get paid very well to see the world.

Travelling jobs: Industrial shutdowns

Welders who work on industrial shut downs travel from place to place helping the industries that manufacture products keep their plants operating trouble free.

Industrial shutdowns typically last from a few days to a few months. For most people doing this type of work, the traveling is done within about a 1000 mile radius of their home. Welders who work shut•Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

38

JOBS •Continued from page 37

Welding no longer for drop-outs

downs typically spend six months out of the year on the road and the other six months taking time off.

Ship building, repair

The ship building industry literally has communities built for welders to live because of their need for skilled welders. Shipyards are always hiring welders known as “independent contractors” to fill the job openings they have when fulfilling large contracts. Welders can help build specialty research vessels to aircraft carriers. People who work in shipyards typically travel to the ports where the work is to be done. Shipyard jobs can last a few weeks to a few years depending on how many ships need to be built. Some welders that specialise in ship construction and repair travel yearly.

Military support

The military always needs welders to support the troops. Jobs in this category are typically run by contracting companies that specialise in building infrastructure and repairing military equipment. Building pipelines, repairing tanks and outfitting military vehicles are some of the works welders do.

On-board ship maintenance, repair

Life can literally be a cruise working to maintain and repair passenger ships. This type of work requires the welder to live on the ship while it travels the world. Ships always require welders to keep replacing pipes and doing repairs while the ship is out at sea. Working on a cruise ship means you can literally be in a new country every week. Welders who work on cruise ships not only get paid well but receive free room and board, chef prepared meals, access to all of the amenities and a lifestyle that most people only get to experience once in a lifetime, if at all.

Pipeline installation

Pipe line welders travel where ever there are pipe lines being installed or repaired.

The three new deepwater oil fields scheduled to be developed soon in Nigeria offer opportunities for welders. This type of work often requires the welder going to rig for weeks and this translates to good earnings for the welder.

Underwater welding

Welders can work at the bottom of the world’s oceans. This is a highly specialised skill that can take can take the welder to places. Underwater welders travel the world going from one job site to another.

Skilled welders are hot cakes

Welding is one of the few career choices that are in high demand at all times. Since welders are needed in almost every industry, it gives them the flexibility to switch industries without changing careers. Welding has endless opportunities that keep fueling the demand.

• Adeniyi

• Nwapa

collar job

You can earn fat

A highly skilled welder can earn the salary of a doctor or a lawyer. Welding is one of the very few skills that can earn you a six figure income without a college degree.

Highly skilled welders that are willing to travel and/or work in hazardous conditions can earn well over $100,000 a year! Here are some examples of welder salaries: Travelling industrial pipe welders earn anywhere between $50,000 and $185,000 a year.

Under water welders can earn $100,000 to well over $200,000 a year.

Military support for welders can start at $160,000 to more than $200,000 a year in the Middle East.

When it comes to welding, the salaries vary a lot. It all depends on how skilled you are and how far you are willing to travel. Local jobs typically don’t pay much or require a lot of skill. On the other hand if a student learns to weld pipe and is willing to travel then the salaries are almost too good to be true. As a welder, your career is what you make of it. You can earn as little as $20,000 a year or you can take your career seriously and shot for the top.

Welding, the ultimate green

Green collar jobs are where the energy industry is going. There is a need for alternative energy sources but at the moment nobody knows what source of green energy will come tops.

As a welder it does not matter what energy sources will be the winner. Welders are going to be needed no matter what is built as long as it is made of metal. The safest bet for a green collar job is welding because no matter what technology is developed welding is a needed to make it a reality.

Awesome future

Welders have always been in demand. It does not matter what the economy does as long as there is an industry that is thriving. As a welder you can change industries in a moment’s notice without changing careers. In recent years there has been a recession that hit many careers hard but welders simply shifted to working in the ship building industry.

Looking into the future, our country’s infrastructure has been crumbling for decades and a lot of money is being spent on developing alternative energy sources. Welders are a major part of these industries. It does not matter if it is building bridges, nuclear power plants, windmills or drilling for oil. Welders are going to be needed as long as the world needs energy, infrastructure and defence products. It just comes down to the world’s economy’s cannot survive without the

‘As a welder it does not matter what energy sources will be the winner. Welders are going to be needed no matter what is built as long as it is made of metal.

The safest bet for a green collar job is welding because no matter what technology is developed welding is a needed to make it a reality’

technology of welding. The future outlook for welders just keeps looking better while other career choices seem to be fading away.

About three years ago, NIW earned its provincial Authorised National Body (ANB) status of the International Authorisation Board (IAB), a feat that made NIW and consequently Nigeria, to be the only country within sub-Saharan Africa and the second only on the continent after the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) authorised to run the International Institute of Welding (IIW) qualification examinations directly.

The scope of approval granted NIW for IIW qualification examination cadres encapsulates the International Welder (IW), International Welding Practitioner (IWP), International Welding Specialist (IWS), International Welding Inspection Personnel (IWIP), International Welding Technologist (IWT) and International Welding Engineer (IWE).

ANB-Quality Representative in Nigeria, Ayo Adeniyi said welding is not a closed profession with stringent entry requirements. According to him, welding personnel which include the welder, the welding inspector, welding supervisor, welding designer and welding engineer can be attained with minimal educational qualification. “The qualification for you to become a welder ranges from Ordinary Level School Certificate (OL/SC) to professorship. This means if someone has OL certificate, such a person could put in for training as a welder. Similarly, a person with higher educational degree could also choose to go into the welding profession. As I explained, the welder is the last person that joins the designs while the inspector is also there to do his work with the engineers, all acting within the value chain,” he said.

He said the body was working with the NCDMB to actualise the vision of the Federal Government. “Welding takes about 75 per cent of the works in the oil and gas sector. Nigeria is basically an oil and gas economy. So, if you want to create more jobs, then you must take a look at the welding content because that is where jobs can be created in-country. We are working towards meeting the aspirations of the Local Content Act. The IOCs have a penchant for wanting to repatriate funds by giving excuses that facilities are not in the country to fabricate some of the things needed in the oil and gas industry but the government insists these things must be done in-country,” he said.

Training of welders to international standard, he said, could be challenging because of its being capital-intensive. He said that should not be a morale dampener as people could get the basic training and acquire the international certification through “continuous professional self-development.”

“We just completed an international welding training. Another batch of welders will be trained in September in Port Harcourt. Though the government is also engaged in training welders through agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), it is the forces of demand and supply that determine who gets what and when in terms of job placement.

You cannot people and force them on the IOCs. The fact that somebody is trained does not mean the person is competent. Welding is a competency-based task and performance matters,” he added.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

T

HE first rule of resume writ ing is that there are no rules.

Resume writing, in that sense, is a Zen-like experience, and the closest thing to a rule you’ll encounter is the one that says, “Write tight.” But that’s true of all writing, not just resume writing.

You should never waste words.

Words gain power the more sparingly they are used. Why use two words when one can do just as well?

Everything else about writing a powerful resume isn’t rules but more a set of guidelines for what will get you the attention of the all-important hiring manager.

Does your resume have visual appeal? Is it in an attractive, easy-toread, 12-point font (or even 13- or 14-point, depending on the font)?

Is there plenty of white space? Are your headlines or section breaks clearly delineated from the body of the resume?

Beyond the aesthetics, there’s the “meat” of the resume itself. What kind of lead have you written? Does your copy above the first fold in the page compel the reader to con-

The first ‘rule’ of resume writing

By Olu Oyeniran

tinue through the resume? When the entire top third of your resume is taken up by contact information and your photograph, that’s nearly four inches of prime resume “real estate” gone to waste to serve the job seeker’s vanity. That applicant should have used that space for a simple yet powerful description of who he was and how he could alleviate the “pain” that had led to the job opening.

Farther into the body of the resume, is there clear demarcation between the sections of the document? In other words, can the reader easily tell where the Introduction ends and the Accomplishments and Skills section begins?

Most important of all, does your resume show accomplishments, or merely job duties? Do you show proof of your claim to “strong detail orientation,” or “leadership skills”? What about “communication skills”? Anyone can claim they

have strong communication skills; but what does that mean, exactly?

Conducting sensitive contract negotiations with union shop stewards or representatives of new suppliers takes one type of communication skills; directing a group of workers laying eight-inch poly pipe requires an entirely different set of such skills. They’re both communication skills. But do you see how important it is to describe each as a discrete activity, and not simply place them under the blanket category of “communication skills”?

In fact, throughout your entire resume, I advise you to add the phrase “So what?” after each bullet point, and answer the question.

That’s one way to determine if what you’ve written is an actual accomplishment or simply a job duty.

Employers don’t buy job duties, they buy accomplishments, results.

They already know what the job duties are. Your goal is to show

your potential employer how you achieved solid results at every job you worked at, how you made each job your own, and left each job better than it was before you arrived.

Which engineer would you hire: The one who says, “Responsible for utility plant waste water upgrade project for the instrumentation scope, basic engineering review, detailed engineering review and recommendations, along with engineering and project management team”? Or the one who says, “Installed cutting-edge waste water treatment system that cut annual hazardous waste expenses by approximately N75million”?

Do you see how this turns the message into a vibrant statement about what you will do for the potential employer?

Watch any TV commercial: whether it’s for shampoo, a household cleaning product, soap, or whatever. The commercial isn’t about the product’s history or

about what it’s made of. No, when they’re selling you shampoo, for instance, they sell you on how great your hair will look when you use the product.

You want to paint a picture in the employer’s mind of you meeting the employer’s needs, so that before s/he is even finished reading the resume, that employer is at least thinking of bringing you in for an interview. For years, Palmolive dish detergent ran commercials showing a manicurist using the product to soften her customers’ hands.

Yes, there are no “rules” for writing resumes. There are, however, certain guidelines to be followed.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your resume winds up in the hiring manager’s “Yes” pile.

•Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

39

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

GOKE ILESANMI

A

T a wedding reception where I was serving as the master of ceremonies in Lagos recently, one of the people that naturally ought to help handle one of the areas of the programme refused (before the actual day) to accept to come out and speak for just two minutes on the day. He turned down all my appeal that I would equip him with necessary training before the day so that he could be confident.

Possible excuse

If we had not had enough time ahead of us to do necessary confidence-boosting training and rehearsal, I would have attributed his fear to lack of knowledge of what to say, technically referred to as ignorance-induced fear. Given the way he closed his mind to the idea of ever coming out to face the crowd on the day, I could sense that he was (and is) suffering from psychological fear that borders on self-perception. We did not have any option but to use

What self-image do you see in your mirror? another person who was ready for me to train him to perform the task.

And he performed brilliantly and was applauded by the audience. At this point, the man who had refused to perform the task became jealous and dejected.

Every human creature has been created to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. This means that deep within us lies a seed of greatness and success hitching for germination and harvest. We have the ability to accomplish our God-given purpose, but allowing our talent or ability to manifest is our responsibility. And self-image is critical here. Please let me ask you this question: “What self-image do you see in your psychological mirror?”

You need necessary empowerment to break your negative psychological mirror if you have one.

Related development

In a related development as regards negative self-image, Peter Bregman, a strategic advisor to CEOs and their leadership teams and author of “18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done” says after having given a presentation that received a standing ovation and left the stage on top of the world, he later read an angry email from someone and became angry himself. Following that, he did a fun on-radio interview and was later energised. He adds that a little later, he received feedback that he talked too much in a meeting and then he was embarrassed and disappointed in himself again.

Reality

If you have negative self-image, each new experience will determine

how you perceive yourself like the melancholic people whose mood alternates between the podium of despicable melancholic depression and enviable enthusiastic celebration or jubilation. If your concept of yourself is not fixed but simply a reflection of your latest interaction, then you are out of control, a victim of the prevailing circumstance.

Those who suffer from negative self-image tend to take credit for the positive experiences and blame others for the negative ones, in a bid to maintain their confidence.

According to Bregman, the problem with this strategy is that it requires a level of denial that anyone with a shred of intellectual honesty and a modicum of selfawareness would find difficult to sustain. In his words, “Eventually, reality overcomes self-deception.

No, I needed something more solid, an alternative to being tossed around by external events that didn’t rely on pretence. Then, one day, sitting in meditation, I found it (through meditation),” says Bregman.

Meditation/positive thinking

According to Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, author of “The Positive Way to Change Your Life”, there is a tendency in human beings to ultimately become precisely like that which they imagine or image themselves as being. Imaging is positive thinking carried one step further. We are what we think, and while a positive attitude of mind can literally change one’s life, a negative frame of mind will ultimately lead to destruction. The concept of imaging is a form of mental activity that consists of viv-

idly picturing in your conscious mind, a desired goal or objective, and holding that image until it sinks into your unconscious mind, where it releases great, untapped energies.

Permanence and Self-words of perception

The Self in you does not change when circumstances around you change. You are not a different person after a compliment and after an insult. You might feel different things after each, but you are not a different person. Connecting with your main Self is the key to maintaining your psychological balance, your peace, your clarity, and your judgment, even in the face of changing circumstances and pressures. Self-image is the idea that you have of yourself, especially of your abilities, character, and appearance. Depression affects people with a poor self-image.

Another synonymous word is “Self-respect”, defined as a feeling of being happy about your character, abilities, and beliefs. We also have “Self-worth”, defined as the feeling that you deserve to be liked and respected. There is also “Selfesteem”, defined as the feeling of being satisfied with your own abilities, and that you deserve to be liked or respected. Though these words are synonymous, they are not always accurately interchangeable because their meanings are in layers.

Efficacy

Self-image determines efficacy of self-respect, self-worth and self-esteem. This is because if you do not have a good idea of yourself, you cannot have a positive feeling and

even demand respect from other people. Based on the meanings of these words, it can be said that from a positive self-image, you climb the rungs of perception ladder to self-respect, which is still limited to yourself. From self-respect, you graduate to self-worth, which is about feeling that you have to be respected and liked by others.

From self-worth, you move to selfesteem which is the highest rung of the self-perception ladder. It is combination of being satisfied with yourself (self-respect) and expectation of respect and liking from others (self-worth). Two-in-one, you would say.

Another area

Another dimension to self-image is its effect on stress. Medical experts educate that perception of your own value and competence is crucial to how you deal with challenges and your capacity to handle stress. They reflect that if you value yourself and have a realistic sense of your own abilities and competence, you are likely to feel good about yourself and this will help you deal with stress in a confident way.

Last words

Self-image is also critical to personal development. Personal development is important from a personal and professional points of view and your happiness depends on it, as does the happiness of those close to you. Your self-image is an integral part of your personality, and it is your idea of whom and what you think you are. How you think about yourself very much affects your ability to exercise personal power successfully in your life.

WORKPLACE MATTERS

L

AST week, we said a great CV has two sections. We explained that in the first section, you make assertions about your abilities, qualities and achievements; and in the second section, you back up your assertions with evidence that you actually did what you said you did. We discussed Summary (of qualifications) segment halfway and said the segment consists of several concise statements that focus the reader’s attention on the most important qualities, achievements and abilities you have to offer.

(B) The Summary segment ... The summary segment gives you a brief opportunity to list a few of your most striking qualities. It is your one and only chance to attract and hold the prospective employer’s attention, to get across what is most important, and to entice the employer to keep reading. This is the spiciest part of the CV. This may be the only section fully read by the employer. As such, it should be very strong and convincing.

The summary is the one place to include professional characteristics such as, “An Energetic self-starter”; “Exceptional interpersonal skills”, etc. that may be helpful in winning an interview. Make sure every word in the summary is geared towards your targeted goal. To write a good Summary, you need to be conscious of the question, What would make someone the ideal candidate? Think of the qualities the employer will care about most.

Assertions section

(C) Accomplishments sub-

Boosting your job opportunities with good CV (3)

By Goke Ilesanmi

section This sub-section is the final part of the assertions section of your CV. Here, you go into detail. In short, you do exactly what you have done in the summary sub-section, except that you go into more detail. In the Summary sub-segment, you focus on your most special highlights. But here, you tell the rest of the best of your story. Let prospective employers know what results you have produced, what positively happened as a result of your efforts, what you are especially gifted or experienced at doing. Elaborate on the most important highlights in your summary.

By doing this, you are still writing to do what every good advertisement does. That is, communicating the following: “If you buy this product, you will get these direct benefits.” However, if this sub-section does not contribute to effective consolidation of your Summary highlights, you may not bother to include it.

Sometimes the accomplishments sub-section is a separate entity.

In a chronological CV, it becomes the first few phrases of the descriptions of the various jobs you have held.

Structural options

There are a number of different ways to structure the Accomplishments sub-section. In all of these options, put your accomplishments in order of importance for the desired career results. If you are endowed with

multiplicity of skills, the last skill paragraph might be called Additional Skills.

Here is how you could structure your accomplishments subsection: 1. Make a list of your accomplishments with bullets, e.g.

Selected accomplishments

• Won Most Outstanding Performance award as a reporter at X company in 2012.

• Exceeded sales target by N35 million in one month as a sales officer at Y company in 2011.

Evidence section

This is the second part of an effective CV. This name is only descriptive or suggestive in that there is actually no CV section basically tagged evidence. By evidence, we refer to all the mandatory and optional information you must include on your CV, e.g. chronological work history with dates, education, affiliations, list of software mastered, etc. It is better to place all this information in the second half of the CV. Put the strong part in the beginning, and all the less exciting information afterwards. This allows the prospective employer to have better information about where you have worked, how long, your education, etc.

In short, for your CV to be effective, there must be a striking assertions section, and a well-ordered “evidence” section for the sake of communicating that a great CV is not about just giving information but about advertising. Paradoxically, experts say

a great CV does not have the evidence section. It is not that the section is not there at all, but everything is considered one big assertions section. That is, every single word is deliberately framed to have the desired effect because a great CV is one big advert disguised as a history of your working life. The decisions you make concerning what information to emphasise and what not to emphasise should be based on your consideration of every word of your curriculum vitae as an important part of the assertions section. The evidence includes some or all of the following sub-sections according to experts:

Experience

Here, you make a list of jobs in reverse chronological order.

Nicholas Lore, an international career management coach says you do not need to go into detail on the job or jobs done early in your career but focus on the most recent and/or relevant jobs.

Lore adds that you can summarise the earliest jobs in one line or very short paragraph, or list only the bare facts with no position description. Decide which is more impressive: your job titles or the names of the firms you worked for; then consistently begin with the more impressive of the two, perhaps using boldface type.

You may want to describe the firm in a phrase in parentheses if this will impress the prospective employer. Put dates in italics at the end of the job, to de-

emphasise them. Exclude months, unless the jobs were held less than a year. Include industrial attachment and major volunteer roles if desired; because the section is tagged Experience. So it does not mean you can only include jobs you were paid to do.

Education

In this sub-segment, you list education in reverse chronological order, degrees or licences first, followed by certificates and advanced training. Set degrees apart to make them easily visible. Put in boldface whatever will be most impressive. Exclude any details about college except a major one.

Include grade point average only if over 3.4.

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 W e b s i t e : www.gokeilesanmi.com

40

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

L ABOUR

A

Shut Arewa Textile to reopen soon

FTER an eight-year closure, this ArewaTextiles Limited, Kaduna may reopen early next year, barring any technical hitch.

The management, it was learnt, is working towards reopening the firm in the next six months after defraying all bank debts and paying outstanding workers’ salaries estimated to be N1billion.

The company is said to have opened a refinancing deal with the Bank of Industry (BoI), for higher garment production on its return.

Officials of the National Union of Textiles Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) held a rally in Kaduna, where they told workers that their outstanding salaries and allowances would be paid before the firm reopens.

Workers, who defied a heavy rain to attend the rally, held at the plant’s main entrance, jubilated at the news of its planned return.

The Union’s Deputy Secretary-General, Chimezie Sylvester, who disclosed this during his addressed to workers, said the

Stories by Toba Agboola

daughter of the sole owner of the company, Dr. Nemile Achimugu, has opened discussions with the Union Bank Plc and labour on the plans to reopen the factory.

According to him, Achimugu called a meeting of all departmental managers, supervisors, senior staff union executives, and junior staff union executives to discuss the plans to revive the company.

The workers, he said, were notified that the management has signed an agreement with the receiver (Union Bank) to recover its assets and all security documents with the bank within six months.

He said the management and the Union Bank officials would enter the premises within two weeks to take inventory of what remains of the company, adding that within the next six months, the company would settle its debts to the bank and begin payment of workers entitlements.

Sylvester said the company intended to go into massive garment production, going by the direction of negotiations with

BOI. “We are hopeful that with the on-going efforts and commitment of Achimugu, workers’ entitlements would be settled as soon as possible and Arewa Textiles brought back to operation,” he said, assuring that the union remained committed and willing to cooperate with the Board of Directors of Arewa Textiles with a view to ensuring the settlement of the outstanding benefits of the workers and reviving the company.

On January 5, 2005, the management of Arewa Textiles Plc shut down the company.

Before the closure, Sylvester noted that workers’ salaries, allowances, gratuities and other entitlements of workers amounting to N1 billion were not paid, adding that the Union dues and other levies running into several millions, which management deducted from workers salaries, were also not remitted to the union. ”Prior to the closure, management on Monday, April 14, 2003 unilaterally terminated the appointment of about 342

workers while 481 were summarily dismissed for protesting the non-payment of backlog of salaries owed them by the company. ”The union promptly condemned and frowned at this action of management and subsequently sent a protest to the management. In order to ensure a peaceful resolution of the impasse, the Union held several meetings with the Management of Arewa Textiles Plc all to no avail.

“Due to the relentless pressure, management eventually called for a meeting of stakeholders (Stakeholders Forum of Arewa Textiles Plc.) on Monday, July 26, 2004, comprising members of the Board of directors, including the late Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief P. S. Aisha, management staff, senior staff association and workers’ representatives to resolve the issue”. ”Several meetings of management, union, Labour Ministry and security agencies were held and agreements reached and signed were either turned down or not implemented by Arewa Textiles.”

‘Our members’ welfare has improved’

T

HE President of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied

Companies (SSAEAC), Mr Bede Opara, said the union has raised the bar of unionism in the nation’s power sector.

Opara said the association under its present leadership has been able to negotiate better and rewarding welfare packages for its members nationwide, adding that it has been able to collaborate with other unions and stakeholders to make the voice of the workers to be heard on policies and issues relating to the power sector.

From left: Vice President, Association of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Oyinkansola Olasanoye, president Comrade Sunday Salako and General Secretary Comrade Friday, at a briefing in Lagos.

Labour urged to fight for minimum wage implementation

T

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have been charged to go beyond the mobilisation of workers against the Senate’s decision to move the national minimum wage from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List of the Constitution.

The unions have been urged to declare a national protest against the attempt by employers, in the private and public sectors, not to implement the minimum wage.

The organised labour has also been called to begin the mass mobilisation of workers and the poor for a 48-hour solidarity strike with mass protests and rallies to compel the Federal Government to immediately implement its agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and adequately fund education.

Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN), a new party for Nigerian workers and masses, made the call in its reaction to the communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC in Abuja.

According to the communiqué, the NEC resolved to, among other issues, mobilise against the Senate resolution to move Minimum Wage from Exclusive List to Concurrent List; participate/mediate in the current negotiation between the federal government and striking lecturers under ASUU; and take up labour issues in Anambra State.

The group, in a statement issued by its National Chairperson, Segun Sango, argued that many workers might not warm up to NLC’s mobilisation against the Senate’s decision on minimum wage, having not really benefited from the national minimum wage.

It therefore called on the labour leadership to start conscious mobilisation of workers against not just the Senate attempt to make minimum wage voluntary for governments and private sector, but also against attempt of various governments to rubbish the minimum wage law.

“The issue of minimum wage goes beyond issuing threats to the Senate.

Therefore, for the labour leadership to effectively mobilise workers against the anti-worker Senate, it must link this with the struggle to ensure full implementation of the national minimum wage.

“Given the unsatisfactory way the labour leadership had handled some struggles in the past, especially the cancellation, at the midnight of July 20, 2011, of the strike on minimum wage that had been adequately mobilised for and planned to begin on that day and the January 2012 struggle on fuel price hike, it is most likely that any call by labour for a general strike and mass action will be trailed by mass skepticism, even among workers and pro-labour activists.

“We therefore urge the labour leadership to immediately begin holding

mass meetings with workers and pro-labour activists to assure them of their commitment to struggle as part of the preparation for the suggested strike which should also include mass rallies and circulation of leaflets. This must also include immediate resuscitation of Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) that must come to stay as a fighting platform against all neo-liberal capitalist attacks on the working people and youth,” the group added.

On ASUU strike, the group kicked against the decision by the NLC to mediate in the current negotiation between the Federal Government and the striking lecturers, stating that the ‘negotiating’ approach of the Congress will lead to unwarranted compromise rather than helping the striking lecturers achieve their demands.

It argued that the NLC does not seem to be much interested in compelling the government, through direct support to ASUU and mobilising its members for solidarity action, to accede to the demands.

“With the terrible conditions of education vis-à-vis collapse of infrastructure and falling standards, it is only appropriate for NLC to mobilise its massive support for ASUU and its demands. To limit the issue of ASUU strike to the “interests of students” is like helping the government to pile up pressure on ASUU and force it to raise compromises that will neither end the agitations of ASUU nor resolve by any means,

Opara said members of the union have also been adequately equipped through capacity building and trainings which would be of immense help to them after their exit from the power company to the various companies being set up following the reforms in the industry.

The SSAEAC boss said due to the impact of the union in championing the cause of workers of the fomer Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the union would still be relevant during postprivatisation era of the power sector in the country.

Govt okays lifts, escalators, conveyors regulation

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the implementation of the Regulation on Lifts, Escalators and Conveyors (LECS), the Minister of Labour and Productivity Emeka Wogu, has said. that During the presentation of the regulation in Abuja, Wogu said the need to issue it arose from a noticeable gap in “our effort to protect all Nigerians at work in places where lifts, escalators and conveyors are put to us”.

He stressed that the gap has manifested in the form of increasing frequency of accidents, injuries and deaths associated with lifts, escalators and conveyors.

He said the invocation of the regulation was in exercise of the powers conferred on him as the Minister of Labour and productivity, by Section 49 (1) (b) of the Factories Act CAP F1, LFN 2004. ”The regulation before you which strengthens other provisions under Sections 24 and 25 of the Act, emerged from a painstaking consultative process which eventually received the approval of Mr. President, on June 3, 2012,” he said.

He stressed that safety of lives and property in workplaces is a collective responsibility. He

• Labour Minister and Productivity, Emeka Wogu

called on Nigerians, especially the media to create the needed awareness, not only about the regulation but the need for all persons using lifts, escalators and conveyors to maintain and operate them safely.

“Let me also emphasise that my ministry will not take lightly any violation by operators and will ensure strict enforcement through our labour inspection services,” he said.

42

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

POLITICS

43

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is on the prowl. Can he sustain the onslaught against the mainstream Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ride to the Presidency on the back of the crisis tearing apart the ruling party? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU revisits Atiku’s metamorphosis and the prospects and constraints of his struggle for presidential power.

2015: What is Atiku up to?

S

INCE the Turaki Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakr, placed his hand on the political plough, he has not looked back. The former vice president has remained a major factor. From his lip, stories of triumphs and turbulence on the sliding political field ooze out.

For him, life has not been a bed of roses.

It has been full of ups and downs. But throughout his sojourn in politics, he has been a consummate politician, great mobiliser, master strategist and crowd puller.

Atiku is today perceived as the arrowhead of the opposition in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He rode to that status of an internal opposition leader on the back of President Goodluck Jonathan’s abysmal performance in office and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s over-bearing posture as the national chairman. But his presidential ambition is also common knowledge. Thus, critics point out that Atiku is gathering forces, ahead of 2015.

His ambition to rule the country ambition had hit the rock four times. In the aborted Third Republic, he was projected by his mentor, the late General Sheu Yar’Adua, the founder of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).

That was when the Military leader, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), excluded him and other key politicians from the race.

At the Jos convention of the proscribed Social Democratic Party (SDP), he stepped down for the late Chief Moshood Abiola, who emerged as the flag bearer.

In 2003, many governors served as campaign managers for Atiku. They believed that, if he contested, he would beat his boss, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, (rtd), thereby saving them from persistent persecution. But the former Vice President failed to seize the moment.

At midnight, he directed his supporters, who were in the majority, to endorse Obasanjo, In 2007, he tried his luck again. He was more determined. However, some circumstances forced him to defect from the PDP to the defunct Action Congress (AC), where he contested as the sole aspirant. But he was defeated in the severely flawed presidential election by the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’ Adua, the younger brother of his deceased leader, Gen. Yar’ Adua.

Also, in 2011, Atiku picked up the gauntlet. He was on the firing line again. After returning to the PDP, he entered the ring with President Goodluck Jonathan, who was deputy governor of Bayelsa State, when he was the number two citizen. At the regional level, he beat General Babangida (rtd) at the screening organised for the Northern aspirants.

But the regional support collapsed at the Eagles Squares, Abuja, during the subsequent presidential primaries. Unlike 2003, when he was the man to beat, he had become a big elephant who lacked the speed of a lion. He lost to Dr.

• From right: Former Vice President Abubakar, Niger State Governor Aliyu and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at a press conference in Abuja.

Jonathan, who wielded the power of incumbency.

To discerning observers, the former Vice President is on the offensive again.

Sources said that he is putting his hat in the race at a critical point in national history. Democracy is on the edge and the President’s poor performance has compelled critics to make a case for genuine transformational leader. The North is agitating for power shift, based on an inexplicable agreement on presidential zoning between President Jonathan and few Northern leaders, who are yet to be known. The ruling party is in turmoil, torn apart by acrimony, intrigues, politics of exclusion and power game, ahead of the next elections.

The civil war in the PDP, according to analysts, is not an ideological war. It is an extreme self-seeking war being fought with a missionary zeal by the antagonistic gladiators to halt their imminent slide into political oblivion.

Since Tukur became the chairman, the party has not had a moment of respite.

As the ally and staunch supporter of the President, he is perceived as a foe by forces plotting to abort his second term ambition. The chairman, who may have been acting the presidential script, has tighten the noose against the President’s perceived enemies in the party.

However, when the party split at its recent rancorous national convention in Abuja, another opportunity opened for Atiku. The former Vice President, seven governors and other aggrieved chieftains were united by their hostility to the President and national chairman over the alleged irregularities that marred the national congress. Up came Atiku as the arrowhead of the Kawu Baraje’s faction of the PDP. Reminiscent of the manner he successfully led the anti-third term campaign, Atiku has been firing salvos at the PDP leadership, accusing it of dictatorship, violation of the party constitution and lack of democratic credential.

During the planning for the convention, his supporters have transformed the PDM into a political party. Confronted with the allegation of anti-party activities, he defended himself, clarifying that, although his supporters

formed the party, he is still a chieftain of the PDP. Many PDP stalwarts were not convinced by the explanation. The PDM national chairman, Bashir Yusuf, is a close associate and campaign manager for Atiku Campaign Organisation.

The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, a founding member of the PDP, cried foul, saying that Atiku could not single handedly transformed the political group into a political party without wide consultation and collective endorsement of the surviving members.

ANY agree that Atiku is always adorning his thinking cap. The Adamawa politician has always stayed glued to the drawing board. Like his boss, he has the reputation for anticipating challenges problem-solving. However, some of his associates believe that he had taken some steps in the past that cast doubt on his right judgment. This, they also point out, may be the only difference between him and Gen. Yar’Adua.

Atiku was one of the disciples of the great political wizard, strategist and mobiliser, Yar’Adua, son of the late Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua, former Minister of Lagos Affairs. Yar’Adua had served briefly as the Federal Commissioner for Transport before he became the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters in Obasanjo Administration. Atiku, the political son of the Tafida Katsina became the inheritor and beneficiary of the solid political machinery, PDM, the most outstanding and enduring political cult in the country. His main goal is to be enthroned in the nation’s apex political life. For him, there is no alternative path to self-actualisation.

For seven years, that is, between 1999 and 2006, he was bidding for his time.

His followers perceived him as the man of the future. But when that future came, certain circumstances made the realisation of the goal much more elusive.

Atiku was at daggers drawn with Obasanjo, who occupied a position of strength as a President with power of incumbency. If he had seized the storm in 2003, when it was evident that he had the support of the governors, who controlled the party structures and the bulk of delegates, the story would have

M

been different. Former Governors James Ibori of Delta State, and his Abia and Adamawa counterparts, Dr. Orji Kalu and Alhaji Boni Haruna, who were in regular contact with other governors, waited endlessly for a directive from the former Vice President to swing the pendulum of victory towards his direction. Obasanjo came down from his Olympian height to prostrate for Atiku to let him secure the ticket. Atiku gave his nod. That inaction and error of judgment became his undoing.

Without parading a chain of degrees from reputable universities, Atiku, the quintessential custom officer, reached the top of his career before he retired as a Deputy Director of Customs. He had built a network across the country, cutting across the entrenched aristocrats, traditional rulers, and political class. But whether he can reenact the political feats of Yar’Adua is a subject of debate.

The late Gen. Yar’Adua had three legacies. His organisational wizardry was legendary. He was able to gather and sustain a lot of ambitious politicians under the same roof, with the sole motive of acquiring power. Even the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the founder of the Action Group (AG) and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), could not penetrate all the geo-political zones.

Indisputably, for many years, Yar’Adua’s PDM has retained its national outlook and refused to be overtaken by the tremors of time.

Also, when the members of the PDP found themselves in different parties, the bond of unity was not severed.

From time to time, they have remained conscious of their political root. What seems to have made the PDM to fill the public consciousness is that the group is not rebellious to progressive and welfarist politics.

From the onset, Etiku was an integral member of the PDM kitchen cabinet, a dependable ally of Yar’Adua and confidant at the birth of the Peoples Front of Nigeria (PFN). He was not in the dark when it was resolved that the political machinery should join the defunct SDP, one of the two parties decreed into existence by Babangida. In fact, Yar’Adua was already on the fast lane to the Aso Rock when the presi-

‘The civil war in the PDP, according to analysts, is not an ideological war. It is an extreme self-seeking war being fought with a missionary zeal by the antagonistic gladiators to halt their imminent slide into political oblivion’

dential primaries was truncated by the military. At that time, the banning and unbanning of politicians characterised the dubious transition programme.

Yar’Adua was instrumental to the rise of Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe. But he later fell out with the seasoned diplomat. The late General was never taken unawares. He was an exponent of “Plan B”. He saw the handwriting on the wall.

Therefore, he decided to groom Atiku, his loyal associate, for the number one job. Thus, after he was banned from the race, he prepared Atiku for the contest. He faced Kingibe and Abiola at the Jos Convention. In those days, the embattled politicians were involved in a lot of horse trading. To defeat Kingibe, Atiku was asked to step down for Abiola at the shadow poll.

But deep gulf later ensued between the Tafida Katsina and Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland. The bone of contention was Abiola’s refusal to accept Atiku as his running mate, contrary to Yar’Adua’s calculation. The 14 SDP state chairmen made it impossible by throwing their weight behind Kingibe. The loss of the two slots-Presidency and Vice Presidency-pained Yar’Adua to the marrows. The only option left for him was to gain the control of the party by mustering strength to install Chief Tony Anenih as the SDP national chairman. It is an irony of political life that both Anenih and Atiku, who harmoniously defended the PDP’s interest at that time now divided by the power games of the postYar’Adua period.

After the annulment of the history 1993 presidential election, politicians were in disarray. Yar’Adua wanted to bounce back. Atiku was part of that scramble for power as a member of the PDM in the 1994 constitutional conference set up by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha. Along with Yar’Adua, he pursued the goal of setting a disengagement day for the military. Yar’Adua later died in mysterious circumstances in the prison, following his conviction over a phantom coup. After his demise, the bereaved PDM members started to look up to Atiku, the successor to the vacant stool of his mentor.

When Abacha died, the members of the PDM decided to participate in the transition programme of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. The group became the engine room and most formidable caucus in the PDP. It parading seasoned politicians, including Chief Sunday Afolabi, Chief Anenih, Prof.

Ango Abdullahi, Senator Jibril MartinsKuye, Alhaji Lawal kaita, Chief dapo Sarunmi, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun, Chief Yomi Edu, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Tony Adefuye, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi, Mrs. Titilayo Ajanaku, and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.

In 1999, Atiku dumped his presidential ambition. When he vied in 1993, it was not his personal ambition. It was Yar’Adua’s ambition in disguise. He returned to Adamawa and emerged as the governor-elect. Obasanjo, the President-elect, was just floating in the PDP. He had no root. He emerged based on three factors. The North had reluctantly conceded the Presidency to the Southwest. Some Northern elements believed that, when he was the military Head of State, he did not work against the interest of the region. Also, the military wanted to remain as a factor and power broker. No other Yoruba man could be trusted, since Chief Olu Falae refused to join the PDP. Obasanjo did not have any blue-print.

He had no premonition of his recall for higher service. He was the candidate of the people that wanted to fill •Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

POLITICS

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisah Metuh, spoke with reporters in Lagos on the protracted crises and efforts to reconcile the Kawu Baraje’s faction with the mainstream PDP. EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

H

Why Tukur cannot resign, by Metuh

OW is the leadership of your party responding to the protracted crises rocking the fold?

The present crisis rocking the PDP has shown clearly that we do not have a credible opposition in the country.

There’s no viable opposition. Definitely, we have issues and few challenges. The issues have been PDP and about PDP resolve our differences and we still fight our interest on a common front. Whatever opposition is minimal and insignificant and that of ineffective whatsoever. What the crises had shown is that there is no viable opposition in Nigerian politics. They have no effect on the political setting at the national level, except in some local government areas and states.

We are a big party. We had challenges, in terms of the interpretation of the constitution, procedure to run the party, ideas like people believing this is what we should be doing.

We appreciate that some colleagues, the governors want internal democracy. The National Chairman is committed and the NWC is totally committed to internal democracy in the party. But it depends on the description of internal democracy. Internal democracy and entrenching free and fair mechanism does not mean complete opposition to the party.

There is nowhere in the entire world that a party that has a government at the centre will start to fight the government at the center. As custodians of the party constitution, as people who are at the helms of ensuring, we are committed to makingthe organs of the party to work effectively. We cannot stand by opposing the government that we have at the centre; the President and the elected people we have, especially when we believe the President is doing well. So, we have no reason being at loggerheads.

We have gone to court. In the court, the so-called faction was restrained from parading itself. Their officers were stopped from parading themselves as elected people, especially when they claimed they were elected on 30th of August. If you are elected as the chairman and the secretary on 30th of August, how come on 31st August at Eagle Square, they sat down to participate in our own convention. It is difficult to comprehend what they are saying. That’s why we went to court for complete interpretation. We would put them on notice so that we can argue that

•Continued from page 43

the gap. The PDM members-Atiku, Afolabi, Sarunmi and Edu-were part of the numerous delegations asking him to return to power. Obasanjo had a nightmare selecting a running mate.

Four names were presented to himRimi, Bamanga Tukur, Prof. Abdullahi and Atiku. He settled for Atiku because of the PDM’s influence.

S the Vice President, Atiku was the de facto President. He was the Controlling Minister of the Economy. To get things done, politicians and others must pass through Atiku route. A former minister, who alerted the President to the danger of allowing his deputy to have sweeping powers, was sacked from the cabinet.

The Vice President was also acutely popular among the majority of the governors. Thus, in 2003, many of them urged him to displace Obasanjo. The President was sweating profusely at the primaries. He prostrated before Atiku before earning re-nomination. At that point too, Atiku ceased to be the apple of Obasanjo’s eye.

The Vice President was accused of corruption and disloyalty. He became a nominal figure in the government with no duties to perform. It was clear that he would not be allowed to participate in a free and fair primaries in the PDP.

A

case because what we are saying is very straight forward. The judge now says the status given should be maintained.

They should stop parading themselves, stop any activity and they should not open any office. Any other thing the do will be in contempt of the court and luckily, the have been served yesterday evening. We believe going by the pronouncement of the court, they will not involve in any activity. What we asked for is not what the court granted us.

Once is then shocked, surprised and astonished when we opened the paper, we started seeing the court refuses application. What is the court refusing when it granted status-quo ante belum? That is exactly what we wanted and it means they cannot take any step. So because we are big, we end up having such problem of misinterpretation. These are the problems we have politically as a party How far has the elders gone in resolving the dead lock in the current crises rocking the party?

The truth is that our party welcome intervention of our former President and former Chairman of the Board of Trustee, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and other elders on the attempt to resolve the challenges and crises that we have. That is why our chairman and our governors have been attending the peace meeting. We have noted that they gave the impression that the party is not in support of the peace initiatives by the elders. It is very far from the truth. If we oppose to it their is no way our chairman, the chairman of PDP Governors Forum will be attending those meetings. We have given the peace move our blessing, we have hope they will be able to achieve it.

While we hope that these issues will be resolve, our chairman has set the agenda in statement and in speech that we are not oppose to resolution of these crises but it does not make us a weaker party. There are options and we would be waiting for any eventuality. The PDP remain strong and the party will be strong and as our chairman stated, whatever happened, we are willing and able to pilot the affairs of this party with loyal, committed and dedicated party members and we believe that with what we have seen of commitment of our members that we would continue to win elections and very importantly, we will win the 2015 election.

The key demand for peace by the

• Metuh

break-away governors is that President Goodluck Jonathan should drop his ambition to run for 2015. What is your view?

I believe personally, that their demand is undemocratic. To be talking about someone’s ambition or give him condition like, is like saying that you should forget your ambition. That is undemocratic. It is not fair. You cannot deny him his constitutional right, except there is a pronouncement by the court or the constitution is against his ambition.

There is no way you can tell any man that is responsible and respected citizen, you cannot decide for him about his rights, especially when he is yet to make up his mind. It is completely in his own purview to decide whether to run or not. For anybody to give it as a condition, the person is not fair, as a matter of right. We frowned at such condition. Peace move should be hinged on things that are attainable.

It was alleged that those of you that were brought back into the party’s NEC are to work for President Jonathan’s ambition. What do you have to say to this?

I am working for the success of his administration. I have nothing to be ashamed of this. I am in support of the President to achieve the mandate we have given him. If and when he decides to run, my job, as an elected official of the party, would be to ensure an enabling environment for competitors and, whoever the party

‘You cannot just come out and say Bamanga Tukur should go like that.

There are mechanisms for achieving that.

You cannot say the national chairman of a ruling party should go like that. If you have anything against his person, you need to wait for mid-term convention and you give the man a vote of no confidence by voting him out’ brings up, we’ll support him. Whoever wins the primaries, we’ll support him at the election.

The fact that you are part of the opposition at the national level does not mean some people are not against them in their states. So, people should be careful about how this issue is handle otherwise, we’ll continue to have opposition down to the local government level, and to the family level too. It should not be played up.

The aggrieved chieftains also want Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to resign. What is your view?

You cannot just come out and say Bamanga Tukur should go like that.

There are mechanisms for achieving that. You cannot say the national chairman of a ruling party should go like that. If you have anything against his person, you need to wait for midterm convention and you give the man a vote of no confidence by voting him out.

Otherwise, the fact that he is working with the President manifests an obvious inclination to support the President elected by his party to administer the affairs of the country.

Those calling for his removal are being unfair. They should tell us what they want and not that Tukur should go because he is supporting the President in the administration of the country. Every President in the history of this country had worked with his party’s national chairman. Why should Tukur be an exception?

Former Presidents of this country

have worked with their party’s chairmen and the National Working Committee of their party and the governors at the state level are being supported by the state chairmen and the state executive committee of the party. Why is it now that there is a condition that Tukur should go? Is it because of his support for President Jonathan? It is undemocratic, it is unfair and un-political for anybody to give that condition. We should try and resolve our problems with things that are tenable, practicable and things that we can achieve.

Some said that Tukur had been expelled...

On Tukur’s membership, let us not go into the details of whether Tukur was expelled as a member or not.

Any member of our party, if he is very much aware, would remember that, in 2006 and 2007, we had the Ekwueme Reconciliatory Panel that gave blanket amnesty to all members of this great party. Whatever happened in this party in the pre2006 and 2007 periods, the Ekwueme Panel had pardoned everybody and restored them to their original positions, prior to that crises. Anybody that is knowledgeable about the history of our party and is truthful will stop talking about whether Tukur was expelld in the past or not. I am not aware of it and it is immaterial to me because all that happened in the party before setting up the Ekwueme Panel had been overtaken by the recommendations of that panel.

Is the President interested in running in 2015? I want you to clear air on this.

This is something that requires comment and one thing we should be honest with is that one should make a reasonable and honest answer.

This question would have been directed to Reuben Abati and Doyin Okupe, who speaks for the President.

I am not the presidential spokesman.

I speak for the PDP. But being the President and the leader of the party, he might be interested. I can only speak for the party; I cannot speak for the President. You know where to draw the line.

It has been alleged that President Jonathan did sign a one term agreement with the governors…

We should be honest here. Is there any recording, any tape or video recording that shows that President Jonathan, when he was campaigning, he said he would run for one term?

Has he ever said so?

2015: What is Atiku up to?

The government even made frantic efforts to halt his presidential ambition in another party, but Atiku ran to the court for security and survival. He became the arrowhead of the opposition as the presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress (AC) in 2007.

The former Vice President enjoyed tremendous goodwill as the AC presidential candidate. However, after the election, he returned to the PDP. The move, said sources, embarrassed the AC leadership. Other PDP defectors, including Kaita and Ghali Umar Naa’ba, fired salvos at the party, saying that it was not different from the PDP. But Atiku also took other steps. He ran to Abeokuta to make peace with his estranged boss, Obasanjo. It was to be a secret fence-mending meeting. But, coming out of the meeting, an embarrassed Atiku was accosted by many reporters. The former President yelled at his visitor. Irked by the turn of events, former Abia State Governor Kalu chided Atiku for the wrong step. The reconciliation was not fruitful. It did not lead to any renewal of contact.

When the former Vice President indicated unfolded his plan to contest for

the Presidency in 2011, Obasanjo laughed mischievously. “I dey laugh o”, he said. It was loaded with meanings. Indeed, Obasanjo joined forces with President Jonathan to abort Atiku’s dream. When Atiku was tearing the record of the President at the primaries, Obasanjo stood up and whispered some words into the President’s ears. Atiku lost.

As the polity prepares for the 2015, what is Atiku’s chance, if he joins the presidential race? His associates confide that he has been hosting a lot of brain-storming sessions with many stakeholders, since he walked out of the Abuja convention. He is investing heavily in political research. Since he is not getting younger, he believes that 2015 offers a rare opportunity.

Since he went back to the PDP, the former Vice President has not been able to wield much influence like before.

Recently, he fought to prevent his exclusion from the delegates’ list to the convention. His right as the former PDP Vice President was restored, following the intervention of the PDP national secretariat.

If he joins the race in the PDP, if the party does not totally disintegrate, the

same forces that aborted his ambition in 2011 may do the same again in 2015.

At Ibadan, Obasanjo had harsh words for his former deputy. He said it would have been dangerous for the country for him to hand over to him. If there is reconciliation in the divided ruling party and Atiku and his forces return to the fold, there is no assurance that he will beat the incumbent President at the primaries. Party sources even predict a bitter feud between Atiku and Obasanjo’s men-Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto State), Musa Kwakwanso (Kano), Muazu Aliyu (Niger), Muritala Nyako (Adamawa) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa)- during the presidential primaries. Based on Obasanjo’s influence, the Northern governors may opt for Lamido or another aspirant.

However, Atiku may emerge as the flag bearer of the PDM, if he defects to the party. Sources said that he may have deliberately supported the balkanisation of the PDP to weaken it, ahead of the next elections. But how far can the PDM go? “This PDM is not the old PDM”, said Anenih, who asked Atiku to retrace his steps. If he goes for the presidential poll as the

• Atiku

PDM candidate, his sphere of influence may become narrow across the six geopolitical zones.

If Atiku seeks alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC), the chieftains of the defunct AC in the fold may be weary. Many of them have described him as an inconsistent politician, who jumped the ship after losing the presidential election. Also, it is not likely that the party will jettison Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and other aspirants in favour of the former Vice President.

MOTORING

45

THE NATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

Skoda Automobile has churned out two new models - Octavia and Rapid. The auto maker unveiled the cars at Stallion Motors, Lagos last week. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

•The Octavia

T

Skoda returns with twosome

HE new generation Octavia is in a class of its own – practical, conservative and demanding. While the Octavia is reemerging as a third generation A7 family sedan, with a new design DNA, the Rapid is making a debut as Skoda’s first model incorporating new design language with an embodiment of crisp lines.

The Rapid is the first product that materialises from new strategy. Tagged Baby Octavia, it is a timeless elegance, pure in shape and natural. Its electronically radio could be taken out and placed elsewhere.

This means that the signature feature common to Skoda cars, such as the grille, has been fundamentally transformed to make the grille, for instance, an integral part of the model nose; so it is not lifted along with the bonnet.

For the Octavia, it’s into new generation – a third one. The first generation was between 1996 and 2004, while the second ended this year.

Though there have not been much noise about the earlier two generations, emphases are laid on this third generation A7 Skoda because the new Octavia is the main pillar in the ŠKODA portfolio and a logical part of the automaker’s Growth Strategy 2018.

Skoda World Head, Sales and Marketing Sanjay Rupani, said the new generation Octavia stands out for its unique combination of most recent technologies and new design DNA with Skoda Auto’s harmonious lines of five-door body for those in search of dignified elegance.

He said there is also an emphasis on delivering the prefect experience in terms of quality,

aesthetics and ergonomics This, he said, would significantly strengthen the brand’s position in the A-segment in some parts of the world, including Nigeria.

A highly acclaimed brand in Western Europe, Skoda has also being a success in Eastern Europe and Asia and making frantic inroads against established competition in other markets.

According to Rupani, the Octavia is targeted at customers, who expect a spacious interior, timeless design and value for money.

“It is only logical that most owners of previous generation Octavia (A5) will soon start to think of buying a new car,” he said.

He is, however, convinced the new generation Skoda would inspire a positive change in the way the brand is perceived.

“The challenge is to express the rising power of a brand steeped in traditions dating back more than 117 years while remaining young and dynamic, but I’m optimistic the new look Octavia wouldn’t have any trouble retaining its tile as Skoda’s best-selling model,” he said.

Mounted on Volkswagen’s MQB platform similar to VW Golf and Audi A3, the new Octavia is to, henceforth, have independent suspension at all four corners (Macpherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear.)

Skoda offers the New Octavia in eight engines, only the 1.8 TSI model generating 132kw /180 bhp turbo petrol engine will, at the moment, be available in the local market.

Rupani noted that weight has been reduced due to the adoption of higher tensile strength metals in the car’s construction with some models shed-

•Interior of the car

ding as much as 102kg of weight.

Riding on a 108mm longer wheelbase, the Octavia’s growth spurt was necessary to accommodate the Rapid sedan and the benefits of this growth include a massive 590-litre boot space.

By also pushing the front wheels forward, Skoda has managed to improve interior space significantly, claiming class-leading rear seat headroom of 980mm with ample knee and leg room for rear seat passengers as well as scads of headroom.

“It is no exaggeration that the new Octavia is, indeed, a roomy car,” he added.

The new Octavia has received a five-star NCAP safety rating with options of up to nine airbags – up from six, implying a stronger passenger cell plus collision avoidance and automatic braking systems.

Aside, the driving safety systems, such as antilock braking and electronic stability control are included with radar based cruise control, whose sensor can automatically brake the car as part of a pre-crash braking system.

There is also a new automatic headlight system that switches the high beams on and off when needed plus lane departure warning and correction systems that will steer the car back into its lane.

Suffice to say the new Octavia has benefited from Volkswagen’s technical and manufacturing knowhow with an ergonomic cabin and a tangible sense of quality.

On the new Octavia after the test drive, Rupani said: “The new Octavia is an effortless car to drive, cruising quietly, yet more than happy to be propelled through consecutive corners at grin-inducing velocities.”

He added: “Being lighter pays off in terms of cornering ability and braking too and this makes the car sharper and more nimble than its predecessor (despite being longer and wider.)

“This new recipe would surely help Skoda to up the ante by half a million annually from four million Octavia cars sold since 1996.”

46

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

47

48

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

49

50

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 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. Accordingly, the public may easily contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

114TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

C

ouncil applauded the recent approval and disbursement of the sum of N220, 000,000.00 for the renovation/repairs of debilitated Juma'at mosques across the 44 Local Governments at the disaggregated respective rate of N5, 000,000.00 to each of the forty-four (44) Local Governments. The Community Reorientation Councils (CRCs) were directed to undertake repairs/renovation of Juma'at Congregational prayer Mosques in their domains. Such was done in order to provide for the collective need of the people, which is a legacy of the present administration in Kano State under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. In fact, the CRC has been performing creditably in delivering reliable services related to programs distinctively initiated by the present administration, which include: i. Free feeding to Primary School pupils across the 44 LGCAs in the State, ii. Provision of two (2) sets of school uniforms to new intakes into Primary Schools, iii. Provision of skill acquisition training/provision of take - off capital to women for empowerment, These commendable performances of the CRC are certainly reaching all nooks and corners of the State.

In continuation of these laudable achievement the Kano State Executive Council held its One hundred and fourteenth (114th) sitting today Wednesday 4th September, 2013 (28th Shawwal, 1434 AH), which was presided over by Governor, Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Council deliberated and took decisions on Thirty-seven (37) memoranda submitted by nine (9) MDAs. Twenty-three (23) of them were approved for execution with an expenditure of Three Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy Two Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Four Naira, Four Kobo (N3, 472,453,644.04) covering nineteen (19) projects, as follows: 1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted fourteen (14) memoranda on behalf of some MDAs for deliberation by Council.

Ten (10) of them were approved for execution as follows: a. Presentation on Proposed request for Funds to Purchase Working Tools as well as Provide for Required Logistics to Facilitate Successful Accomplishment of the Operations of the Committee for the Protection and Preservation of Kano City Wall:The Kano City Wall and Gates are historic monuments that attest to the epic position occupied by the settlement in the past and deserve to be jealously preserved and protected. As such, the Standing Committee on the issue communicated with Council through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government; thus: i. That the main Committee will set - up a Technical Committee to facilitate participation of all stakeholders for their contribution and co-operation on matters relating to technical aspects in the execution of the designed program on preserving and protecting the Kano City Wall. ii. That the Committee will require the allocation of operational vehicles and use of Security Personnel. iii. That the Committee will embark on sensitization and public exhibition programs to enable Kano State register/be recognized as a World Heritage site and to educate the local citizenry on the need to preserve our cultural heritage and its importance. iv. That the Committee has financial and other requirements details of which were presented to Council for consideration.

Council deliberated on the request and approved the allocation of one (1) unit of Toyota Hilux DC and the release of the sum of N6, 807,000.00 for the takeoff of the Committee for the preservation and protection of the Kano City Wall as an effort towards protection of the Cultural Heritage of Kano. b. Request for Funds to assist the families of Victims of the Alakyo Killings in Nassarawa State:A sympathetic pledge of monetary donations to the tune of N100, 000,000.00 by the Northern States Governor's Forum was made in order to render required assistance to the bereaved families of slain/ murdered Security Personnel in Alakyo, Nassarawa State. The pledge was made on 4th July, 2013 and Kano State is expected to contribute N5, 000,000.00.

Council approved the release of the sum of N5, 000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to appropriately pay into the N100, 000,000.00 pledged by the Northern States Governor's Forum for the bereaved families of the murdered Security Personnel at Alakyo, Nassarawa State. c. Progress Recorded in the 2013 Wet Season Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS):The Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources intimated Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, on the progress recorded in the 2013 Wet Season Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS).

Specifically, the 2013 GESS program kicked - off on Monday 24th June, 2013 in twelve (12) LGCAs of the State namely Kura, G/Malam, Bebeji, Doguwa, T/Wada, Bunkure, Rano, Kibiya, Rogo, Kiru, Karaye and Gwarzo. The redemption exercise took place during which each registered farmer received one (1) bag of NPK and one (1) bag of Urea types of fertilizer at the cost of N3,250.00 each; 12.5 KG of rice and 10 KG of maize. Three (3) distinguished personalities visited the Karfi Redemption Center to supervise the redemption exercise. They include: i.

The Honorable Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. ii. The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. iii. Honorable Member House Committee on Agriculture from the State House of Assembly.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation. d. Request for Funds to Enable Twenty-Five (25) Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored Under the NIMASA Program to Travel from India to the United Kingdom (UK):The State Youth Directorate for Economic Empowerment communicated with Council on the preparation underway for the procurement of visa for twenty-five (25) Kano State Indigenous Students travelling to the UK from India sponsored under the NIMASA program. This is in fulfilment of the requirements of the split program having successfully completed the one (1) year mandatory program in India.

Details on the financial requirements to the tune of N3,592,500.00, which was requested for release, were presented to Council for consideration.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N3, 592,500.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the stated purpose to ensure successful completion of the entire course under the sponsored program. e. Request for Funds to Enable Twenty Five (25) Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored for Studies Abroad Under NIMASA Proceed to United Kingdom (UK):The State Youth Directorate for Economic Empowerment intimated Council on preparations for the twenty-five (25) Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored for studies abroad under the NIMASA Program proceed to the United Kingdom (UK) for the remaining three (3) years of their course. These students have successfully completed their first segment training in India and have returned to Kano and are now preparing to leave for UK. The financial implications were presented to Council for consideration. Council deliberated on the financial requirement and approved the release of the sum of N12, 294,425.00 to facilitate their studies at UK. f. Request for Procurement and Allocation of Operational Vehicles to the State Tourism Board to

Improve Internal Revenue Generation (IGR):Cognizant of the Internal Revenue Generation drive of the present administration, the Kano State Tourism Board channeled its request for the procurement and allocation of two (2) 30 - Seater and three 18 - Seater buses for use at the Board to improve Internal Revenue Generation (IGR), through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Council acknowledged the request and approved the release of the sum of N7, 500,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to process the procurement and allocation of one (1) unit of Toyota 18 -

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

Seater bus for use at the State Tourism Board. g. Request for Procurement and Allocation of Three (3) Operational Vehicles to the History and Culture Bureau:The History and Culture Bureau reported to Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government that, the two (2) buses available for use at the Bureau are in terrible states of disrepair and are no more capable to facilitate efficient discharge of duties at the Bureau. Thus, a request for the allocation of two (2) Coaster Buses and one (1) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick Up was submitted to Council for consideration. Council approved the purchase of one (1) Coaster Bus at the sum of N16, 175,000.00 for the History and Culture Bureau. h. Request for Funds in Respect of Two (2) Officials that will Accompany the Twenty Five (25) NIMASA Students to UK and One (1) Director General that will see them Off at Lagos:The contents of this memorandum was a request from the State Youth Directorate for Economic Empowerment for the release of the sum of N2,293,196.00 to facilitate the journey of two (2) Officials that will accompany twenty-five (25) Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored under the NIMASA Program to UK. Deliberating on the financial implication Council approved that one officer should escort the students instead of the two requested. The sum of N1,219,598.00 was approved for the commitment. i. Offer of Scholarship to Two (2) Kano State Indigenous Students by the Chinese Government and Request for Funds to Cater for other Commitments on their Behalf and Two (2) Others:The Chairman, Standing Committee for Entrepreneurship Support informed the State Government on the offer of scholarship to two (2) Kano State Indigenous Students by the Chinese Government this year (2013) and the subsequent nomination of the same candidates to study in China. The candidates are: i. Garba Muhammad Salim ii. Bello Isah Copies of the respective admission letters for the two (2) Students to study in China were presented for perusal as each revealed that the Scholarship award granted to the two (2) candidates cover tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, learning materials, medical care and living allowances.

As such, Council approved the release of N1, 312,000.00 to facilitate the procurement off air tickets and some other commitments for the selected candidates.

Again, two (2) candidates nominated in 2012 need to be provided with the sum of N326, 000.00 (N163, 000.00 each). The Students are: i. Zulfiqiar Bibi Faruk ii. Sha'awanatu Aminu Therefore, the total request was for Council to approve the release of the aggregate sum of N1, 638,000.00 for four (4) Students (2 nominated in 2013, 2 nominated in 2012).

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N1, 638,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to cater for the stated purpose. j. Request for Funds In Respect of Fourteen (14) Technical Subjects Teachers Sponsored for Studies at Bradford Technical College United Kingdom for Customized Training:Office of the Secretary to the State Government reminded Council of its approval granted for the nomination/sponsorship of twelve (12) Technical Subjects Teachers and two (2) Inspectors to attend six (6) Months Training Programs at Bradford Technical College United Kingdom (UK) for customized Training. A breakdown of the financial commitment was submitted by the College for consideration by Council. Thus: i. Accommodation for six (6) months at 2,850.00 Pounds Sterling per Teacher x 14 = 39,900.00 Pounds Sterling ii. Logistic/E - materials (Laptop, Printer, etc) at 1,000.00 Pounds Sterling per Teacher x 14 = 14,000.00 Pounds Sterling Total = 53,900.00 Pounds Sterling (equivalent to N260 x 53,900 = N14,014,000.00) Therefore, approval was sought from Council for the release of the sum of N14, 014,000.00 which was granted to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to cater for the stated purpose.

2. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Four (4) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. Three (3) of them were approved for execution as follows: a. Request for Funds for Interlock Tiling Work at Sabon Garin Kwankwaso, Madobi LGCA:The Juma'at Congregational Prayer Mosque at Sabon Garin Kwankwaso has already been thoroughly paved and tiled with Garden Interlock tiles at the executed Contract cost of N18,732,438.90, which was requested for release, through contents of this memorandum.

Significance of the request and relevance of the project prompted Council to approve the release of the requested sum of N18, 732,438.90 to the Contractor. b. Request for Funds for the Establishment of the Proposed Trade Cluster Butchers' Market at Kano Abattoir:The present administration in Kano State has the laudable policy of establishing Clusters of similar trades in particular locations for sanity and the benefit of all. Already one of the Butchers' clusters established along Post Office Road is already put into use. A Butchers' Cluster/Market has been earmarked for the Kano Abattoir for which contents of this memorandum requested Council to approve release of the sum of N36, 462,619.52. Council noted, considered the details presented and approved release of the requested sum of N36,462,619.52 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable Construction/Provision of Trade Cluster for Butchers at the Kano Abattoir. c. Request for Funds to Enable the Provision of Electric Power Supply Network at Kwankwasiyya City:-

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 The Housing policy of the present administration is in steady progress especially in the establishment of the various categories of housing units in the three (3) Cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo. Progress of work at Kwankwasiyya City has reached the level of the need to provide electric power supply network to the complex. Quotations from five (5) reputable Companies were received. Most responsive among them was selected for the execution of the project at the cost of N1, 029,471,975.00 which was requested for release by Council.

Satisfied with the progress of work at the Kwankwasiyya City project site, Council approved the release of the sum of N1, 029,471,975.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the provision of electric power supply network at Kwankwasiyya City.

3. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Three (3) of the four (4) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning were approved for execution. Thus: a. Request for Funds to Enable the Reconstruction of Ahmadiyya Road in Nassarawa LGCA:The Ahmadiyya Road in Nassarawa LGCA has dilapidated to the level of failure of significant portion that causes serious hardships to road users. This is despite recent approval granted in September, 2010 for curative maintenance of the road in which only limited repairs were undertaken. Again, no functional drainage system was provided in the initial contract. With the inception of this administration, the scope of works was reviewed, which was the contents of this memorandum.

Congruence of the project to the laudable policy of the present administration to provide effective infrastructure for use by the citizenry prompted Council to approve the release of the sum of N233, 952,728.93 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable renovation of Ahmadiyya Road in Nassarawa LGCA. b. Request for Funds to Facilitate the Activities of the Task Force on Land Registration and Revenue Generation:Pursuant to the wholesome policy of the present administration to improve issuance of land title and registration and enhance revenue generation, a Task Force Committee was setup in 2012. Activities of this Task Force Committee have evidently improved and sensitized the public to pay their dues to Government with a Comparative increase in the revenue collected from N24,868,743.90 as at March, 2011 to N28, 840,069.96 as at 10th July, 2012.

The contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its approval granted for the release of the sum of N10, 000,000.00 during its 40th sitting of 21st March, 2012 for the take - off of the Committee and provision of logistics. The money was reported as judiciously expended in the execution of activities of the Committee.

As such, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning requested for the granting of approval by Council for yet another sum of N10, 000,000.00 for logistics and other commitments of the Task Force Committee on Land Registration and Revenue Generation.

The request was considered relevant as Council approved the release of the requested sum of N10, 000,000.00 to the State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable the Task Force Committee on Land Registration and Revenue Generation conduct its activities. c. Request for Funds to Enable the Execution of Renovation Works at Old Deeds Registry of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning:The "Deeds Registry" of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning is a "beehive" of activities that requires general repairs and renovation for which the sum of N7, 005,350.49 is required according to the details presented for consideration by Council.

Council appraised the requirements and approved the release of the sum of N7, 005,350.49 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable the execution of the required renovation works at the Old Deeds Registry of the same Ministry.

4. MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION The two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Higher Education were approved for execution. Thus: a. Request for Funds to Enable the Construction of Wall Fence at School of Management Studies (SMS) along the Road Linking Sheikh Ja'afar and Yahaya Gusau Roads:The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education alerted Council, through contents of this memorandum, of the need to construct a wall fence at School of Management Studies (SMS) along the road linking Sheikh Ja'afar and Yahaya Gusau roads. This is in order to provide security to life and property; a serene teaching and learning environment and improve the aesthetic value/beautify the Institution.

Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N31, 218,248.20 for the purpose. Details were presented for consideration after which Council approved the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Higher Education to enable the construction of a wall fence at the School of Management Studies (SMS) along the road linking Sheikh Ja'afar and Yahaya Gusau road. b. Appointment of Expatriate Lecturers for Northwest University, Kano and Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil:The contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its directive issued on 24th July, 2013 to a State Government team under the Chairmanship of the acting Vice Chancellor KUST to renegotiate with the expatriate applicants for a more realistic Salary Package. The assignment was executed with dispatch whereby four (4) of the expatriate applicants/Lecturers accepted the offer based on the negotiations and submitted provisional acceptance letters. Details on remunerations, accommodation and other incentives offered were presented to Council for consideration. The four (4) expatriate Lecturers comprise three (3) Professors and one (1) Senior Lecturer. Council appraised the contents of the memorandum and approved the engagement of the four (4) expatriate Lecturers.

5. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/HONORABLE COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS This Office submitted eight (8) memoranda for deliberation by Council. Only two (2) were approved for execution as follows: b. Boundary Dispute Between Ningi LGCA of Bauchi State and Sumaila LGCA of Kano State:The Kano State Boundary Committee under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments attended a meeting in Bauchi State on 27th - 28th August, 2013 at the instance of the Presidency and National Boundary Commission. This was in an attempt to resolve issues causing disputes among communities of Ningi LGCA of Bauchi State and Sumaila LGCA of Kano State. Charting a reliable roadmap/way towards final resolution of the conflict was among reasons for the endeavor.

The problem has lingered long enough that culminate to the signing of the Bauchi - Kano (BAKA) accord of 1985.

Progressively, a communiquĂŠ was issued after the recent meeting. A copy was presented to Council for consideration. The salient aspect is that a Joint Technical Committee comprising ten (10) members was set up with five (5) points of reference as follows: i. Ascertaining the number of emplaced Pillars on the boundary. ii. Identify the number of pillars required to define the turning points of the un - demarcated sector. iii. Identify position and number of uprooted or defaced pillars. iv. Prepare and submit report on the completed work to the National Boundary Commission on or before 25th November, 2013. v. The National Boundary Commission shall convene next joint meeting of the Officials of the two (2) affected States in Kano at a date to be fixed subsequently.

Council appreciated the presentation and awaited the date to be fixed for the meeting stated.

6. MINISTRY OF HEALTH Update on the Proposed Establishment of Schools of Nursing at Gwarzo and Gaya Towns Respectively:The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Health reminded Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the report from the Government Transition Committee revealed the need for the establishment of additional Schools of Nursing in the State. Gwarzo town and Gaya town were identified as suitable for such laudable development.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health still considered it pertinent to submit an update on the issue for consideration by Council. Thus: o Proposed School of Nursing, Gwarzo; i. In 2013, the present administration identified a site adjacent to School of Environmental Studies, along Gwarzo - Dayi Road for establishing a School of Nursing.

51 ii. A land donated to the Government by Alhaji Isma'ila Gwarzo (former National Security Adviser) exists and awaits utilization for the envisaged purpose. iii. That three (3) housing units/Staff quarters were constructed up to DPC level. iv. That the donor of the land pledged to construct an administrative block whenever the project commences. v. Foundation for the perimeter wall fence for the proposed School has already been executed. o Proposed School of Nursing, Gaya; The Gaya Local Government Council has provided a piece of land in Gaya town for the establishment of the proposed School of Nursing.

Essentially, the Ministry of Health deemed it necessary to notify Council of the need to establish more Schools of Nursing in addition to the ones currently being established in Madobi and Gezawa LGCAs. This is worthwhile because healthcare services delivery require professionally trained personnel. A budgetary provision for the establishment of these two (2) Schools in either 2013 Supplementary Budget or against 2014 proposed budget is advisable.

Council appreciatively noted and kept the presentation in view.

7. MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT One (1) of the two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was approved for execution. Thus: Request for Funds to Enable the Conduct of the 2nd Batch Training/Empowerment of the Less Privileged Women:The contents of this memorandum notified Council on the existence of a special poverty alleviation program in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development that targets women considered the worst hit in terms of poverty and deprivation. Cash is usually set aside for the needy that troop into the Ministry with various requests for assistance.

Council was reminded of the conduct of the first batch training and empowerment of these less privileged women in which 500 beneficiaries were involved selected from among divorcees, widows, deserted women, VVF patients, women with HIV and AIDS and disabled women. Successful conduct to completion of the first batch of the program informed decision of the authorities at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to submit a proposal for approval of the conduct of the second batch of training and empowerment for the less privileged women. Details were presented for consideration by Council, which appraised the contents and approved as follows: i. That the 2nd Batch Training/Empowerment for the Less Privileged Women should also involve 500 beneficiaries instead of the proposed 1000; ii. That the training should last for seven (7) days instead of two (2) days; iii. That the post training empowerment package should be up to N20,000.00 for each trainee instead of the N10,000.00 given to each of the beneficiaries of the first batch; and iv. The sum of N18,753,000.00 was approved for release to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to enable conduct of the 2nd Batch Training/Empowerment Program for 500 Less Privileged women for seven (7) days.

8. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Request for Funds to Enable the Procurement of Operational Fisheries Materials, Beddings/Kitchen Utensils and Connecting the Fisheries Institute, Magaga Dam to the National Grid:The Fisheries Institute established at Magaga Dam is in addition to the already established twenty-one (21) skill acquisition Institutions by the present administration. The School is yet to properly take - off and commence instructions despite the recent approval granted by Council for the construction of training fishponds at the released and utilized sum of N20,585,059.06 in the School.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Water Resources requested Council through the contents of this memorandum to approve the release of the aggregate sum of N11,100,250.00 to facilitate the immediate take - off of the Institute by procurement of: i.

Beddings/kitchen utensils N 3,436,600.00 ii. Operational Fisheries Materials N 1,944,750.00 iii. Connecting the School to National Grid N 5,718,900.00 Total N11,100,250.00 Relevance of the request and congruency of the project to the empowerment policy of the present administration prompted Council to approve the release of the sum of N11,100,250.00 to the Ministry of Water Resources for the purposes presented above.

9. MINISTRY OF FINANCE The Kano State Investment and Property (KSIP) Company and the Kano Housing Corporation requested, through the State Ministry of Finance for approval by Council for the release of an additional Treasury Loan of N2,000,000,000.00. As main promoters of the Implementation/Establishment of the three (3) Cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo, the two parties deemed it necessary to submit the request so as to maintain steady but speedy progress of the projects ensuring qualitative completion within the span of the tenure of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Considering the significance of the request, Council approved the release of the Treasury Loan of N2,000,000,000.00 by the State Ministry of Finance to Kano Investment and Property Company (KSIP) and Kano Housing Corporation under the same arrangement as obtained in the earlier cases.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 114TH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 1. IMPROVEMENT OF WATER SUPPLY IN THE STATE In its effort to ensure the continued provision of potable water to the teeming population of the State, Council acknowledged the arrival of the ordered 600MM ductile iron pipes to be laid from Joda Regional Water Plant to Gezawa town (about 24KM distance) worth N1,240,205,511.97. Furthermore, Council acknowledged the progress made so far on the laying of pipes and improved supply of water in the following regional water supply schemes across the State: Watari to Mil Tara 600MM ductile iron pipes laid for a distance of 42KM worth N2,008,800,000.00, Watari to Tsanyawa 400MM ductile iron pipes for a distance of 33KM worth N1,004,872,773.45, Challawa to Gwaron Dutse 1000MM ductile iron pipes for a distance of 15KM worth N2,072,023,826.25 and Kafinchiri to Sumaila 400MM ductile iron pipes for a distance of 23KM worth N718,462,657.50.

2. SWEARING - IN OF TWO (2) NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES Council witnessed the swearing - in of two (2) newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the person of Engr. Kabiru Jibrin & Audi Abdulkadir Adamu Baffa who were posted to State Ministry of Works, Housing & Transport and Ministry of Education respectively. Council urged them to be dedicated and honest in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

3. PRESENTATION OF AN AWARD TO GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI'U MUSA KWANKWASO, FNSE Council witnessed the presentation of an Award to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by the National Association of Surveyors as a Fellowship Member of the Association for involving Professionals (Surveyors) in the giant strides toward implementing the State construction projects (i.e.

Construction of Flyover, Kwankwasiyya, Amana & Bandirawo Cities) and other development projects across the State.

4. VICTORY OF KANO PILLARS FC OVER ENUGU RANGERS Council jubilated over the successful outcome of the match played on Wednesday 4th September, 2013 between Kano Pillars FC and Enugu Rangers FC in which Kano Pillars FC emerged victorious. Council promised continued Government support to the Kano Pillars FC in order to maintain their current 1st position.

5. PDP NATIONAL CONVENTION Council acknowledged the conduct of the PDP National Convention held in Abuja and upheld the stand of the seven (7) Governors, Senators, members of House of Representatives and Elders of the party for the forming of New PDP under the chairmanship of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje. Accordingly, Council unanimously agreed that, this is a new phase in the democratic dispensation, pledged its support to the new leadership of PDP, and urged other side to join the new leadership in order to save democracy.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture

52

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

53

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

NEWS

P

Itsekiri peace effort ends in deadlock

EACE efforts by Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Itsekiri chiefs to resolve the crisis rocking Warri (Itsekiri) Kingdom ended in a deadlock yesterday.

It was gathered that the monarch, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, insisted on the controversial edict changing his traditional title Ogiame and changing the Itsekiri national anthem, among others.

The edict, titled: ‘The New Order in Iwere (Warri) Kingdom,’ signed by the monarch on Wednesday, also banned pouring of libation, worship of idols and other forms of traditional worships hitherto practised by the Itsekiri people.

He said: “I also repent for the name and title of “Ogiame” that my ancestors and I have borne, as it connotes our allegiance to Umalokun (goddess of the river) and other deities

From Shola O’Neil, South-South Regional Editor, Warri

of the sea, all of which are false gods.”

The edict has pitted the monarch against his subjects, who insisted that either he rescind the pronouncement or abdicates.

Members of the Emiko Royall Family, in a response paper signed by 37 princess and princesses, have dissociated themselves from the declaration, insisting on the title “Ogiame’.

They said: “We consider the history/pedigree of the ‘Ogiame’ title as such that the Itsekiri people hold it dear and sacrosanct to the extent that it should not be cancelled for whatever reason(s)”.

Yesterday, the protesting youths defied the monarch’s declaration and stormed the palace with the traditional Ipi

•Uduaghan appeals for calm masquerades, sang the ‘banned’ anthem and did obeisance to the monarch by chanting ‘Ogiame Suooooooo’.

Women, who continued the siege to the palace, also set up soup kitchens in front of the palace.

The protesters prevented the monarch’s Foursquare Gospel Church located within the palace premises from opening for normal services.

The siege by community and youth leaders, which entered its second day yesterday, seemed to be receding at the time of this report.

Most of the youths, women, masquerades and chiefs who besieged the palace (Aghofen) located in Ugbori area of the oil city had abandoned their posts.

However, our investigations showed that a peace

meeting led by Chief Rita LoriOgbebor, who is the Igba of Warri Kingdom, and other members of the traditional council of chiefs ended in deadlock.

The chiefs, it was gathered, met with the monarch at about 12:30pm to get an assurance that the monarch would rethink his decision to changing the traditional title Ogiame (King of Water).

The delegation, which met with the monarch included chiefs Emmanuel Jones, Edward Olley, E A Tetseola, Utieyinone Nelson and Ayirimi Emami.

After about 45 minutes, they emerged at 1:15pm.

Lori-Ogbebor, who addressed the protesters in Itsekiri language, told them they had taken their message of dissatisfaction with the edict to the monarch, adding that they had given

the (Olu) time to think about it.

She said: “We want to let the world know that he is still Ogiame. Chiefs spoke with him. He didn’t take the decision suddenly so we don’t expect him to change it suddenly. We have given him to think about it and what we want is a return to the way he used to be known.”

She then urged the protesters to give them two hours to deliberate further.

However, shortly after the chiefs left, it emerged that contrary to reports that the monarch was willing to rethink his decision, Atuwatse II insisted that his decision on the matter was final.

A youth leader, Sunny Keke, who said he witnessed the meeting, said: “The Olu told them his decision is final and would not rescind it for whatever reason.”

It was gathered that a shouting match ensued between the two sides, which culminated in the monarch “walking out” on the delegation to “sleep”.

Uduaghan, accompanied by a short convoy of vehicles, arrived the palace at about 3:40pm and went through the sea of protesters who barricaded the entrance to Ugbori entrance with only a handful of

aides.

He was dressed in a turquoise green short-sleeve buba and sokoto brocade attire.

The meeting between the governor and the monarch lasted less than 20 minutes.

During the meeting, a youth leader and perceived leader of the protest, Omolubi Newuwumi, confirmed that the chiefs’ meeting with the monarch indeed ended in a deadlock.

He said: “When we got there (to a meeting with the chiefs) we were told that the monarch refused. The chiefs have asked for 48 hours to deliberate further.

“The governor met with us and we told him to come here and speak with you,” Newuwumi said.

Governor Uduaghan, who later mounted a platform that was hurriedly raised for him in front of the barricaded palace gate, appealed for calm promising that “everything will return to normal.”

“I have spoken with the king and there is going to be a way out by the grace of God,” he assured.

Despite the governor’s assurance, our independent investigations revealed that the edict has greatly divided the Itsekiri nation with various leaders divided along the fault lines.

3,000 Enugu traders risk displacement •Govt deploy bulldozers today

•Chief Lori-Ogbebor with Omolubi (left) and other Chiefs in the background in front of the palace...yesterday.

Police foil bid to kidnap cleric’s son

A

TEAM of police officers from Zone 9 Umuahia and Aba Area Command Anti-robbery Squad Unit in Abia State at the weekend foiled an attempt to abduct a 25year-old son of an Aba cleric, Kelvin Origa.

It was gathered that a member of the gang claimed that he was a member of a cult group that terrorised the State Polytechnic, Aba, while he was still a student.

Aba Area Commander Rabiu Dayi confirmed that a member of the gang died during a gun duel with the police.

Dayi said other members of the gang escaped with injuries in a yellow Mitsubishi bus, which is reportedly owned by a man identified as Ossy, who has been declared wanted.

He said: “The gang visited Pastor Samuel Origa, demanding to kidnap his son Kelvin, who has just returned from China.

“They left with N270, 000 after the boy’s father agreed to provide the balance of the N1million ransom they demanded, if they come the following day.

“When they came back the following day, the pastor alerted us that the boys have come back demanding for their balance. We dispatched a combined team of policemen to the scene.

“The kidnappers opened fire and the policemen retaliated.

One of them was injured and he

Kidnapped pharmacist found in Imo River From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Few days after his kidnap, an Imo State pharmacist, Kelechi Uchendu, has been found floating on Okwuohia river.

The victim, who was suspected to have been drowned by his abductors after he was kidnapped while returning from work, had bullet holes riddled all over his body.

A family source said the kidnappers had contacted the victim’s wife of and demanded ransom.

“The family had pleaded with the kidnappers to spare his life while we try to meet their demand but they went ahead and killed him and dumped him in the river,” he said.

The source, who could not confirm if the family paid the ransom, said Uchendu’s body was discovered by villagers, who went to fetch water.

A police source said the victim may have died from the gunshot injuries he sustained while struggling with his abductors.

“The police had advised the family to speak with the victim to ensure that he was still alive before negotiating or paying the ransom.”

Police spokesperson Ms. Joy Elemoko confirmed the incident.

•How we rescued kidnapped journalist, by police chief From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba and Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

was rushed to the hospital, where the doctor confirmed him dead.”

Origa said some guys accosted him on his way home where they requested that he should hand over his son who returned from China.

He said: “The four kidnap suspects left my house with N270,000 and a bag containing some vital documents and other valuables, warning that they would be back the next day to collect their balance of N1million.

“They came the following day, demanding N2million, instead of the initial N1million. I

was in my parlour negotiating with them while my son called the police who came and surrounded our area.

“When they noticed the police, they started shooting. There was a gun duel and some of them sustained injuries.”

The Commissioner of Police Usman Tilli Abubakar has explained how the command rescued a journalist, Linda Osuoha, who was kidnapped a day after interviewing him on how the command has been battling crimes.

Abubakar said the command saw the case of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Aba reporter as a challenge.

Abubakar said: “When we heard about the kidnapping, we went after them and traced them to a forest bothering Isiala Ngwa and Obingwa areas of the state.

“My men went after them leaving behind several motorcycles and tricycles, but we gave chased and arrested several of them, including a man who claims to be a pastor, who allegedly makes charms for them.”

The commissioner said 15 people were arrested and their houses inside the forest were reduced to rubbles.

Abubakar said when those who kidnapped the NTA reporter heard what happened to their colleagues, they were faced with no other option than to release her.

O

From Chris Oji, Enugu

VER 3,000 traders at the Old Park market, Enugu, may be displaced as the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority starts the demolition of 890 stalls in the

market.

According to the traders, there was no relocation plan or alternative site for them.

The demolition is despite a subsisting order by a State High Court restraining the Authority from demolishing the stalls after the first phase in which about 66 stalls were demolished.

The remaining 824 have been marked for demolition beginning from today.

The Authority last year said it would relocate the traders to enable it erect a shopping mall in the place.

It claimed it had asked the traders to relocate to the new market on Aria Road.

But by the time it started issuing the affected traders quit notice, the traders had gone to court on the grounds that the socalled alternative location was not real.

In the suit filed on their behalf by Ifeanyichukwu Eneh against the government and the agency, the traders sought the protection of their property rights.

The court had restrained the government from demolishing the stalls without providing an alternative place for the affected traders.

Leaders of the affected traders, who spoke yesterday, said they were shocked to arrive their shops on Friday to discover a notice from the state government urging them to “pack out without an alternative place”, even when there was a subsisting court order barring government from demolition of the stalls.

Their leader, Joseph Anaghara, said: “We are not against government doing whatever it wants to do with the place, but what we are saying is that many of us have paid rents in advance running into millions to the same state government, yet they asked for the rents, collected them and never told us that we are not wanted at the place. This is where we do our business. Many of us have two to three shops here. What we are asking for is that they should show us alternative places to do our business”.

The Commissioner in charge of the Enugu Capital Territory Development, Mr Ikechukwu Egede could not be reached.

‘Wike destroyed Rivers PDP’

A

GROUP, the Rivers Peoples Forum (RPF) has said the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, is responsible for the confusion in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement by its President, Charles Bekwele, the group insisted that Wike is the architect of the destruction of PDP in Rivers State.

He said: “Wike is the cause of the problems of the PDP in Rivers State. Since he started nursing the ambition to succeed Governor Rotimi Amaechi, he has thrown the party into needless crisis.

“Somehow, he got the support of the Bamanga Tukur faction and used that support to destroy the party in Rivers State just because he wants to be governor.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

54

NEWS

Kano Exco backs 'new PDP' From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

T

Presidency: 'New PDP' not existing

T

HE Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak, yesterday said there is only one Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in existence in the country under the chairmanship of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Some members of the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday sealed off the “new PDP” secretariat in

Activists, Labour, others move against electricity tariffs

•From left: Chief Education Officer Guardian and Counseling, Lagos State Ministry of Education District II Headquarter, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Abosede Williams; Executive Director, Corporate Services, UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc, Mr. Joseph I. Dada; Principal, Lanre Awolokun High School, Mrs. Adams Ibironke and Corporate Marketing Services Manager, UACN Plc, Mr. Olaseni Fawehinmi, at the Closing ceremony of the 2013 UACN Goodness League free weekend classes, at Gbagada Senior Grammar School, Gbagada, Lagos…at the weekend.

HE Kano State Executive Council held its 114th meeting last Wednesday, where it unanimously resolved to stand by the decision of seven governors, senators as well as members of the House of Representatives and elders of the party on the formation of the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture Prof Farouk Jibril said the council acknowledged the conduct of the PDP national convention in Abuja and upheld the stand of the seven governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and elders of the party for forming the new PDP under the leadership of Baraje.

Prof Jibril said the council agreed that this is a new phase in the democratic dispensation.

Also, the council supported the new leadership of the PDP and urged its opponent to pitch its tent with the new leadership to save democracy.

The commissioner said the council approved N3.472 billion for the execution of 19 projects across the state.

He said among the projects is the plan to protect the Kano city walls and gates, which are historic monuments.

Jibril said the government has constituted a committee to educate the residents on the need to preserve the cultural heritage.

The commissioner added that to enhance its operations, the council approved the allocation of a Toyota Hilux and the release of N6.8 million for the take-off of the Committee for the Preservation and Protection of the Kano City walls.

A

COALITION of rights activists, Labour, journalists and lawyers has petitioned Ms. Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights over recent increase in electricity tariffs.

In the petition, dated September 6, the coalition requested the Special Rapporteur to send “an urgent appeal to the Government of President Goodluck Jonathan to delay the increased fixed rate electricity tariffs until the government is able to put in place mechanisms to ensure regular and uninterrupted electricity supply and to carry out the impact assessment of the increase on people living in extreme poverty”.

The petition said: “By introducing fixed rate electricity tariffs, the government is complicit in violating the human rights of people living in poverty and undermining their personal development and prosperity.

“We believe that it is premature for the government to increase electricity tariff prior to taking effective measures to guarantee and ensure regular and uninterrupted electricity supply across the country.”

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Maitama, Abuja, while an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and armed policemen have remained on standby at the secretariat to ward off any intruder.

The new group, under the Chairmanship of the Abubakar Baraje, broke off from the main PDP during the 2013 special

convention of the party last month in Abuja.

Speaking with The Nation on telephone yesterday on the sealing off of the “New PDP” secretariat, Gulak insisted that the only PDP secretariat is at Wadata Plaza in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

On the question that the police action was antidemocratic and might work against ongoing peace

process, he said: “There is no new PDP. There is only one PDP and that is all I know. And the Secretariat is at Wadata Plaza and the Chairman is Bamanga Tukur.”

Justice Elvis Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Friday ordered the two parties to maintain the status quo as he fixed September 12 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

To resolve the crisis, elders of the party including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, exmilitary ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih and two former national chairmen of the party-Chief Barnabas Gemade and Dr.Ahmadu Ali met with the two factions in Abuja on Friday.

Jonathan decries Nigerian leaders’ 'dangerous' utterances

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said recent utterances by highly placed Nigerians could tear the country apart.

Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has also urged Catholic bishops to condemn the activities of religious zealots before they cause chaos in the country.

The President, who was represented by the Senate

T

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

President David Mark, spoke at the opening ceremony of the second plenary session of All Nigeria Catholic Bishops held in Otukpo, Benue State.

Jonathan noted that the prevailing insecurity in the land should worry the country and its allies.

He expressed concern on

how people with sinister motives were getting firearms how to use arms.

Suswam advised the bishops to condemn same sex marriage as well as child marriage.

He urged the National Assembly not to be deterred in the struggle to do the correct thing.

The President of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, Most

Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, expressed worry over ethnicity, which he said has become a destabilising factor in the country.

The cleric urged the nation's leaders to be sensitive to the needs of the poor to enable them live with dignity.

The country, he said, should be thinking of how to tackle crimes, which lead

to death penalty for offenders rather than emphasising death penalty.

"The death penalty would be unnecessary if the root causes, such as poverty and corruption were eliminated.

We reject the death penalty as a panacea to crime. What needs death penalty is poverty and corruption in Nigeria, not human beings," Kaigama said.

Opadokun, others urge Fed Govt to tackle poverty

HE former Executive Director of Ogun/Osun Rivers Basin Authority, Mr. Bayo Oladele, has urged the Federal Government to reduce its huge recurrent expenditure to save the economy from collapse.

Oladele spoke at launch of a book, titled: Egbe Ni Fun Iku, written by Fred Agbeyegbe, to mark the 67th birthday of former General Secretary of defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ayo Opadokun, at the LTV Multi-purpose Hall at Agidingbi, Lagos.

He said: “The bloating recurrent expenditure of the government must be reduced substantially, not by the four per cent digit that the

By Musa Odoshimokhe

managers are gloating about.”

The former director said the best time to ask tax payers and other citizens to make sacrifices is during economic prosperity and not during economic depression.

Oladele noted that any economy that is predicated on receiving more from the public would experience fiscal turbulence.

“This situation will be compounded if a 'more-more model' fails to institute policies that will catalyse the income of the tax payer,” he said.

He urged Opadokun not to relent in his crusade to draw

the government’s attention to the plight of the people and to tackle anti-people polices.

The Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area Mr Adewale Ayodele said the country is in a pitiable situation.

He said members of the civil society have to work hard to make things work for the ordinary people through their campaigns.

Adewale said: “There is no gainsaying that the fundamental basis of nationhood has been tampered with. But this is an opportunity for people to join the progressives through the All Progressives Congress (APC) in correcting what is wrong in the system.”

The council chairman stressed that the civil society could be more organised by embracing a plural alternative the APC is providing.

According to him, the progressive party will bring the needed changes that will improve the lives of the ordinary Nigerians, who he said have been at the receiving end of successive governments’ anti-people policies.

Opadokun said the accumulation of wealth was the reason behind the crisis in the country.

He said: “Living for ideals and value has been sufficiently relegated to the background. Whatever we do, which does not add value

to human lives, will relegate us to the dustbin of history.

"I can tell you that I am in agony, because when we were laying down our lives for the return of democracy in our country, we knew that if we succeeded, the living condition of our people would be better.

But unfortunately, it is the opposite.

"Since Chief Olusegun Obasanjo came to office, the Nigerian state has been pumping out an average of two million barrels of oil every day and has been receiving $100 per barrel. If you multiply that between 1999 and today, that’s huge resources Nigeria has garnered. But where is the evidence of that?”

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

Syria watch: The people react

T

HE whole world awaits the United State’s Congress returning to work today from its annual recess to make the ultimate decision about war and peace in the Middle East. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee already gave its nod for President Barak Obama to launch limited strikes on military installations that will weaken if not completely annihilate Damascus’ military arsenal.

The president has also garnered key congressional leaders’ support especially from the opposition Republican Party. So in other words the stage seems to be set for a showdown anytime from now.

Our last week’s take on the imminent strike on Syria by the United States of America over President Assad’s alleged use of chemical weapons on his own people interestingly drew a lot of responses from our readers.

It is not necessarily an advocacy for war. As we mentioned, war is a nasty business and only the merchants of the instrumentality of war gains.

There will be collateral losses no matter how surgical and precise the modern day munitions are programmed to work.

The point we made is that at a point in time leaders, like actors must know how to bow when the ovation is loudest.

The winds of change which swept across the Middle East starting from Tunisia couple of years ago was a significant clarion call for leaders to be more responsive and inclusive

and any leader that ignores this call does so at its own peril.

The only language dictators understand is that of mass protestation and ultimate forceful intervention.

Question is will this happen within or with outside help? What obligation does the international community have in stopping certain despots from misruling their people? The official death count in this bloody war within has been put at 110,000 people and over two million displaced both within and outside the country as refugees.

The rebels are trying but a little help will help in terms of weakening Assad’s war machine before we start counting dead bodies in humongous figures. Already its been a case of one death too many.

Here are some excerpts from your reactions: “My own take on this whole bizarre drama is: examining the press within the African context, Today most African journalists do not go into investigative journalism, we all know what the American, the Cabal America rulership represent. America is only interested in the Middle East because of her interest in oil to salvage her economy and nothing more. The fundamental question is, America an apostle of peace has been propagating her leadership today, where is the peace in Iraq, where is the peace in Afghanistan, where is the peace in Egypt?. The double stan-

55

Global Focus

DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor sms 08134230367

daborgu@gmail.com dard of America is well defined to the world. Look at what is happening in Bahrain where America is backing the Saudi’s government. to kill innocent souls who are legitimately demanding for the removal of the dictatorial president, what an irony? The way with which the president of U.S is pushing for war over Syria is greeted with a lot of cynicism. Thanks.” from Etsako East LGA Edo State Comrade Uwaya M.E. “I saw your shameful write up in today’s Nation newspaper. Please read Fani Kayode’s write up at page 32 of Sunday Vanguard or Brian Browne at page 68 of Sunday Nation. Stop parroting the horrendous lies peddled by Western leaders and their equally lying corporate media. Both lack shame and except with people like u”.

“RE: “MLK: The dream lives on”. Well, I take the view that ‘the dream’ has in reality receded to the sorry past; the façade of a black tenant at 1600 Pennsylvania a Avenue, is as superficial as it get! “ “Pleases don’t sound cheap. We must learn never to confuse America’s interest to ours. The civil war in Syria is America instigated one and therefore we can not depend on them. There are many dictators in middle east, Saudi Arabia is one, let America remove the Saudi Prince first. It

is not impossible for the rebel in Syria to access chemical weapons. Don’t let us preempt the investigation; including origin of materials. America should be told: to stop bullying the world, from era of Lumuba, to Iraq to Libya none have had peace since America’s intervention. Syria will end up the same as well”. Cardinal O Arogundade Sinners Redemption Assembly. Abuja.

“Hello in reply to your article in today’s Nation newspaper I suggest you read Brian Brown in Sunday Nation and Fani Kayode in Saturday Leadership for better understanding and judgement of the Syrian issue and global politics best of luck from” Mallam Jibril Adelugba “Hello I read from your story titled: the drums of war on Global Focus in yesterday the Nation Newspaper, when you were trying to make us understand why Syria should be strike, I want to tell u that the public rely so much on press and u people should always give us the right information in order for us not to be misguided please. I want to refer to the article written by Femi Fani Kayode titled America, Syria and the rest of us, on Diplomatic World in Sunday Vanguard 1st September. Please help us tell America that the world is tired of war, we don’t want another economic recession.” Abuja

“Sir, I just read your views on Assad’s regime use of chemical weapons. Have you forgotten how US Collin Powell wrongly proved to the UN General Assembly and UNSC on how evil Saddam was in ’03?

Syria’s government must be an irrational actor for using sarin against its own people knowing fully well that the White house and her allies are waiting for such act to attack. Due to their penchant drive for regime change in the region don’t you see this allegation as a falseflag planned by the West and in conjunction with the rebels against Assad?”

Dahiru Khadi Okenne Kogi State.

In Other News The Kenyan parliament has decided, of course, at the urging of its newly re-elected President Uhuru Kenyatta, to pull out of the International Criminal Court at Rome where interestingly the president and his deputy are facing war crime trials relating to the aftermath of the 2007 elections. The court says it is not miffed and the pull out machinery takes almost one year to be effective anyway. So the trials will go on anyhow.

The G20 leaders, a congregation of the world’s leading economies, met at St. Petersburg last week. Instead of working on how to make the globe richer, the talks we learnt was over shadowed by the Syria issue; to strike or not

to strike.

On a peaceful note, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been sworn in as Mali’s new president in Bamako.

The transitional leader Dioncounda Traore handed over power at a ceremony inside the presidential palace.

Mr Keita, a former prime minister, won last month’s run-off election.

The election of the new president is intended to restore normality after a coup and French-led military action against Islamist rebels in the north.

France sent more than 4,000 troops to Mali in January and together with West African troops regained control of towns and cities from groups aligned with al-Qaeda.

Prince Andrew, the fifth on the succession line to the Royal Throne, was almost arrested on the lawn of Buckingham Palace following an overzealous guard’s attempt at policing the royal court. The case has been settled with an apology to the future king who said apology accepted .

Protests continue in Tunisia while the military is throwing all the books at Muslim Brotherhoods top chieftain most of whom are cooling their heels right now in various jailhouses. In the meantime the organization is on the verge of proscription at the hand of Egypt’s judiciary.

Electioneering campaign is in top gear in Germany and Australia just elected a former boxer and a Rhodes Scholar Tony Abbott the conservative leader as new prime minister.

And your globe continues to be interesting. We all have responsibilitry to keep it ticking because it is what we have.

Keep it green by planting a tree and we can all breathe easier. See you next week.

FOREIGN NEWS Tunisia: Protesters call for Ennahda resignation TENS of thousands of demonstrators have marched in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, calling for the resignation of the Islamist-led government.

The rally marked a 40day mourning period since the killing of opposition MP Mohammed Brahmi in July.

His murder, along with the shooting of another prominent leftist politician in February, have sparked mass protests.

Talks between the opposition and the ruling Ennahda party have so far failed to achieve a major breakthrough.

The moderate Islamist government has blamed Salafist hardliners for the killings of Mr Brahmi and secular opposition leader Chokri Belaid.

The opposition coalition, led by the National Salvation Front (NSF), has accused Ennahda of failing to rein in radical Islamists and improve the faltering economy.

Protesters in central Tunis gathered outside the ANC building, where lawmakers were forced last month to suspend the drafting of a new constitution because of the unrest.

Chanting anti-Ennahda slogans, demonstrators waved national flags and held up images of Mr Brahmi.

Syrian President Assad says no evidence of chemical attack: CBS

S

YRIAN President Bashar al-Assad denied that he was behind a chemical weapons attack on the Syrian people and said evidence was not conclusive that there had been such an attack, CBS reported yesterday on its news program “Face the Nation.”

“There has been no evidence that I used chemical weapons against my own people,” CBS reported Assad said in an interview conducted in Damascus.

The full interview will air on the CBS network and PBS’s “Charlie Rose” show today.

Rose said he met with Assad in Damascus. The CBS “Face the Nation” report was a sum-

mary of the interview and did not contain any audio or video of Assad.

Assad spoke as the Obama administration was pressing its case in the United States for congressional authorisation of a U.S. strike against Syria in response to the August 21 sarin gas attack that Washington said killed more than 1,400 Syrians, including several hundred children.

The Obama administration has accused Assad’s forces of carrying out the attack. Assad has blamed the rebels.

Passage by Congress of the authorisation for use of force

Cambodia’s ruling CPP party confirmed election winner

is by no means certain. Votes are expected this week.

Rose, speaking by telephone, said Assad would neither confirm nor deny that Syria had chemical weapons, but if they did they would be under centralised control. The United States should produce evidence of his involvement, if it has the evidence, Rose reported Assad said.

Assad warned, the CBS interviewer said, that if there was a military strike by the United States, there would be retaliation by those aligned with Syria. Syria was as prepared as it could be for an attack, Rose said he was told by Assad.

Rose said he raised the question of whether Assad feared the attack might degrade the Syrian military and tip the balance in the 2-1/2year-old civil war, and was told by Assad that he was very concerned about that.

He had a message for the American people that they should not get involved in another Middle Eastern conflict.

apology and look forward to a safe walk in the garden in the future.”

London’s Metropolitan Police earlier confirmed that two of its officers had stopped a man in the palace gardens and asked him to verify his identity.

“The man was satisfactorily identified. No weapons were drawn and no force was used,” the police said in a statement that did not name Prince Andrew.

Two days earlier, police arrested a man who had been found inside the palace on suspicion of burglary, trespass and criminal damage. A second man was arrested outside the palace on suspicion of conspiracy

to commit burglary. Both men were released on bail.

The queen was not in the palace at the time but in her castle in Balmoral, Scotland.

One of the biggest breaches of royal security took place at Buckingham Palace in 1982 when an intruder, Michael Fagan, climbed a wall and then wandered into the room where the queen was in bed.

Prince Andrew, officially known as the Duke of York, had a career in the Royal Navy before working as a trade ambassador for the British government. He has two daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, from his 10year marriage to Sarah Ferguson.

•al-Assad

Prince Andrew accepts police apology after confrontation

•Prince Andrew

Q

UEEN Elizabeth’s son Prince Andrew accepted an apology from the police yesterday after armed officers stopped him in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, days after two men were held in a security breach at the British monarch’s London residence.

Police shouted at the 53year-old prince, fifth in line to the throne, to “put your hands up and get on the ground”, the Sunday Express newspaper said, citing an unnamed royal source.

The officers had apparently failed to recognise the prince, who was strolling the grounds in broad daylight in the late afternoon after attending an event in London on Wednesday.

In a statement, Prince Andrew said: “The police have a difficult job to do balancing security for the royal family and deterring intruders, and sometimes they get it wrong.

“I am grateful for their

CAMBODIA’s ruling People’s Party (CPP) has officially won July’s disputed general election, the national election committee has confirmed.

Prime Minister Hun Sen’s CPP won 68 seats, compared with 55 for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the committee said.

The televised announcement came after thousands of people took part in a rally in the capital Phnom Penh to protest against alleged electoral fraud.

Hun Sen has run Cambodia for 28 years.

The 61-year-old has vowed to stay in power until he is in his seventies.

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy claimed there was widespread rigging in the election.

The result confirmation means he will no longer be able to legally contest the vote, but Mr Rainsy said he would not give up.

“We do not accept results that do not reflect the real will of the people.

These are the results of voter fraud,” he told reporters.

“We will continue to protest all over the country, not only in Phnom Penh. Protests will take the form of marches,’’ he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

56

NEWS Saraki’s associate Ogunsola dies •Ahmed mourns From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

A First professor of History in the old Kwara State, Albert Folorunsho Ogunsola, is dead.

The late academic died early yesterday. He was 80.

The late Prof Ogunsola, who hailed from Babanlomo in Ifelodun Local Government Area, was a political associate of the late strong man of Kwara politics, the late Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

A former commissioner for Health and a son of the deceased, Dr Femi Ogunsola, confirmed his father’s death.

He said burial arrangements would be announced later.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has described the death of the scholar as shocking.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, the governor said the death of Prof Ogunshola marked the eclipse of another shining light in the political firmament of the late Dr Saraki’s political family.

Church celebrates ACTIVITIES marking this year’s Youth Week and anniversary celebration of the Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement of Olorunsogo District branch Sub-Headquarters, Ayo Ni O! will start on September 11 at 5pm.

The activities will hold on the church premises at 178 Railway Line, off Shyllon Street, Palm Groove/Onipanu in Odi-OLowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. The programme is tagged: Our Year of Triumph.

A statement in Lagos quoted the Special Apostle J. A. Sunmonu (JP), the Leaderin-Charge of the church, as saying this year’s celebration is a victory to everyone who attends. Other hosts include, special Apostle E.T.O. Oguntuga, Elder (Captain) S.A. Aluko life Patron.

On September 13, the Overcomers’ Night Ankara Special will hold at 9pm, while on September 14, a community service and prayer session will hold. The grand finale celebration, which encompasses the anniversary thanksgiving service, will hold on September 15 at 10am.

Funeral for community leader A COMMUNITY leader, Mr O. N. Chikere of Umukoto, Umudibia Nekede, of Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, is dead. He was 77.

A statement by his family said on September 12, there would be a service of songs by the Assemblies of God Church, Umudibia Nekede, at his home.

Interment will take place after a church service at his compound at Umukoto Umudibia Nekede on September 13.

The late Chikere was a devout Christian and community leader.

He is survived by a wife, children and grand-children, including Mrs Chinyere Ikeanyi of Champion Newspapers, Lagos.

Four die in Niger road crashes F

OUR persons, comprising two soldiers and two civilians, died on Friday and yesterday in two road crashes on the Mokwa-Bida Road in Niger State.

The two soldiers died in the first accident when a trailer hit a New Bussabound Army Hilux pick-up at Labojin village, about 43 kilometres from Mokwa town at 7.30pm. Two other soldiers were injured in the vehicle.

An eyewitness said the victims, comprising the driver and the soldier beside him, died on the spot.

It was learnt that officials

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) arrived promptly at the accident scene while the villagers evacuated the injured to Mokwa General Hospital.

The accident was said to be so severe that it took hours to remove the bodies of the dead from the wreckage.

The villagers arrested the driver of the trailer and handed him over to the police.

Two people also died yesterday in a head-on collision between a petrol tanker and a truck conveying water melon on the same road in

Mokwa town.

The driver of the Mitsubishi truck, which was carrying water melon and the owner of the consignment died in the accident.

The FRSC Sector Commander for Mokwa, Mr Adedoyin Adeyinka, confirmed the accidents in a telephone chat with our reporter.

He said the Friday accident involved military personnel and a trailer.

Adeyinka said: “We spent hours trying to separate the bodies of the two soldiers from the mangled vehicle.

The injured officers were rushed to Mokwa General Hospital and are responding

to treatment.

“In the second accident, a head-on collision occurred today (Sunday) involving a water melon truck and a petrol tanker. The truck driver and the person beside him died on the spot. Their bodies were conveyed to Mokwa General Hospital.

“We had a hectic time trying to stop people from scooping the fuel on the accident scene to avoid further loss of lives. It was with the help of the police.”

The FRSC chief advised motorists to be cautious when they ply the route because of the bad state of the road.

Offa: Kwara police parley with APC, PDP leaders T HE Kwara State Police Command at the weekend urged the state All Progressives Congress (APC) to seek a legal platform to redress the alleged electoral malfeasance perpetrated against its candidates in the August 31 Offa Local Government rerun.

The APC is accusing the Kwara State Electoral Commission (KWSIEC), chaired by Dr Uthman Ajidagba, of fraudulently declaring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates as winners of the poll.

Police Commissioner Agboola Oshodi-Glover spoke at a meeting with leaders of APC at the Police Headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital.

He feared that the APC’s peaceful protests against the election results might be hijacked by hoodlums.

The police chief, who listened to the APC leaders’ grievances, said: “As Prof Wole Soyinka would say, my fields are tired. I want to beg you, as

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

you are peaceful, you should remain peaceful. As your rally is going on peacefully, some people may not want that.

“We are hearing that some people are saying they want to come out to confront you.

There is an intellectual way to handle this thing. The (election) tribunal is here, though it may not be favourable. I want to appeal that you take that step.”

Referring to the violence in Egypt, Oshodi-Glover said those who suffered for that country’s democracy were being killed daily, adding: “I don’t want Kwara State to turn to Egypt.”

The APC team was led by a University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) History lecturer, Dr Saad Omoiya. Others are: Mr Joshua Adeyinka, the running mate to defunct Action

Congress Of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in the 2011 election, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN); Chief James Ayeni, Rev. Bunmi Olusona and Chief Iyiola Akogun.

Dr Omoiya told OshodiGlover that weighing the fraud allegedly perpetrated by KWSIEC and the PDP in the state had gone beyond Nigeria’s shores.

He said Oyo, Ogun and Osun states had been witnessing massive development because of the commitment of their leaders to the people.

According to him, Kwara State lags behind because of the personal agenda of a few people in the state.

The university teacher noted that if KWSIEC could be so brazen in the Offa rerun, Kwara people should expect the worst in the October 26 local government election across the state.

He hailed the police command for protecting the party’s members during their peaceful rallies, saying their shield prevented the opponents from causing mayhem.

At a separate meeting with the PDP leaders, the commissioner said: “We thank God that there has been no casualty so far. That is why we are appealing to all parties to address their issues at their parties’ secretariats. We don’t want any confrontation to take place.”

The PDP was represented by its state Vice Chairman Abubakar Suka Baba.

He promised that the party would not confront its opponents during their protest against results of the Offa Local Government rerun.

“If you lost election, you should approach the court of law. Violence can’t take us to anywhere. If we start burning everything now, it would take us to anywhere. That is not mature enough,” Buba said.

Youths to Taraba Assembly: you can’t declare Suntai unfit to rule From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

S

OUTHERN Kaduna youths under the auspices of the Southern Kaduna Youth Liberation Movement yesterday asked the Taraba State House of Assembly to set up a medical team to access the health of Governor, Danbaba Suntai before declaring him unfit to rule.

They argued that only a duly constituted medical team could declare the governor medically unfit to carry out his constitutional responsibility of governing the state.

They also accused Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo of fulling the political crisis in Taraba state, alleging that there was a ground design to sow the seed of religious politics in the state.

The youths in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna yesterday wondered why only the nine Muslim members of the House met and passed a resolution asking Alhaji Garba Umar to continue to act as the governor.

In a statement signed by the President and Secretary of the group, Charles Bijimi and David Jonathan, the group said what is going on presently in the state is purely and immoral politics of power mongering.

They said “that there is political crisis in Taraba is not in doubt. What is the cause of the crisis? There is a callous campaign being waged, with claims that Governor Suntai should still remain in hospital in the United States, and should not return to Nigeria to resume his office as governor of the State.

Hajj: Kano submits 5,195 passports for visa From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

T

•From right: Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam; Senate President David Mark; his wife, Helen and the President, Catholic Bishop of Conference of Nigeria, at the second plenary session of the conference at St. Francis of Assisi, Catholic Cathedral, Otukpo, Benue State...yesterday

ACF urges ex-militants to withdraw threats against Atiku

T

HE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday urged former militants in the Niger Delta to withdraw the threat to stop former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar from visiting the Southsouth.

The forum described the threat as counter-productive and an illwind that would do no one any good.

A Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Timi Frank, also described the threat as empty, which falls flat of common sense.

The ACF cautioned the former militants in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani. It

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

said threats and intimidation have no place in democracy.

Some former militants, who met at the weekend in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, under the aegis of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), declared Atiku a persona non-grata in the Niger Delta.

The ex-warlords faulted Atiku’s alleged roles in the formation of a new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction.

But ACF warned the exmilitants against a recourse to intimidation.

The statement said: “The

ACF has urged the Niger Delta ex-militants to withdraw the threat it issued against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the interest of peace, national cohesion and stability of Nigeria.

“The ex-militants are by their misguided action crossing the fiducial mark that is alien to democratic tenets.

“Threats such as the one from the Niger Delta ex-militants is a negation of dialogue and the political process playing itself out on account of the breakup of the PDP into factions.

“The forum warns that the threat from the ex-militants is counter-productive and an

ill wind that will do no one any good.

“This is because democracy is not a matter of threats and intimidation, but contest of ideas and reasons.

“Even as the crisis in the PDP rages, the Forum urges the promotion of democracy that is premised on the triple foundation of liberty, justice and common decency instead of resorting to threats and intimidation that have no place in democracy,” the statement said.

In another statement, Frank said the position depicted the ignorance of the group and only showed its total lack of understanding of the crisis in the PDP.

HE Kano State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has submitted 5,195 of the 5,648 passports to the Saudi Arabian Consul in Kano for the visa of intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.

The board’s spokesman, Alhaji Nuhu Badamasi, addressed reporters in Kano yesterday.

He said vital travel documents were submitted to the Consul last week to accelerate the issuance of visa to the intending pilgrims.

Badamasi explained that the remaining 453 passports would be forwarded to the Consul today to enable it process them for visa.

“We have a total of 5,648 intending pilgrims, who will perform this years’ Hajj in the Holy land,” he said.

Badamasi promised that the board would ensure a successful Hajj operation this year.

According to him, the induction course organised for the pilgrims would be rounded off on Wednesday, while the practical Hajj demonstration would be conducted at the Hajj camp on Thursday.

He, therefore, urged all the intending pilgrims to attend the practical Hajj demonstration to enable them observe how the practical aspect of the Hajj rites are performed.

57

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

NEWS

W

HO has flooded Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State with posters of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s campaign for president in 2015.

The question remained unanswered yesterday, with Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), saying that mischief makers who are scared of competition, were behind the posters. The posters confirmed that he is eminently qualified to be the President.

The governor spoke on the telephone yesterday through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha.

Many residents thought the

Amaechi’s 2015 posters flood Port Harcourt posters may have come from the camps of the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, and state Rivers Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Felix Obuah.

Okocha declined comments on this. He said Rivers people knew those responsible.

State PDP Publicity Secretary Samuel Nwanosike, however, exonerated Wike and Obuah.

Okocha said: “We thought the initial kite they were flying was that Governor Amaechi wanted to be Vice President in 2015. Now that his presidential campaign posters are in Rivers State; that means he is eminently qualified to be Nigeria’s President.

“There are mischief makers in the system who are scared of competition. They are definitely behind the Rivers Governor’s 2015 presidential campaign posters.

Their stock-in-trade is to do mischief. Rivers people know those behind the posters. I will not mention their names.”

Okocha also stated that Amaechi would not be distracted by the antics of the desperate opposition politicians within and outside the PDP, stressing that the NGF chairman remained focused and committed to his administration’s transformation agenda.

Nwanosike, who is also the Secretary-General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), which has Wike as the grand patron, asked Amaechi to stop de-

ceiving Rivers people, but to own up to the presidential campaign posters.

The Rivers PDP’s publicity secretary said: “Wike and Obuah are not behind pasting of Amaechi’s 2015 presidential campaign posters. Chiefs Wike and Obuah are above such dirty politics.

“Are you saying that Amaechi is only having problem with Wike and Obuah? Will you also accuse President Goodluck Jonathan and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur of being behind the posters? It is obvious that Amaechi and his drowning associates are confused.

“When they pasted the 2015 governorship campaign posters of Wike in Rivers State about two weeks ago, they in-turn accused the Minister of State for Education

Ogundokun said: “Oyinlola, rather than wait on the Lord, is always eager to occupy positions. He snatched the secretary post from Chief Ebenezer Babatope, who was originally the members’ candidate. Oyinlola is a betrayal of trust. He should learn to wait on the Lord.

“He should have learnt the lessons that it is God that puts people in positions. Now, he is seeing the hands of God and he should know that whatever

God does not support cannot stand. And he has benefited from the party more than anyone else. He was governor on the PDP platform twice. Briefly, he was national secretary.

“He should accept God’s verdict rather than looking for the downfall of a party through which he substantially benefited.

“Oyinlola should stop exhibiting the spirit of ‘if I don’t get it I will destroy it’. When he was inciting the elders

against Jonathan, some us disagreed with him.”

Ogundokun also challenged Oyinlola to give account of the 20 additional board appointment slots given to Osun State when he was national secretary. He alleged that the former governor gave the jobs to his cronies.

Ogundokun said Oyinlola should name those he gave the slots to and where they are from and explain who signed on behalf of the state chairman.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

of August 2013 and declare him Andy Uba as the PDP Candidate of Anambra State.

“This explains why he is using every antics to distract Mr President into succumbing to his schemes.

“The people of Anambra State are tired of imposition of candidates. We don’t need another four years of the last eight years “Their mission to the Presidency this time will fail as it has always. In line with the Electoral Act of 2010 as amended, the NWC organised an unprecedented Governorship Primary Election on the 24th of August, 2013 and elected a popular can-

didate who won against moneybags, sending a strong signal to the nation that the days of Amala and money-bag politics are long gone in Anambra State “Any attempt to alter the result of the popular decision of the grass-root PDP delegates in Anambra State, will be disastrous and counter-productive for the PDP in Anambra State.

“The People of Anambra state will continue to follow the footsteps of the owl’s kinsmen. The owl farted and asked his kinsmen to beat drums for him. His kinsmen told him “tufiakwa” we cannot beat drum for an abomination.”

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Tukur has many excesses, says Oyinlola

Continued from page 1

Oyinlola’s joining of the Baraje faction as a betrayal of trust.

Ogundokun, who spoke with reporters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital berated them for “rocking the boat of the party”.

He alleged that Oyinlola walked out of the party’s mini convention in Abuja after pretending that he was going to ease himself..

Anambra: Plot to drop Nwoye as PDP candidate uncovered

T

HERE was anxiety yesterday over alleged plot to drop the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Tony Nwoye in the forthcoming November 16 Anambra State Governorship election.

Nwoye’s name was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last Wednesday by the PDP National Secretariat.

Some forces are however pushing for Dr. Andy Uba’s candidature.

The forces were said to be desperate to secure an ex-parte order from a court to force INEC to accept Uba as the party’s candidate.

The PDP has up till September 18 to finalise the choice of its candidate for the election.

President Goodluck Jonathan was expected to meet Uba yesterday on the stalemate in Anambra governorship candidate.

But the Anambra League of Professionals and the Elders Forum yesterday warned against any attempt to alter the results of the governorship primaries won by Nwoye.

According to investigation, the choice of PDP governorship candidate has created division

between some leaders of the party and forces in the presidency.

A top source said: “There is a plot to drop Nwoye by some forces in the presidency “There is a plan to coerce the Presidency to remove the name of the duly elected PDP Candidate in the State.

“This is creating tension because a top shot in INEC is alleged to be part of the plot.

“They want to secure ex-parte order to declare the candidature of Nwoye as invalid.”

But the Anambra League of Professionals and the Elders Forum yesterday warned against any attempt to alter the results of the governorship primaries won

by Nwoye.

In a statement signed by Mr. Okeke Anthony for Anambra League of Professionals and Hon Onwuatuegwu Alexander(The Elders Forum, Anambra State), they warned against imposition of a PDP governorship candidate.

The statement said: “As at the time of writing this report, Senator Andy Uba will be meeting President Goodluck Jonathan to convince him to cancel the result of the PDP Governorship Primary organised at Awka on the 24th

‘Why PDP chair can’t resign’ Continued from page 4

governors, saying that it lacked merit and substance. He said the demand was improper, impracticable and unfair, pointing out that the removal of the party chairman is laid out in the PDP constitution.

The Publicity Secretary also also objected to the insinuation that the perceived second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan was responsible for the crisis, explaining that the President’s fate lies with the PDP constitution, the 1999 and court.

He said: It is undemocratic to prevent somebody from pursuing a second term ambition, unless the constitution or the court says otherwise. It is within the right of the President to contest. It is unfair to hinge the peace move on his second term ambition.

“Also, the Chairman, Alhaji bamanga Tukur cannot go.

There are conditions for the removal of the chairman. They

are being unfair. They should tell us why he should go. They can’t ask Tukur to go because he is supporting the President. The National Working Committee (NWC) has been supporting the PDP Presidents. The demand is undemocratic, unfair and it is not practicable.

In Metuh’s view, the demand for internal democracy by the aggrieved chieftains is legitimate, adding that the demand should not be accompanied with disrespect and disloyalty to the party.

He wondered why the state PDP chairmen, who cooperated with the governors to achieve success in their states, were not comfortable with the extension of the same courtesy by the national chairman to the President, who is the PDP national leader.

Metuh said that it is incumbent on the national officers to cooperate and support the activities of the President, stressing that the success of the President translates into the success of the PDP.

of being behind the posters.

“We stand by President Jonathan and he will seek re-election in 2015. We are supporting President Jonathan, not because he is from the Southsouth zone or because his wife (Dame Patience) is from Rivers State (Otuoke), but because he is doing well.”

The GDI’s secretary-general also urged all Nigerians to continue to support President Jonathan who, according to him, is determined to transform Nigeria.

President meets IBB, Ciroma in counter-offensive Continued from page 4

tive of Nigeria to the UN, Alhaji Maitama Sule, a respected former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Junaid Mohammed; Governor Sule Lamido and Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, among others.

The emissary pleaded that the North should allow Jonathan to run in 2015.

Boko Haram kills 14 volunteers Continued from page 4

that information about their imminent attack was leaked. They then changed their strategy.

When they (attackers) went to Benishiek, they divided themselves into two groups. The first group attacked the military formation on the outskirt of the town and the second group took cover.

“On hearing sounds of gunshots, the youth vigilance members moved in a direction the insurgents ambushed, which led to the death of 12 of their members on the spot,” he said.

Speaking on his hospital bed, Mohamed Abuwar, one of the leaders of the “Civilian JTF” in Benishiek, said the terrorists wanted to sack the community, adding: “We successfully repelled the attack because they wanted to kill all of us and our

parents. We mobilised to the outskirts of the town and stopped them from gaining access.”

Another injured member of the group Zanna Fannami, who is injured said: “The terrorists are angry with us and want to discourage us…there is no going back; we have taken our destiny in our hands.

“If I survive the injuries I sustained, I will continue struggling.”

The spokesman of the newly created 7 Division of the Army, Lt Col Sagir Musa, could not be reached for comments.

The road linking Maiduguri from Benishiek has been closed down by military operatives who are said to be combing the bush to apprehend suspects.

It is the major road that links Borno with Bauchi, Kano and Abuja.

58

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

NEWS VACAN C I E S

An international insurance firm required a resourceful, intelligent and hardworking individual for; 1.

Client service officers.

2.

Business development officers 3.

Marketing executives QUALIFICATIONS:OND; HND; B.SC; MBA & M.SC in any field NOTE: Candidates must resides inlagos or its environ Apply to: newpremiumcommunications@yahoo.com OR tundeadverts@gmail.com

President Jonathan (second right) and Deputy Kenyan President William Ruto (right), after the Nigeria-Kenya Business Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. From left is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Aganga; Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Alison-Madueke; and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.

Jonathan begins diaspora export programme P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has begun the implementation of the Diaspora Export Programme (DEP), designed to improve trade between Nigeria and other countries.

The President said during a meeting with the Nigerian community in Nairobi, Kenya that the programme, laid down by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, would encourage the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), owned by Nigerians at home and abroad.

He said this as the two countries began mechanisms to double their trade within two years with the establishment of the Nigeria-Kenya Trade and Investment Council.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has approved five to 10 years visas to genuine Nigerian businessmen without restriction.

He announced the approval when closing the Nigeria-Kenya Business at the weekend.

Said he: “One of my highest priorities as President of Kenya is to break barriers on investment and trade among African nations.

There is no reason why Africa should submit to poverty amid many opportunities. “People to people contact will solidify and encourage businesses, especially between our countries. To allow this happen

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

and ensure that people travel with ease, without restriction, I have instructed my cabinet secretary on Interior to give five to 10 years visas to Nigerian businessmen without any restriction.”

Jonathan enjoined Nigerians in Kenya to key into the DEP as a veritable means of ensuring that trade between countries improved in favour of Nigeria, saying Nigerian women in Kenya, who had complained of not being able to start businesses, should liaise with MITI on the steps to follow.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the

objective of the Diaspora Export Programme was to leverage on the presence of Nigerians living abroad, using their individual and collective advantage in these countries to advance the promotion of Nigeria’s non-oil export.

According to him, the programme allows Nigerians in the diaspora to organise themselves into groups or business associations, take advantage of trade and investment opportunities at home and export made-in-Nigeria products to their countries of residence.

This, he noted, would provide a platform to enable the quick and easy penetration of products and services of Nigerian origin into the global market, while

also making Nigerians resident abroad to have additional sources of income and become relevant in their host and home countries.

The private sectors in Nigeria and Kenya have mapped out strategies and put mechanisms in place to leverage on the competitive and comparative advantage of their countries for winwin trade and investment relationships.

Following the roundtable discussions between the private sectors of the two countries, the Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who led the Nigerian businessmen, announced an investment of $400 million by the Dangote Group in the cement sector in Kenya.

He said the two countries would collaborate in tourism, agriculture and agroprocessing, oil and gas, entertainment and manufacturing, among others.

Kenya offers 46 oil blocks Continued from page 1

She went on: “We also looked at the areas surrounding Nigeria’s investments possibilities where we think Nigerian businessmen and women could come into the oil and gas sector in Kenya.

“They are very keen that Nigerian operators in the upstream, midstream and downstream service sectors of the oil and gas industry look to Kenya as a burgeoning frontier for investments in the oil and gas sector.

“They are also very keen that we support them in setting up the right framework, policies

and processes and technology to help them drive the exploration activities.”

Among the seven Memoranda of Understanding and Bilateral Agreements signed by both countries, she said, included oil and gas, which spelt out details of the co-operations.

The CEO of Forte Oil and Zenon Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, prominent bankers and investors, Jim Ovia and Tony Elumelu, were in the Nigerian delegation to the forum.

Lemo urges NAICOM, insurers on insurance growth

T

HE Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Tunde Lemo, has said NAICOM should collaborate with other regulatory and government agencies to step up the enforcement of the areas where there is compulsory insurance.

He said the commission could achieve this bilaterally and or multilaterally through the existing forum.

Lemo spoke at the weekend at the just-concluded 2013 Insurance Professionals Forum of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria held in Ibadan.

He said efforts should be intensified for the take-off of the industry portal and NAICOM should sustain its public education programme.

Lemo added that the com-

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

mission should handle customers’ complaints and build capacity in the industry.

According to the CBN chief, one of the major challenges confronting the sector is the low level of insurance penetration and patronage.

He said non-life insurance penetration was around onehalf per cent or one-seventh of the average penetration of the OECD countries in 2010, while life insurance penetration was lower at around 0.2 per cent.

“The comparison remains the same when a better measurement of insurance utilisation is used, which takes into consideration dependence on the economic development of the country as well as the

benchmark insurance penetration against the world insurance penetration average (BMIP) for the non-life sector.

“The Nigerian BMIP value indicates that the insurance industry is underdeveloped with only 43 per cent of the world average insurance penetration at the Nigerian 2010 GDP per capital level, placing Nigeria at the bottom of comparable countries, with the exception of Egypt.”

Lemo said apathy to insurance, the unwholesome practices by practitioners, slow pace of development of the industry portal, unattractive remuneration of agents, dearth of manpower and delays in enacting bills are some challenges confronting the sector.

He recalled that part of the

reforms embarked upon by NAICOM included the enforcement of compliance with compulsory insurance in line with the Insurance Act 2003, the sanitisation and modernisation of insurance agency system, wiping out of fake insurance institutions and introduction of riskbased supervision of institutions under the regulatory purview of the commission.

The implementation of the National Roadmap on the implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by insurance companies has also received the attention of the commission.

He noted that the reforms, if fully achieved, would move the industry forward.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

NEWS ‘Baby factories’ bring profits and pain

T

HE proprietor of Nigeria’s Moonlight Maternity Clinic was not interested in discussing allegations that he sells newborn babies, with boys fetching higher prices than the girls.

“I have nothing to say to you,” Ben Akpudache, stout 74yeard-old, told AFP at the small, dimly lit clinic with concrete floors tucked between commercial shops in the southeastern city of Enugu.

“I can’t just have people coming in and asking questions.”

“Doctor” Akpudache, whose medical credentials are under question, had his clinic raided in July after a three-month sting operation in which the security forces discovered a socalled baby factory.

“We had our people posing as if they wanted to buy a child,” Nigeria’s Civil Defence Corps (NCDC) spokesman Denny Iwuckukwu told AFP. Police had separately stormed his home in May, where they discovered that babies were also for sale.

The “factories” are usually small facilities parading as private medical clinics that house pregnant women and offer their children for sale. In some cases, young women have allegedly been held against their will and raped, with their newborns sold on the black market.

But security services say the majority of cases, including that of the Moonlight clinic, have seen unmarried women with unplanned pregnancies arrive voluntarily or through persuasion.

Their newborns are then

sold for several thousand dollars, with boys fetching higher prices. The mother receives roughly $200 (150 euros).

Typical was Ebere Onwuchekwa, 29, who became emotional when asked about the sale of her son, Prosper.

Speaking at the office of a child rights NGO, she said the father demanded she get an abortion, illegal in Nigeria, and she refused. Her mother ultimately brought in a “midwife”, who delivered the baby and sold him for $1500.

“She took him away... He was a day old,” said Onwuchekwa.

After learning what happened, her uncles tracked Prosper down and got him back.

The 18-month-old sat quietly on his mother’s lap as she spoke.

When asked about the woman who sold her son, a resentful Onwuchekwa said “she doesn’t want me to say anything about what happened”.

As for Akpudache, he is out on bail and his facility, which he insisted in a brief, tense encounter was a “registered maternity clinic”, remains open.

Authorities said it has not been shut down because they were waiting for the courts to take action, though the NCDC spokesman insisted Akpudache would face justice.

“Human beings should not be sold as animals,” said Iwuckukwu.

When police stormed Akpudache’s expansive, three-storey home in Ogui Eke village, roughly an hour outside Enugu, they found six pregnant young women.

In a video provided to AFP by the Enugu police, one of the women said she wanted to continue studying, not struggle as a single mother. Akpudache’s offer to host her through the pregnancy then sell the newborn seemed a solution.

In the same video, Akpudache said he was just trying to “help people in need”.

Despite a 2003 law against human trafficking, including selling children, it is Nigeria’s third most common crime behind fraud and drug trafficking, the United Nations has said. The European Union has cited Nigeria as the African country where the scourge is most common.

The maximum sentence is life in prison but sentencing remains at the judges’ discretion and offenders can get away with just a fine.

Baby trafficking, in particular, has intensified in the southeast, which is populated mainly by the Igbo ethnic group.

The NCDC has several ongoing undercover operations targeting suspected baby trafficking rings in Enugu, underscoring the severity of the problem in this region.

The reasons given for why this “baby” market has developed here vary widely.

Some fear newborns are being sold to witchdoctors for rituals in a country where occult practices still occur. Some say fraudsters in the region had simply found another reliable way to earn cash.

But the security forces and activists said the majority of buyers are likely married couples struggling to conceive.

59

60 CHANGE OF NAME ODEDINA

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Mariam Adetokunbo Odedina, now wish to be known as Mrs. Mariam Adetokunbo Eko. All former documents remain valid.

LASG, LASEPA and general public please take note.

OLIVER

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oliver Oluchi Faith, now wish to be known as Miss Obia Oliver Oluchi Faith. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Funmilayo Damilola Okunfeyijimi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Adeyoola, Funmilayo Damilola. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKORORIE MARYANN OGECHI, now wish to be addressed as MRS. IGWE MARYANN OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo and the general public please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS. NWOKEDIKE JULIET IFEOMACHUKWUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UCHECHUKWU BENARD JULIET IFEOMACHUKWUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SALAMI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, WARIBO URANTA IGONI and IKECHUKWU URANTA IGONI refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as WARIBO URANTA IGONI. All former documents remain valid. Ocean Marine Security Ltd, NIMASA and general public please take note.

OKUNFEYIJIMI

OLUTOLA

IGBINOVIA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olutola, Funmilola Motayo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Eyinade Funmilola Motayo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AIYANKHOBA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onojighemre Glory, now wish to be known as Mrs. Onamade Glory Ogheneruese. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Igbinovia Egbebalo Endurance, now wish to be known as Igbinovia Egberanmwen Abundance. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Precious Evbaguehikha Aiyankhoba, now wish to be known as Mrs. Precious Daniel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJO

I formerly known and addressed as Ojo Oluwagbemiga Boluwatife, now wish to be known as Adedayo Gaius Ademiju Boluwatife. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OJO

I formerly known and addressed as Ojo Francisca Abiodun, now wish to be known as Adedayo Francisca Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMEN

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Emem David Akpan, now wish to be known as Mrs. Emem Clement Itotup. All former documents remain valid.Noun, NYSC and general public please take note.

AGBARAKWE

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Venatius Chiamaka Agbarakwe, now wish to be known as Mr. Ubah Venatius Chiamaka Steve. All former documents remain valid.Abia State University, NYSC, WAEC, NIM, Nigerian Imimigration and general public please take note.

YEBOVI

I formerly known and addressed as Yebovi, AbdulRasheed Babatunde, now wish to be known as Adeniran, AbdulRasheed Babatunde. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

OLOYEDE

I formerly known and addressed as Oloyede, Obasoyen Aimienoho, now wish to be known as Adeniran, Obasoyen Aimienoho. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

ROTIMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Rotimi Elizabeth Modupe, now wish to be known as Mrs. Azeez, Adijat Modupe. All former documents remain valid.Ogun State Ministry of Education, IPLGEA, Ipokia and general public please take note.

ONANUGA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onanuga, Bolanle Risikat, now wish to be known as Mrs. Tojir, Bolanle Risikat. All former documents remain valid.F.M.C, N.M.C.N and general public please take note.

OLONILUA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olonilua Bolanle Odunayo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Salami, Bolanle Odunayo. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

OLONILUA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olonilua Bolanle Odunayo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Salami, Bolanle Odunayo. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

SOPADE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Beatrice Abimbola Sopade, now wish to be known as Mrs. Beatrice Abimbola Olabanji. All former documents remain valid.

UNILAG and general public please take note.

IBERU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Iberu, Mojisola Aminat, now wish to be known as Mrs. Lasisi, Mojisola Aminat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Miss Ogunyebi, Eniola Ololade and Suberu Serifat Ololade is the same person. Now wish to be known as Mrs. Eniola Ololade Adeboye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOJIGHEMRE

AKINRINADE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Tolulope Elizabeth Akinrinade, now wish to be known as Mrs.Tolulope Elizabeth Haastrup. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADELOWO

I formerly known and addressed as Adelowo Abiodun Adekunle, now wish to be known as Adelowo Adekunle Abiodun. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

OLADUNWO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladunwo, Taiwo Abidemi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Adeboye, Taiwo Abidemi. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public please take note.

NZEKWE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss ELIZABETH M. NZEKWE now wish to be addressed as MRS. ELIZABETH .M. ANABA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public please take note.

LAWAL

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AISHATU IYABO LAWAL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AISHA IYABO MADU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

AKINWUMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinwumi, Adeola Taiwo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ibituyi Adeola Taiwo. All former documents remain valid.Hospital Management Board, Ekiti State and general public please take note.

TIJANI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Tijani, Monisola Kemi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Adebayo, Monisola Kemi. All former documents remain valid.Oyo TESCOM and general public please take note.

AGHO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Agho Florence Iziegbe, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ogunfowora, Florence Iziegbe. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

AZEEZ

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Azeez Isiaq Usman, now wish to be known as Usman Alabi Isiaq.

All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

OKORORIE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami Rashidat Oriyomi now wish to be called and known as Mrs Oseni Rashidat Oriyomi. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

USMAN

I, formerly known and addressed as USMAN OBIOKPA, now wish to be known and addressed as USMAN OBIOKPA ADI. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Jos and the general public should please take note.

NWANGUMA

I, formerly known and addressed as CHIDOZIE ENDDY NWANGUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIDOZIE ENDDY FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid.

Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and the general public should please take note.

EZEA

IFITI

AYENI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayeni, Kemi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Awe, Kemi Grace.

All former documents remain valid.

Ijero Local government, Ijero Ekiti, E.H. ORECON and general public please take note.

ALAO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Alao, Oluyemisi Oladotun, now wish to be known as Mrs. Eweje, Oluwayemisi Oladotun. All former documents remain valid.

The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and general public please take note.

ADEKOYA

I, formerly known and addressed as Olalekan Sunday Adekoya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mureni Alli. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOKEDIKE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, PASTOR ISRAEL CHRISTOPHER ENEBELI and ANIGALA CHRISTOPHER OSSAI refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as PASTOR ISRAEL CHRISTOPHER ENEBELI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, RICHARD NDUKA OSUAFOR and RICHARD CHUKWUKERE AZUBUIKE refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as RICHARD NDUKA OSUAFOR. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJAERO

I, formerly known and addressed as EZEA UCHENNA PHILOMENA, now wish to be known and addressed as EKWUEME ULONNAM UCHENNA PHILOMENA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Virginia Chinenyenwa Ajaero, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Virginia Chinenyenwa Egboo. All former documents remain valid.

Lagos business School, and the general public should please take note.

SHIYANBOLA

AZUNNA

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS OMOWUMI SHIYANBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OMOWUMI OWOYE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. AZUNNA NDIDI SONIA. now wish to be known as Mrs. JUBRIL NDIDI SONIA, all former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

NWOGWUGWU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. NKEIRUKA NMESIRIONYE, now wish to be known as Mrs. NKEIRUKA EBORKA. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Nwogwugwu Emmanuel C. now wish to be known and addressed as Chimanma Chidi Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MKPEREDEM

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Atim Etim Mkperedem now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anyanwu Helen Kingsley. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGELLE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogelle Chioma now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igwe Chioma Kalu. All former documents remain valid. Local Government Civil Service Commission, Abia State and general public should please take note.

AMAHAOTU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amahaotu Christiana Chinelo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbuokiri Jude Christiana. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EKANEM

I formerly known and addressed as MISS PRISCILLA SUNDAY EKANEM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS PRISCILLA NDUBUISI CHUKWUMERIJE. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,Uyo and the general public take note.

OLAWUMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifiti, Moyin Deborah, now wish to be known as Mrs. Kpiliboh Moyin Deborah. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. MOJISOLA MOTUNRAYO OLAWUMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MOJISOLA MOTUNRAYO PEARCE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOSUN

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. BONA OKOSUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BONAHILLY ONABUREKHAN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKONKWO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. OKONKWO CHINENYE BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AMAONYE CHINENYE BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

University of Calabar, NYSC and general public please take note.

KOLADE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kolade, Mujidat Kemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fanika, Mujidat Kemi. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc. and general public please take note.

NMESIRIONYE

KALU

I formerly known and addressed Miss. KALU ESTHER SOROCHI now wish to be known as Mrs. AYOKA ESTHER SOROCHI. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

IWUAMADI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. IWUAMADI HELEN, now wish to be known as Mrs. HELEN PAUL. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, GOKPA OLUJI GOKPA and GOKPA O. GOKPA refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUJI GOKPA GOKPA, all former documents remain valid. general public please take note

ANEKE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANEKE JULIANA UKAMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aniezeh Ukamaka Juliana. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UGWU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU ADAOBI NNEKA ESTHER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AFAM-ANEKE ADAOBI NNEKA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

Enechionyia & Associates and general public take note.

ONYEVU

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEVU DEBORA .N, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYENA DEBORA .N . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MAKANJUOLA

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Makanjuola Akinola Rahimat Oluwabusola, now wish to be known as Mrs. Fashola Rahimat Oluwabusola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASHOGBON

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ashogbon Moromoke Rachael, now wish to be known as Mrs. Hunpe Moromoke Rachael.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OJEMEKLE

I formerly known and addressed as Ojemekele Gibson Abraham, now wish to be known as Dan-Gurion Abraham Ameribhokun. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME ONI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olajumoke Bola Oni, now wish to be known as Mrs. Olajumoke Okhide. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OWEI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Boolu Owei, now wish to be known as Mrs. Tina Bolou Kime.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ADEKOYA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. ADEKOYA ADEKUNBI TITILOPE, now wish to be known as Mrs. OLATILO ADEKUNBI TITILOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSHUA

ATE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. OBAZE MARGARET OSHUA, now wish to be known as Mrs. ODUSANYA MARGARET OSHUA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BAKARE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Aderinlola Olushade Elizabeth, now wish to be known as Mrs. Adebayo Olushade Elizabeth.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Winnie Ateba Ate, now wish to be known as Mrs. WinnieOkpoen Edem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Folashade Risikat Bakare, now wish to be known as Mrs. Folashade Risikat IgbaroolaBakare. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BIRIOMONI

I formerly known and addressed as County Uyakemiegbegbha Edmund Biriomoni, now wish to be known as Prince Joseph Uyakemiegbagha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALALADE

I formerly known and addressed as Alalade, Oluyemi Oyebanke, now wish to be known as Taiwo Oluyemi Oyebanke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMOSULE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omosule Funmilayo Charity, now wish to be known as Mrs. Orisadare Funmilayo Charity. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OLUFEMI

ADERINLOLA

IFAKA

I formerly known and addressed as Ifaka Kelly Cyril, now wish to be known as Adorable Kelly Cyril. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

SALAWU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Salawu Mariam Ozavirenyi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Musa Mariam Ozavirenyi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OMONIYI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omoniyi Oluwabusayo Oluwaseun, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oduneri Oluwabusayo Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODUSANYA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Odusanya Olufunke Adenike, now wish to be known as Mrs. Daramola-Lawson Olufunke Adenike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

APIGI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olufemi, Olusayo Florence, now wish to be known as Mrs. Abu, Olusayo Florence. All former documents remain valid. PHCN and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Arikpabai Apigi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Mary Arikpabai Ikoromo-Seigha. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AYEGBE

I formerly known and addressed as Hans Chinomso Njoku, now wish to be known as Hans Chinomso ChrisUchendu. All former documents remain valid. Management, Teachers, Students of Dolphin Maria College, Bauchi, Bauchi tate and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayegbe, Bolade Victoria, now wish to be known as Mrs. Omosule Bolade Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINTOYE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akintoye, Adijat Modupeola, now wish to be known as Mrs. Kuforiji Adijat Modupeola. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OSHUA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. OBAZE MARGARET OSHUA, now wish to be known as Mrs. ODUSANYA MARGARET OSHUA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEKOYA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. ADEKOYA ADEKUNBI TITILOPE, now wish to be known as Mrs. OLATILO ADEKUNBI TITILOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DAIRO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Dairo oluwa Damilola Temitope, now wish to be known as Mrs Olajide Oluwadamilola Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PEACE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Peace .U. Maduwuba, now wish to be known as Mrs. Madu Peace Uloma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GABRIEL

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Gabriel Victoria Woniebi, now wish to be known as Miss Victoria Woniebi Oyintonbra Torunarigha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBASI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Obasi Obianuju Victoria, now wish to be known as Mrs Udeali Obianuju Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BIACHI

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Biachi Joy, now wish to be known as Miss Otolo Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NJOKU

ROTIMI

I formerly known and addressed as Rotimi Oluwanifemi Oluwafifunmi, now wish to be known as Ibijoju Oluwanifemi Oluwafifunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DAUDA

I formerly known and addressed as Dauda Akanni Ogundare, now wish to be known as David Akanni Oluwadare. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just N4,500. The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 2017220392 Account Name - VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide@ yahoo.com or thenation.advert @hotmail.com.

For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 0 8 0 5 2 7 2 0 4 2 1 , 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide @yahoo.com or our offices nationwide. Note this! Change of name is now published every Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

61

SPORT EXTRA FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP

NFF assures Eaglets of support

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has again pledged its support towards the National Under-17 successful outing at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE. A message of solidarity was delivered to the team at its Princeville Hotel Camp in Calabar on Sunday by Alhaji Muazu Suleiman on behalf of NFF’s President Alhaji Aminu Maigari and other board members.

Suleiman who is the chairman of the NFF’s Referee Committee, said it was imperative that the team remained focused on its objectives with the beginning of the World Cup around the corner even as he enjoined the players to work harder.

“I’m here on behalf of President of the NFF who is unavoidably absent here today and we want to assure you that the NFF will do everything in our capacity to help you conquer the world in the UAE,” said Suleiman who was the Golden Eaglets’ leader of delegation through all their CAN qualifiers. “The fact that you couldn’t win the tournament in Morocco should be a big motivation for you to perform better at the World cup.

“Personally, I have passion for this team and by the grace of God, I would in Dubai to offer as usual my personal support because this is a team that is different in attitude and

conduct.”

While commending the overall team spirit and unity of purpose especially amongst the technical crew, Suleiman told the players to

shun any act of indiscipline and to be focused.

“The most important thing in achieving success is for you to be disciplined and there is no two ways about

that,” he advised. “We are proud of this team because for almost two years, we have not heard of any rancour even despite the challenges you are facing and that shows there is an overall discipline.”

Responding on behalf of the team, Head Coach Manu Garba(MFR), thanked the NFF board led by Alhaji Maigari for always being in the fore front in addressing issues concerning the team, promising a good outing at the World Cup:” Of course, we have challenges but we are focused and by the grace of God, we shall do well at the World Cup.”

Victory over Malawi excites Moses

N •Manu Garba

Surprise birthday bash for Yobo

F

E N E R B A H C E organised a surprise birthday bash for Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo on Saturday to mark his

33rd birthday.

Yobo (Born September 6), who is returning to training after he was sidelined by injury for three weeks, had a joint birthday bash alongside Emre and Topuz courtesy the team and was joined in the celebrations by players as well as the officials.

The three celebrants cut the cake together.

Yobo thank the top Turkish team for the event.

“I was surprised about the party, I thank the team as a whole for putting the party together for me and my friends who are having our birthday at same period,” Yobo said.

Yobo trained separately and could be available for next league match away to Kasimpasa on Monday, September 16.

EW Liverpool of England man, Victor Moses is expectedly happy over the Super Eagles’ victory over the Flames of Malawi.

Moses who was constantly a thorn in the flesh of the Malawi defence in the 2-0 victory recorded at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar told futaa.com that the victory was well deserved as the Eagles dominated proceedings all through in Saturday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match.

“Yeah it was great game, we have been looking forward to the game right from the start , it wasn’t an easy game right from the start even though we dominated and we are very delighted to get the three points at the end of the day and we are now looking forward to the two games left in the series.

Moses told futaa.com after the victory over the East African side Moses sealed victory for Nigeria from the penalty spot in the 51st minute after converting the kick gifted the Eagles after Nnamdi Oduamadi was brought down by the Malawians in the vital area.

Lagos weightlifting tourney produces fresh talents •Komolafe promises consistency

W

EIGHTLIFTERS were at their best as the rejuvenated Lagos State Weightlifting Association held the grand finale of the 2nd quarter interclub championship at the Lagos state weightlifting gymnasium, Rowe Park Sports Centre Yaba, Lagos.

Weightlifting fans thronged the venue of the competition to catch a climbs of their favorite lifters, especially those discovered from the market square.

The chairman of weightlifting association, Kunle Komolafe expressed joy at the talents discovered at the tournament: “I am happy; if you the journalists are here and can appreciate what we are doing then that speaks volumes” On efforts geared towards sustaining the tournament he said “that is why we are partnering with private companies so even when our tenure ends this competition will continue”.

He disclosed plans by the association to build gyms close to the market squares in order to discover more talents: “most of the traders participating are thinking about their businesses, so we’re planning to open a small gym in the different markets there so we

Saintfeit: Eagles’ first goal killed our ALAWI’S head coach, fighting spirits

M

Tom Saintfeit has rued Super Eagles’ first half late strike which he believed altered his game plan and thus eventually handed all points to Nigeria in the 2014 World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Saintfeit stated that the Flames’ strategy was to absorb the pressure thrown at them by the Nigerians for the entire first half and then pounce when the Eagles might have become agitated to get goals in the second half.

“The goal before the halftime was our death. To be honest with you, that moment that we conceded the goal in the 45th minute with 30 seconds marked the end of us. If it was 0-0 in the first half, the Eagles will be a little bit more nervous in the second half and we would have had

Sports Minister to open Airtel African Championship

N

IGERIA’S Minister for Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and his counterpart in Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, will lead a host of top government officials and international diplomats to the opening ceremony of the Airtel Rising Stars Africa Championship, taking place in Lagos, from September 16th – September 22nd, 2013.

The Airtel Rising Stars Africa Football Championship, in its second season is Africa’s biggest Under-17 grassroots tournament and the only one with strong consideration for gender equality with the incorporation of the Girls Category.

Teams from 16 countries across Africa will participate in the Airtel Rising Stars tournament.

Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Segun Ogunsanya assured that the company is ready to host the youngsters from across Africa as well as the dignitaries including the members of the diplomatic corps, who will be

coming to support the representatives of their various countries.

Ogunsanya was delighted at the Federal government’s support towards the successful hosting of the biggest youth soccer fiesta in Africa by any corporate organisation.

He assured that Airtel believes in the potentials that are inherent in every African youth not only in the area of football, but across the various skill sets of human endeavours, hence Airtel’s commitment to being a major enabler for them to meet their dreams and aspirations.

Each participating country’s contingent emerged after a rigorous selection process coordinated by seasoned soccer coaches and ex-internationals during their respective national championships.

For the Nigerian representatives, the male and female teams, incidentally both from Port Harcourt, were selected from a pool of over 40,000 young stars after a gruelling display of soccer skills,

can even discover more. So when we have competitions they come here to the gymnasium but the training will be in the markets there, we plan to provide easy access to the gym because that is the only way we can get them out of the markets because most of them want to stick to their works”.

Also speaking at the event the technical director of weightlifting in the state, Elijah Durosimi said “it’s quite an interesting event because we have seen that many lifters have come out of many major markets I believe that this event that has come up is an eye opener, many of them never thought that something like this could happen to them, but with what they have seen now they want to continue in the sport He added: “the ones we have discovered in the past and the one we will discover today, we are going to take them to a higher level than where they are now” The sis weightlifters discovered from the markets also participated in the tournament; they are, Taiwo Eniola, Femi Adebayo,Saheed Adebiyi and Adebumi Babatunde, from the Owode market,while Okeke Victor, is from Ladipo Market.

discipline and commitment that saw them scale through the zonal stages to the national championship finals.

As part of the activities lined up for the soccer fiesta, Airtel will host the visiting teams including local and international media, national and youth Soccer federations to a corporate dinner, and will also use the opportunity to conduct the match draws and fixtures for the one week tournament.

The winning male and female teams from the competition will receive the grand prize of USD 10,000 for the education of the players.

The opening and the final games of ARS Africa Championship would hold at the Ikeja Township Stadium in Agege, Lagos. Soccer enthusiasts would also have the opportunity of watching scintillating skills from the youngsters at the Onikan Stadium, Yaba College of Technology and the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos where the group matches would hold.

From Tunde Liadi,Owerri more opportunities. But the goal before the halftime killed us completely.

“We played a very good first half according to plans. The Flames played a very coordinated game and organised defence. Nigeria had more possession but my goalkeeper was excellent. He didn’t allow any shot between the posts to go in the first 45 minutes. It was 30 seconds after the normal 45 minutes that we conceded a goal. It was a mistake from my left wing.

“The second half was very difficult for us to come back because we played against a very strong Super Eagles’ side who gained confidence after leading 1-0.”

Saintfiet also complained about the penalty with which Nigeria got the second goal:”You(Nigeria) got a penalty but I have to see the replay first.

But I am 90 percent sure that it is not a penalty. It was very soft and I think the player dived.

He, however, agreed with the centre referee over the dismissal of his player:”The red card on the other end. I would have given a red card also. I think it was a tackle where any referee gives a yellow card. I spoke with the player he said he touched the ball first. So, if that is correct, then it is not a yellow card. If I was a referee, I would have also given a red card.”

On his future with Malawi national team:”I played 1-1 against Zimbabwe but lost on penalties. I don’t consider that as a loss despite the fact we failed to qualify for the tournament(CHAN). I never was here to win many games. I was here to win one gametoday’s (Saturday’s). It was the only goal. I don’t feel any pressure because we had an agreement till 11.59am Saturday and from Sunday, I have no agreement with the Malawian Federation and it was clear.

62

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

63

WHO SAID WHAT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘The ex-militants are by their misguided action crossing the fiducial mark that is alien to democratic tenets. Threats such as this are a negation of dialogue and the political process playing itself out on account of the breakup of VOL 8 NO 2,601 the PDP into factions’ AREWA CONSULTATIVE FORUM

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

P

OLITICS abhors the hero. As a dominion of the possible, the first casualty is the idealist, the dreamer who thinks he can win the people to his bosom by marching the society towards an Eldorado. But politicians talk Eldorado. They just don’t believe in it.

Yet once in a while, you see the antipolitician who runs riot against his tribe. It is a case of a real honour among thieves, a saint among sinners, a Saul turned Paul. Even at that, the people who go to the polls, who know the character of politicians, who know their alienation from truth and integrity, express dismay at this rare rendezvous between honour and disgrace.

So when a councillor candidate named Olawale Jimoh disowned the victory foisted on him in the recent local government elections in Offa, Kwara State, a man of honour seemed a traitor to his class. He was not supposed to spit out a good morsel of meat good fortune threw in his mouth, apologies to Chinua Achebe in A Man of the People. In a body politic where genuine losers scream they won, Jimoh smells like an odd rose.

But the story of Jimoh is not merely of a ward hero, but a counter-narrative to the tale of implosion now splintering the heart of the Peoples Democratic Party and a cautionary skein to the other parties, including the APC. Jimoh is speaking truth to power, he chastens the hectoring role of the president and his overbearing wife in the rumbles in Rivers State, calls for decency in Anambra State between the Uba brothers and the PDP mainstays, asks the opportunists in Taraba State to bow to the law and jars the PDP high command that it cannot sow falsehood and not reap its sour fruit.

Whatever is happening to the party, Jimoh’s plea of truth haunts like Banquo’s ghost. When the PDP decided during the NGF election earlier this year that 16 upended 19, it did not expect that a minority number of governors – namely- seven – would claim to be the genuine PDP. By inverting the rules of arithmetic, Jonathan’s PDP is stewing in its own perverted morality.

The splinter group is not playing the politics of right, but inflicting a revanchist morality on the party high command. It is basking in a Machiavellian sunshine. So those who say the splinter PDP is illegal miss the point.

Legality has never been the fabric of the PDP. If they had upheld Amaechi’s victory at the NGF poll, they would not have opened the shutters to civil war in their ranks.

They had expected Jimoh to say thank you and grovel with delight for his return certificate. Rather he thundered: “I am a bonafide Offa indigene, we are noted for our industry and truth. I did not win that election,

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Saint among rogues

•Jimoh

‘If Jonathan benefited from a system that allowed a sick Muslim to step away for a healthy Christian, why does he want to endorse the opposite? In his cynical play, he is biting the finger that fed him to the top.

This is pharisaic hypocrisy’

it was rigged in my favour. I am a true Moslem who will one day stand before God and give an account of my stewardship.”

Truth is also a casualty in Taraba, and they would not ape Jimoh, by simply doing what is right. President Jonathan says he would not interfere, but that is not true. He already has. He wants to preserve Suntai through the new brokered deal. He wants the Christian governor on the throne not just in name but as insurance against 2015, a counterfoil in the presidential sweepstake to an adversarial Muslim region. Suntai’s wife agreed that her husband cannot work to the high demands of the office. What does that tell us? That the task is above the rigours of his physical and

mental powers. So why not allow the Muslim deputy take over? Rather the party brokers a lawless deal that makes the deputy governor the man in charge while the governor is a “ceremonial” head. We do not operate a constitutional monarchy, and the law does not make room for a governor as king or cipher. Even then the new arrangement does not make him a cipher when it is time to sign the cheques. So what name do we give the new arrangement?

Cheque-ocracy?

If Jonathan benefited from a system that allowed a sick Muslim to step away for a healthy Christian, why does he want to endorse the opposite? In his cynical play, he

HARDBALL

RIPPLES NAFDAC to begin herbal mediccine trial–News

hmmm....NAFDAC number for ‘PARAGA’

F

is biting the finger that fed him to the top.

This is pharisaic hypocrisy. The Presidency has pitched its tent by the temple of lies in this matter. Jonathan is the leader of the PDP and whatever happens bears his imprimatur.

Is it not because where Jonathan goes, the PDP goes? Is that not why Bamanga Tukur is still party chair? So, let us not kid ourselves. If he could interfere in both Rivers and Bayelsa state politics, why is it so strange to do so in Taraba? Is it because it is in the North or because the Niger Delta blood is thicker than Nigerian? Or he is not president in Taraba?

Or is it because Bayelsa is his home and Rivers is the dame’s domicile? They don’t want to be like one of their own named Jimoh.

Is Jonathan not against the Uba’s in Anambra because former President Obasanjo is in bed with that family? Nigerians are still trying to digest the notion of Chris and Andy playing faithful kin. It’s like Cain and Abel dining together after the fratricide. Blood seems thicker than water, even after the bloodshed. Are the Ubas telling each other the truth or just involved in what Senegalese novelist Sembene Ousmane calls the perfidy of lies and the hypocrisy of rivals?

It does not matter that the PDP is claiming Jimoh is not the candidate. It is too late in the day. Where were they when he campaigned?

Who was the real candidate? We can say that Jimoh may have been scared by the tempest of protest in the streets, but has that ever deterred politicians in the past? We all remember the picture of Omoboriowo caught eating pounded yam in the old Ondo State after the electoral heist. In Ekiti, Edo, Osun and other states, those who stole elections preened in spite of protests until the courts kicked them out for the present incumbents.

A hero is not pure but exemplary in his humanity. That is what Jimoh tells us this season. He is not a archetypal saint, but a saint in the sense of the redemptive sinner, a Rahab of politics.

He does not belong to the mainstream. He is what the Russian critic calls the superfluous man, an insider on the outside. He is the Byronic hero whose actions mock those who think they know all. Writers like Dostoyevsky, Turgenev, Pushkin proved this. In his novel, Mikhail Lermontov calls his character the hero of our times. Was he not referring to Jimoh?

Not Bunu Sheriff Musa

In a recent column titled, Don’t marry that girl, I mixed up the name of former minister Bunu Sherif Musa with that of the former Governor of Borno state, Ali Modu Sheriff. I regret the error.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Beware Dangote they said it couldn’t be done

OR more than three decades, the sad tale had been that it could not be done. Refineries and petrochemical industries are not viable under the current petrol price regime in Nigeria; no investor would build refineries unless the prices of petroleum products are raised to high heavens. But the more they increase the prices, the more they needed to increase it still. They became like a man suffused with brine who could not stop taking water.

Successive federal governments in cahoots with the petroleum ministry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and fuel import contractors had perfected this fraudulent fiscal regime and economic crime of shipping off Nigeria’s crude oil and importing at premium, refined products. For decades, they had perfected what is probably the greatest fraud in modern day economics. Not even the national protests in January, 2012 which shook the government to its foundations would make them have a rethink. A change of mind seems impossible under the current ruling party regime because petroleum products importation is the most viable source of huge slush funds.

President Goodluck Jonathan and his oil minister, Dieziani Alison-Madueke would

first build Noah’s Ark before they would contemplate a refinery in Nigeria. In the afterglow of the January 2012 upheavals over another thoughtless fuel price hike, the Federal Government had promised to build what it fancifully called six modular refinery plants (it called another one Greenfields refinery plant) at the cost of $4.5 billion and which were to be operational in 18 months. An MoU was signed with so much fanfare between the socalled American sponsors and the Federal Government. The first ones were to have started operation last month but as you read this dear readers, Hardball can confirm to you that no such has been turned anywhere in the country for this project. It is all a scam, apparently.

Another case to prove that Federal Government is Nigeria’s number one enemy is the Olokola LNG project (OKLNG). This project company was formed in 2007 by NNPC, British Gas, Shell and Chevron to build a giant facility where natural gas would be converted to Liquefied Natural Gas for export. But eight years after, all the joint venture partners were so thoroughly frustrated they had to withdraw because NNPC deliberately delayed the final investment decision, thus killing a project that would have amounted to Nigeria, more for-

eign earnings, more value added to flared gas, and more jobs for our teeming youths. The decadent and near-moribund situation of Nigeria’s oil industry suits the kleptocrats managing it fine.

They will never grow it.

This is why we sound this caveat to Africa’s richest man and industrialist, Aliko Dangote, as he vigorously exhausts himself in the attempt to build a $9 billion petrochemical complex in Nigeria in the next two years. Dangote plans to establish the largest refinery in Africa which will virtually end the fraudulent importation of PMS, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, etc into the country. This will also mean causing the winding down of the offshore refineries built by unpatriotic and wayward Nigerians; stopping round-tripping of Nigeria’s crude, eliminating a high powered syndicate of fuel smugglers and of course killing the importation racketeers.

Hardball thinks Dangote will have to exterminate so many people in government and as well as the oil industry cabal, including the International Oil Companies who have also insisted that refining is not profitable in Nigeria, in order to have his way with his oil complex. In other words, Hardball is saying that unless Dangote has thought about all these, heaven and earth may pass away first before another refinery is built in Nigeria.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos.

Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790 WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO