The Nation September 03, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

UNILORIN VC: Legal battle begins

Spain sends 27 Nigerians back home

NEWS

NEWS Page 7

Page 53

•Contestant rejects selection

•Police release 14 deportees on bail

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VOL. 7, NO. 2237 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

World Bank, EU, others worry about power reform

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HE World Bank and other international partners are worried that Nigeria’s power reform programme may collapse, following last week’s sudden exit of Minister Barth Nnaji.

Prof. Nnaji was forced to quit as a result of his alleged conflict of interest in the ongoing privatisation of the successor companies to the

•Prof. Nnaji

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

dissolved Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

President Goodluck Jonathan said in Onitsha last Thursday that Nnaji “is a seasoned professional” who is “very competent” and who has “not committed any offence”, but he had to go because he had interests in the

ongoing privatisation.

At the weekend, officials of the World Bank, the United Nations International Development Organisation (UNIDO), the European Union (EU) and others met with Minister of State for Power Mr. Darius Ishaku to express their worry about the government’s power programme.

The UNIDO Country Representative, Dr. Patrick Kormawa, who led others to the ministry, said: UNIDO has been working in concert with other agencies for rural electrification in the country, especially in the renewable energy sector.

The EU Head of Cooperation, Mr. P. Philippe, said “when Brussels (the EU

headquarters), got the news, it was alarmed and feared for the continuity of the reforms in the sector,” said.

The UNIDO Country Representative added: “We have no choice than to continue our support even though we were disappointed at the recent Continued on page 8

Attorney-Gen. to Jega: you’ve no CEO powers Minister’s letter says chairman can’t be INEC’s accounting officer

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NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) chair Prof. Attahiru Jega has lost out in his battle to hold tight to executive powers at the agency.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke has advised Jega to quit his role as the accounting officer of INEC.

By Augustine Avwode, Asst. Editor

There has been a running battle between Jega and some of the National Commissioners over the INEC chair’s alleged “acquisition of wide powers to himself”.

At a recent retreat in Lagos, the commissioners reportedly took the chairman up on such powers, which, in their view, are open to abuses.

Governors won’t give up on state police

They also said if the chairman continued the way he had been running the body in “a one man show arrangement”, it could lead to a major crack in the leadership and endanger the agency’s future.

Some of them buttressed their argument that Jega had been obsessed with power with his request for sweeping powers for the INEC chair in

his proposal for an amendment to the Electoral Act 2010.

Jega, had last May, requested the National Assembly to amend the 2010 Electoral Act to allow for electronic voting in 2015 and to give him powers to appoint the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) because, according to him, “there is no clear sense of the relationship between

RECs and the commission at the national level.”

He added: “We will like to be given a role in order to streamline authority structure within the commission.”

The INEC boss said he wanted the electoral body to be allowed to sanction political parties that violate internal party democracy with a view to enhancing the democratic process.

He spoke at a retreat for members of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Jega, who urged the National Assembly to expunge Section 52 of the Electoral law which prohibits the use of electronic voting maContinued on page 8

•National Assembly to step in From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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RO-STATE police governors are taking the battle to the National Assembly, it was learnt yesterday.

The governors are insisting that Jonathan’s rejection of state police does not amount to a law and that it is only the National Assembly that can take a final decision on the matter.

To underscore their commitment, the governors have raised a secret committee to prepare a memorandum, which will be submitted to the Senate and House Committees on Constitution Review.

They are also lobbying Senators and members of the House of Representatives on why they should make state police a concurrent matter in the 1999 Constitution.

A Governors Forum source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Despite what Jonathan has said, we have not given up on state police. He cannot decree that the nation cannot run a state Police system.

Continued on page 4

•General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, at the sod-turning of Redeemer’s University’s permanent site, Ede, Osun State…yesterday. With him are: Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right) , his deputy Mrs. Grace Laoye-Tomori (second left), governor’s wife Alhaja Sherifat (right), Timi of Ede (third right) and the university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Zachariah Adeyewa

•SPORT P23 •CEO P32 •JOBS P37 •POLITICS P43 •MOTORING P51

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

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NEWS TRAVAILS OF FAMILIES OF MISSING PERSONS

Our agonies, by families of missing persons

• Shittu: missing since April

Deeply troubled relatives of missing persons relive their experiences, which seem to give vent to the saying that one’s child is better dead than missing, writes Assistant Editor (Investigations) JOKE KUJENYA

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T was three days before the end of Ramadan. The family was upbeat in anticipation of a grand celebration of the last I’d el fitri. But on the D-day, an air of gloom fell on the household.

It all began with an errand. Aminat Saibu, 15, was sent on errand by her grandmother, Alhaja Moriamo Ibrahim, 62. She is yet to be found.

Months after.

Searches have been conducted everywhere possible, including Togo where she once lived with her mother. Yet, her whereabouts remain a mystery the family desperately wants resolved.

When The Nation met Alhaja Ibrahim at her home in Jakande Estate, Abesan, Ipaja, on the outskirts of Lagos, where Aminat lived till the ill-fated day, the old woman sighed deeply at the mention of her name.

Speaking in Yoruba, she said: “We brought Aminat to Nigeria from my daughter who lives in Tsaki, Togo, in early 2012. Her original name is Mary. We renamed her Aminat in Nigeria because my daughter that she lived with in Togo is a Christian. I can’t say if it was January or February again. While preparing ahead for the Ramadan fast, we, my family decided we needed my grand-daughter to come and help. I contacted Aminat’s mother, who is my own daughter and she agreed to send the girl over. One of us went to bring her.

“We were planning to get her into a school after the Muslim fast. But she got missing three days before the end of the fast. On the sad day, I had sent her to run after another of my daughters, who was going towards Baruwa in Ipaja, with some wraps of moinmoin to break her fast. The time was about 4.00pm and we were cooking for the night. It was after about 40 miniutes that I asked someone to call my daughter to send Aminat back home and she said the girl was not with her that we first got apprehensive. But after waiting for some time and the girl did not show up, some of us set out to look for her around Baruwa. After hours of fruitless searching, I called one of my daughters, Waseelat Ibrahim Bello, to report at the Ipaja Police Station. They told us to take a copy of the report to her original base in Tsaki to show her family that my granddaughter was missing. Since then, we are still looking for her.”

Aminat is just one of the over 50 people the Lagos police have declared missing between January and August.

Another is a 38-year-old printer, Olaide Shittu. He lived at No 13, Alfa Aminu Street, Shomolu, Lagos. He disappeared on April 24.

Speaking to The Nation at the weekend, Shittu’s wife, Rukayat, 29, a mother of three and a ticket vendor with LAGBUS, said: “Since my husband got missing four months ago,

life has been difficult for me and my children. He is our breadwinner. Our three children are in school and it has not been easy giving them basic needs. He told me he was going to the office on the fateful day. He gave us money to buy materials we needed in the house but he never came back to see those things. I called his number immediately the football match was concluded but it was switched off. Since then, we have been searching for him. If he was kidnapped, I beg the kidnappers to release him because of our children. Life has been difficult without my husband.

Though Olaide’s family members have been trying for me and my children but nothing is sweeter than seeing my husband at home. Please, help us.”

Shittu’s aged aunt, Alhaja Ramotallahi Odekunle, who has a partial stroke on her right hand, said: “His aged father, who is my younger brother, is seriously sick now because of the sudden disappearance of his son. Olaide came in to greet me on the morning of Tuesday, April 24. We chatted for a while before he left for work. He was a printer in Magodo area. According to what his boss later told us, Olaide left his place of work with other staff after office hours.

Then, because he is a football lover, we were told, he stopped at a football viewing centre in the area to watch a match between Chelsea and Barcelona. That was the last time his colleagues at his work place said they saw him. When we discovered that he didn’t come back to the house, we called his boss to ask if our son was still at work. The boss said Olaide left for his house and other people in the press office confirmed that they left the place with Olaide the previous night.

“We later heard that policemen raided the area after the match because of the fracas between fans of the football clubs but we could not say if he was among the people arrested. We visited all the police stations around Magodo, but Olaide’s name was not registered among those detained. We also visited various hospitals in Lagos, but never saw anyone that looked like him. Since then, we have been going from one television station to another, all to no avail.

As we were crying over our missing son, we also heard that Alhaji Gawat of NTA was also declared missing.

At this point, I was shocked. How could people get lost like that and months after, nothing would be heard of the person again. Yet they told us that there is government and security. Olaide was our breadwinner. If his was a case of kidnap, nobody has contacted us to bring money. You press people should please help us to find our son and appeal to the government to strengthen security before everybody in Nigeria is declared missing.”

One incident that has remained a big puzzle over the months is the disappearance of ace TV presenter Rasak Aremu Gawat. He was said to have left his home for his office on Block A29 Suite 111 Sura Shopping Complex, Lagos Island where he later told his confidential secretary, Ibrahim Mustapha that he was going to keep a business appointment with a friend in Ikeja.

It was on his way back about 6.00pm from the business engagement that he became missing. His Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was found on the Third Mainland Bridge.

The family of Okoh Maxwel, husband to France Maxwel, is also still at a loss over his whereabouts.

He left home one weekend this year and he is yet to be found. France was distraught as she spoke with The Nation on phone. Maxwell pleaded with our reporter to exploit all means to help find her husband.

They have a male toddler.

There are also cases of those who have been missing for years. One of such is Olumide Adelogba. For five years, his mother, Mrs. Olayinka Adelogba, 68, has waited for his return to their Federal Housing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos suburb home. She told The Nation that only death could make her get over Olumide’s disappearance.

The statistics of missing persons, where available, are scary. In Lagos, over 50 have been declared missing this year. In 2010, about 258 persons were declared missing after several fruitless searches by their families and the police.

About 156 of those missing were male. Female make up 102. A police source said a large percentage of the missing persons comprised mostly young people between ages 12 and 27. Those within the 40s and above are very few. He also said contrary to the notion that more people get missing in December, the 2010 record of the last months of the year showed a decrease in the number of missing people.

In the data provided, 16 people went missing in December of 2010 and 15 in October. He also noted that besides the 258 police recorded in their data base the actual number could be more because some families did not report such disappearances to the police for lack of confidence.

Cases of missing persons are not limited to Lagos.

In Abia State, 16 persons were declared missing between January and May. According to the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO) in Abia, Mr Geoffrey Ogbonna, of the 16 persons declared missing, six persons were found alive. One person, Miss Peace Udeala, a trainee nurse and a native of Uratha in Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State, was dis-

• Alhaja Ibrahim ‘Help me find my granddaughter PHOTO: JOKE KUJENYA

•Alhaja Odekunle and Mrs. Shittu: ‘where is our breadwinner?’

PHOTO: WALE AJETUNMOBI

‘I’ll only get over my For five years, she has waited for her son Olumide to return home. Mrs. Olayinka Adelogba, 68, retired teacher, narrated her experience to JOKE KUJENYA at her Federal Housing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos suburb home How it happened We were planning the wedding of one of the girls in the family. I won’t like her name in the papers. The day was a Wednesday and it was the same day I began the casual leave I requested for from the secondary school I was teaching in then. We needed to get items from Oshodi market. So, I asked Olumide, being my ‘right hand man’ as he used to be

called to go and get the stuff for me. I think I gave him about N20, 000 then because he was to get me quite a number of items that I cannot begin to recall in details now. And that was the last we saw of him.

Efforts to find him When we noticed that he had not returned home after some hours, I was initially angry because he was taking too

covered dead. The ages of the victims are between 2 and 28 years.

Ogbonna said cases of missing persons were rampant in areas such as Umuahia North and South and Isiala North and South local government.

He said: “The unique thing about these incidents is that most of the victims are house-helps. The information we have is that majority of them run away from home over any little provocation. One of the victims just felt like running away to an unknown destination and did not inform the people he was living with.

The nurse that was found dead was said to have received a call that invited her somewhere to treat a patient.”

Ogbonna blamed the social media for contributing to the menace.

He said: “This is where it affects the young ones that deploy the social media in connecting with people they do not know. I can only appeal to parents and guardians to always

ascertain the whereabouts of their wards, while the young ones should always make their destinations known to their parents.”

The Enugu State Police Command said it has no records of missing people.

The PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, said: “That may not be all that possible because most of then used to be seen without their relations coming back to update, and this has obviously posed a great challenge.”

When pressed to make available at least two or three instances in any year, the PPRO said: “It is difficult to recollect.”

In Rivers State, when asked for the records of missing persons between 2010 and 2012, the command’s spokesman, Mr. Ben Ugwuegbulam, said he did not have the information and had to contact the command’s Operations Department.

In Ondo State, 30 persons were declared missing between 2010 and August 2012.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

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NEWS TRAVAILS OF FAMILIES OF MISSING PERSONS

Gawat’s disappearance a mystery, say police Force Public Relations Officer Mr. Frank Mba, in an interview with JOKE KUJENYA, shed light on cases of missing persons. Excerpts:

• Gawat: Most popular case of 2012

son’s disappearance after I die’ long. But then, the night crept on us and everyone in the family became very apprehensive. At the same time, some people were calming me down that it could be due to the terrible traffic situation between Oshodi and Iyana-Ipaja. By the time it was 7.30pm, I knew there was trouble. Olumide left home about 10.30am. He was not back till the day got dark. I jumped off my feet and called his elder brother, Olusola, to pass Oshodi on his way from work. My intent was that if Olumide was having problems getting a vehicle with the load he could see his brother and stopped him for help.

Do you blame me for thinking like that?

I was beginning to lose it then. Then the brother got home and there was no Olumide with him. I jumped up begging people to bail me out. I refused to heed

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ata from the state’s Police Com mand stated that in 2010, nine persons were declared missing.

There was one case in February, two in March, one in May, one each in July and August. The other three were declared missing between October, November and December.

In 2011, eleven persons were declared missing.

Between January and August 2012, three persons were declared missing.

The first case was in March. Two were recorded in April. June and July had two persons reportedly missing.

In April 2011, Bauchi State announced the case of a Youth Corps member, Ukeoma Aik. He was said to be on election duty before he reportedly disappeared into thin air. His last phone call was of someone in distress. His last facebook post read: “Na wa o! This CPC supporters would have killed me yesterday, no see threat oooo. Even after forcing underaged voters on me they wanted me to give them

any plea to be calm. That night, I doubt if any of us slept. As early as 7.00am the next day, we started combing police stations. We described Olumide, but all to no avail. Days turned into weeks and months by which time, we had lost count of police stations, mortuaries, spiritual houses, including the Guru Maharaji camp, which was one of the fads then.

And men of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) were quite helpful. Yet, we didn’t see Olumide.

It was also about the period of ‘one chance’ buses. So, we alerted families in other states to have their eyes and ears opened for any strange news of someone looking for his way back to his family. I started calming down to accept my fate after three months of

steadily looking for my second son to no avail. I was like a woman in a trance during the wedding of my daughter.

We only went on because planning had been on and there was not much we could do to stop or postpone it.

Five years after Five years have gone by, yet we still struggle with the thought that my second son, Olumide, is gone for good.

Well, I am gradually getting over it you know. But I will only be able to get over it finally after my death.

It is now five years that we have not found Olumide. It is traumatising to recall him once in a while. I would wonder if he was actually dead or hypnotised and wasting away somewhere. That’s my lot o.

the remaining ballot paper to thumb print. Thank God for the police and am happy I could stand for God and my nation. To all corps members who stood despite these threats in the north bravo! Nigeria! Our change has come.”

In recent years, many cases of missing persons in Nigeria were attributed to people being victims of ‘one chance’ buses or being abducted by agents of ritualists.

Force Public Relations Officer (FPR0), Frank Mba, said the number of persons declared missing in Lagos State appeared over-bloated. He said there were often cases of people declared as missing, but at the end of the day were discovered to be dead.

The Nation discovered one such case. In April, Albert Adedeji, was declared missing but later found to have been murdered.

His neigbour in Owutu, Ikorodu, on the outskirts of Lagos, said: "He was a Pastor. After he was declared

missing, his body was found at Ketu We were told he was attacked by Area Boys when he was coming back from work at night. Two people were killed that night. His wife had since packed out."

There is also the case of Ekpere Obetta, 15, who was declared missing. But when The Nation visited her home at 3, Orilowo Ajose Street, Ejigbo, she has been found. She was brought from her village to assist with chores in her relative's household.

Ekpere, due to fear of physical reprimand by her relative Ms. Alachebe, ran and sought sanctuary in a church at Ikotun Egbe.

Two weeks later, she was found at the church by a friend of the Alachebe's who called the attention of her guardian to her whereabouts.

She was forthwith fetched and brought home.

•Additional reports by Chris Orji, Damisi Ojo, Segun Balogun, Wale Ajetunmobi and Damilola Owoyele

At what point is a person said to be missing?

Now, not everyone that is not immediately found or whose whereabouts are still in doubt, for a particular number of hours or days, can be said to be a missing person. And I will give you a few examples. Let’s take this instance, you know that the culture of having house-girls or house-boys is a commonplace in our setting. And what usually happens is that sometimes, people maltreat these set of house helps. And for the maids, when their bosses do not treat them well, they run away from those people and often they find their ways back to their villages. And one of the things we have found is that their masters or mistresses quickly go to the police to report them missing.

And they do this not because they are convinced that their maids are actually missing, but because they want to protect themselves from being found guilty by the law in case something bad eventually happens.

Another type is among the traders and other business people who bring boys from their villages to help out.

After some time, they start claiming that these boys or girls are ‘witches’ and they start inflicting untold pains on them, and they may not even pay them what they had initially agreed with their parents. They run away. As for the bosses, because they do not want to be held liable for the disappearance, they go to the police to say they are looking for them. And because they don’t want to be seen as wicked but nice people, they go to the • Mba police.

Now, we also have the set of people who while going on the street, they suddenly slumped and died. Now, some of these people may not have had identity cards on them. So, there would be no way to trace them. So, families would look for them endlessly without finding them. As you know, there are scores of people going about with serious medical conditions others don’t know about. And anything could go wrong with these set of people at the slightest provocation. Now imagine how their situations would be compounded if there is no way they could be identified? Then, their families would rush from hospitals to mortuaries and all sorts of odd places looking for them without no trace.

Are there instances that are health-related?

We even have cases of some whom families would have declared them missing only to see that they have been on admission for about two to three days based on some health conditions that sprang up as they go along the way. Sadly, at the point of collapse, someone may have made away with their only means of communicating with their families, or perhaps, because of their medical conditions, they were not able to reach their families yet. But by the time the families found them, they would not bother to return to the police to report that their person had been found.

What other instances have you experienced?

And we also have cases of young people who leave their universities or places of work to travel to meet strangers while their parents were out working. We have a typical case that recently generated national concern. They go to other places to meet their boyfriends without the knowledge of their parents and family members and then they have accidents and die and no one would be able to track them for life. These people generally don’t want anybody to know their movements. And when they discover the real persons behind the boys they have gone to meet, the girls are dead. And then the parents would know. We also have incidences of people that die in natural disasters like going to the beach and getting drowned accidentally. And for some of such people, nobody even knows that they went there. And then, their families looked for them but there is no trace of them.

Yet, parents of these type of boys and girls would still claim that their wards are good children. Some even boast of their daughters telling them where she was going to, not knowing she was heading to another place entirely. We have had a case of a girl who told her parents she was going to the church for choir practice. But she actually went for the ‘choir practice’ in the home of her boyfriend where she was found days later. Some of the girls also end up in the beach with their boyfriends and before you know what’s happening, the ocean sweeps the girl away and the boy will never go tell anyone because they didn’t know he was with her.

All these and several others are instances that we have seen at the Nigerian Police. And of course, we have had cases of people who genuinely for no reason of theirs, something terrible has happened to them. Some of them are being lured by friends that they may have known for years and never knew that such a person could be bad. Or some of them fell into the hands of friends that they had not seen for many years and on reconnecting, they were deceived and then conned into ritual killing and all sorts. And some of them are even bad boys that may have gone for a robbery operation and in the process got killed.

How can we prevent this situation?

We have introduced the idea of Passengers’ Manifest in our inter-state vehicles. The idea is for all passengers to write their names, telephone numbers, next-of-kin and destinations so that in the case of any eventuality, the case of identification will not be a problem. But even at that, many of the passengers will write fake names and information. And we also advise that people should have valid identity cards on them.

How is a case like that of Alhaji Gawat explained or categorised?

I can’t explain that. It is only when the riddle is solved that we all can understand what actually transpired. But look at the options, just like the case of the young man you cited. He could have been taken by bad people or knocked down by a hit-and-run vehicle. All these are possibilities.

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

NEWS PDP attacks Buhari over performance assessment

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•From left: Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dame Oluremi Oyo; Director-General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr Peter Igho; Managing Editor, NAN Multi-Media, Mr Alli Hakeem, and Assistant Editor-in-Chief, NAN Multi-Media, PHOTO: NAN Mr Sani Adamu, at a NAN forum in Abuja…yesterday. Story on Page 6

Tinubu for US Democratic Party convention

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ATIONAL leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is to attend the three-day National Convention of the United States Democratic Party that kicks off today in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Tinubu, who was invited to the convention by the party in recognition of his political activities as leader of opposition in Nigeria, will be at the ring side to watch the nomination of President Barrack Obama as the party’s presidential candidate for the November election.

The Republican Party at the weekend confirmed the nomination of Mitt Romney as its candidate.

A statement by Special Ad-

viser on Media to the former Lagos state governor, Mr Sunday Dare, reads: “Tinubu receives a gold card invitation which is prime and with this, he will be joined by three other eminent personalities - Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, Speaker Lagos state House of Assembly Adeyemi Ikuforiji and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos state, Mr Dele Alake.

“On Thursday, at Bank of America stadium, President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will deliver their nomination acceptance speeches.

Four years ago when President Obama was inaugurated, Tinubu also enjoyed a

ring side seat at the event in Washington.

Tinubu’s invitation to attend the convention comes after a successful one week lecture tour, town hall meeting and book launch in Washington and Chicago.

He delivered a lecture at the prestigious Wilson Center for International scholars on the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic experiment and offered solutions to problems of under development facing the country.

Similarly at a town hall meeting in Chicago with Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Abiola Ajimobi on hand, Tinubu spoke extensively on Nigeria’s search for true federalism and highlighted the fault lines in the country’s

•Tinubu

practice of federalism.

At the convention, Tinubu is expected to discuss how to entrench true federalism in Nigeria in his private discussions with the leading figures of the Obama administration and seek the US support for Nigeria to hold a free and fair election in 2015.

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disagreed with former Head of State and 2011 presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s assessment of the ruling party’s performance 14 years into the nation’s democratic journey.

Gen. Buhari, at a recent public outing in Kano, deplored what he decribed as the abysmal performance of the ruling party, saying “Under normal circumstances, we are supposed to work strictly within the provisions of the constitution. But this is Nigeria and nothing is perfect and the only thing they have not tampered with between 1999 to date in Nigeria is the Holy Qur’an.”

But PDP National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement, yesterday, described Gen. Buhari’s comments as jaundiced and prejudicial.

Metuh cautioned Gen. Buhari against inciting the people against the PDP-led Federal Government, reminding the former Head of State that he presided over the darkest era in the nation’s history.

The statement reads: “We wish to remind the former Head of State that Nigerians are not fools and that they know what Nigeria was yesterday, especially under regimes like his, and what obtains today. There is no doubt that even the blind can distinguish between the daylight it is today and the deep dark night it was hitherto.

“Must we also tell the leadership of the CPC that in our congresses and convention, deference to the rule of law is the word. And that notwithstanding our size, we successfully manage dissenting views and establish strong leadership not dogged by factions like the CPC

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

“And for Gen. Buhari, the evangelist of rule of law, Nigerians wish to know if unlawful incitement of the populace to violence and attack on the institutions of democracy is part of the rule of law. Is the imposition that marked the congresses of the CPC in 2011, which is still hunting the party till date an act in rule of law?

“We wish to advise Gen. Buhari to concentrate in giving Nigerians his alternative ideas and plan of action to what the PDP has at present or even engage us in a public debate on the values of good governance.

We pray that his party or whatever alliance they are negotiating presents Buhari once more as a presidential candidate so that Nigerians will make their choice.”

The statement admitted that Nigerians are yet to get the best in terms of addressing the various political and economic challenges, but added, however, that there was still room for improvement.

But CPC’s spokesman, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin defended the general. “Last year, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari threw a challenge to everyone who had been president and those contesting the presidency with him, including the current PDP president.

“He said he was a platoon leader, brigade commander, GOC, minister of petroleum resources, head of state, and Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). In all these appointments, he never stole one kobo belonging to the state. That was very significant.

“There was pin-drop silence in the polity. From IBB, to Obasanjo, to Jonathan (all PDP leaders and former/serving heads of govt), none took up the challenge.

Continued on page 8

State police battle shifts to National Assembly Orji: state police decision was collective

Continued from page 1

“The ultimate decision lies with the National Assembly, which can make laws. To avoid division within our Forum, we may go as a separate bloc to demand for state police.

“At the end of the day, it is going to be a game of number, not a blanket pronouncement by the President.

“So far, most states in the South prefer state police.

And a few others in the North have called for it. And we all have representatives in the National Assembly which will soon be a testing ground.

“Even if the Senate and the House of Representaives disagree, there will be a joint conference of members with equal voting strength.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “We have raised a committee to prepare a memorandum on state police to be submitted to the Constitution Review Committees in the National Assembly.

“We will take the battle to the National Assembly for the consideration of the agitation on merit and based on the security challenges facing the nation.”

The source said the gover-

A

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji yesterday said the decision to support state police was collectively taken by the governors.

Orji, whose claim came weeks after North’s governors backed out of the agreement, said the decision was collectively taken for effective security checks.

Speaking with reporters in Umuahia yesterday on his return from his yearly vacation and working trip to the US and Europe, Orji said: “While I was out there, I heard different stories from our colleagues in the North who went and organised their own meeting and said that they don’t want state police.

“But, as far as the Nigeria Governors Forum is concerned, and I was there when this decision was taken, that is where I stand. If there is anything to the contrary, the Southeast governors have not met on the issue of state police. The Governors Forum took a decision. It was both general and binding on all.

“We have not gone to the Governors Forum to reverse it. That is our own opinion. But, if eventually the party, as an organ, comes out with a decision, as a loyal party man, I will be bound to abide nors will be seeking a review of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution Section 214, subsection 1 of the constitution says: “There shall be a Police Force for Nigeria, which

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

by that decision.”

Orji said the state would reopen talks with an investor interested in building an international hospital at Obuaku City in Ukwa West.

The governor said: “I combined my annual leave with searching for investors. I held discussions with an investor from the Southeast who wants to build an ultra-modern hospital at Obuaku City whom we had already given the Certificate of Occupancy.

“The project was delayed because of kidnapping. By the second week of September, we will reopen discussions. If the land is not encumbered, they will go ahead, but if otherwise, we will find another place for them because they are serious.”

Orji promised that Abians would reap a harvest of projects, adding that his administration would realise all the on-going legacy projects, including the International Conference Centre, the new Government House Complex, the new secretariat buildings, Ubani Ibeku international market, the Industrial Market and other road projects.

shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section, no other police force shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof

The governor restated his desire to focus on rehabilitation of infrastructure in Aba, saying that Aba will be the priority of the administration.

The government is only waiting for the rains before swinging into action, he said.

On the dwindling Internally Generated Revenue, Orji said his stand to change the Accountant-General (AG) and the Chairman, Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), is irrevocable due to the static nature of the Internally Generated Revenue level.

He said the ongoing financial repositioning in the state would be in the interest of its revenue and that of the people, pointing out that more heads will roll if that will develop the state.

“The tenure of AG and the BIR Chairman is not permanent and can be changed at any time. Anybody in this position must be up and doing to rejuvenate and re-engineer the state IGR that has been revolving between N250-N300 million monthly. I have advertised the positions and it is final,” Orji said.

Subsection 2 says: “Subject to the provisions of this constitution- (a) the Nigeria Police Force shall be organised and administered in accordance with such provisions as may be prescribed by an

Act of the National Assembly; (b) the members of th Nigeria Police Force shall have such powers and duties as may be conferred upon them by law; (c ) the National Assembly may

•Orji...yesterday

make provision for branches of the Nigeria Police Force forming part of th Armed Forces of the Federation or for the protection of harbors, waterways, railways and air fields.”

The source also added: “To amend the constitution, it requires the consent of two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly. So, these governors have a strategic role to play too.

“State Police will certainly be a major constitution amendment issue in the next few months. We hope the presidency will also send its position paper to the constitution Review Committees.”

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

5

NEWS CBN can’t introduce N5,000 note, says Falana

By Eric Ikhilae

L

AGOS lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has described the proposed introduction of N5,000 banknote by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as illegal.

According to him, the CBN did not obtain the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan before announcing the plan.

He said the CBN’s failure to obtain presidential approval is a violation of Section 17 of the CBN Act of 2007.

The rights activist made his position known in a letter to Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke.

The letter, dated September 1, reads: “A fortnight ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria suddenly announced its decision to introduce a N5,000 currency note and new coins of N5, N10 and N20 denominations. Although the decision has been roundly condemned by Nigerians on account of its possible deleterious effects on the economy, the Central Bank is said to have set aside N40 billion for the printing of the new currency notes and coins without any appropriation by the National Assembly in clear violation of Section 81 of the Constitution.

“From the information at our disposal, the Board of the Central Bank did not seek the approvals of President Goodluck Jonathan before taking the decision to introduce the new currency notes and coins. To that extent, the decision is null and void as it has violated Section 17 of the Central Bank Act 2007.

“In the light of the foregoing, we urge you to use your good offices to advice the Governor and Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop the planned introduction of the new currency note and coins as it is not backed by Section 17 of the Central Bank Act and Section 81 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

“However, kindly note that if you refuse to grant our request, we shall not hesitate to challenge the illegality. More so, that the Management of the CBN recklessly paid N1.7 trillion to fuel importers last year when the National Assembly earmarked the sum of N245 billion for fuel subsidy in the 2011 Appropriation Act.”

•Jonathan (right); Museveni and other leaders at Zenawi’s funeral...yesterday

Jonathan: Zenawi’s death a loss to Africa continent

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan was among 20 other African leaders who attended the funeral of Mr Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, who died on August 20.

The funeral, which took place at the Meskel Square in Addis Ababa yesterday, was attended by former Head of States Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, business mogul Aliko Dangote and Foreign Minister Olugbenga Ashiru, among other members of the Nigerian delegation.

In his tribute, Jonathan described Zenawi’s death as a great loss not only to Ethiopia but to the entire African continent.

He urged the government

•Leaders pay tributes to Ethiopia’s President of Ethiopia to honour Zenawi through continued implementation of his programmes and follow the path of harmony and sustainable development which he had established in that country.

Jonathan, who assured the people and the government of Ethiopia of Nigeria’s readiness to continue to support its development agenda, said the relationship between the two countries would continue to be strengthened.

He said: “Nigeria and Ethiopia will continue to strengthen the existing relations through our Bi-Commission, and will also pursue Africa ’s development agenda together.”

President Boni Yayi of Benin and the President of the AU, said that Zenawi was a Pan-Africanist whose dedication and vision lifted the AU to greater heights.

He said that “Zenawi supported peace and legality where they were affected especially in the Horn of Africa.

He assisted in the success of various negotiations such as the African Climate Change negotiation where he defended the interest of Africa.”

Yayi said as Chairman of African Heads of State on NEPAD, Zenawi contributed immensely in putting Africa in the right place and ensured rapid economic development in Ethiopia .

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda said the problem of Africa has not been the lack of resources, but the lack of visionary leaders like Zenawi.

Musaveni said the power generation in Ethiopia when Zenawi took over power 20 years ago was 300 megawatts “but he raised it to 2,100 megawatts.

“His vision was to generate 10,000 megawatts for Ethiopia by 2015 after the completion of the Renaissance Dam currently under construction.”

The Ugandan leader said he believed that Zenawi’s death at 57 must have been as a result of too much stress

Alleged N1b pension fraud: EFCC seizes passport of Kaduna oil baroness T HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the passport of an oil baroness, Hajiya Fati Mazangari after grilling her in connection with alleged N1billion pension scam.

The suspect, who is also a renown Kaduna socialite, has been coordinating a syndicate which defied ongoing investigation of mismanagement of pension funds to loot more cash.

It was gathered that the suspect led a group which used to create fictitious accounts where looted pension funds were paid into.

The arrest and quizzing of Hajiya Mazangari was said to be part of the on-going probe of the mismanagement of pen-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

sion funds.

The Pension Reform Task Force had recovered N151.6billion pension funds from various accounts either in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Police Pension Office.

Also, the Task Force uncovered 47 bank accounts being used by members of the pension cartel to milk the nation dry.

It was learnt that some of the slush accounts had been traced to the oil baroness. A source in

the anti-graft agency said: “We arrested, interrogated and seized the passport of Hajiya Fati Mazangari, a Kaduna socialite who parades herself as an oil and gas magnate, as part of on-going investigations into the billion naira pension scam in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

“Although we released her on bail, it was necessary to restrict her movement to Nigeria. That was why we seized her passport. We took this measure to stop her from running out of the country.

Replying to a question, the source added: “From preliminary investigation, Hajiya Ma-

zangari is alleged to be the arrowhead of a powerful syndicate in Kaduna that specialises in scouting for account numbers from people of various backgrounds.

“The scouted accounts are communicated to officials of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation Pension Unit who used to credit the accounts monthly with pension remittances.

“So far, more than N1billion had been paid into these fictitious pensions accounts. One of the account holders, a youth corps member, had seven accounts and was receiving pension month-

Police, SSS fight over Oshiomhole’s aide’s murder suspects embarrassing, says ACN T HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described as a national embarrassment, the bickering and power tussle between the Police and the State Security Services (SSS) over investigations into the killing of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, the assassinated Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party decried a

from his very tight schedule.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said the late Prime Minister had a life of imminence, courage and enterprise which he used to advance the life of his fellow Ethiopians, Africans and beyond.

“He was a man of rare talent and selflessness that we all feel the magnitude he has left behind. Zenawi was an unassuming, promising and a formidable man who finds solutions to complex situations’’, Kagame said.

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa said Zenawi’s success could be defined by the sprawling city of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia ’s economic, democratic and social transformations recorded within a short time.

situation in which one week after the Police had paraded some suspects in relation to the murder, the (SSS) paraded yet another group of suspects for the same crime.

The party recalled that, earlier, the “show of shame” had kicked off with allegations in the media that the State Security Service was recycling suspects, as the suspects being paraded for the murder of Com-

rade Oyerinde had earlier been paraded in the same clothes for another murder.

However, rather than respond constructively and intelligently to this grave allegation, the state spy outfit, went on the attack, arguing that the suspects they paraded in the two unrelated murder cases were only coincidentally wearing identical dresses.

“Why are our security forc-

es always in a hurry to parade suspects who under the law are presumed innocent? Why can’t the State Security Service focus on intelligence gathering and national security?

What is the business of the State Security Service parading armed robbery suspects and pursuing mundane matters when terrorism is taking over the country? “And finally what is the interest of the

State Security Service in this particular case even as the riddle surrounding the murder of Comrade Oyerinde remains unresolved in spite of these awkward and embarrassing flurry of mudslinging between the two securities agencies.

According to the party, the way out of this national embarrassment is for each of these security agencies to stick to its statutory roles if we are to forestall an impending intelligence disaster.

ly!

“The payments were still being made despite the wellpublicised investigation into the Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation pension. As late as July, there were still payments into some of the accounts.” Another source gave insight into the operation of the suspect and her collaborators.

The source said: “The credited sums are withdrawn by the account holders and the cash handed to Hajiya Mazangari, who runs the syndicate with the help of her son, including an IT Consultant is on the run.

“Also, a serving military officer is being investigated for using his influence to intimidate the ghost pensioners to ensure they pay all remittances to Hajiya Mazangari.

“There are indications that a part of the stolen pension funds was used to build the massive plaza in Kaduna known a ‘Mazangari’.

EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest of the socialite.

He urged Nigerians to “desist from offering their account numbers to pension fraudsters to prevent arrest and prosecution as accomplices.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

6

NEWS ONDO 2012

Ondo ACN floors LP in UK debate A

HEAD of the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has won a political debate organised by BEN TV in the United Kingdom (UK) for major parties in the poll.

At the event, which was held on August 29, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was represented by Mr Olu Kudehinbo; ACN by Mr Tunde Doherty and Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Commissioner for Information represented the Labour Party (LP).

The ruling LP was exposed as a party that has no sustainable programmes for the future of the masses in the state.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Doherty went through the catalogue of LP administration and concluded that the Olusegun Mimiko administration has caused more hardship to Ondo State residents.

He noted that despite the huge resources available to the government in the last three and a half years, there is no commensurate development.

The ACN chief said the LP administration represents poverty, corruption, mass unemployment, social injustice, autocracy and unabashed exploitation of our people.

Doherty said: “The mega schools project was a massive

waste of resources because the eight schools were established at great cost while thousands of schools around the state continue to fall into various stages of dilapidation. The Abiye Clinic is a laudable project. But it was confirmed that this project was not a government-funded project but one sponsored by a nongovernmental organisation (NGO).

“A good transport infrastructure reduces the cost of doing business and improves access to markets and social services. But the expansion of urban city road projects was not necessary; roads linking towns and villages are in de-

plorable conditions.”

Doherty explained that the Southwest regional integration is real and that Ondo State cannot afford to be left out.

He said the ACN administration would create 30,000 jobs within 100 days in office.

The ACN chief said the party’s standard bearer, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, if he becomes governor, would provide efficient health care delivery, affordable qualitative education, infrastructural development and effective agriculture and sound industrialisation of Ondo State.

Akinmade, who was phoned from the UK, rained

insults on anyone who opposed his “limited knowledge” of his party’s programmes.

He allegedly failed to defend the administration’s projects.

Akinmade was said to have failed to provide accurate information about how much the government spent on projects. But Akeredolu, calling in from Nigeria during the programme, he gave the full meaning of AKETI. The ACN candidate said his administration would be focused on agricultural development, knowledge, entrepreneurship, technology and infrastructural development.

‘Mimiko jittery over Akeredolu’s growing popularity’

A

CHIEFTAIN of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Prince Olaniyi Netufo, yesterday said the just concluded ward-to-ward tour by the party’s standard bearer, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has caused panic in the ruling Labour Party (LP).

He noted that the growing popularity of the ACN candidate and his acceptability in the wards he visited have become a threat to the LP members, stressing that “LP hoodlums have been unleashing terror on members of the party and destroying the opposition party’s billboards because it is now clear to them that they will be removed from office”.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Netufo noted that the unprecedented ward-to-ward tour of Akeredolu where he has met directly with the people right in their communities, villages and towns for the past three weeks; has set the stage for ACN to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Condemning last Wednesday clash in Owo, ahead of the flag-off of Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s re-election campaign in the ancient town, the ACN chief said it was deliberate provocation.

According to him, the attack was meant to portray Akeredolu as an unpopular candidate in his Owo home town and oth-

er parts of the state.

Netufo said: “But, to his (Mimiko’s) greatest surprise, the people of Owo closed their doors on his face; no resident of the town came out to join the ‘megaless’ rally. It left only the governor and his rented crowd to do their shameful dance alone.

“I salute the courage of the great people of Owo, a town known as the headquarters of progressive politics, in the Southwest, in rejecting the misrule and corruption-infested government of Mimiko and his LP.” The former House of Assembly candidate for Ese-Odo State Constituency hailed the people’s political maturity during

the LP rally.

He noted that Owo residents remained calm, even in the face of intimidation, harassment and provocation by a large detachment of security operatives.

According to him, there was an intimidating presence of soldiers, State Security Service (SSS) operatives, policemen, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers and vigilance groups at the rally.

The professional surveyor warmed the governor and his campaign team to steer clear of Southern Ondo, especially EseOdo. He said the people would resist any attempt to intimidate them with security agencies, as was done in Owo.

•Akeredolu

Netufo said the people of Ese-Odo would vote for Akeredolu, adding that the residents have declared the area a “no-go area” for LP and its candidate.

Suspected LP thugs attack ACN members in Ondo

H

OODLUMS, suspected to be supporters of the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State, at the weekend disrupted a ward meeting of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Akure, the state capital.

The hoodlums injured some members and destroyed the party’s vehicles.

They allegedly shot into the air as they invaded the peaceful meeting in Akure South Ward 3. The attack also spread to Ward 7 .

The hoodlums shot severally into the air as they attacked ACN members.

Mr. Saka Yusuf, the Director for Akure South and North Federal Constituency of the Akeredolu Campaign Organisation, said the hoodlums injured some ACN members.

The party chief decried the intolerance of the LP, adding that Governor Olusegun Mimiko should allow peace to reign, if he is sure of himself in the October 20 election.

He said: “We were holding our ward meeting. When we got to Ward 3, at exactly 2:17pm, LP thugs invaded the meeting and started shooting sporadically. They damaged our cars and beat up our members. We were surprised. We hurriedly rounded off the meeting at that ward.

“We went to Ward Seven and, again, we were surprised that they could come here and attack us. As you can see, our members are just running for their dear lives.”

The ACN director said the incident was reported to the police and the State Security Service (SSS).

One of the thugs and a woman who allegedly har-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

boured them were reportedly arrested. Ten motorcycles the hoodlums allegedly used at Ward Seven on Ibikunle Lane, St Luke, Akure were reportedly confiscated.

The Chairman of the Taxi Cabs Operators of the National Union of Road Transport Worker (NURTW), Mr. Ojo Adewole, alleged that Mr. Ade Fayeun (aka Ade Basket) led the thugs that invaded the street where the meeting was holding.

Yusuf said: “The matter was reported to the police. But instead of arresting them, despite our complaint, the police arrested Ward Seven Chairman of our party and took him to the State Anti-Robbery

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (right), his wife, Florence, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Henry Seriake Dickson, during the latter’s visit at the Government House, Ibadan...yesterday.

Squad (SARS). The police later transferred him to Ala Police Station, where he was detained.”

The ACN chief urged security agents to intervene in the matter and protect his party members from LP thugs.

He alleged that the ruling party has been chasing ACN members with guns and other dangerous weapons.

The injured ACN members were taken to the hospital.

The ACN Youth Leader, Comrade Enas Mohammed, decried the intolerance of the LP. He asked why Mimiko wanted to force himself on the people.

Mohammed warned the LP administration to desist from violence, saying the people of Ondo State were already tired

of violence.

Mohammed said: “It is rather unfortunate that the LP has invaded two of our ward familiarisation meetings and injured some of our members.

We need to know if the LP wants to force itself on the people of Ondo State.”

The Youth Leader said the people had been pushed to the wall and that if they are further provoked, they might resist similar attacks.

Police spokesman Aremu Adeniran could not be reached for comments.

CN Publicity Secretary Mr. Rotimi Agbede urged security agencies to arrest those who attacked his party members.

He said: “The attacks on ACN members by LP thugs are taking a new dimension. It

is pertinent to ask security agents in the state: when will they end these senseless attacks on opposition members? Or, should we wait till we start counting casualties and picking bodies on the streets before they will do their job and arrest these criminals disrupting the peace of the state?

“If opposition parties can no longer hold their meetings without being molested and attacked and the culprits walk freely on the streets and have even become more emboldened in their criminal acts, then, we may have to believe that the boastful LP members have compromised the security agents and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.”

Governor plans to stop Oke from contesting, says Ondo PDP From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

HE Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday alleged that Governor Olusegun Mimiko plans to use some disloyal members of the party to stop its governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, from participating in the October 20 election.

The party alleged that the governor plans to use the disloyal members to sue the PDP to stop its candidate.

It also alleged that Mimiko has wasted the state’s resources to finance some dishonest PDP members to embarrass the party and distract its concentration from the governorship poll.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, the party accused the Chief Justice, Mr Sehinde Kumuyi, of allowing the governor to use the Judiciary to destabilise the PDP in the state. The statement reads: “The latest plan, as usual, is to approach the courts again to seek an injunction that is targeted at our governorship candidate. To say the least, this action is indicative of the intolerance and ungentlemanly conduct of the man who today administers our state. Since Mimiko became governor, the Judiciary has been comprehensively desecrated, as the hallowed temple of justice has serially been desecrated and in the most unabashedly manner. Rather than administer justice on the merits of cases, the Ondo Judiciary has in most cases subjected issues to political considerations to arrive at verdicts.

“It got so bad that we had once raised the alarm in the media that a particular matter would be filed and that the Chief Judge will give a ruling against our Party and truly the matter was filed days later and the Chief Judge did grant a ruling as we predicted. We then reported to the National Judicial Council .

Their latest plan, which they were to implement last week, could not be executed because the vacation Judge on duty, Honourable Justice Akeredolu refused to allow herself to be used to constitute an ambush to justice and thus have now perfected plans to unleash this dastardly act this week when hopefully an amenable judge will be on seat.”

7

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

NEWS Jonathan to launch YOUWIN 2 for women

‘Let Jukun man replace Nnaji’

By Yinka Aderibigbe

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan received knocks from the Jukuns of Taraba State over his preference to fill the vacuum created by the exit of the former Power Minister Prof. Bath Nnaji with another Igbo man.

At a news conference in Lagos attended by prominent personalities, the spokesman of Jukun Kingdom, Chief Jubrin Anfani, said at no other time in the history of Nigeria had their ethnic group been so marginalised and reduced to second class citizens.

He said: “At no time in the history of this country have the Jukuns been so unfairly treated as under this present dispensation, which incidentally has a fellow minority from the Southsouth at the head and we have the mandate of our traditional ruler, the Aka Uka of Wukari, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa Ibi, to express our sadness at the turn of things.”

Anfani wondered why the President did not deem it fit to replace the vacancy created by the removal of the former Water Resources Minister who was a Jukun with another Jukun man.

He said: “Rather than replacing him with a Jukun man, Mr President gave the slot to a neighbouring state and what we got was a junior ministerial slot.”

He said it is worrisome that a section of the country are being made to feel inferior to others, adding that this is “no longer acceptable to the entire Jukun people at home or in diaspora.”

He wondered why the Minister of State for Power, a Jukun, can not replace Nnaji.

He said this was done when Prof.Dora Akunyili resigned Information Minister resigned from the cabinet.

Also speaking, the President of the Jukuns Development Association (JDA), Mr. Benjamin Bako DanBorno, said the Jukuns are unhappy that the president is not looking towards their way in the choice of a replacement for the Power Minister.

He said it is sad that the name of the minister of state has not featured among those being considered for the job.

Pensioners to meet in Benin

R

ETIREES of the defunct New Nigerian Bank (NNB) are to meet in Benin City, Edo State on Saturday over the alleged stoppage of their pensions

by Unity Bank Plc. The payment of the pension, said the workers, was stopped on December 31, 2006.

The meeting, according to a statement by the Protem Chairman and Secretary, J.S. Obaro and B.I.G. Kassim, would hold at 4, Osaro Street, off Ewah Road, Benin City.

They said the meeting would consider options to get their pension benefits released to them.

P

•Vice-President Namadi Sambo (second left) and associates of former President Ibrahim Babangida presenting him a birthday card during the 71st Birthday celebration of former military leader at the IBB Golf Classic Club 2012 in Maitama,Abuja ...at the weekend

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is expected to launch the second edition of the Youth Enterprise with Innovation (YOUWIN!), a Ministry of Finance innovative business plan competition for talented youth‘entrepreneurs today A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Mr Paul Nwabuikwu, yesterday, said YOUWIN! 2 would be exclusively for young female entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 45.

Sambo lauds IBB for promoting peace

V

•Babangida and PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur celebration... at the weekend

(right)during

the

ICE-President Namadi Sambo yesterday praised former President Ibrahim Babangida for his efforts in ensuring peaceful co-existence and progress among the different ethno-religious groups in the country.

Sambo spoke at a dinner and presentation of trophies to winners of the maiden edition of the Ibrahim Babangida Golf Classic 2012, organised by the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The competition was part of activities to mark Babandgida’s 71- year birthday.

The vice-president said: “As a statesman, we are proud to say that you have played and still playing your role to ensure peace, progress

Police receive 27 Nigerian deportees from Spain T WENTY-SEVEN Nigerians deported from Spain for alleged criminal offences ranging from armed robbery, drug trafficking, forgery to illegal migration, have been handed over to the police.

A statement by the Force deputy spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, yesterday said the deportees were received at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed In-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

ternational Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The statement added that the deportees who arrived aboard a chartered Spanish Airline flight were received at the airport at 07:30 am on the said date by officers from the

INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Lagos.

Mba, however, stated that after thorough investigation by a combined team of officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the police, the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Immi-

gration Service (NIS), 14 of the deportees were found not culpable for the alleged offences for which they were deported by the Spanish authorities.

According to the police, the 14 persons had since been released to their relatives on bail while the 13 liable ones had been sent to the relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

Navy: we’re committed to security of lives and property

T

HE Navy yesterday said it is committed to the protection of lives and property.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Azubuike Ajuonu, said security was beefed up around the Nigerian Navy School of Health Sciences, Naval Base, Offa following intelligence reports of alleged infiltration by the dreaded extremist sect, Boko Haram.

He said road blocks were mounted at the main road leading to the Naval base to allow for a stop-andsearch to forestall attacks on the unit’s facilities and the community.

In a statement by

By Precious Igbonwelundu

NAVTRAC’s spokesman, Abdulsalam Sani, Ajuonu said : “The three civilians, including a lady claimed to be students of Offa Polytechnic but on interrogation by the naval personnel on watch, they could not positively identify themselves as claimed and this aroused suspicion by the men on duty.

“In line with the laid down security procedures and precautions, they were asked to dismount from the motorcycle and the driver instructed to roll the machine to the other end of the check point while the passengers will work with their hands raised up and pass the road block.

‘Unfortunately, the unidentified persons resisted and went further to threaten and molest the men on watch. They claimed the instructions were an infringement on their fundamental human rights as students and that nobody could stop them.

“After much appeal from civilians around the area, they were asked to go.”

He said a bus belonging to the students’ union with about 25 passengers and their headlights on approached the naval base around 6pm on August 10 chanting ‘aluta’ songs.

He said they were asked to stop on arrival at the first check point but they refused and told naval personnel that they have come to oc-

cupy navy school.

He said: “The suspected cultists surrounded the personnel on watch and attempted to disarm them.

This attracted other personnel on duty who ran to rescue their colleagues. More men were deployed to the scene by the officer in charge in order to arrest the situation.

“In the process, three of them were arrested while the others escaped leaving behind their bus. The three suspects were subsequently handed over to the Owode Police division for further investigation and their student affairs department was contacted by the Commander of the Navy School, Captain I.V. Ansa.”

and prosperity in our country.

“We wish you many more years, many more years, many more years and many more years.

“Let me use this occasion to call on well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to join hands with the club to ensure the realisation of the noble objectives of the club.”

Sambo also lauded the IBB International Golf for organising the event, which he described as a Birthday Golf Tournament for the former president.

He urged the leadership of the club to ensure that the club’s decision of hosting the tournament annually was sustained.

Babangida ongratulated officials of the IBB Golf Club for making the club one of the best Golf Clubs in Africa.

He noted with delight the maintenance culture being exhibited by the management of the club, since its inception.

“For the members who run this club, first of all, I want to congratulate you.”

Forum urges CBN to educate Nigerians on new currency

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HE Forum of exleaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students’ (NANS) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)to educate Nigerians on the benefits of the 5,000 note.

Speaking to reporters, the ex-NANS leaders, Olayemi Success, Etuk Bassey Williams, Mohammed Bello and Casmir Uche Igwe said issuance and management of the currency is the mandate of CBN and appealed to Nigerians to embrace the new currency.

“The CBN proposal is within its core mandate and it is not out of place .We will like to call on the management of CBN to embark on massive sensitisation; it is very good that they have made their proposal known on time, thereby giving room for enough time to engage the public in sensitisation and all-encompassing education to the stake holders.”

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

NEWS Shell, Elcrest complete deal on OML 40 takeover

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HE Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and other members of the Joint Venture – Total and Agip have sealed the completion of divestment of their 45 per cent equity holding in the onshore oil block located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 40 to Elcrest Exploration and Production Company.

The remaining 55 per cent owned by the government was ceded to the National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Eland Oil and Gas, a foreign firm and Starcrest Limited owned by Nigeria’s business mogul, Chief Emeka Offor, formed Elcrest. Elcrest last year emerged the preferred bidder for the oil block in what Shell described as a very competitive bidding process but the company couldn’t take over control of the asset until the past weekend when all due processes have been duly observed.

The deal was sealed at the NNPC Towers in Abuja and Elcrest took over the 45 per

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

cent equity of Shell and others.

Production from the oil field bought at $154 million is expected to reach 2500 barrels per day in the next six months.

The Chief Executive of Eland Oil, Les Blair, had told Reuters that the shares of Elcrest would be listed today on the London’s AIM market at 100 pence per share and would raise 118 million pounds ($187 million).

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Andy Yakubu, said: “Shell divested their investment of 45 per cent equity with the other partners, mostly on their land assets and the Federal Government was magnanimous to assign the 55 per cent equity to NPDC and other indigenous companies that declared interest in the other assets and bided for it through competitive bidding and winners emerged. I think we have executed three of such and today’s is the fourth one.

“Sometime last year, when

the other partners came on board, we went through the same process and a couple of weeks ago, we had a third partner on board. I think this is the same process of expanding indigenous capacity in the upstream.

“I have always said each time I had the opportunity of doing so, that when we look at our participation in the upstream, indigenous participants have performed very poorly because we hardly have up to 10 percent of total production in the upstream.

“With this step, I believe it is an opportunity for us to grow indigenous capacity and grow in-country capability in the upstream.

“I also hope that other partners will look at their assets producing and non-producing and follow the path of our good friend, SPDC in encouraging the much cherished indigenous participation in the upstream. This, we believe if we push through will position us in local capacity growth, both in upstream and other parts of the hydrocarbon value chain.

The Chairman of Shell Pe-

troleum Development Company Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Chairman Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu said: “Let me say that in all the signing ceremonies that we have had with regard to divested assets, this is the largest attendance I have ever seen. I really don’t know what that indicates, but it also shows that Elcrest has a lot of people behind the company.

So I congratulate you.

“This has been a very, very long transaction, but I think you should be very proud of what you have achieved, especially with respect to your AIM IPO, which I understand is the biggest AIM IPO since 2009.

Offor said: “On behalf of Elcrest, we are here to guarantee that we are going to put this asset to very good use and we will keep all the promises and undertaken we have given. And we will continue to ask for your support. We’re an indigenous company as you know, and we need all the support from the bigger companies.

•DirectorGeneral of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (right) presenting Tourism Books in Nigeria at the launch in Abuja. With him is Director of Communication NTDC, Mr Akin Onipede PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

PDP attacks Buhari over performance assessment

•Gen. Buhari Continued from page 4

“How do you rate a leader?

Who fights the battle from the front? That is the centurion principle! As a military president, he ensured that a quarterly report of the financial affairs of state was given. Are you comparing him with a leader who does not ‘give a damn’ if Nigeria is a backward enclave of corruption?

“Or you want to compare him with a leader who, in a ‘do

or die’ manner like the generalissimo of sadistic ruthlessness, corrupted the electoral system to ensure that the electoral wishes of the Nigerian people are never allowed to come to pass?

“From the South, the West, the East and the North, real men and women are getting magnetised by the aura of a quintessential patriot, an urbane man, the uncorrupted and incorruptible leader. Our Northern brethren call him ‘ Mai’ gaskiya’.

“In a fair contest, there should not be any doubt who would win, but the PDP has corrupted the electoral system for the past 13 years.

“This is exactly why they have the temerity to say it is the ruling party,” he said.

World Bank, EU, others worry over power reform programme Continued from page 1

event.”

The partners also sought to know how far the privatisation process had gone and whether Nigeria was still committed to the timeline.

The World Bank representative, Mr. Erik Feinstiom said he was at the last power summit in Asaba, the Delta State capital, which was presided over by Prof. Nnaji, and were not left in any doubt about the former minister’s focus, passion and direction.

A statement by a power ministry official Mr. Greyne Anosike, quoted another member of the delegation as saying allowing Prof. Nnaji to go the way he did, is certainly a setback adding that the issue was wrongly handled.

The statement added that Minister of state for Ishaku assured the development partners that the power reform programme was on course.

Ishaku said: “we are part of the immense institutions Prof Bart Nnaji had made and the structures he put on place.

He took us along all the way.

“I want to assure you and reassure you that this government will continue to build on and nurture all the institu-

tions he had put in place”.

“Privatisation is ongoing with all the timelines. Continue to give us all your usual maximum support as we have no choice but to continue from where he stopped”.

On the discussion with labour officials, the Minister said: “we have moved beyond the Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Ministry of Power and Ministry of Labour level right now. The matter is being handled at the highest level with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation working at resolving the remaining one or two issues.

“The Federal Government cannot break its own laws but would continue to bend backwards as it has continued to do in the past, to the workers in the sector.

The focus now is the 100 days mandate. Advise us, give us assistance, nothing will change” Ishaku assured the delegation.

At the meeting were representatives of DFID, JICA, AFD, EU, World Bank AFDB, GIT, UNIDO, UNDP, USAID, among others.

Attorney-Gen. to Jega: you’ve no CEO powers Continued from page 1

chine in elections, was represented by Mrs Thelma Iremiren, a National Commissioner.

To get the legal backing to his enormous powers, Jega had written a letter dated June 19, to Adoke, asking for clarification on who should be the accounting officer of the body.

He noted: “Since our assumption of office as a new Commission in July 2010, having regard to the fact that neither the Constitution nor the Electoral Act defined the role of the Secretary to the Commission as the Accounting Officer, I have considered myself as such, relying upon provisions of the Procurement Act, particularly Sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Act and Regulations issued by the Bureau of Public Procurement to the effect that in an

MDA/Corporate procuring entity, the Chief Executive is the Accounting Officer.

“I have also done this, given the weighty personal liability which the Procurement Act places on the shoulders of the Accounting Officer.

The tradition in INEC had been that a Permanent Secretary was posted as the Secretary, until 2008, when INEC, having regard to the provisions of the Constitution and Electoral Act appointed its Secretary. The functions/ roles of the Secretary as specified did not say or imply that he is the Accounting Officer”.

Jega told Adoke that the clarification was necessary in the light of the restructuring and reorganisation going on in the commission as it prepares for what he described as “better, effective and efficient service delivery towards 2015 and beyond”.

He insisted that it was “per-

tinent to seek this clarification for the avoidance of doubt and in order to put lingering matters to rest.”

The “lingering matters” Jega spoke about, it was learnt, might not be unconnected with what a source described as the frosty relationship between the chairman and other commissioners over the chairman’s powers.

In a July 26 reply to Jega’s reply, Adoke declared categorically that the chairman is not the accounting officer of INEC. Adoke said: “I have examined relevant provisions of the law particularly, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Electoral Act, the Public Procurement Act and extant Financial Regulations in order to determine whether the law has expressly provided for the position of either the

‘Chief Executive Officer’ or ‘Accounting Officer’ of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Regrettably, it would appear that no such terminology was used in the statutes examined. Item 14(1)(a) of Part 1 to the Third Schedule of the Constitution only provides that the Chairman shall be the Chief Electoral Commissioner. The provision does not state that the ‘Chief Electoral Commissioner’ is the ‘Chief Executive Officer.

“I have similarly examined the functions and powers of the Commission as provided for in item 15 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Electoral Act and wish to observe that these are functions and powers that can only be exercised by the Commission and not by the Chairman or any individual Commissioner except as may

be delegated by the Commission under Section 152 of the Electoral Act or item 15(h) of Part 1 to the Third Schedule to the Constitution.”

“Consequently, in the absence of any clear donation of the powers of a Chief Executive Officer or Accounting Officer by the relevant statutes, and in the absence of any evidence to indicate that these functions and powers of the Commission have been delegated to the Chairman, I am unable to come to the reasoned conclusion that the law contemplates that the Chairman of INEC shall be the Chief Executive Officer or Accounting Officer of the Commission,” Adoke explained.

He added that the Electoral Act confers on the Secretary enormous administrative powers akin to those of Directors-General, who are “statutorily the Accounting

Officers and Chief Executive Officers of their various Commissions”.

Adoke pointed out that this is what obtains in similar commissions, such as Police Service Commission, National Population Commission and Federal Judicial Service Commission.

Some of the commissioners were said to have warned that unless Jega is checked, he could become a “dictator” as demonstrated by his actions after the Kogi State governorship election when Jega, who should be a disinterested party, directed that one of the contending candidates be sworn in as governor, fueling speculations that the electoral body has metamorphosed into a “game changer”.

Jega’s actions are according to sources, believed to have been buoyed by his membership of the Justice Mohammed Uwais panel on Election Reform.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

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CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

•Children of New Era Youth Camp (NEYOCA) with Emeka Mba, Community Affairs Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria (sixth from left) during a visit to the summer camp for youths sponsored by Coca-Cola at Ibeju-Lekki yesterday.

Lagos traffic Law: No immunity for govt drivers T

here will be no immunity for any LAGBUS driver who flouts the Lagos Traffic Law, Executive Director of the bus service, Mr Yemi Odubela, has said.

At a workshop for drivers in Lagos, over the weekend, Odubela said anyone who goes against the law just because he is driving a vehicle under the LAGBUS franchise, would regret his actions.

He said: “Nobody is above the law; that you work with LAGBUS does not give you the privilege to disobey the law of the state. The reason we have organised this training is to educate you on what you should know, because ignorance of the law is no excuse.”

Odubela said any government driver, who owns a motorcycle, either for commercial or private use, should have a riders’ card because the drivers’ licence or LAGBUS letter is not acceptable for riding a bike.

“If you have an Okada, your driver’s licence does not cover you, except you have a riders’ card,” Odubela said, urging drivers to lead the way by avoiding reckless driving and obeying all traffic laws.

He said: “Anyone caught in the act of violating the law and his bus is impounded and the person arrested, will be made to face the law, while we find a way to secure the release of our bus.

“We should be a model to assist the government to achieve its aim of making Lagos State a megacity.”

Director, Legal Services, Lagos

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State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Mrs Margaret Adewale reminded the drivers, also known as “captains,” that the law states that they and their assistants should always be kitted in their uniforms when on the road.

She said: “Driving without uniforms, driving without using the dedicated lanes, as well as reckless driving, attracts a fine of N20, 000.

“Failure to provide your identity card or presenting a fake identity on arrest attracts being charged to court.”

According to her, receiving or making phone calls while driving

attracts N20,000 fine for a first offender, while a second timer would be fined N50, 000.

Mrs. Adewale said: “The government is not interested in the money but rather, in bringing sanity to our roads, and if this is achieved overtime, the law can be amended.”

Managing Director, LAGBUS Asset Management Ltd., operators of the LAGBUS fleet Mr. Babatunde Disu said the law meant to bring sanity and responsibility to transport operations in the state “He said: Our captains (drivers) are an important part of LAGBUS

and we do not want them to have problems with the law.

“We appeal to them to obey the law to stay out of trouble for no one is above the law, not even me. We are supposed to be role models for others to emulate, for we are a corporate transport operator.”

Two bus ‘captains,’ Mr Bola Famutimi and Mr Ajayi Olasunkanmi said they appreciated the training because they initially thought that the law was not for them.

He said: “Now that I know I am no longer under LAGBUS immunity as a driver of a government-owned bus, l have to pray never to flout the law for l can no longer claim ignorance of the law.”

Secretary charged with stealing 40-YEAR-OLD woman, Mrs Uduak Olayi, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, Ikeja for allegedly stealing N269, 880 belonging to co-operative society.

Olayi who was secretary to Godspower Cooperative Society is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Prosecuting Inspector Samson Ekikere told the court that the accused committed the offence with others at large, in July, 2010 at Igando, a Lagos suburb.

Mrs Ulayi, who pleaded not

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By Tumininu Owolabi

guilty, claimed to have taken the money in replacement of her unpaid salary.

Ekikere asked the accused to provide the record book of the cooperative society, but she was unable to do so.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, is contrary to and punishable under Section 278 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The three-count charge reads in part: “That you Uduak Olayi and others now at large in July in Igando

conspired with one another and stole the sum of N269,880 property of Godspower Co-operative Society and committed an offence punishable under Sections 409, 278 and 62(i)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”

Magistrate Mrs Taiwo Akanni granted the accused N100,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

She held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must possess at least two years tax clearance certificate.

She adjourned the matter to November 7.

Man, 29, arraigned for alleged N62m theft

29 year-old man, Longe Babatunde, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing N62, 589, 430 belonging to Omololu Agoro of Asoil Energy Limited.

The defendant was said to have committed the offence between January 2008 and April 2012 while he was an employee of the company.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

He was arraigned on a 14-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and forgery and his alleged offence was said to have contravened Sections 409, 285(7) and 363 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Prosecuting police officer, Stephen Molo, an Inspector, told the court that the defendant, between September 1 and December 24, last year, forged Local Purchase Order,

(LPO) bearing African Haulage Plc. to buy 924 units of Automated Gas Oil (Diesel) in the sum of N35, 640, 000 in the name of Asoil Energy Limited.

Molo said that Babatunde, between August 27 and December 28 last year, also forged LPOs bearing Bylotus Oil and Trading for the purchase of 231, 000 litres of AGO in the sum of N31, 350, 000 in the name of Asoil Company.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant knew that such companies as African Haulage and Bylotus were not existing, adding that he used the names in order to defraud his employer.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

Presiding Magistrate, O.J. Awope adjourned the matter to September 17.

Suspend market upgrade, traders plead with govt

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RADERS at the Rauf Aregbesola Market, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos have appealed to the Egbeda/Akowonjo Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) to suspend its planned upgrade of the market.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, they said the notice to quit the market last Saturday, came to them as a surprise.

“We are not against the plan to upgrade the market, but what we are saying is that no trader was consulted on the project and we think this is wrong. We own the shops because we bought them from the state government in 2004.

“In a way, we are the owners of the shops and so if the government has to do anything on our shops they should engage us to reach an agreement.

“Rather than doing that, all we got on August 18, was a letter from the local government asking us to pack our things and leave by last Saturday, Sept. 1. Where do they want us to go? This is never done anywhere,” said

Mrs Wasilat Bakare, one of the traders.

Another trader, Mr Mike Anabo, said that the only time the local council ever told them about the plan to upgrade the market was when they were asked to submit allocation papers.

“Sometime ago, they asked for our allocation papers and that’s all. The next thing was that they kept threatening us with forceful eviction. I have not seen where a government you voted for behave in a forceful way.

This is a rude shock to us,” he said.

Anabo said that the desperation with which the council was going about the market upgrade had shown an ulterior motive to make money rather than improve the market.

He said that the initial agreement with the council was that each trader would pay N250, 000 to reclaim his or her stall after the upgrade.

“But now, we heard that it is now N1.2 million each or the trader forfeits his stall. So what do we call that?” he asked.

Search for ‘ghost’ workers shakes Lagos councils

By Dada Aladelokun

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OCAL government workers in Lagos State are in fear over the current verification of their credentials by the office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments in the state in conjunction with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Since the exercise was flagged off last week at Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, the workers across the state have been on their toes amid apprehension, presenting their credentials including their Primary School-leaving certificates.

Visits to some of the councils by The Nation revealed the fear of the workers who appeared in the dark over the likely outcome of the exercise which, it was learnt, would last one month.

“You can see how we are now running helter-skelter. No one knows what will be the outcome of the exercise; that is what is giving us some concern,” a worker told The Nation at Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) over the weekend. Some of them were on a long queue, waiting for their turns.

The Permanent Secretary and Auditor-General for Local Governments in the state, Mr. Mubashiru M. Hassan, disclosed to The Nation that the exercise was meant to strengthen local government administration in the state.

“Within a few days now, we have discovered some ghost workers.

There are some people who are overdue for retirement and are enjoying protection by the system.

Many have retired, but are still there.

The Evening concert holds November 25 Comedy merchant Opa Williams, will on November 25 at the Muson Centre, present his rebranded yearly ball tagged: The Evening, in conjunction with the Nigerian Society for the Blind.

Describing the show as the “perfect Xmas gift” anyone can give to loved ones, Williams said the event would be the biggest and most unique charity ball this year as three tables have been reserved for members of the Society.

Over 30 per cent of proceeds from the show, he said, would be set aside for the procurement of Braille machines and other visual support materials for the visually impaired.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

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NEWS Tinubu’s LAUTECH appointment: Senator urges PDP to prove criticism •Hails Oyo, Osun over designation From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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•From left: Principal Manager, National Lottery Commission, Bassey Effiong; Nollywood actor Moses Armstrong; one of the winners of Hyundai ix35 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), Rev. Sopetu Oluwakayode Adeyemi (with the car’s dummy key) and Joseph Ogbuka, Progressive Segment Manager, MTN, at the sixth prize presentation in the ongoing MTN Goodwill Automania at Transcorp Metropolitan Suites, Calabar, Cross River State.

Varsities should produce employers of labour, says Adeboye

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HE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, yesterday cautioned universities against producing graduates who cannot employ themselves.

The cleric spoke at the turning of sod of the Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State.

Advising graduates to stop looking for white collar jobs, Pastor Adeboye noted that unemployment would become history in Nigeria, if graduates could think of becoming employers and not employees.

The renowned preacher said graduates must be ready

•Aregbesola urges specialisation From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

to use their ideas to solve the unemployment challenge in the country.

He added that graduates of the Redeemer’s University would be special because “we train our students to employ people and not to serve people”.

Pastor Adeboye said he would have ended up a poor man but for the education he acquired.

He urged parents to ensure that their children are well educated, adding: “I would have died a poor man, if I had failed to use the brain God

gave to me. One of the things that helped me in life is education. Education brings about change. It is the bedrock of transformation in life.”

The cleric said Ede was chosen as the permanent site of the university because he was led by God 30 years ago to locate the university in the town.

He said: “Ede is a very lucky town because if I had my way, I would have sited the university in my home town, Ifewara, or Ilesa, where my mother and wife hail from.”

Pastor Adeboye promised that the university would be a model for others in Africa, saying the Redeemer’s University would bring peace,

progress and development to Osun State and Ede town in particular.

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola spoke of the need for Nigeiran universities to have areas of specialisation, rather than explore all aspects of academics.

The governor noted that as citadel of learning, a university is established to specially focus on the intellectual, social, economic and political needs of its society.

Aregbesola decried the state of Nigerian universities, saying they operate general areas instead of identifying specialised areas of needs where they can distinguish themselves.

Robbers injure two in Ekiti community raid

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EVEN armed robbers at the weekend raided the sleepy Awo-Ekiti community in Ekiti State.

The hoodlums reportedly invaded the community at midnight, carrying sophisticated guns and shooting sporadically.

They were said to have injured two residents and stolen some cash. One of the victims, Mr. Azeez Odeleye, lived at 1, Ajegunle Quartres.

•Over N120,000 cash stolen From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

He said the robbers got to his home at 2am and “ordered us to open the door”.

Odeleye said: “When they came, they were peeping at us from the window, made of louvres. My landlord’s wife, Mrs. Dupe Kayode, thought they were the more frequent goat robbers. She tried to point a

torch light at them through the window.

“They fired a shot which hit her in the head. She is now at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti.

“The robbers eventually forced their way into the house and collected two handsets and about N4,000 from one of the tenants.”

Another victim, Mrs. Ad-

enike Olubusuyi, reportedly lost N70,000, and her husband N50,000. The son reportedly lost two handsets.

Recounting her ordeal, Mrs Olubusuyi said: “They (robbers) said we should open our door. We refused and they started hitting the door with a big object, which we later found out to be a big stone.

They did that for about five times before the door gave way.

Oyo to begin six, 15% payment of pension increase

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HE Oyo State Government will soon begin the payment of six per cent and 15 per cent increases to its pensioners.

The Chairman of the state Pensions Board, Alhaji Y. A. A. Akande, gave the assurance.

This came as the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi for his commitment to the welfare of retirees.

Akande said the government spent about N1billion to settle the 142 per cent arrears of 4,660 pensioners.

The payment will continue as N106,239,633.04 is being released every month for the payment.

The pension board chief said an average of N300,000,000

•Pensioners hail Ajimobi was being released monthly to pay pension allowances.

Akande hailed the government for introducing e-payment for pension allowance.

He noted that this has reduced fraud to the barest minimum.

Akande said: “The Oyo State Pensions Board wishes to corroborate the Commissioner for Finance’s statement concerning the kind disposition of Governor Ajimobi in alleviating the untold hardship and suffering to which the last administration subjected the pensioners in Oyo State.

“The board emphatically wishes to say that before the advent of the Ajimobi administration, the pensioners used

to come to the secretariat to collect their monthly pension allowance and go back home disappointed.

“While waiting to collect pension allowance that was not made available by the past administration, some pensioners got exhausted, collapsed or even died in the process.”

In a statement at the weekend by its state Chairman and Secretary, Alhaji Lateef Adegoke and Mr. Olusegun Abatan, the NUP described the governor as a friend of pensioners.

It said: “It is indeed gratifying to state, without mincing words, that Ajimobi, of all the past governors in Oyo State, is the only governor that has accorded the senior citizens the

HE Senator representing Oyo South, Olufemi Lanlehin, at the weekend said the Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) criticism of the appointment of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) was baseless.

The state PDP had faulted the decision of the governors of the joint owner states of Oyo and Osun, Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola, in appointing Tinubu the Chancellor of the university.

In a statement in Ibadan, the state capital, the senator challenged the PDP to explain why the former Lagos State governor, a celebrated financial guru, should not be appointed LAUTECH Chancellor.

Lanlehin, a former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Board between 2006 and 2007, noted that Tinubu’s appointment was the best thing to happen to the university.

He advised the PDP to substantiate its claim with reasons.

Lanlehin said: “What is their rationale for criticising the appointment? Is it that Asiwaju Tinubu is not capable? This is a man who has both academic and administrative experience to effectively position the varsity into a world-class institution. So, I am saying that the PDP criticism is baseless, until they can substantiate their claim.”

Congratulating the university for having a man of Tinubu’s stature as Chancellor, the lawmaker described the appointment as well deserved.

He said: “The appointment of a first-class brain like Tinubu is a deserving one to lead a viable university like LAUTECH. The university will benefit from his wealth of experience and his worldwide connections. We are so glad and the university is very happy, especially now that it needs rejuvenation.”

Osun PDP ridicules self with lies, says ACN

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HE Osun State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has “become a laughing stock for its pathetic dependence on silly lies to gain public attention”.

The ruling party berated the opposition for “a series of lies it has been manufacturing since it lost power to the ACN”.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, the ACN said it was responding to PDP’s latest lies.

Osun PDP spokesperson, Diran Odeyemi, had alleged that the ACN administration was daily paying N200,000 to each of the 10-member committee established by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to advise and make recommendations on the creation of new local governments in the state.

ACN said it is regrettable that “the PDP has descended to such a despicably low level political engagement that the party now resorts to telling outright and blatant lies against the governor and the ACN to maintain a demented presence in public discussions”.

The statement said the ACN administration is not accountable to such people as those in the Osun PDP executive, “whose deformed mentality is progressively deteriorating by the day as to be absolutely dependent on crass falsehood for their publicity and presence”.

It said the media should, at least now, begin to demand

“some practical proof of these allegations before assaulting public sense and sensibility with such fallacies.

“The onus of proof is on the person making the allegation,” ACN said. “So, let the PDP provide proof of its allegation.

“However, for the benefit of the public, the ACN wishes to categorically deny the allegations of the PDP as another in the series of wicked lies from that party, to discredit the ACN and the governor.

Besides, it is not true that the committee had sat for 74 days and paid N200,000, as alleged.

The PDP lying machine has gone berserk.”

The party also responded to a statement credited to Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio at the PDP gathering in Osogbo at the weekend.

The governor reportedly said the PDP has enough intellectuals and capable hands in the Southwest to take over the region in the next election.

ACN noted that from 2003 to 2010, the best of the intellectual input of PDP was the most disastrous for the Yoruba nation in a century.

It said: “If others, outside Yorubaland, cannot appreciate this because of their own limitations, ours is a very conscious nation that knows what is better and best for the people. The PDP is the worst collection of politicians that will never again be allowed to rule Yorubaland.

“Their so-called intellectuals here have little or nothing to offer.”

Police to compile database on landlords, tenants in Oyo From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

O •Ajimobi

respect and dignity deserving of people who have used the better part of their lives in serving the state.

“He has progressively been keeping faith with the promises he made to pensioners during his electioneering campaigns.”

YO State Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu at the weekend promised to set up a database for landlords and tenants to enhance effective policing.

The police chief, who recently replaced Tambari Mohammed, explained that there would be a compulsory database registration of landlords in each district. This will include their names, phone numbers and occupations/professions.

Mbu spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, when he addressed reporters at the command’s headquarters at Eleyele.

He urged tenants to collect a form that would identify their bio-data to reduce crime.

The police chief warned the public to desist from violating the law against unauthorised sirens, tinted glasses and rubber/plastic number plates.

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NEWS

Uba: I’m not involved in Ibori $15m bribe

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ENATOR Andy Uba (Anambra South District) yesterday denied any involvement in the $15 million bribe allegedly offered to the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, by the convicted former governor of Delta State, James Ibori.

A businessman had claimed that he handed over the money to Uba as part of his contribution to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) campaign for the 2007 election.

In a statement, Uba said: “My attention has been drawn to a recent report linking me with the transfer of the alleged

bribe money between Ibori and Ribadu.

“When I was in the Presidency, my house in the Villa was a convenient place for many top people in Nigeria to visit. Probably Ibori did not want to go to the EFCC office to hand over the money and decided to use my house.

“All I know about this mat-

ter is that Ibori brought some money to Ribadu and Ribadu invited his then Director of Operations, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, to fetch it. Details of their transaction were not disclosed to me at the time. I was never a party to the transaction between them.

“That my house was used as the venue for the transaction is not in question, as an affidavit

to that effect has been sworn to by the current EFCC chairman, Lamorde, which is probably the point of confusion.

“I hereby state unequivocally that I am not involved in this matter beyond what I have stated above. So nobody should involve me in this matter. They should not drag me into it, please.”

•Abia State Governor Theodore ( second left); his wife, Mercy; and others at the Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, Imo State...yesterday.

Masts have no health risks From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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HE Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders’ Management of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi, at the weekend said the radiation from telecoms equipment is not dangerous to humans.

Itanyi spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at the NCC’s 69th Telecoms Consumers’ Parliament, with the theme: “Telecoms masts and towers: A necessity or nuisance”.

He said the NCC has rules guiding telecoms equipment coming into the country, which ensure compliance with international health and safety standards.

Itanyi, who was represented by a commissioner in the commission, Dr. Mike Onyia, said the consumers’ parliament was an opportunity for telecoms consumers, service providers, NCC and other stakeholders to interact and proffer solutions to topical issues.

He said: “Researches conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other organisations have not shown that radiation emanating from telecoms equipment, such as masts and towers, are a risk to human life.

“We are aware of some challenges that masts and towers can pose to consumers, but till date, no research has concluded on their positive or negative effect on the health of consumers. Research is ongoing on radiation, cancer and other health issues.”

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Ohaneze Ndigbo: Hisbah is state police

S the debate on the proposed creation of state police takes the front burner in Nigeria, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said the Hisbah Guards in the North are equivalent to state police.

President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano chapter, Chief Tobias Idika spoke with reporters in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Idika said state police is already operational in some northern states.

He said: “Over the years, the North has been running state police on the disguise of Hisbah Guards. We have pragmatic evidence of the victimisation of

From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudfia, Benin

our people by armed Hisbah Guards, who were given powers to waylay, arrest, fine and prosecute their victims.

“In Kano, Igbo businessmen have lost billions of Naira to several attacks by the Hisbah Guards. The same situation is recorded in Minna, Kaduna, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Zamfara and other parts of the North, where the Hisbah Guards, otherwise known as Sharia Police, are holding sway. It is also pertinent to note that northern governors fund Hisbah Guards with tax payers’ money.

“In as much as the Ohanaeze Ndigbo would not want to dabble into the politics of state police, we call on President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, enact a law abolishing Hisbah and other militant organisations being sponsored with government fund.

“The proliferation of militant organizations, such as Hisbah, contributed hugely to the insecurity and socio-religious violence that has become the bane in the North.

“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo suspects that some northern political leaders are aware of the ac-

tivities of northern militants in the fashion of Boko Haram, who have vowed to Islamise northern states.

“We urge the President to overhaul all security agencies with a view to repositioning them for a successful war against terrorism. We suggest that nonMuslim police commissioners be posted to states where the Boko Haram insurgency is predominant to prevent any form of compromise.

“We say this because there have been cases where bad eggs in the security agencies aid terrorists to carry out their nefarious activities.”

I wasn’t duped, says Governor Orji

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BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has debunked rumours that he was duped while trying to buy a ship.

Speaking yesterday at the Government House in Umuahia, the state capital, during a reception organised in his honour, Orji urged

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From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

Abians to disregard the rumour.

He said: “While I was away, there was a rumour that I went to buy a ship. I could not help laughing, because I knew some people were hal-

lucinating.

“If you dash me a ship, I will reject it. I am not a businessman and can never be, so the shipping business is beyond me.

“I am not in governance to acquire the world. The world is a stage. You come and play

your part and are judged by the role you played. Whatever they are saying means nothing to us, because we are guided by our conscience.”

Urging Abians to have confidence in him, Orji assured them of his commitment to meeting their needs.

Abia ACN elects state officers

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Abia State at the weekend elected new officers.

A former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Egwuatu Egbulefu, emerged ACN State Chairman.

Other are Elder Joseph Kalu, Deputy Chairman; Mr. Friday Konyerem, First ViceChairman (Abia Central); Mr. Onyeama Ndusoro, Second Vice-Chairman (Abia Central); Chief Sunday Ekpo, Third Vice-Chairman (Abia North); Mr. Nnabuihe Ogbonna, Secretary; Mr. Offor

•Arochukwu PDP gets chairman From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

Okorie, Publicity Secretary; Mr. Longjohn Ikoro, Youth Leader; and Mrs. Nkiru Sunday, Woman Leader.

The congress, which was held in Umuahia, the state capital, was observed by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the party’s national officers.

The party’s candidate in the 2011 governorship election, Prince Paul Ikonne, said the

successful conduct of the congress represents a new beginning for the state party.

He thanked past leaders for their contributions to the party’s growth and urged the new leadership to embrace new members and be productive.

Pledging to work for the party’s development, Egbulefu said ACN is the only hope for good governance in Abia and Nigeria.

Decrying the state of infrastructure in Abia, he said: “The PDP administration has not

been performing. As you can see, everything is in shambles and the government is enveloped in corruption.

“I have been in PDP since 1999 and held several state positions. They always have crises and we will exploit their crises situations to match them in any game they may decide to play during the elections.”

Also at the weekend, Mr. Obinna Nwankwo was elected PDP Chairman in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

His predecessor, Mr. Obasi Okoronkwo, was removed for alleged gross abuse of the office.

Cattle dealer, three others held for alleged robbery From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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POPULAR cattle dealer in Adewole , near the Wire and Cable residential area on the Abeokuta Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, popularly known as Baba Titi, and three other members of a suspected robbery syndicate, have been apprehended by a vigilance group of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC).

The suspects have reportedly been handed over to the police at Ido Police Station.

The hoodlums were allegedly arrested during an operation at 1am yesterday.

They were said to be fleeing from Eat More Farms in Maku village on Ido-Omi Adio Road after robbing the residents.

The hoodlums reportedly stormed the farm in a Mitsubishi Canter van with registration number (Lagos) XV889KRD and stole four cattle.

It was learnt that they overpowered the only security man, identified as Adamu Usman.

The robbers allegedly tied the security man and took his handset.

His wife was ordered to lie face down during the robbery.

It was learnt that the hoodlums carted away their loot in the Mitsubishi van.

When Adamu’s wife regained consciousness, she used her mobile phone to alert the local vigilantes, who reportedly mobilised and pursued the hoodlums.

Firemen battle pipeline fire

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HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday said firefighters have extinguished fire from eight of the nine points where the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline was vandalised at Arepo, Ogun State.

The NEMA Information Officer, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Arepo that the biggest point of the fire was still burning as of the time of filing this report.

Farinloye said the agency had redoubled efforts to extinguish the flame, following the deployment of more firefighters.

The pipeline went up in flames when it was attacked by vandals on Wednesday evening.

NAN correspondent, who has been monitoring the situation, reports that the rescue teams, which included firefighters, were denied entry into the creek to recover bodies and extinguish the raging inferno.

The attempt by the team was frustrated by sporadic shootings by the vandals.

It was gathered that the vandals feared that bodies of their dead members, if recovered, might reveal their identity to security agents and subsequently lead to the arrest of others.

Farinloye said his team assured the vandals that they were armless.

He said: “We told them that we are not security agents but only working to safe children, women and others who use the streams and other water bodies in the area.”

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NEWS

•Sacked Exxonmobil workers displaying placards and their identity cards during a rally at the Eket Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.

‘Edo of my dream emerging’ From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

A FORMER Head of Service (HOS) in Edo State, Mr. Simeon Imuekheme, at the weekend said the Edo of his dream is “already emerging”.

Speaking with reporters on the 21st anniversary of the state, Imuekheme said despite the “developmental stagnation” Edo suffered at some point in its history, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has set a standard for successive administrations to emulate.

He said: “The Edo of my dream is already emerging, where there will be opportunities for everybody, world-class social infrastructure and a low crime rate.

“There is no crime-free society, but we want the crime rate to be low.

Many Edo indigenes want to come home and invest, but they are afraid of being kidnapped. That is not good for development.

“If the current momentum of the Oshiomhole administration is sustained, the future will be very bright. Oshiomhole has set a standard his successors cannot afford to fall below.”

Edo PDP denies pact with ACN over election petition

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has denied entering into an agreement with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) not to challenge the victory of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the July 14 governorship election.

PDP said: “It is malicious, wicked and unfounded for some members to bandy innuendoes and rumours suggesting that the leadership of Edo PDP accepted compensation not to challenge the result of the election.”

It said the PDP members

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

spreading the rumours worked against the party’s candidate and interest in the election, with the aim of causing disaffection in the PDP, as well as currying favours from top PDP leaders and the opposition.

It was learnt that some PDP members petitioned the party’s national leadership alleging that members of the Edo State executive, led by Chief Dan Orbih, were offered choice positions in Oshiomhole’s administra-

tion and cash.

But the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Matthew Urhoghide, in a statement, debunked the allegation.

Urhoghide said the PDP decided against contesting the result of the election after a series of stakeholders’ meetings, which were attended by its candidate, Maj.Gen. Charles Airhiavbere.

He said it was “the right thing to do after responsibly and painstakingly weighing all options”.

Urhoghide said the decision does not prevent Maj.Gen. Airhiavbere from chal-

lenging the election result, if he so wishes.

He said: “Our party did not take a position immediately after the election. It took us over three weeks, within which a series of consultations and meetings were held, to determine the best line of action.

“After careful consideration, Edo PDP decided not to challenge the election outcome at the tribunal. The resolve was as difficult for the leadership to arrive at as it must be for our faithful members and supporters to come to terms with.

Police lost 13 men in Rivers, says commissioner

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HE Police in Rivers State have lost 13 men to hoodlums in the last five months.

During the period, the police killed 36 suspects in a gun duel.

Twenty-six of them were robbery suspects and 10 were kidnap suspects.

Commissioner of Police Mohammed Indabawa stated this at the weekend.

He said between April and August, 173 robbery suspects

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

and 72 kidnap suspects were arrested.

Indabawa said 78 suspected cultists were nabbed and 17 kidnap victims were rescued.

He said 52 firearms, 600 rounds of ammunition and 42 vehicles and motorcycles were recovered during the period.

Indabawa said: “The Riv-

ers Police Command has been proactive and decisive in tackling security challenges. I thank residents for their support. The partnership between the police and the public has yielded tremendous results and created a genial atmosphere in the state. Intelligence reports given to the police have led to the routing of criminal gangs.

“Thirteen policemen lost their lives during the period

under review, while many others were injured. However, their deaths will not daunt our spirit, but will motivate us to fight harder and eradicate crime in our society.

“I assure the people of Rivers State of the command’s commitment to ensure security in the ‘ember’ months.”

The police boss thanked the state government for its cash donations to the families of the slain policemen.

Corruption responsible for road carnage, says FRSC

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HE Southsouth Zonal Coordinator of the Special Marshalls of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Paul Obuma, yesterday said corruption is responsible for the deplorable state of roads in the country.

Obuma spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at a workshop for special marshalls in RS 6.1.

He advocated total overhaul of special marshals’ activities, if the United Nations’ (UN’s) target of reducing road accidents to 10,000

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

by 2,020 is to be met.

In his keynote address, entitled: “Advocacy as a Tool for Improved Road Safety Activities”, Obuma said deaths on Nigerian roads were mostly caused by overinvoicing of contract papers, the award of road contracts to inexperienced relatives and party loyalists, as well as the use of substandard materials.

He said drunk-driving, ex-

cessive speed, reckless driving, the activities of robbers and commercial motorcyclists were part of the causes of road carnage.

Obuma said: “It is a fact that 52 years after Nigeria’s Independence, which was proclaimed with such great expectation, given our immense human and material resources, we still have bad roads, which have claimed many lives.

“The human capital, which should contribute to the nation’s development, die

daily on our roads.”

He also called for proper funding of FRSC. Special Marshalls National Coordinator Mr. Sini Kwaabe said road accidents claim more lives in Nigeria than HIV/AIDS. FRSC Sector Commander in Rivers State Dr. Kayode Olagunju advocated an evaluation of the activities of special marshalls and their contributions in the areas of public enlightenment, traffic control, enforcement and rallies.

Burglars steal Holy Communion in Delta

H •Oshiomhole

OODLUMS have broken into a Catholic Church in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, stealing the Holy Communion and other religious items.

It was learnt that the hoodlums broke into the Sacristy, where religious items are kept, and stole the Holy Communion and some sacred books.

A source, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “We do not know where they have taken the sacred items to or what

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

they intend to do with them. It is a mystery and I do not know how such items would be useful to them.”

The leadership of the church in Iselle-Uku Diocese has declared a one-week prayer session in the diocese for God’s mercy on the burglars.

There will be no masses or prayer meetings during the period and the affected church would be shut for the week.

“Our party does not wish to engage in a long drawnout litigation capable of frittering away the limited resources of the state, even though it reserves the right to undertake such an action.

“We will work with all Edo people to realise the dream, which our pride as a people has agreeably forced upon us. We will do all these for the betterment of the people as proof of our party’s new focus. We will defend their rights and balance power in wholesomely productive ways.”

250 youths end training

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

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HE Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters, Chief Kingsley Kuku, yesterday said over 11,000 youths from the region have been trained in various vocational skills under the amnesty programme.

Kuku said the youths attained training in both onshore and offshore activities.

He said they are currently under going a post-training entrepreneurship programme for reintegration into the society, which he said is the last stage of the programme.

Kuku spoke in Lagos at the graduation ceremony of 250 youths, who have completed the post-training entrepreneurship programme.

He said the training has equipped the beneficiaries to become entrepreneurs and the Amnesty Office would invest N150,000 in each of their businesses.

Kuku, who was represented by Mr. Larry Pepple, a technical assistant in the Amnesty Office, said a monitoring, evaluation and coaching unit would be set up to monitor the businesses.

He said some financial institutions have expressed interest to support the programme.

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

SWF: unanswered questions •Despite its take-off, it is not the way to go

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AST week, the Federal Government named a nine-member board for the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to signal the takeoff of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

Headed by a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mahey Rasheed, the board also has Messrs Arnold Ekpe, Hide Zeitlin, Bill Awosika, Bisi Soyebo (SAN), Hassan Usman and Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli as members. It also named a former Managing Director of JP Morgan, Uche Orji, as pioneer managing director.

Taken together with the compromise struck between the Federal Government and 36 state governments to pool $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account as seed money, the coast seems clear for its take-off.

Unfortunately, not so the issues spawned by the establishment of the fund. Rather than go away, both the federal and state governments have, in our view, merely papered over them.

The first of these issues is the legal status of the NSIA Act 2011 – a law said to have been designed to cure the defects in the operations of the Excess Crude Account.

Has it? We very much doubt so. That is why the governors are in court. Barring an amicable settlement– out of court, that is – the ruling promises to be a watershed in streamlining the fiscal relations between the two.

Of course, the point in the SWF debate is not one of desirability – or otherwise –

of savings for the rainy day which the SWF claims to be; it is, rather the challenge to the fiscal independence of the states as guaranteed by the constitution and the responsibility of their legislature to appropriate their accrued share as they deem fit and as consistent with the provisions of the law.

But that is not the only matter with the SWF. By far the most trenchant rationale advanced for the SWF is the need to save the excess crude earnings to provide a buffer for the rainy day.

We have said before that nothing can be wrong with setting aside funds to hedge against fluctuations often associated with commodity prices. And given that oil is a wasting, non-renewable asset, it seems the least to do to ensure that its benefits pass to future generations.

The trouble has been the elevation of the SWF savings idea to an end rather than a means to an end – the end being a stable prosperous economy less dependent on oil.

This is where the argument for investing in critical infrastructure as a strategy for future growth and a truly diversified economy comes as compelling. If we may restate –Infrastructure development remains the best guarantee for sustained growth; and given that the utility of money is measured by what it delivers, what is the guarantee that the money saved abroad will not lose value as the current fate of the Euro teaches?

No matter how fanciful the government continues to present the SWF idea, we

believe that participation should be made voluntary to states. It is what accords with the demands of federalism.

The idea of carting billions of dollars into some off-shore accounts in the guise of putting it away in some Infrastructures or Futures Accounts to be managed by some so-called experts only serves the current mantra of outsourced governance. Indeed, what the government often claims as justification for the SWF is no more than a lack of capacity to deliver.

We are aware that some states already have laws mandating compulsory savings. They should be encouraged. SWF or not, the idea of a single basket investment to which all tiers of government are compelled to subscribe is bad for democracy; worse, it is incompatible with fiscal federalism.

‘The idea of carting billions of dollars into some off-shore accounts in the guise of putting it away in some Infrastructures or Futures Accounts to be managed by some so-called experts only serves the current mantra of outsourced governance. Indeed, what the government often claims as justification for the SWF is no more than a lack of capacity to deliver’

No plea bargaining •Subsidy suspects must undergo the full rigour of the law

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T is a worrisome development that some of the fuel marketers indicted in the N400bn fuel subsidy scandal are now opting for plea bargaining in order to escape justice. At least 20 of the 25 marketers arraigned so far by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in connection with the subsidy scam are said to be involved in this. Indeed, some of the indicted marketers have started to refund some of the already pocketed subsidy funds. They even went as far as “begging” the Federal Government for soft-landing after they might have refunded the excess subsidy money which had been traced to them.

In order to achieve their nefarious objectives, the marketers were reported to have indulged in sending emissaries to

‘Rather than make refund of stolen subsidy its priority, the Federal Government should go after the indicted oil marketers, prosecute them in the law courts and those found guilty punished as prescribed by the courts. This is the only way the government can justify its existence as a government of the people, by the people and for the people, and certainly not the other way round’

traditional rulers and political leaders to intercede on their behalf.

Even though we were told that the Federal Government resisted their move to run away from justice, its position is unclear and suspect, given reports that all it is interested in is recovery of the stolen funds and whatever happens thereafter is left to the discretion of the courts.

The government’s position on this serious matter raises some issues of great concern about its anti-corruption war.

The essence of the very idea of plea bargaining is corruption. The former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, used plea bargaining to return what was suspected to be only a fraction of his loot from the government treasury. What this tells us is that looting of government treasury is a very profitable venture in Nigeria.

Plea bargaining is an investment that yields great profit at the end of the day. It must be a new invention of making cool money and it is antithetical to good governance, to say the least. This is probably the reason why the immediate past Chief Justice of the Federation, Aloysius Katsina-Alu condemned, in no ambiguous terms, the highly corrupt system of plea bargaining for thieving politicians and the likes in our society.

The resort to plea bargaining by indicted marketers and the Federal Government’s body language of seeming approval is a clear indication that it has institutionalised corruption by using corruption to fight corruption. The result is

corruption unlimited. If we are to fight corruption with all sincerity, we should at all times and in all cases fight corrupt practices with criminal prosecution in order to serve as deterrent to others, and not let offenders go away with plea bargaining.

For government to want to cover up the dirty deals of indicted marketers just because it feels their exposure to criminal activities through trials and consequent punishment would have international consequences on their dirty business is to attract to itself public outcry and condemnation. It would then become clear to all that the fire of corruption in Nigeria has always been fuelled by the government that is supposed to quench it whenever and wherever it surfaces.

Rather than make refund of stolen subsidy its priority, the Federal Government should go after the indicted oil marketers, prosecute them in the law courts and those found guilty punished as prescribed by the courts. This is the only way the government can justify its existence as a government of the people, by the people and for the people, and certainly not the other way round.

Fuel subsidy was meant to be enjoyed

by Nigerians, and if a few influential persons decide to pocket the money for services not rendered, they have committed a crime against the people and the government must be in the vanguard of defending the citizenry and not shielding those involved from prosecution.

Apple vs. Samsung: Infringing by design

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AMSUNG is guilty of copying the iPhone design, yet Apple has built successful products based on ideas that other companies pioneered. So the challenge of deciding patent worthiness continues.

After finding Samsung liable for more than $1 billion in damages for infringing Apple’s iPhone and iPad patents, members of a federal jury told reporters that they hoped to deter companies from copying one another instead of developing their own designs and features. That’s a laudable goal, and the public would surely benefit from more choice and differentiation among products.

The challenge is in distinguishing between the sorts of innovations that should receive patent protection and the ones that shouldn’t.

We don’t mean to second-guess the jurors or defend Samsung, which was found to have deliberately imitated Apple’s iPhone designs and some of its functions. If companies were able to wait for their rivals to come up with successful devices, then rush out copycat versions with confusingly similar features, there would be less money spent on R&D and more on marketing.

Nevertheless, it’s worth remembering that Apple made its name building successful, even iconic products based on ideas that other companies pioneered. The iPhone, for example, was a significantly better version of the smartphones Nokia introduced more than a decade earlier. Innovation is by its nature an iterative process, and good patent policy creates an incentive to innovate more.

Bad policy just makes it easier for patent holders to extract royalties from anyone venturing within reach of their claims.

The risk is especially great in the area of patents on design, such as the ones that covered the look and feel of Apple’s iPhones.

There’s a fine line between designs that are purely decorative (which, oddly enough, are the ones eligible for patents) and those that serve a function (which aren’t). For example, do rounded corners on a phone simply help set it apart, or do they make the device slip more easily in and out of a pocket?

One safeguard against overly broad or unjustified patents is to provide the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office the resources needed to give applications enough scrutiny.

Congress took an important step in that direction with the patent-reform law it passed last year. But the courts have played a critical role in defining what is patentable, and the big judgment in Apple’s favor is likely to invite more claims that stretch the boundaries of reasonableness. If Apple’s win slows the wonderfully frenetic pace of product development in mobile devices and leads companies to battle in courts instead of the marketplace, consumers will be the ultimate losers.

– Los Angeles Times

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I read with a mixture of doubt and believe yesterday when President Goodluck Jonathan, speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State during the inauguration of the N4.6 billion Onitsha River Port Complex, urged Nigerians to give him more time to deliver on his promises.

Anytime I ponder on the steps taken so far, the facts before us and what the future holds for us as a nation, I always feel sympathetic for Nigeria under this Goodluckled administration. We should be able to see the traces of tomorrow right from today; eyes that will see clearly at night should suffer no cataract in the morning.

Consider some of the President’s promises in his inaugural speech on May 29, 20011: “Today, our unity is firm, and our purpose is strong; our determination unshakable.

Together, we will unite our nation and improve the living standards of all our peoples… We must demonstrate the leadership, statesmanship, vision, capacity, and sacrifice, to transform our nation… The urgent task of my administration is to provide a suitable environment, for productive activities to flourish…

Fellow citizens, the leadership we have pledged is decidedly transformative… We must grow the economy, create jobs, and generate enduring happiness for our people… The moment is right.

The signs are heart-warming. We are ready to take off on the path of

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

The President and his promises sustained growth and economic development... We will push programs and policies that will benefit both local and foreign businesses… To drive our overall economic vision, the power sector reform is at the heart of our industrialization strategy… Fellow citizens, in every decision, I shall always place the common good before all else… The time for lamentation is over. This is the era

of transformation. This is the time for action…

Who will remember these active sentences by the President and doubt his being courageous and futuristic?

Anyway, we are still waiting.

President Jonathan should remember that he is making a history for himself. Either the first president from the minority region of South-South transforms Nigeria

according to his promises or he induces a revolution and disintegrates Nigeria through harsh policies. Either of the choices has consequences upon which his history will be written.

All we seek is nothing but a peaceful environment for Nigerians. A country where there will be hope for the masses, jobs for the graduates, sponsors for those who have business ideas and

S

(SA) on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Barrister Peter Ohagwa to order for meddling in the Ezeship stool of the Nekede Autonomous Community.

Recently, the Special Assistant was quoted as saying that the Ezeship stool is hereditary and rotational to the larger family of Nwokeakanwa comprising of the Agumanu, Nkwazema, Awobi and Shimobi families. He went further to say that the elders of the aforementioned families have been commissioned by him to reach a consensus, and after which he will make a pronouncement.

• Bayo Salawu, Department of English, University of Ibadan.

Cynthia: No criminal liability for pharmacist

S

IR: After reading the piece, “Cynthia: Pharmacists plead for colleagues” in The Nation of August 31, I am moved to make the following clarifications: First, if the involvement of the pharmacists as alleged is limited to the sale of Rohypnol without prescription they incur no criminal liability and so there is nothing to plead for. Dispensing any drug on prescription is not a legal requirement but discretion to be exercised by a pharmacist in the performance of his professional duty. There is no law under which a pharmacist can

be charged for dispensing any drug without prescription; moreover, no law lists the drugs to be dispensed on prescription.

Second, there is no categorisation of drugs into prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs under the Nigerian Law. The Poisons and Pharmacy Act (PPA) CAP 152, L & F, 1958, which is the law regulating the dispensing of drugs in Nigeria only categorises drugs into poisons and non-poisons. If this classification is considered archaic by pharmacists, then, they must move for its amend-

ment before using same in legal discourse.

Third, there is no law mandating pharmacists to sell any category of drugs only on doctors’ prescriptions.

On the restriction on the sale of poisons (erroneously called prescription drugs) S. 13 (1) of the PPA provides: No selling dispenser or chemist shall sell or deliver any poison (Rohypnol) included in Part 1 of the First Schedule to this Act, to a person unless that person is known to the seller or introduced by some person known to the seller to be a person to whom the poison may properly be sold.

Governor Okorocha, call this man to order IR: Here is an urgent appeal to Governor Rochas Okorocha to call his Special Assistant

where pensioners will not die of hunger. The periods of treating Nigerians like fools and still expect them to be silent are gone. Youths are brewing different intentions to fight for their rights anytime the anger, hopelessness and frustration reach the climax and it could also be riotous if government keeps implementing the policies that will make the rich to be richer and the poor, poorer. But whatever Mr. President does and wherever he goes, let him always remember the summarizing statement of his inauguration address, “You have trusted me with your mandate, and I will never, never let you down…”

On whose authority can this be?

This is an arrogant display of power.

The community was invited to a plebiscite on April 24, after many frustrating moves. Despite all the shenanigans, the exercise was conducted and we have Governor Okorocha to thank as he personally instructed that it should be when it was to have been truncated. The Community massively selected their preferred candidate. We are worried about the delay in giving the staff of office to our Eze. More worrisome, Barrister Ohagwa has been calling on groups within the community to come up with another name as a new Eze. The “Ndi Oha”, who are the elders of the community were invited on the pretence that there is a conflict

and requested to go and meet the contestants to come up with a person for him to resolve.

This encroachment on our tradition and custom is creating serious discontent. On August 9, the peace loving Nekede men, women and youths went on a protest march demanding that the government call Ohagwa, to order over his actions and utterances on the Nekede Autonomous Community Ezeship tussle.

The Nekede Autonomous Community Ezeship stool is hereditary to the Agumanu family only. The community has only one ruling family and not ruling families as Ohagwa is trying to proffer. He should know that his office is a delegated one and has neither the right

nor the powers to make any pronouncement on Nekede Customs and Tradition which are outside his schedule of duties.

We have inspired the best of who we are by obliging and filing out for the government call for a plebiscite on April 24, even when we know that our Ezeship stool is hereditary. We will not hesitate to file out again for another plebiscite to rest the matter.

Whatever the extra miles the SA may wish to travel, he will not succeed to change our custom and tradition or impose an unpopular candidate on us as our Eze. Nekede is organized, peaceful and bigger than any minority.

• High Chief Chris U. Kemakolam Nekede, Imo State

It is abundantly clear from this provision that in the sale of poisons, Rohypnol inclusive, the written order of a medical doctor serves as an introduction of the patient to the pharmacist as a person to whom the poison may properly be sold. But if the patient is known to the seller (pharmacist), such introduction becomes otiose. A pharmacist’s professional judgment in this respect is not automated by a doctor’s prescription. This point has been successfully canvassed by my humble self in the case of Beam Pharmacy (Nig) Ltd. & 3 Ors V NDLEA & 3 Ors: Motion No: NSD/LF18m/2007 decided by Badamasi Maina J (as he then was) on the 30th day of July, 2009.

The recommendation for a more robust regulatory framework anchored on an up to date legislation is salutary. This is particularly apt having regard to the fact that the PPA which regulates drug dispensing today was enacted in 1946 with its anachronistic use of the words, “sell” and “purchase” of drugs by patients.

Finally, I urge the Police to leave the issue of the sale of Rohypnol without prescription out of the Cynthia’s case and pursue the substance; the murder by the suspects.

I personally regret the murder of such a promising young girl by the dare-devils.

• Moses Ediru, Ph.D Lafia, Nasarawa State.

21

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

COMMENTS

Where are the saints?

T

AKE this or leave it: Until last week, Prof. Barth Nnaji was one of the few competent and reliable ministers in the President Goodluck Jonathan administration. His background, backed with his performance placed him on the sparse platform of integrity in government.

Yes, if it is true, it might sound unethical for him to be having interest in any company bidding to buy some of the companies that emerged from the unbundled PHCN when he was championing the sector as Minister of Power. It does not matter even when we are talking of an administration filled with non-performing top rankers who are in office securing self-interest in corruption.

But show me the righteous in government and his/her atrocities shall be revealed. While the ideal is that transparency and accountability in governance must ever be upheld, poverty in the land has made opportunity in government a source of self-enhancement ahead of honest and dedicated service to the people.

In the case of Prof. Nnaji, it makes sense that all participants, minus his own interest, are given a level playing field to bid for the privatisation of the PHCN so that the case will not become stunted like that of NITEL. But his forced resignation, notwithstanding the refuted accusations against him, might also end up being a setback for the reform of the power sector. With his exit, we might not know what the next person with a dissimilar orientation and motive would do.

In his self-defence statement, he said he had to succumb to the concocted campaign by some influential elements and resign the office of minister to retain his ”integrity which has in recent days come under scurrilous attacks by powerful vested interests that were hell bent on besmirching the integrity and reputation that I painstakingly built over the years.”

This is coming at the time the President himself is succumbing to being the most criticized in the world. Nnaji claimed that he had to quit so as not to add to the president’s burden, especially now that the president is absolving himself of any blame for the country’s problems. Since Dr. Jonathan did not bring in any of the problems presently confronting the nation, he could hardly comprehend why the buck should stop on his desk as the nation’s leader.

But I thought since the presidency was not forced on him,

I

S There Any Hope For Nigeria? This regrettably is a fair question given the massive challenges confronting Nigeria today – on issues of security of persons and property, political stability, economic development, increasing pauperization of the masses, degraded infrastructure of power, transportation, educational and health facilities; all pervasive corruption and excessive greed and self-seeking amongst the three tiers of government, unresponsive governance and growing pessimism amongst the vast majority of the country’s population.

Let us briefly recall the history of Nigeria over the last 60 years. Nigeria was moving ahead with great strides in the decade before independence. The country was wholly dependent on agriculture. Foreign exchange was earned from agricultural exports mainly cocoa in the West, groundnuts in the North, palm oil and kernels from the East. The balance of payments was in surplus and sizeable foreign reserves were built up by the Marketing Boards – up to £80 million which was shared by the three regions after independence.

That was good money then - considering that in no one year throughout the colonial administration did Nigeria’s budget exceed £40 million. Indeed, it was under Balewa and Independence that the federal budget reached £50 million. You can begin to imagine how carefully and frugally public funds were managed in those days when you consider that the ports of Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, the 4000 miles of railways, the telegraph lines from North to South, and East to West, the Airports of Lagos and Kano, the schools people of my and earlier generations attended and from which we went directly to British, American and other universities were all developed with such meager resources!

The Nigerian Economy was growing under the 1962 – 68 plan at over 6% per annum with inflation rate under 2% and so people enjoyed improving standard of living. However, there were serious political problems which had not been resolved before independence. The most serious was the Minorities Question. For many years, there had been general agitation for separate regions by the Middle Belt minorities in the North, the Mid-

he ought to know the challenges on ground when he was campaigning and making pledges to transform this bewildered and sucked nation. He should understand that none of our problems are bigger than what can be solved. If a house is in disarray, the head of that house will carry the can. No reasonable person would accuse President Jonathan of creating the problems of Nigeria. What those who are criticizing are saying is that he cannot manage the problems he inherited.

The critics would be thriving as long as there are perceptible faulty areas in governance that need to be practically addressed but are not. Let sentiments be put aside and firm decisions implemented – not because of a desire to be praised by devious political supplicants but more for the purpose of fulfilling the peoples’ mandate. Perhaps, the president would be more admired if he admits that the nation’s problems are overwhelming him and he does not know what to do. Eventual judgment would come from the outcome of visible hard work, not from lamentations and justifications.

If the truth must be told, Jonathan might not be performing as anticipated principally because he has surrounded himself with economic scavengers and political bedbugs that have nothing positive to offer the nation. If indeed we should anticipate a brighter future, let him do unto the non-performing members of his cabinet what he has done to Nnaji, notwithstanding who they are or where they come from.

It was reported that some members of the cabinet and powerful outsiders who have personal interests in the power sector rejected Nnaji amidst growing insinuations that as a minister, he had interest in a consortium that participated in the bid for the Afam project. If the motives for such rejection are sincere and genuine, then we can have hope for a glowing future. But the report again has it that it was all game of the powerful forces to protect their personal benefits. If so, then the emblematic Nigerian officials’ selfishness and corruption will reign and result in failure of the entire project.

The only way to prove critics wrong is to go beyond rhetoric and emotion. It would be to do what can be seen to have positive impact on the life of the generality of the people.

Whoever is not satisfying the peoples’ needs and not living up to expectation would be criticized by those who granted him mandate.

The Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration claimed to have expended some valuable billions of dollars on the power sector but only left a declined sector at the end of it all. But if the same critical power sector could become the only reform the Jonathan government is able to implement successfully, then he can be sure to justly become the most glorified and the most praised president the nation ever had.

So, rather than talking the talk, let the President begin to walk the walk and sanitize his team with the new performance contract he had just signed with them.

FEEDBACK Re: Sanusi and CBN inconsistency Soji, I am in total agreement with your opinion on Sanusi and CBN inconsistency. I want to add that the greatest problem with Nigeria is zoning of political offices instead of relying on best brains from whatever part of the country. It really beats ones’ imagination on the Governor of the Central Bank talking of the introduction of coins and N5,000 note into the Nigerian economy. Who does he want to satisfy? I think he should immediately be removed. From Pastor Pius Ugwa.

Sanusi wants to devalue the life of the common man and naira. Your piece, in common palance, has hit the nail on the head. From Dabis Y. I really appreciate your informed comments on the issue.

This is one of anti-masses policies of this government. Look at indiscriminate increase of pump price of petrol from N65 to N141. Are we going to use all our salaries to buy fuel? Look at daily PHCN tariff increases despite the failure to implement the minimum wage. These and the new coins are unpopular policies which are least contemplated in advanced societies where democracy is practiced to the core. Thank you. From Adele Adelodun, Ibadan.

Sir, I just want to say well-done for you’re all the time good write-ups. You have indeed expressed my immediate feelings and reactions when the controversial Sanusi’s plan on the nation’s currency was made known to the public. I pray that our President will indeed listen to this cry of “No” by everybody. From Toba, Lagos.

Mr. Soji, I read your comment and I really support your contribution. You are saying the fact. Whatever they are trying to do is to steal our money. In fact, the problem of this country is bad leadership. We have criminals as leaders. It’s only god who’ll judge them. Thanks. Anonymous This prince of Kano has been my man until his first error of attempting to islamise a portion of our financial institution.

Now when his proposal on cashless policy is being considered and welcome, he contradicted himself with the proposed introduction of N5,000 note. We are hoping the higher note will be scrapped, making it very difficult and risky to attempt carrying large volume of cash around. Please Sanusi, be my man again. From Dodo Ayan, Ilorin.

Nigeria is a nation with so many domestic chaoses. An agency like CBN that is supposed to put up a giant stride in sustaining the economy is now creating sorrows of sustainability. N5,000, a blessing to our leaders and stealers v, a decadence of sufferings for the poor citizens. From Ogundele Kayode, Ibadan.

The future of this country lies in only one direction: true and fiscal federalism and resource control by the owners of the resources. May God help Nigeria. Anonymous

Is there hope for Nigeria?

By Phillip C. Asiodu, CON Western minorities in the West and the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers State Movement in the East.

There were tensions over the attempt to conduct a national census in 1961 which was cancelled, and was repeated in 1963. Then came the break-up of the Action Group in 1962, the Treason trials and imprisonment of Awolowo in 1963, the crisis over the December, 1964 Federal Elections which was resolved with the appointment of a broad-based Federal Government in April, 1965, but which was then followed by the heavily rigged Western Region elections in 1965.

Then came the bloody January, 1966 military coup that ended the 1st Republic and brought in the first military government of General Ironsi. Ironsi was overthrown in another very bloody coup in July, 1966. Nigeria then perilously hovered at the brink of disintegration. For two excruciating days, there was no supreme authority but this was not known by the public as the Federal Civil Service was able to maintain the semblance of normalcy. Then the slide to Civil War of 1967 – 70 which, for all the loss of lives, and agony was ended by Nigerians themselves without the intervention of foreign “do-gooders”.

The country then embarked on the 3Rs programme – Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Reconstruction which had been well planned in advance. The country resumed accelerated economic growth and from 1970 – 1975 the economy grew at the average of 11.75% per annum until terminated by the coup of July, 1975 followed by the massive purge and destruction of the confident, nonpartisan, trained and fearless Public Service inherited from the British, but worse still, the abandonment of National Plans and the process of planning and the discipline it entails especially with regard to frugal cost-effective use of the nation’s resources for the promotion of the public good.

We had a brief interlude of civilian rule under President Shehu Shagari from 1979 to 1983. This was terminated by a military coup

in December 1983. Then followed years of deterioration in the quality of governance, and economic stagnation with an average growth rate of only 2% per annum over the decade ending in 1999.

Meanwhile, the population continued to grow at 3% per annum.

Democracy was restored in 1999 with the election of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as President. He was succeeded by late President Musa Yar’Adua in 2007 and then President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been in power since 2010 and was elected in his own right in 2011. So we have enjoyed democratic rule for 13 years. Regrettably, the degradation in the quality of governance, and unresponsiveness to the real needs of the people seem to be accelerating and must be reversed in order to avoid disaster. The present allocation of the resources available to Nigeria is not sustainable.

It is not surprising to hear otherwise level headed people, given the current challenges, talk as if the breaking up of Nigeria into several parts would be a solution since to them Nigeria is too difficult to administer.

I have no doubt that the solution to our problems does not lie in disintegration. It is not possible to divide Nigeria neatly into a given number of successor countries. A collapse of the Nigerian State will most likely result in an unpredictable number of ministates controlled by war lords. It is a prospect which should shock us to exploring solutions to our current problems. What the ordinary man desires is shelter, food, educational facilities to ensure his children’s advancement in life and of course adequate and improving availability of power, health and transportation infrastructure. He is really not interested in the power struggles among politicians.

Nigeria’s tremendous potentials for developing into a great country remain largely unexploited. The critical imperative is that Nigeria’s leadership must undergo a revolutionary change of attitude and embrace good governance in all its aspects.

This entails the return to planning and the acceptance of the discipline of planning and ensuring that henceforth annual budgets, particularly capital budgets are strictly derived from the Perspective Plan and its Medium Term Plans developed to realize the Vision.

Under the Jonathan administration, the federal and state governments have agreed on three medium term periods – 2010 – 2013, 2014 – 2017, and 2018 – 2021. I am also aware that the 2010 – 2013 Medium Term Plan which is the 5th National Development Plan, was finalized and launched last year. I am informed that the Jonathan Transformation Plan 2011 – 2015, is coherent with the 2010 – 2013 Plan and anticipates part of the 2014 – 2017. It is very important that henceforth, the Nigerian government should avoid the discontinuities and inconsistencies arising from changes of administrations or even changes of ministers within the same administration, which disrupted economic growth and development in the past.

It is very critical to be able to mobilize the nation to implement these Plans. It was when we abandoned the 1975 – 80 Plan which was to create the basis for diversified and sustained industrialization that we parted company with the Asian Tigers and we are so far behind them today. However, Nigeria remains a self-sufficient nation with enormous endowments of natural resources – agriculture, minerals, energy, gemstones, water, etc.

We were about 40 million at Independence; we are now about 170 million.

Watershed revolutionary achievements over the next two years in pursuing Vision 2020, and resultant immortality, beckon to President Goodluck Jonathan and his key lieutenants. Vigorous and disciplined implementation of the 2010 – 2013 Plan and the Jonathan Transformation Agenda, as well as leading the nation to embrace all the aspects of good governance described above will launch Nigeria irreversibly on the path to unity and greatness.

• Excerpts of a paper delivered by Chief Asiodu, CON at a recent forum in Lagos

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

22

COMMENTS

D

RAMA of a sort played out recently at the Ibara, Abeokuta prisons, Ogun State, where inmates accused officials of extorting cash and imposing other forms of levies on them. The levies they said were for the purchase of fuel and the maintenance of the facility.

Apparently worried by the seeming scandal in that supposedly reforms centre, the Assistant Controller General Zone A, Lagos Segun Bewaji, Controller of Ogun State Prison Command Adams Lawal and the officer incharge of that prison undertook a search of that facility to get a first hand information on the matter.

In the course of a search, they were reported to have recovered more than 18 cell phones and other prohibited items from inmates.

They also reportedly interviewed inmates to confirm the veracity or otherwise of the allegations. After the investigations, Bewaji was to announce that the allegations were not true. According to him, the allegations stemmed from the no-nonsense attitude of the new officer in-charge as well as the earlier seizure of phones from the inmates.

Hear him, “we interviewed a lot of the inmates and they said the officials have never asked them for money to take them to court.

Although we need more resources, we have some vehicles that take inmates to and from courts. So I want to let you know that the claims by the inmates are not true” He did not stop there as he reeled out what he considered to be the poverty matrix of

‘This is so because it is not to be expected that under such a circumstance, inmates can reasonably divulge the needed information. Not with the presence of the head of the state command and the official in-charge of that prison. In effect, such open inquisition was destined to produce very predictable results as the inmates are bound to deny the allegation for fear of reprisals’

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Extortions in our Prisons inmates. According to him, more than 99 per cent of them are poor and without relations who visit them in prisons wondering from where they will get the money that will be extorted.

All said, it is good a thing that Bewaji was so concerned by the gravity of the allegations that he took immediate steps to investigate them.

That is the way it should be. No doubt, it will offend public conscience to hear of prison inmates being extorted for money by the same officials who keep watch over them.

Allegations bordering on extortions for the fuelling of vehicles to take them to court or for the maintenance of facilities are damn grave that they can mar the whole essence of our prisons as a reformation centre.

Many of the inmates, both those serving their regular prison terms and the awaiting trials are there in the first instance, on account of corruption, fraud or related malfeasance.

It will therefore amount to an abuse of our justice system if inmates have to be levied before they are brought to court or before facilities in the prisons are given a face-lift. It is good a thing that the authorities have taken steps to clarify the matter. Even as they have gone ahead to exculpate their officials from these allegations, the prism ‘there is no smoke without fire’ still counts in this instance. We have no need to impugn the integrity of Bewaji and his colleagues in their investigations.

But the method adopted to put a lie to the allegations was ab initio predetermined to produce anticipated answers. It is not enough to go into the prison cells, gather some prisoners, interview them for about two hours and come to the conclusion that officials are

W

HEN next you visit the State of Osun, watch out for the shape of things to come…state of art secondary schools emerging to replace dilapidated structures that the present government of Rauf Aregbesola inherited from the administration of Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Each of the new schools – spread across all the local government areas – will accommodate between 800 and 900 students at a go.

When next you are in the state of Osun, watch out for smartly-dressed students kitted simply with few stationery and – wait for it – an iPad-like tablet that has all his/her subjects built into it! It is emerging again from the ideas box of the Aregbesola Administration, as a radical intervention to address the decay in the education sector that had long been the lot of Osun State.

Still more: when next you’re in Osun State look out for the results of the Education Summit the current government initiated in 2011 while it was yet to mark its first anniversary. The convening authority gathered experts and stakeholders who came out with a verdict: what passed for education in Osun in the 21st century was actually a throwback to the school system of the middle Ages, as it were! Their recommendation? A thorough-going reclamation!

Again when next you visit the State of Osun, expect to meet fulfilling and smiling parents and guardians who have settled it in their mind that finally it’s a new dawn for education in their domain. In Osun State today, be on the look-out for citizens who now believe that their era is truly witnessing a renais-

‘There’s yet something equally worthy of notice in what is going on in Osun’s education sector. It’s not all about dry academic affair, Aregbesola argues. Education must be total; it must go along with physical development and recreation. So he has begun a comprehensive project of creating sports fields side by side the erection of the schools’

free from the complaints.

Such a method was destined to produce no useful results. This is so because it is not to be expected that under such a circumstance, inmates can reasonably divulge the needed information. Not with the presence of the head of the state command and the official in-charge of that prison. In effect, such open inquisition was destined to produce very predictable results as the inmates are bound to deny the allegation for fear of reprisals.

That is the inherent flaw in the investigation process.

It is akin to a state Commissioner of Police interviewing detainees in police cells in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer on whether they are being asked to part with money before they can secure bail. Definitely nobody will admit that. Yet, despite the fact that it is boldly written in most police stations that bail is free, bail is very expensive and regularly collected by police officers.

The point being raised here is that Bewaji should not yet beat his chest rejoicing that prison officials do not extort money from inmates. Given what one knows of such institutions, nobody can swear that such extortions do not go on in the prisons. Not even the claim of poverty among a preponderance of the inmates is enough to diminish the potency of the allegation. Yes, there are many poor prisoners. But there are equally very affluent ones with syndicates that cater for their well-being when they are in trouble. The recovery of several cell phones and unnamed prohibited item go to suggest that some of them are not that poor. My guess is that those unnamed prohibited items

would include money. Moreover, among the inmates are people awaiting trial. Many of them, people of means. So the argument that inmates lack the capacity to contribute money sounds very puerile and lame.

What we have seen in the Abeokuta prisons may be a tip of the iceberg. It may as well provide a lead to the constant jail breaks we have witnessed in this country. It is therefore not sufficient for the officials of zone A to dismiss the matter as simply as they have done.

The Abeokuta prison is not alone in this as other formations around the country are bound to have their stories to tell. It calls for very comprehensive investigations by independent assessors before we can fully determine the extent of the rot that has eaten into the fabric of our prisons system. It is important that the Minister of Interior sets up a high powered investigation into the happenings in our prisons. The Abeokuta incident should provide the convenient fulcrum for such comprehensive probe.

But before then, our prisons must be saved the embarrassment where inmates will be accusing officials of corruption. Such negative stories not only degrade our prisons but equally add up to further dent Nigeria’s image as a very corrupt country.

Reader’s views: Re- Okupe ACN and PDP- You guys in The Nation are a bunch of hypocrites. Before you tell Okupe to step down, tell your speaker under EFCC probe to step down. Anonymous It is a pity Okupe has metamorphosed in quick succession from ‘attack dog’ to “attack lion’. I learnt he has tested positive to corruption charge. From Tunde.

With the controversy on Okupe’s suitability for the job, for the sake of public morality, decency and decorum, the man should resign or be removed forthwith. Anonymous Your article- Jonathan’s many troubles aroused my interest in your medium. The sponsors of Boko Haram have achieved their aim of making Christians in the north regret voting for Jonathan. Anonymous In July 2009, Boko Haram never posed a threat to Nigerian unity. America has been in Afghanistan since 2001 yet Obama is not asked to resign but Jonathan is being asked to do so to suit those who promised to make Nigeria ungovernable. How tragic! From Bassey

When next you visit Osun State…

By Theo Ijadun sance that would move them and their offspring to a level towards achieving their dreams of contributing their quota to the society and humanity.

Returnees from the state say its early days yet for a final verdict on Aregbesola’s strides so far in the education sector. But they agree that his footsteps are sure-footed for a revolutionary landing on new grounds never charted in the history of the areas.

Consider for instance the overhaul of the 6-3-3-4 education progression. The authorities, considering it defective and incapable of evolving the citizen of the 21st century in a developing economy, redefined the arrangement. They have introduced what they now refer to as elementary, middle and higher schools.

The government is correctly viewing these stages of education as the crux of the system. If you don’t get it right at this stage, the government says, you’re finished from the onset! And so the authorities have decided to pump in all it takes to secure the future by first securing the child of today through a sound education. This entails the fusion of men and materials into one entity.

It is a critical enterprise that requires dispensing the new education system (being dished out to impressionable young boys and girls) in a conducive ambience (new structures springing all over the state).

Together –the strength and unity of modern structures and modern students- this foundation is what Aregbesola intends to use to drive the rebirth (renaissance) in education in the state.

There’s yet something equally worthy of notice in what is going on in Osun’s education sector. It’s not all about dry academic affair, Aregbesola argues.

Education must be total; it must go along with physical development and recreation. So he has begun a comprehensive project of creating sports fields side by side the erection of the schools.

He is bitter with the past neglect of this appreciative aspect of school life. Aregbesola asks “At what age will children be given athletic culture and train-

ing? The fields meant for such purposes are built upon… motivated by the commission and rents they will collect from those projects…We have to demolish structures that will not in any way edify our society, promote learning and develop soul and spirit of our people, society and children”. His position tallies with the ancient Roman adage: mens sana in corpore sano (a sound mind in a sound body).

Now it isn’t all about exclusive attention to basic education, even if it’s the key to the sector’s rebirth.

Tertiary learning has received a good measure of the revolution. The four colleges of education, technology and polytechnic which will absorb the products of the renaissance era are also being readied to serve as new bottles for the new wine in the making. They are being made to get a new facelift through such measure as slashing of tuition tees, restoration of subvention from government and the provision of modern learning facilities.

In the case of the state-owned UNIOSUN, the backward policy of discriminatory fees between indigene and non-indigene students has been abolished to give the school a liberal outlook befitting a center of pluralistic learning. Fees have also gone down while facilities have been upgraded.

The core of the entire project in the education sector in Osun under Aregbesola is to build a new man…And so when next you visit Osun expect to see an old order receding, yielding place to the renaissance citizen.

• Ijadun is a retired journalist in Ogun State.

’Returnees from the state say its early days yet for a final verdict on Aregbesola’s strides so far in the education sector. But they agree that his footsteps are sure-footed for a revolutionary landing on new grounds never charted in the history of the areas’

WEEK 38 COUNTDOWN

How to beat Enugu Rangers warn NPL USA—Joy Jegede

to monitor final matches

Pg. 41

Pg. 24

•Tips Falconets to win

Sport Monday, September 3, 2012

PAGE 23

TURKISH LEAGUE

Kalu Uche

bags hat-trick •Kalu Uche

BATTLE OF LIBERIA

Pillars' Papa Idris, 8 others dropped

Pg. 24

•Keshi awaits 10 Euro-based stars

Falconets get Galaxy Tabs, IPAD Pg. 41

24

41

NATIONSPORT MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Obudu wins bid to host 2014 WMRA Championships

BATTLE OF LIBERIA

Pillars' Papa Idris, 8 others dropped

Falconets get Galaxy Tabs, IPAD

•Keshi awaits 10 Euro-based stars

Eagles trounce Football Academy 4-1

•Papa Idris •Keshi

WEEK 38 COUNTDOWN

Enugu Rangers warn NPL to monitor final matches From Tunde Liadi,Owerri

•Boxers at the 33rd Monthly Saturday Boxing Show held at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Hall Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

•Gov. Liyel Imoke

IBB GOLF CLASSIC

Galadima, Wilfred, Wada win •As Shagaya, Azogu salute IBB at 71st From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

How to beat USA—Joy Jegede •Tips Falconets to win From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

Mensah, Ajose laud LBHF’s 'ultra-modern' boxing gym

By Innocent Amomoh

25

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

I SSUES N5,000 note: Will CBN have its way?

Transportation is one of the biggest problems facing Nigerians. But with the concerted effort of the states and local governments, the transit buses would help ease the problem.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga

THE CEO

‘Our national planning strategy can’t promote growth’ - P. 32

- P. 27

News Briefing

Interbank rates fall on excess liquidity

Local content produces pipes

I

SHELL Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC’s) support for local content development has resulted in the manufacturing of the first madein-Nigeria carbon steel pipes built at $37 million.

- Page 26

Human capacity gap threatens industry HUMAN capacity gap is a serious threat to the growth of insurance in Nigeria, the Director-General of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Mr Adegboyega Adepegba, has said.

- Page 39

Liquidity surges on bonds, T-bills THE money market segment of the financial sector was awash with liquiditylast week as cash from matured bonds and treasury bills flooded the market, easing interbank lending rates.

- Page 31 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

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

•General Manager, Access Bank Plc, Mr Speedwell Ngoka (2nd left); Group MD/CEO Access Bank Plc, Mr Aigboje AigImoukhuede presenting the bus keys to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Adesina Akinwumi and Permanent, Mr Ezekiel Oyemomi during the presentation of 10 Toyota Coaster buses to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to boost the Federal Government Agriculture Sector Transformation Agenda in Abuja.

Insurers begin self-induced consolidation stantial capital and expertise that are mostly beyond

I

NSURANCE companies may have started secret discussions on self-induced industry consolidation as the sector struggles with low capacity and maneuverings, which undercut industry’s profitability.

Impeccablesources said there could be as much as 25 per cent consolidation in the initial phase of the mergers and acquisitions, but insurance companies are expected to step up on this as they respond to competition from banks and other financial services companies.

Although there are several unquoted insurance companies, the impact of the self-induced consolidation would be felt more on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Insurance sub-sector is the most populous subgroup with 30 firms.

It, however, accounts for less than two per cent of aggregate market capitalisation of equities, a pointer to the lowly nature of most insurance companies, which have stagnated at nominal value of 50 kobo.

In what may be the herald for this phase of consolidation, Cornerstone Insurance Plc and Linkage Assurance Plc have advanced discussions on consolidation of their businesses.

A source said the two companies saw better opportunities in combining their businesses with Cornerstone Insurance’s private sector edge complementing Linkage Assurance’s substantial public sector accounts.

By Taofik Salako

The source hinted that although the final details of the scheme of merger, including the valuation and share exchange ratio, are still being worked out, the merger will involve share restructuring and revaluation of the equities of the companies.

Both companies were said to have intimated the NSE about the ongoing business combination arrangement.

The source said Cornerstone Insurance might be valued above Linkage Assurance, given their market prices and other considerations.

Cornerstone Insurance is valued at N4.41 billion with its 8.820 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each trading at their nominal value of 50 kobo per share. Linkage Assurance is valued at N2.55 billion with its 5.03 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each trading at nominal value of 50 kobo each.

Cornerstone Insurance had recorded gross premium of N4.27 billion and profit before tax of N109.52 million in 2011. Profit after tax stood at N166.50 million.

Net assets stood at N6.17 billion. The company has not been able to declare any dividend in recent years.

Market analysts said insurance consolidation would enhance the competitiveness of the domestic insurance industry, noting that special risks in the oil and gas, telecoms and maritime operations require sub-

several small and medium insurers.

NTERBANK lending rates eased further last week to an average of 10.75 per cent, from 11 per cent two weeks ago, as cash from matured bonds and bills hit the market and unattractive yields on treasury bills limited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mop-up efforts.

Dealers, according to Reuters news, said about N81 billion naira ($512.33 million) in matured bonds and open market operations (OMO) bills were repaid.

“The system is awash with liquidity and the central bank has not done OMO since to mop-up idle funds in the market, because banks are quoting higher bids than it was willing to pay for the bills,” one dealer said.

Yields on Africa’s second biggest economy’s fixed income paper have been falling across the board, driven by a mix of local and offshore investors’ appetite for Nigerian debt.

26

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

SON destroys over N2b substandard goods

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

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LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

own gains. He said Nigerians were part of the problems because they patronise fake and substandard products, which to them, are relatively cheap.

His words: “Once you patronise a substandard product, you are indirectly killing our local industries and by extension endangering your lives and that of others,” adding that the agency will soon celebrate 70 per cent reduction in the level of sub-standard products in the country.

The decision to reduce substandard products, he said, was informed by the organisation’s desire to provide confidence in products manufactured, imported and distributed in Nigeria for the overall benefit of the economy and welfare of the people.

He assured that SON would, in the next few weeks, come up with a policy of how to detect substandard products,

especially television sets and a number to call to alert it.

Odumodu listed other measures in place to include the establishment of a desk in some major markets where Nigerians can go immediately to cross check the genuineness of any product in circulation, saying the agency could do better with more public awareness and enforcement for compliance with required standards.

He said the agency has not been able to prosecute anybody because of the absence of an enabling Law as its enforcement bill was still pending at National Assembly for passage.

Odumodu advised Nigerians to exercise restraint in buying any product by looking out for its composition, expiry date and other necessary features and if in doubt, should report such case to the agency for a follow-up.

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

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

By Toba Agboola

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

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

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HE Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has so far destroyed sub-standard products worth N2billion since the launch of its Zero tolerance policy last year, the Director-General, Dr Joseph Odumodu, has said. These include cables, tyres, electronics.

He said the agency has also sealed over 50 firms involved in illegal businesses, adding that 80 per cent of the substandard products are manufactured in China.

He described Nigeria as an importdependent economy, adding that with such rating, the country remains the highest in the world that patronises substandard products.

He said most Nigerian importers should be blamed for dumping substandard products in Nigeria as they tell the manufacturers to lower the standard in order to cut costs and maximise their

08.00 18.00

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

•From Right: Group Head, Corporate Development, Sterling Bank PLC, Mr. Shina Atilola; Executive Director Lagos, Mr. Devendra Puri; winner of Sterling Bank Saver’s Promo, Princess, Ayodele Dada; Manager, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr Ita Calix and Head Direct Sales Force, Sterling Bank Plc. Mr John Okon, at the presentation of cheque to the winner.

Shell’s support for local content produces carbon steel pipes

S

HELL Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC’s) support for local content development has resulted in the manufacturing of the first made-in-Nigeria carbon steel pipes built at $37 million.

The company said the first set of carbon steel pipes manufactured in Nigeria for SPDC’s Trans Niger Pipeline is now ready for use. “This is a perfect example of promoting the use of locally manufactured goods and Nigerian service companies in production operations, projects and well engineering,” said Igo Weli, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, SPDC. “And it supports the Federal Government’s drive to increase Nigeria’s participation in the oil and gas industry, he added.”

Shell’s spokesman, Tony Okonedo, said, the line pipes have successfully passed quality assurance and control tests. The original line pipe contract for

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

$37 million was agreed with Nigerian manufacturer SCC Nigeria Limited in the third quarter of 2011, and work began immediately. The manufacturing facility was established, contractor staff trained and the first batch of line pipe delivered within 12 months of the contract award.

Commenting on the development, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, Ernest Nwapa, said: “SPDC has continued to demonstrate its support for Nigerian content development. This is an example we wish to see replicated across the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

Shell companies in Nigeria are also supporting the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) to establish a worldclass testing centre in Benin, Edo State, with the objective of training welders who will provide the workforce needed

in the industry. Shell companies in Nigeria have facilitated meetings between Nigerian entrepreneurs and their counterparts in Britain and China to explore partnership opportunities.

In 2007, SPDC started the Community Content Initiative to address the needs of communities and community vendors in search of opportunities to render goods and services to the oil and gas industry.

Okonedo said the Shell companies in Nigeria have won three separate awards this year in recognition of their local content performance. They won the Excellence in Local Content - 2011 award at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference in February, while the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) handed out the Leadership in Local Content award to the Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, at the Offshore Technology Conference, in Houston in May.

Farmers fear after-rain effects on crops

H

EAVY rainfall in the southern part of the country could spell doom for farmers as the resultant floods are hindering the transportation of their products to the markets.

Trucks used for evacuating the products are stuck as a result of the floods.Also, the delay in evacuating the harvested items to end users is raising concerns about the quality of the products that might serve as raw materials in production, more especially with cassava that is being promoted for bread making.

Torrential rainfall could hurt rice, and sugar cane crops in the deep South, an agricultural expert has said.

The Programme Co-ordinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU) ,Victor Olowe, told The Nation that strong wet weather is affecting the efforts of farmers in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states and that there are possibilities most areas that have witnessed heavy rainfall are likely to have low crop yield due to frequent wetting and flooding during ripening time.

He said farmers in the areas have had to deal with an extremely unsettled season, with rains falling more than double the average. The unpredictable weather condition means that farmers need to adapt accordingly and change their planting routines if they are to increase on crop yields.

In flood-hit fields in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State, he said rice planted in swamp areas could be submerged.

He noted, however, that prospects are also bright for farmers in the southwest.

Rice smuggling on the increase in Lagos, Ogun

By Oluwakemi Dauda

ICE smuggling through the Seme and Idi-Iroko borders has increased following the high cost of the commodity in the market.

Investigation by The Nation last week revealed that smugglers have resorted to using small buses to bring the staple food to the markets.

In Ajilete area of Ogun State, The Nation found over 20 buses ferrying the commodity to neighbouring markets in Ogun and Lagos states. Between Owode and Luzada markets, investigations revealed that there was no Customs checkpoint in the area, adevelopment which made smuggling to thrive in the area.

But at Atan, a town very closed to Luzada, there were two patrol vehicles of Customs from FOU “Zone A” on Sango Ota road.

Some of the rice traders, among them, Yinka Balogun, along the area, said rice smuggling went up as a result of increased charges introduced by the Federal Government, adding that the increase in duty payment to Customs, has created opportunity for importers to evade duty payment and encourage smuggling through the land borders.

Apart from rice, other smuggled goods include second hand vehicles, textile materials, bags, shoes, tyres, rice, frozen chicken and turkey, vegetable oil, soap, furniture sweet, apples, pineapple, palm oil, sweets and cigarettes.

R

‘Nigeria’s agric budget under 10%’ From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

N

IGERIA has failed to reach the 10 per cent agricultural budget standards of the Maputo Declaration, the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has said.

Its President, Ken Ukaoha, who stated this during the Maputo Declaration Dialogue in Abuja, said it is the small scale farmers who produce over 90 per cent of Nigeria local supply that feel the pain.

He said: “Nigeria Africa’s most populous nation, with agriculture as the largest sector in terms of its share in GDP of over 40 per cent and 66 per cent in employment, is still rated low despite the role of agriculture in the nation’s economy. Nigeria has, except for a year, consistently failed to reach the 10 per cent agriculture budget standards of the Maputo Declaration and this has led to negative implication for food security.”

He said four years after 2008, budgetary allocation to agriculture in most African countries is a far cry from the stipulations of the Maputo Declaration. It then portends the failure of Africa’s agriculture to guarantee food security and poverty reduction for a large segment of the society.

Ukaoha called for improved budgetary allocations to agriculture, especially for small scale farmers and producers. We want to reinforce the allocation of at least 10 per cent of national budgets to agriculture as a tool for agricultural growth, poverty reduction and food security, he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

27

ISSUES

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plans to introduce the N5,000 note next year.

Many are against the proposal, saying it negates the cash-less policy introduced a few months ago. Some are in support of the plan. The CBN has the National Assembly to contend with before it can implement the plan. COLLINS NWEZE reports.

•Sanusi

N5,000 note: Will CBN have its way?

I

F the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has its way, the N5,000 note will become legal tender next year. Unveiling plans to introduce the note in Abuja on August 23, CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi said the bank’s action was informed by “inflationary pressures.” The CBN’s plan has again put issues surrounding the Naira on the front burner.

But the CBN may not have it easy introducing the N5,000 note, going by reactions so far to its proposal. The National Assembly is in the vanguard of those against the plan. Others are labour unions, organised private sector, industrialists and the public. But some analysts think that the apex bank is on the right track, that the introduction of the note was long overdue.The opponents of the policy see the proposed note as an attempt by the apex bank to legitimise devaluation of the naira through the back door.

The apex bank has maintained that it would forge ahead with the introduction of the N5,000 note. Its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ugochukwu Okoroafor, said the regulator has resolved to stop the production of polymer currency notes and would sensitise the public on the introduction of the N5,000 note into the economy.

According to the CBN spokesman, “people the world over thought polymer will be a great replacement for paper currency, but it has not

‘Currency denomination has nothing to do with inflation because it just has to do with measuring the value. The introduction of higher notes is long overdue’ turned out the way it was planned.”

N5,000 note in perspective Under the proposal, the existing N50, N100,

‘The policy would raise inflation and further pauperise the common man...the proposed note is against the cashless policy because more people will find it easier to deal with cash’ N200, N500 and N1,000 notes will be redesigned with added new security features.

Sanusi explained that the lower banknotes -N5, N10 and N20 will be in coins, meaning that the currency structure will be 12 - six coins and six

notes. While the coins will be 50k, N1, N2, N5, N10 and N20, the notes will be N50, N100, N200, N500, N1,000 and N5,000.

Experts’ view Managing Director, Economic Associates, Dr Ayo Teriba, allayed the fears over inflation, saying the currency overhaul was long overdue.

He said countries that have restructured their currencies did not experience higher inflation.

“Currency denomination has nothing to do with inflation because it just has to do with measuring the value. The introduction of higher notes is long overdue. Remember that it was England that gave us currency notes and coins; before then, we had cowries. So, it makes sense to take a cue from them. N1,000 is only four pounds in England, while N5,000 is about 20 pounds.

“Coins of N1 made no sense because it could buy nothing and that is why it was not being used. It is until we have coins that you use for payment for items and transport that people will embrace the use of coins. I think the CBN should introduce up to N100 coins.”

Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Limited, Bismark Rewane, said the N5,000 note would not cause inflation, especially with the on-going cash-less economy.

•Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

28

ISSUES

N5,000 note: Will CBN have its way?

•Continued from page 27

“This cannot cause inflation because it is inflation that leads to currency devaluation. We need higher denomination because of the cash-less economy.

The aim of cash-less initiative is to deemphasise the use of cash. This would also reduce the amount of currency in circulation.

“Other countries that have embraced the cash-less initiative have gone past this stage and are using more of plastic and electronic for their transactions.”

Head Market Risk, Greenwich Limited, Babatunde Obaniyi, allayed fears of inflation. He said the N5,000 note would not cause inflation. CBN, he said, only needs to control the amount of money in circulation, adding that the policy will make movement of cash and other business transactions easier.

The N5,000 note may not be as circulated as other notes, and may only be used in high volume transactions.

•Senate President, David Mark

•House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal

•Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

National Assembly kicks Rejecting the plan, the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions and House of Representatives Committee on Banking and currency said they were not carried along, ordering CBN to stop action on the plan.

The Senate said it has not been “properly briefed.” Its position contradicts that of the Presidency, which reportedly approved the restructuring of the Naira last year. Sanusi reportedly secured the President’s nod before announcing the plan 12 days ago.

The Senate ordered the CBN to stop the process, saying moves to re-denominate the Naira in 2008 and 2009 failed and wondered what must have led to the policy sumersault. The thinking in the Senate is that a project of this nature requires parliamentary approval because it has serious monetary and fiscal implications for the economy.

“This type of action is only taken where there is a major currency crisis and the CBN must be careful not to send a wrong signal to households or the domestic sector, or even the external economies that the Nigerian currency is valueless, which, I believe is definitely not and that for every unit of value, they need to carry a large quantity of cash,” the Committee’s Chairman, Bassey Otu, said.

He urged CBN to prove that the policy is not contradictory or at variance with the cashless society, which he argued is still contentious.

He also dismissed comments that the CBN Act may not have compelled the apex bank to brief the Senate before embarking on the exercise. Otu said: “This is a major policy issue and there’s no way this kind of thing can go on without us not knowing anything about it. We must know the details in order to know how it would affect the Nigerian people. We don’t need to be bothered about any Act at this point.”

The House Banking and Currency Committee chair, Chukwudi Onyereri said the representatives are intervening to ensure that “due precess is followed and rule of law adhered to.” He added: The committee chair said: “The committee on Banking and Currency is mindful of the fact that the Central Bank has not communicated its plan of introducing a N5,000 note in the economy to the committee on Banking and Currency of the House of Representatives.

“Whereas we fully respect the separa-

•Rewane

tion of powers enshrined in the Constitution and the Central Bank’s Autonomy as provided by the Central Bank Act 2007 as amended as well as the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act, we have a responsibility to the Nigerian people the Executive branch on issues that may have a farreaching effect on the national economy, and affect the day-to-day lives of the ordinary Nigerian.”

NBA rejects policy The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has rejected the N5,000 banknote proposed by the apex bank. It said legal action may be taken to stop it. NBA President Joseph Daudu, in a speech during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, said the policy could “damage the lives of Nigerians”. He described it as “a shallow scheme”.

Daudu said introducing it would weaken the naira and promote corruption. He said: “The looming danger is that using large bills will devalue the naira. It will promote money laundering and massive monetary inducement in the next general election.It’s also against the cash-less policy of the CBN, and is disparate to what obtains elsewhere. If it has to be litigated against, so be it. The CBN should not be allowed to damage the lives of Nigerians through shallow schemes such as this.”

Rising opposition A report from Meristem, an investment firm, recalled that CBN launched the N100, N200, N500 and N1,000 in

•Teriba

1999, 2001 and 2005. The introduction of the N1,000 notes in 2005 had a costpush effect on inflation; it, however, eased over the months.

The thinking is that an upgrade of the currency denomination to N5,000 may facilitate an efficient payment system and support the cash-less policy Meristem said the inflationary pressure of such action may not justify the introduction of the new currency.

For instance, contrary to CBN’s view, Ghana’s introduction of the 20,000 Cedis note which could be exchanged for less than two dollars, led to an inflationary push, which was resolved by the redenomination of the currency.

The United States (US) issued large denominations of $500, $1,000, $5,000 and N10,000 in 1934, mostly for bank transfers. The effectiveness of e-payment saw that such denominations are not widely used as the highest denomination in circulation in the country is $100.

“We expect resultant effect of spiralling inflation witnessed in some countries which adopted this approach in encouraging cash-less economy relative to the opportunity cost of handling cash,” it said.

The financial culture and attitude of people, Meristem said, should be factored into the success of the initiative, adding that Nigerians have a mindset on the unacceptability of coins.

“We are of the view that the introduction of coins will spur producers and traders to hike prices to be at par with the currency notes. Ease of carriage makes consumers favour notes over coins,” it added.

Managing Director, IRIS Consulting

Richard Obire said the policy would raise inflation and further pauperise the common man, adding that the plan contradicts CBN’s cash-less policy.

He characterised it a policy somersault for the banking watchdog to introduce higher denominations at a time it is emphasising less use of cash. “The new note is against the cash-less policy because more people will find it easier to deal with cash,” he said.

Cash, he said, is synonymous with corruption, adding that the introduction of the N5,000 note will promote corruption. He, however, said the note would reduce the nearly N200 billion banks spend on cash management, adding that the savings are not always passed on to customers.

The challenge of printing new currency, he said, remained that of smaller denominations, especially coins, which always go out of circulation, arguing that Nigerians always forget coins immediately notes are converted to coins.

Chief Executive Officer, Partnership Investment Plc, Victor Ogiemwonyi, said larger denominated notes would make it easier to launder money and encourage corruption. According to him, the reasoning might be to have fewer notes in circulation.

“But the merit of the new exercise, however, is the savings that will be made by not paying royalties for the patented features on the old notes,” he added.

NLC’s stand The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has distanced itself from the policy. It accused CBN of trying to legitimise fur-

‘An upgrade of the currency denomination to N5,000 may facilitate an efficient payment system but the inflationary pressure of such action may not justify the introduction of the proposed currency’

ther devaluation of the currency through the proposed introduction of the N5,000 note. The Vice-President of the Congress and Secretary-General of the Textile Workers Union, Issa Aremu, said in a statement in Kaduna, that the plan may spur demand for wage increase. CBN, he said, is further devaluing the naira as there is a direct relationship between higher bank notes and devaluation.

Nigerian workers, Aremu said are opposed to the proposed introduction of the N5,000 note, adding that CBN should concentrate on revamping the manufacturing sector.

“We oppose the proposed introduction of the higher bank note. The current highest banknote of N1,000 was introduced in 2005. We had currency review in 2007 and 2009. It should not be customary for every CBN Governor to change the nation’s banknotes.”

“The CBN should concentrate on stabilising the value of the naira rather than legitimising the devaluation of the currency. CBN should continue with revival of the manufacturing sector and management of inflation and interest rates. The double digit inflation rate, as we currently have, cannot take us out of economic crisis.

“Psychologically, for the working people, it means they work so much for so little. This may fuel crisis of expectation for more wage increases as bigger banknotes will be chasing fewer goods. Nigeria is better with smaller banknotes that can deliver goods and services rather than higher bills without any value.”

Private sector’s worry The Organised Private Sector (OPS) is also against the policy. Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muda Yusuf, said though the idea of restructuring the currency is welcome, “there is a flip side to the policy.”

He said the plan would aid corruption as many cases of bribery and extortion involve use of cash. “The higher the currency denomination, the better the use of cash as instruments of corruption,” he argued, adding that the risk of counterfeiting increases with denominations.

“The higher the currency denomination, the higher the risk of faking and this is something to also worry about,” he added.

Rights group says ‘No’ Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence (FJHR) also kicked against the plan.

National Co-ordinator of the group, Oghenejabor Ikimi said: “We make bold to say that economically, there is no sense in embarking on such suicidal venture of N5,000 bill, as our economy will be worse for it, hence we oppose the entire exercise.”

He said if N5,000 note is in circulation, it would increase official corruption, money laundering, inflation and further devalue the naira, because the nation heavily depends on importation.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

29

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

Euro break up may cost Germany 10 % of GDP

A

COLLAPSE of the euro may shave up to 10 per cent off the German economy and even just the departure of Greece from the currency club bears substantial risks to business, according to government Economic Advisor Lars Feld.

Feld, one of five "wise men" economists whose views help shape

the public debate in Germany but often have little direct impact on policy, said recent estimates by the group suggested Germany's gross claims from the euro zone are about 3.5 trillion euro.

"When a good part of the claims would go in default, there would be insolvencies in small and medium-sizes firms and the economy

would be hit," Feld told a Frankfurt journalist club in remarks.

"This drop could amount to seven to 10 per cent of the (German) gross domestic product (GDP)."

A Greek exit could also not be achieved without substantial costs, Feld said and added that the risk of contagion via the banking system had been reduced, but there was still

a strong risk that Greece's exit could prompt investors to expectothercountries to follow suit.

Many German officials have been talking up the options of pushing Greece - which is largely being kept afloat by funds from the German government - to drop out of the euro.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and allies remain firmly against that

idea.

Feld also said there are few options to solving the crisis, "and many of them are not especially pretty".

He also said he expected the German economy to grow about 0.8 to 0.9 percent this year, with third and fourth quarters seeing no growth or contraction.

Asia-Pacific economies push for open farm trade, growth

A

SIA-PACIFIC finance ministers agreed to bolster growth to fight economic headwinds from Europe and said free trade should be upheld on global farm markets as poor harvests force up grain prices.

The 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) made the appeal to resist protectionist measures in the agriculture sector at talks in Russia, which faces its worst wheat harvest in nine years, while prolonged drought has decimated US crops.

The ministers highlighted "the need to avoid export bans", an apparent reference to hosts Russia, which imposed a temporary embargo on grain exports two years ago after crops failed.

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov backed the joint statement, telling a news conference in Moscow that restrictions on farm

trade "would not serve the general trend towards economic growth."

Many APEC states are net food importers and South Korean Finance Minister Bahk Jae-wan highlighted the risks that an increase in grain prices might pose to "already sluggishly growing" economies.

In their last meeting before a regional summit to be hosted by Russia in Vladivostok on Sept. 8-9, the ministers also underlined concern about the failure of European leaders to resolve the euro zone's debt crisis.

"We would encourage the Europeans to continue with their path of reform, and to lay out a sensible, clear path so that governments and markets understand very clearly what the reform path is," Australian Finance Minister Penny Wong told Reuters.

The economies of the Asia-Pacific, while in better shape than

Europe's, are feeling the effects of the euro zone crisis.

Countries in a strong fiscal position, such as China, the world's number two economy, have scope to bolster demand to navigate a soft landing, one senior APEC official said on the fringes of the Moscow meeting.

Chinese officials, however, said it was important to keep debt under control, suggesting that scope for further stimulus may be limited.

"The Chinese authorities have a lot of (fiscal) room to move," Wong said in an interview. "While there has been some moderation in Chinese growth, our observation would be that the Chinese have room to continue to support growth."

The APEC debate on the world economy picks up where the Group of 20 - the world's most important

intergovernmental forum - left off at a summit in Mexico in June, a Mexican Finance Ministry official said.

Europe needs "to move faster in the implementation of agreed policy actions," Mexico's under secretary for finance, Gerardo Rodriguez, told Reuters. "Markets have become more demanding and everyone is waiting for the integration process."

The euro zone has come under intense pressure to back proposals by Mario Draghi, head of the European Central Bank, to ensure that debt-strapped governments can remain solvent by buying their bonds.

Germany, long a bastion of monetary orthodoxy, his misgivings about the plan, which Draghi is expected to flesh out next week.

But Chancellor Angela Merkel, visiting China on Thursday, told

Premier Wen Jiabao that European leaders had "the absolute political will" to stabilise the euro.

The APEC official said it was important to move forward on steps to ensure debt-strapped European governments have access to funding, ensuring in particular that heavily-indebted Greece can find a path back to growth.

APEC groups economies with a Pacific coastline and serves as a forum for economic and trade dialogue. The United States, China and Japan did not, however, send their top finance officials to the Moscow talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will host the annual APEC summit in Vladivostok on Russia's Pacific coast at the end of next week. US President Barack Obama, seeking re-election in November, will not attend and will be represented by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

More US firms may shift from China to ASEAN

M

•USHousing and Urban Development Secretary, Shuan Donovan speaking at Crain's New York Business Breakfast Forum in New York City.With Him is Crain’s Buck Ennis, facilitator of the forum.

T

We’re not working on aid for Spain, says IMF

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said Spain hasn't requested any financial assistance but noted that progress on a banking union and economic integration by the European Union would brighten the outlook for the debt-beleaguered nation.

"Clearly...Spain's prospects would be helped by further progress at the European level," said IMF spokesman Gerry Rice, when asked if Germany's opposition to European Central Bank buying bonds of ailing members was harming the euro's future.

While the IMF supports the ECB's recent interest-rate reduction, Mr Rice said, "with inflationary pressures expected to weaken, we believe there is room for more accommodative monetary policy.

Fund officials are "looking forward" to ECB guidance on what exactly it plans to do in terms of fur-

ther unconventional support, he said.

The ECB has said it would buy sovereign bonds only if a member country requested a bailout, which would tap the E.U.'s emergency funds and require a strict economic program.

The IMF also wants Europe to move faster on developing a banking union, a pan-euro credit-insurance system and deeper economic integration that could pave the way for common debt-sharing such as euro bonds or bills.

Spain's prime minister has so far resisted calls for Madrid to seek a bailout of the state beyond the EUR100 billion already promised to help the country's financial industry.

Mr Rice reiterated that "we're not working on a plan for financial assistance" for Spain. "As to whether European financial assistance should be used, that's a matter for the Span-

ish authorities," he said.

Separately, the spokesman updated reporters at a bi-monthly briefing on missions to several other countries: An IMF team is in Portugal reviewing Lisbon's loan programme; the Greek IMF team will return to Athens next week to continue a longdelayed loan programme review, following a teleconference between IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.

Besides, IMF negotiators have yet to reach agreement on a number of key issues with Hungary over a possible loan program and no date has yet been set for the next visit to Budapest. A Hungarian government official said earlier in the day that the IMF would return in the second half of September.

An IMF team will return to Egypt in two weeks to resume negotiations with Cairo officials on a possible loan.

ANY United States companies plan to shift some operations from China to Southeast Asia in the next two years as confidence in countries such as the Philippines improves, a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore showed.

AmCham Singapore said its survey of 356 senior executives working for U.S. companies in the region showed that 21 per cent planned to reduce reliance on China by moving some businesses to Southeast Asia over the next two years, up from 15 per cent in a 2011 survey.

Malaysia and the Philippines were the top choices for expansion, with both getting cited by 27 per cent of respondents with plans to reduce their reliance on China. In a survey last year, 21 per cent of those expecting to move some operations favored Malaysia, and 11 per cent cited the Philippines.

In the new survey, the next most favored destinations were Vietnam and Thailand, with 24 per cent each.

The proportion citing Vietnam was down from 34 per cent in the 2011 survey, when it was the top choice.

Indonesia was cited by 23 per cent, compared with 11 per cent last year.

AmCham did not give reasons U.S. firms had become more interested in diversifying away from China, although rising costs likely were a factor.

Chinese labour costs have been climbing at double-digit rates for several years, and the average wage for migrant workers rose 15 per cent in the first six months of 2012, official figures showed.

An Apple contract manufacturer, Taiwan's Foxconn Group, for example, may invest up to $10 billion in Indonesia to take advantage of manufacturing wage costs that are just 60 per cent of China's.

According to AmCham Singapore, 92 per cent of the executives surveyed said they were positive about investment opportunities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN - a regional grouping that comprises Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.

‘Eurozone crisis main threat to global economy’

T

HE eurozone crisis tops a list of threats to the global economy followed by the risk of a "hard landing" in emerging economies, ratings agency Moody's Investors Service has said .

"The main risks to the global macro outlook stem from a deeper than currently expected recession in the euro area, for example caused by deeper credit contraction," Moody's said in its latest macro-risk report.

The agency then underscored "the risk of a hard landing in major emerging market economies, including China, India and Brazil," followed by "an oil-price supply-side shock resulting from resurfacing geopolitical risks."

Finally, "the risk of sudden and sharp fiscal tightening in the US in 2013, given recent political gridlock"

rounded out the list of major threats to business activity worldwide, Moody's said.

It forecast overall economic growth of the G20 group of industrialised and emerging economies this year at 2.8 per cent, a rate that could rise to 3.4 per cent in 2013.

In general, Moody's said risks to its global forecast were larger than foreseen in its previous report.

Looking specifically at big emerging economies like those of China, India and Brazil, "the weaker external environment and decelerating domestic demand are causing a slowdown in growth momentum," said Elena Duggar, Moody's credit officer for sovereign risk.

"We continue to expect that the slowdown in advanced economies and volatile capital flows will suppress growth in emerging markets," she added.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

30

MONEY LINK

Aggregate banking credit drops to N13 trillion

T

HE aggregate banking system credit to the domestic economy stood at N13.3 trillion by June 31, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Economic Report released at the weekend showed. The data showed a decline by 2.7 per cent compared with the marginal decline of 0.1 per cent at the end of the preceding quarter.

The aggregae banking system credit however, rose by 8.3 per cent at the end of the corresponding quarter of 2011. The drop, relative to the preceding quarter’s level reflected largely,

By Collins Nweze

the substantial decline in net credit to the Federal Government, which dampened the effect of the increase in claims on the private sector.

Banking system’s claims on the Federal Government, at the end of the review quarter, declined by 213.2 per cent to negative N1.3 trillion, compared to a decline of 11.3 per cent in the preceding quarter, the report stated.

The development was accounted for, largely, by the de-

At N7.5 trillion, foreign assets of the banking system rose by 3.0 per cent at the end of the review quarter, compared with 2.4 at the end of the preceding quarter. The rise in foreign assets was attributed, wholly, to the increase in CBN’s holdings.

“At the end of the review quarter, other assets (net) of the banking system declined by 4.7 per cent to negative N 7.3 trillion, compared with the decline of 2.6 and 10.4 per cent at the end of the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2011, respectively. The develop-

cline in the banking system’s holding of government securities, particularly Treasury Bills and bonds. The Federal Government, however, remained a net lender to the banking system at the end of the review quarter.

However, the banking system’s credit to the private sector rose by 4.1 per cent to N14, 693.6 billion, in contrast to the decline of 0.4 per cent at the end of the first quarter of 2012. The development was attributed, wholly, to the 3.9 per cent increase in claims on the core private sector.

Enterprise overhauls channels to enhance service

E

ENTERPRISE Bank has overhauled its operational channels and invested heavily in personnel to serve every customer of the bank efficiently and satisfactorily.

Speaking during the bank’s customer forum held in Onitsha, its Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Kuru said the lender is now a strong financial institution with asset base in the excess of N200 billion.

In the last one year, the bank has spent time and resources to strengthening its infrastructural base to serve the customers better. “We have sharpened the system and hastened our speed of service delivery because we value our relationship with you,” he said.

According to him, the bank has initiated the customer fora across the country to interact with customers and stakeholders on ways that would be mu-

tually beneficial.

“Now that we are in Onitsha, we want to hear you, reason with you and reassure you that we are here to serve you better.

Onitsha is critical to our business because our history will not be complete without a trace to Onitsha and the East. So we are passionate about our business in the region,” he said. The bank’s Chairman, Emeka Onwuka said the bank has overcome all the challenges holding it backwards.

Onwuka stated: “Enterprise Bank is a bank without any en-

E

COBANK Nigeria has disclosed plans to reward its existing and new customers who operate their current and savings accounts.

In a statement, the bank said the promo will run from September through December 2012. It

A

cumbrances. It is totally a new bank that is owned 100 per cent by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

The bank now has a huge capital base; sound corporate governance and good management led by highly experienced bankers”.

In the last one year, this management led by Ahmed Kuru has revamped all processes to serve you better. So on behalf of the Board of Enterprise Bank, I want to let you know that we sincerely appreciate your loy-

•Enterprise Bank MD,

alty and patronage. I thank you for coming today and for supporting our business over the years,” he added.

Ecobank begins promo said the promo gives each customer the opportunity to own new cars at each of four monthly draws and a grand prize of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the grand draw.

New customers who open an account with a minimum of

N20,000 will be entitled to an instant gift and also qualify for the monthly draw if they maintain the deposit for a 30 day period.

Existing customers who increase their balance by N20, 000 qualify for the draw and multiples of

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

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 31-8-12 SYMBOL

CADBURY INTBREW REDSTAREX UPL CUSTODYINS RTBRISCOE GOLDINSURE CAP STERNBANK DNMEYER

O/PRICE

17.00 8.02 2.45 4.31 1.15 1.73 0.50 27.89 1.01 0.78

C/PRICE

17.85 8.42 2.57 4.52 1.20 1.80 0.52 29.00 1.05 0.81

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW

MPR

O/PRICE 0.80 0.60 7.03 1.61 20.76 2.42 13.39 1.19 0.78 0.53

C/PRICE 0.76 0.57 6.68 1.53 19.73 2.30 12.73 1.14 0.75 0.51

CHANGE 0.04 0.03 0.35 0.08 1.03 0.12 0.66 0.05 0.03 0.02

R

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 31-8-12

SYMBOL NEIMETH JAPAULOIL MORISON JOSBREW CONOIL ETERNA ARBICO IKEJAHOTEL UTC ROYALEX

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.85 0.40 0.12 0.21 0.05 0.07 0.02 1.11 0.04 0.03

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

N20,000 give the customer more chance of winning. To be eligible for the grand prize a customer is expected to maintain a minimum balance of N20,000 for four months to give a total of N80,000; multiple entries of N80,000 is permissible.

objective of using the two per cent tax paid from assessable profit of corporate companies to provide focused and transformative intervention in public tertiary institutions through effective project management for the improvement of quality of education in Nigeria.

Bolaji Agbede, Group Head, Human Capital Development, who received the award on behalf of the Bank commended the leadership of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for the strategic intervention in the education sector.

She added: “Access Bank as a responsible corporate citizen would continue to demonstrate leadership in responsible business practice as evidenced by its compliance, with statutory directives and contribution to education which is one of the five major areas of interventions in its corporate social responsibility strategy.”

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

CCESS Bank has been recognised for its contribution to educational development through consistent payment of education tax.

The award according to a statement, was presented by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruquayyatu Ahmed Rufai at the Tax Payers’ Forum organised by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to strengthen the Fund’s partnership corporate taxpayers in the country.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund) was established with the strategic

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

7.1 per cent at the end of the preceding quarter.

The development reflected largely the 20.9 per cent increase in Federal Government deposits. Open Market Operations (OMO), remained the major instrument of liquidity management in the second quarter of 2012, complemented with intervention in the foreign exchange market.

Interbank market rate maintained an upward trend for most part of the second quarter in response to liquidity condition.

Access Bank gets recognition

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

ment reflected, largely, the fall in unclassified assets of the CBN,” the report said.

Also, N1.3 trillion, currency in circulation fell by 4.8 per cent at the end of the second quarter of 2012, compared with the decline of 8.5 per cent at the end of the preceding quarter.

The development was attributed, largely, to the decline in currency outside banks by 12.6 per cent during the quarter under review. Total deposits at the CBN amounted to N6.4 trillion, indicating an increase of 15.7 per cent, in contrast to a decline of

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 124.37 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 108.11 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.76 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.10 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.93 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,734.37 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 9.75 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,091.93 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.22 107.85 0.74 1.10 0.91 1,731.67 9.28 1.33 1.80 7,875.38 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

31

MONEY MARKET REPORT FGN bond auction results (Nbn)

•Sources: Debt Management Office (DMO); FBN Capital Research

•Naira notes

Liquidity surges on matured bonds, T-bills T

HE money market segment of the financial sector was awash with liquiditylast week as cash from matured bonds and treasury bills flooded the market, easing interbank lending rates.

The rates averaged 10.75 per cent, from 11 per cent the previous week mainly because unattractive yields on treasury bills limited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mop-up plans.

Although the Debt Management Office (DMO) plans to issue N142.97 billion in treasury bills ranging from three-month to one-year maturities at its regular auction this week, but dealers said the amount being offered is lower than the amount in bills due to mature. Data from the CBN showed that N81 billion in matured bonds and open market operations (OMO) bills were repaid last week.

“The system is awash with liquidity and the apex bank has not done OMO since to mop-up idle funds in the market, because banks are quoting higher bids than it was willing to pay for the bills,” one dealer told Reuters.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) was flat at 10.5 per cent, 1.5 percentage points lower than the CBN’s 12 per cent benchmark rate, and 50 basis points above the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate. “We expect the system to remain very liquid this week and rates stable unless the central bank issues fresh OMO bills to mop-up idle funds from the system,” another dealer said.

“Yields on treasury bills are expected to fall further at an auction this week on increasing local and offshore interest in the local debt market ahead of its debut on a JP Morgan index.

“We expect yields would be down at the auction next week because of prevailing liquidity in the system and increasing interest in the market by local and offshore investors,” one dealer said.

Nigeria’s expected inclusion in JP Morgan’s emerging markets government bond index from October has heightened interest in the fixed income market of the country’s economy. The yields on the threeyear bond further fell to 13.90 percent, from 15.40 per cent a week ago, 5-year paper was trading at 14.09 percent compared with 15.70 percent, while seven-year bond was down to 14.07 perc ent from 15.40 per cent on Friday.

Cheque truncation Banks have commenced sensitisation and communication of operational guidelines on cheque truncation policy instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to their customers. The Nation learnt that the lenders are concerned that cheque truncation, which involves online clearing of cheques, will like other new policies instituted by the regulator, present teething challenges to

By Collins Nweze

customers.

The banks have therefore, commenced sensitisation of their customers through e-mails, letters and phone calls, focusing mainly on how the customers can assist in achieving a seamless implementation of the policy.

“We wish to inform you that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is in the process of implementing the cheque truncation system of clearing in Lagos clearing zone. Cheque images would now be verified for payment instead of the physical cheque exchange between banks as was done before to ensure a faster and more efficient clearing system aimed at reducing clearing period from the present three days to two working days,” Diamond Bank said in an e-mailed statement to its customers.

According to the lender, all special account mandate requirements such as embossment, seal and signatures or stamps in specific colour of ink would no longer be verifiable as cheque images available for payment would be in ‘black and white’.

NIBSS The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) has developed an internet based anti-fraud portal to enable it check financial frauds in the Nigerian banking sector. NIBSS Executive Director, Operations, Niyi Ajao said the portal became exigent following complaints by banks using the NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP), which allows customers transfer funds on its secured platform.

The portal he said was designed to enable chief inspectors of banks to report fraud cases, and for other approved banks’ officials as well as regulatory bodies view reported cases of fraud.

Ajao, who spoke at the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) held in Lagos, said the portal has two categories of users. The first is chief inspectors of banks, and they are the only users that can create report on fraud incidence. The other categories are labeled users only, as they can only view the fraud reports for their own official use.

Agric funds The apex bank has disbursed a cumulative N198.173 billion to 258 beneficiaries participating in the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS). The beneficiaries

also comprise 30 state governments that accessed the sum of N38.0 billion, as at July this year. The amount, given out in the last four years, was part of the N200 billion mapped out by the apex bank for the purpose.

“Since inception in 2009, the CBN has released the sum of N198.173 billion for disbursement to 258 beneficiaries made up of 228 private promoters and 30 State Governments that accessed the sum of N38.0 billion,” the apex bank said in circular posted on its website.

IFC World Bank Group has announced Jin-Yong Cai as New Executive Vice President and CEO of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Jin-Yong’s appointment will be effective October 1, 2012.

Jin-Yong Cai, a Chinese national with more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and development, was announced as the new Executive Vice President and CEO of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group.

In a statement, the World Bank said prior to accepting this appointment, Jin-Yong served as Participating Managing Director in Goldman Sachs Group and Chief Executive of Goldman Sachs Gao Hua, with extensive involvement in Goldman’s management globally. He was a member of Goldman Sachs Group Investment Banking Operations Committee, the Asia Executive Committee, the Growth Markets Committee, the Partnership Committee, and other roles.

IFRS Income taxes, employee benefits, business combinations and sharebased payments pose challenges for banks in the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), The Nation leant.

The managing director, IFRS Strategic Consultants Nigeria Limited, David Raggay, who confirmed this in a statement, said that these areas, termed, accounting for financial instruments, remain a hard knot for banks to crack.

CIBN The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has set up twoyear committee to articulate new ideas that will drive its operations.

The committees according to a statement, are expected to be meeting on regular basis to discuss critical issues on the banking sector and

‘Yields on treasury bills are expected to fall further at an auction this week on increasing local and offshore interest in the local debt market ahead of its debut on a JP Morgan index’

make recommendations among other functions aimed at transforming the Institute and its activities. CIBN President/Chairman of Council, Segun Aina said the committee was set up to ensure better services delivery to all stakeholders.

RenCap Diamond Bank Plc is likely to lower its dividend payout ratio and capitalise the bulk of 2012 earnings to boost its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Renaissance Capital (RenCap), an investment and research firm, has said.

In an emailed report obtained by The Nation, RenCap said the lender has three-pronged plans targeted at achieving this objective. Firstly, it wanted to raise capital from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) from where it got $100 million in second quarter of 2012 from AFREXIM at seven per cent. More recently, it raised $70 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) at six per cent.

The bank also wants to raise capital from commercial banks, a plan that is already in-progress and finally, it wanted to reduce its dividend payout ratio and capitalise the bulk of 2012 earnings,”Recap said.

Delta The Delta State government has said it will engage banks and other institutional investors in its plan to revive moribund companies in the state. This was part of the decisions reached at the meeting of the state’s Economic Advisory Team (EAT) held in Lagos last Wednesday.

The Chairman of the team, Bismark Rewane, disclosed this to journalists.

He said that the state government will in the next 90 days, complete inventory taking of all the dormant companies in the state and package them for activation and injection of funds through banks, institutional investors and pension funds.

“In the next 90 days, the state government would take steps to commence the process of reviving all moribund industries in the state. A subcommittee was set up to superintend the exercise,” he said.

Rewane, who is also Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, said that the government is also planning to establish 10 industries and intensify incentives for individuals to start Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) under its micro credit scheme.

The state has also developed an economic development and performance measuring mechanism, which relies on periodic assessment of various Ministries, Directorates and Agencies (MDAs). He said that key performance indicators have been identified for all MDAs and will be tracked periodically to measure progress.

He said that the EAT suggested to the state government that what get

measured get done, prompting the introduction of Economic Dash Board Scheme that will guide it in knowing where it is, and where it is going. The scheme assists the state government to assess its revenue, human development, productivity and infrastructure based on key performance indicators. “Each segment is assigned a score based on the performance of sectors within the segment as well as the weight assigned to each of these sectors as they contribute to economic development,” he said.

IFC The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and International Enterprise Singapore have signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly identify growth sectors in Africa. The treaty will allow Singapore-based companies to invest in and to share business leads and opportunities through partnerships.

In a statement, the IFC said the signing took place on the sidelines of the two-day Africa Singapore Business Forum, which opened on Wednesday. The forum was hosted by International Enterprise Singapore to provide a platform for Singaporean and other Asian companies to connect with potential business partners from Africa.

Bank to bank report The first set of winners in the ongoing Sterling Bank’s Savers’ Promo have emerged with four of the bank’s customers winning N500,000 each during a draw held in Lagos. The winners were Dada Ayodele, Aniagolu Kelvin, Omar Aiyelabegan and Eddy Borha. Other 10 customers won five refrigerators and five home theatres to bring the total number of winners in the July edition to 14. The winners include Adetoye Taiwo, Opara Jerome, Bede Alozie, Egweh Joseph. All the winners emerged from 22,691 qualified entries pooled using electronic draw.

The bank’s Group Head, Liability Products and Bancassurance, John Akingbade, explained that the promo which started on May, 1, this year would run through December 31, and is meant to promote financial inclusion in the economy as well as reward the bank’s customers.

Skye Bank Plc donated a modern two-storey multi-purpose edifice to the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Alumni Association.

The building, which has a large hall, also houses an information technology centre and numerous offices, including the ones for the use of the association.

FirstBank has said it will seek shareholders’ approval to transfer its subsidiaries into a new holding company, in order to meet a regulation that risky capital market business be kept separate from retail and regular business banking.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

32

THE CEO

‘Our national planning strategy can’t promote growth’ The steep increase in food prices has renewed interest in agriculture for tackling hunger and poverty.

Professor Adebiyi Daramola, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), is a consultant to the African Development Bank (AfDB) on agri-business. He is among those who prepared the blueprint for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda. He spoke to DANIEL ESSIET on this and other issues.

Excerpts: AN a sustainable poverty reduction strategy spur growth in the agriculture sector?

Yes. Agricultural growth has a critical role in food security and poverty reduction. It stimulates long-term growth and development. Agriculture enhances food security by promoting economic growth, which improves income. Given our population growth, facilitating expansion of the sector can promote broad-based income growth and poverty reduction and also ensure food security for Nigeria. Historically, agricultural growth has been the way out of poverty for developed countries. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth generated in agriculture is said to be at least twice as effective in reducing poverty as growth generated by other sectors.

What does the government need to develop the non-oil sector?

The government has to strengthen its planning arm. Our development is unplanned. You find different ministries doing different things. There seems not to be proper coordination at the national level. For example, the Economic Team of the Federal Government needs to coordinate the activities of various ministries. We don’t implement our budget fully. A few days ago, the National Assembly threatened the government to implement the budget conclusively. The capital expenditure aspect of the budget is never implemented fully. It is only the recurrent component that is implemented fully. It is the capital expenditure that is used to develop the country. That is the one that funds infrastructural development. This increases the fixed assets of the nation. Capital expenditure is meant to enhance the capacity of the economy, to create more jobs, employ more people, raise the level of productivity and GDP of the country. As we speak, what is boosting the economy is foreign direct investment. Then there is an increasing tempo in private sector investment. On the balance, public spending on capital project is low.

Are you saying that the drop in capital expenditure is a problem?

The drop in public investment has given rise to multiple

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• Daramola

‘It is the capital expenditure that is used to develop the country. That is what funds infrastructural development. This increases the fixed assets of the nation. Capital expenditure is meant to enhance the capacity of the economy to create more jobs, employ more people, raise the level of productivity and GDP of the country. As we speak, what is boosting the economy is foreign direct investment’ challenges nationwide. The conditions of some of the major roads are appalling. Thousands are jobless. Power generation at the national level only satisfies about a third of demand. With a fast growing economy, the government needs to restructure the urban centres and embark on large-scale infrastructural projects. We need to bring more water to the cities. Planners have to focus on the provision of more clean water. They have to take care of waste water too. Roughly, 80 percent of water that reaches households in the towns leave as sewage. And sewage, once generated has to go somewhere.

It goes to streams, ponds, lakes and rivers, polluting urban water bodies or it goes into the ground contaminating the water people drink.

If we take a national survey of the ground water quality in our cities, it would show that the level of nitrate contamination is rising. This is a proof of untreated sewage. Urban centres in the country face substantial living challenges. Infrastructure tend to be inadequate and over burdened. So massive investment is necessary. Farmers need good infrastructure.

Irrigation, roads and power all make a difference in food production.

It is estimated that 40 percent of farm produce is lost on the way to the market. Such losses can make commercial farming unviable. Roads are the best way to link farmers to markets. Lack of electricity has been one major factor discouraging Nigerians from establishing standard agro business endeavours. In summary, the Government should not compromise social expenditure and the funding of essential public investment.

To what extent has changing food prices affected the profit of large and small production concerns?

The impact of high and volatile food prices is negative on consumers. It has reduced the quality and quantity of food Nigerians can consume. Many Nigerians have been pushed below the poverty level.

What we have witnessed in the last four years is inflation, which is now in the double digit. The last figure I read in the papers was 12.6 per cent. The reason for this is very clear. The so-called subsidy on petroleum price was removed. Energy tariff was reviewed upward. With these • Continued on page 33

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

33

THE CEO

‘Our national planning strategy can’t promote growth’ •Continued from page 32

two, every aspect of the economy was affected because the increases in petroleum pump prices and electric tariff cut across every sector. Every body is touched, no matter how remote or direct. Everybody utilises one form of transportation or the other to work or business place. The farmer goes to farm every day. We use transport everyday. Transport cost in every mode has gone up. For farmers the impact is negative. This is because of the impact of energy tax and electricity tariff has gone up. You discovered that it is a tax on the system. It has led to inflation. Input prices are high. There are supplyside constraints such as transport costs and storage limitations. The producers passed the cost to consumers. That is what led to the rise in the price of food produce and other consumer products. However, the good news is that the government’s Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) is working. The Federal Government is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to create an enabling environment for food production to thrive. There is an increasing effort to support the private sector to invest in the sector. In practice, the scheme will lead to positive supply response.

However, a comprehensive tracking data is needed to enable regulators monitor information on the frequency and volume of transactions in the sector. This will help the Government to determine at any time, what is driving food prices. On the whole, micro and macro economic management is important in the face of this challenge.

Currently, farming is practised by less than 40 per cent of the working population; do you think there is a lack of skilled people in the sector?

Agriculture in all ramifications in Nigeria is underdeveloped. The sector is dominated by small-scale farmers who produce about 80 percent of the total food requirement. Illiterates and unskilled workers represent the majority of population in the farming sector. However, illiteracy is one of the factors militating against agricultural development in Nigeria. Usually, such low literacy level does not allow the farmers to appreciate innovations in agricultural development. Low literacy rates also hamper farmers and the farming community. We used obsolete technology. We still use hoes and cutlasses. All these interact and affect the agricultural sector, resulting in low production. Because of this, educated people are not going into farming. The elite and enlightened investors are not encouraged to take advantage of potential opportunities in agriculture.

Because the sector is dominated largely by people who don’t have formal education, there is a large pool of unskilled labour in the industry. Consequently, productivity is low. Unlike, what obtains in developed countries and even some countries in Africa where there is an enabling environment for skilled labour to participate in food production. This has made giving a recipe for a successful enterprise in the agricultural sector difficult. High degrees of uncertainty currently exist for producers wishing to enter the sector. We need educated farmers to strengthen local economies, bring new jobs and new businesses.

The lack of reliable data makes it difficult to analyse trends in domestic resources for agriculture. What should be done to correct this?

Quality statistics is key to economic and social planning. Few dependable data exist to date on the state of agriculture. On the whole, enough data don’t exist to glean a broad understanding of the potential and challenges of the industry. The capacities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bureau of Statistics are being built up to function with the national strategy for the deployment of statistics. It is important to ensure the sources are sound.

Government agencies have to be encouraged to provide monthly and quarterly data.

This will make the process of analysis move continuously. Before now, the analysis process was fraught with problems. Typical challenges include incorrect conversion factors and inaccurate reporting. Data base operators must test the quality of the figures they obtain. Quality standards need to be high because many users rely on the data. Gener-

ally speaking, our statistical data collection lacks accuracy and reliability. It is difficult to spell out agricultural growth in qualitative terms.

What kind of changes should we expect from FUTA in contributing towards improving agro business and entrepreneurship development?

As you know FUTA is not a university of agriculture. But we are going to use our School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) as strategic objective to impact on the immediate environment. Ondo State is within the nation’s agricultural belt.

The state produces cocoa and other tree crops.

We have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karma industries.

The company runs a soya processing factory.

We have also entered into a partnership with an international company in Brazil.

We want to offer a whole new set of opportunities for farmers to diversify their operations and their revenue sources. We want to support existing and new agricultural enterprises and invite farmers to learn from our farming operation and, through services, add value to their current farming businesses. We want to provide the public with the opportunities of learning improved farming systems and technology. The Minister of Agriculture just donated two tractors to our SAAT. We are grateful to the Federal Government for that gesture.

We are going to expand our land cultivation. As a strategic action, we want to increase internally generated revenue for the university. We intend to increase revenues and enhance the viability of our farm operations. Already, we have FUTA bread, FUTA oil and FUTA table water. We want to have FUTA garri, in fact FUTA every thing. We are using the farms to help our students. We have a variety of facilities and activities, such as farm visits, farm tours, demonstration farms, farm stays and more. We are repositioning FUTA to provide new and expanded economic opportunities for farmers and farm families including those in the areas of job development, new markets, networks and product development. We will use the School of Agriculture to provide education and support to farmers and agri-business regarding opportunities, networks, and entrepreneurship.

On the whole, the university wants to be in the forefront of providing business assistance for farmers and agri-business to increase viability, sustainability and growth of agricultural businesses and services.

What do you think are the challenges that both the private and public sectors face in selling the country to the world?

It is a long list. The threat of Boko Haram has reduced the business confidence international investors have in our economy. As a result, business flow in the Northern part of the country has contracted sharply since the terrorists hit the region. Our level of corruption is perceptibly unacceptable. The impression they have about us is that we have high level of tolerance for corruption. This is not a good rating for the country.

We don’t have sound and strong infrastructure in most of the economic centres. That applies to transportation modes. Foreign investors still believe Nigeria doesn’t have a high level of legal security, reliability and transparency. These are what they expect in our country. But for these minuses, Nigeria should be one of the fastest growing economies because of its enormous potentials.

When you compare population size, Nigeria is a big market at par with certain countries in Europe. Nigeria is the hub for the growth markets in West and Central Africa.

To what extent, should the government take care of future security risks?

• Daramola

Generally, the government policy is designed to provide pre-emptive responses to such risks and help to defuse them. We need to clearly distinguish between security risks that may arise from religious and ethnic problems. There is also the problem of insecurity that may arise from high level of unemployment and hunger.

What do you think should be done to make Nigeria attractive to foreign investors?

We need a high degree of social and economic stability. Investors want to participate in markets which are open in legal terms and in practice. They prefer liberalised and deregulated economies.

The government has carried out a vast reform agenda, resulting in an up-to-date tax system. Can our system compete with those of many industrialised nations? In the medium or long term, does the fiscal policy have an eye on reducing poverty and targeting economic growth?

The tax system has been reformed. What has been happening in Nigeria is that people don’t pay taxes. People don’t pay taxes for so many reasons. One is that the populace believes that at various government levels there is no judicial deployment of our common wealth.

Because of the failure of the government to manage the macroeconomic environment successfully, the credibility of managing tax resources is undermined. The effectiveness of the fiscal policy- improving tax collection is closely linked to the government’s credibility. Take Lagos for example. When Governor Babatunde Fashola started his revolutionary regime, people began to build faith in the government. They started paying their taxes. The consequence was massive construction and renovation works. Residents are now benefiting from infrastructure projects –new motorways and construction of public buildings financed from taxes. Practically speaking, Nigerians appreciate leadership that is accountable to them through judicious use of taxes. Nigerians are ready to pay taxes once they are convinced that those in authority are accountable.

Transforming smallholder farmers into emerging farmers put emphasis on entrepreneurship, does this have the potential to bring about fundamental change?

Yes, key to expanding productivity is transformation of small scale farming into sustainable small-business farming. Small and medium enterprises need to be supported to

‘The threat of Boko Haram has reduced the business confidence international investors have in our economy. As a result, business flow in the Northern part of the country has contracted sharply since the terrorists hit the region. Our level of corruption is perceptibly unacceptable’

be part of growth and expansion in the industry. What they need is access to better resources and incentives. When they have access to markets and an enabling environment, they can transform their communities, their own lives and grow into large holdings.

The result would be a thriving economy offering a livelihood for many Nigerians, an industry making use of new technologies and offering rewarding opportunities especially for young citizens. They need to be assisted to expand their operations to be able to operate in the market and take up commercial farming through sustainable practices.

What is your take on the Agricultural Transformation Agenda?

There are many grounds for optimism.

Many grounds for real possibilities around the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA). Achievable gains from the programme will provide an increment of up to several percentage points of GDP. Look at the progress of the 40 per cent High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) inclusion in wheat flour. The potential of ATA is one very promising approach to enhancing food security. Another source of optimism is the GESS. The programme is unlocking potential gains predicated on a variety of drivers in the value chains which are being affected. We have to appreciate the broad gains, which the scheme is delivering to farmers and producers within the supply chains. Providing subsidised input ensures long term sustainability and opportunities for Nigerians involved in farming now and those who are coming into the business in future. Through GESS, the government has found an innovative way of assisting farmers to expand food production. The minister is just one year in office. He has shown that the government is capable of providing a strategic direction for agricultural growth. The new dynamism contrasts with the sluggishness and uncertainty of recovery, which had characterised the situation in the agricultural sector.

What tasks lie ahead of the Minister, stakeholders and the sector as a whole?

The challenge of our future food supply is not just an issue for government alone.

It involves everyone across the food system. It requires the total collaboration involving food producers and processors, retailers, consumers to respond to and manage the challenges facing the system.

We need to draw on expertise across the entire food supply chain, encompassing businesses in agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, food processing and packaging, distribution and logistics, and food retailing. The agric sector supports the livelihood of a large proportion of Nigerian households. The results have revealed the important role of the agric sector in increasing various measures of GDP and combating food insecurity. Moreover, the sector productivity growth leads to greater income growth, particularly labour income.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-8-12

Equities gain N1.03tr in 8 months

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HE Nigerian stock market sustained its positive outlook throughout the last eight months, pushing up cumulative capital gains so far this year to about N1.03 trillion.

Contrary to some analysts’ predictions of a slowdown, the overall market situation remained bullish in August with a month-on-month gain of N219 billion or 2.99 per cent.

Consequently, aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities closed August at N7.560 trillion as against its opening value of N6.533 trillion for this year. The All Share Index (ASI), which tracks prices of all quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and doubles as Nigeria’s country index, also posted year-to— date return of 14.57 per cent at 23,750.82 points compared with its index on board of 20,730.63 points for the year.

The Nigerian stock market had witnessed its biggest month-on-month rally in July as investors pocketed N446 billion in capital gains in a period that saw several stocks trading around their highs.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted companies closed July at N7.341 trillion as against its opening value of N6.895 trillion for the month of July, representing an increase of 6.5 per cent or N446 billion.

By Taofik Salako

The ASI also showed corresponding return with a monthon-month return of 6.77 per cent for July. The ASI had opened the month at 21,599.57 points and closed yesterday at 23,061.38 points. With the rally in July, the seven-month return at the NSE stood at 11.24 per cent, equivalent to a gain of N808 billion.

The market had also closed the first half on the positive as equities rallied on the back of good corporate earnings to override negative return in the first quarter. The ASI closed the first half at 21,599.57 points, indicating a gain of 4.19 per cent.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities also showed modest increase of 5.54 per cent at N6.895 trillion.

The upswing since the second quarter counterbalanced the negative performance that started the year. The market had closed the first quarter with a negative year-to-date return of 0.38 per cent as declines in share prices of highly capitalised stocks overwhelmed the market situation. The ASI closed the quarter at 20,652.47 points, 0.38 per cent. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities closed the first three months at N6.550 trillion, a slight increase of 0.26 per cent, which was at-

tributed to new listings during the period.

Meanwhile, the stock market sustained its rally throughout last week. The ASI appreciated by 1.50 per cent to close at 23,399.58 points. Aggregate market capitalisation, which opened the week at N7.45 trillion also improved by 1.50 per cent to close at N7.56 trillion.

Total turnover stood at 1.461 billion shares worth N10.142 billion in 20,322 deals, representing an increase on turnover of 878.53 million shares valued at N9.907 billion traded in 11,633 deals in previous week.

The financial services sector was the most active with 1.10 billion shares worth of N6.89 billion exchanging hands by investors in 12,030 deals. Volume in the sector was largely driven by banking subsectors led by shares of Zenith Bank Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Plc. Trading in the shares of the two banks accounted for 266.997 million shares, representing 35.07 per cent, 24.26 per cent and 18.28 per cent of the turnover recorded by the subsector, sector and grand total for the week, respectively.

Forty three equities recorded gains while 26 stocks depreciated, swinging the balance in favour of the bulls. Nestle Nigeria led the gainers with a gain of N24.94 while PZ Cussons Nigeria led the slackers with a loss of N1.12.

‘Investments in stock market safe’ HE Nigerian stock mar-

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ket is safe for investments, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said.

Director General, SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh said the market structures have been strengthened to forestall reoccurrence of the events that led to abuses in the past.

Speaking at an interaction session with the business community during an investor outreach in Onitsha last Friday, Oteh said the Onitsha investor outreach

By Tonia Osundolire

and others had earlier in Sokoto, Kano and Port Harcourt represent a major milestone in the commission’s efforts to build a vibrant and virile capital market that would meet the socioeconomic needs of our people in Nigeria.

However, she cautioned investors against fake capital market operators who parade themselves in the market to defraud unsuspecting investors with the promise of high returns.

She advised that, before parting with their money, investors should ensure that investment agents they are dealing with are duly registered by the commission and the companies whose shares they are buying are also regulated by the commission.

According to her, many people have lost significant amount of money to unauthrised operators partly due to ignorance, hence the need by SEC to embark of an enlightenment programme to educate investors across the country.

She said that the Nigerian capital market has overcome the challenges which prevailed in the past and led to loss of shareholding / value for many investors.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-8-12

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 , 2012

35

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Insurance stocks depict the image of stagnation and despondency. With the exception of one, all insurance stocks are stuck around their lows. Against the generally positive market outlook and the somewhat impressive fundamentals and earnings outlook of several insurance stocks, the insurance sector remains lethargic and unresponsive. Are these market forces or investors' emotions, asks TAOFIK SALAKO?

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OMPARE the pricing trends in January 2008 and now, the extent of the recession in the Nigerian insurance sector looms larger than the global economic and financial crises. In early 2008, nearly all insurance stocks were trading in three digits, in multiples of their nominal values and considerably in competitive prices with other related stocks. Prestige Assurance and Intercontinental Wapic Insurance-two sectoral leaders by share prices, opened February 2008 with four-digit values at N11.40 and N10.60 respectively. Today, Prestige Assurance is stuck at its nominal value of 50 kobo per share while Intercontinental Wapic Insurance has slumped to 53 kobo. Other insurance companies relate the same story. Aiico Insurance opened February 2008 at N3.43, Continental Reinsurance set out at N5.15, Cornerstone Insurance was N6.19, while Crusader Insurance traded at N7.85. Also Custodian and Allied Insurance was N6.50, Great Nigeria Insurance opened at N3.80, Guinea Insurance's price on board was N4.30, Lasaco Assurance was valued at N4.88, International Energy Insurance opened at N5.94 while Law Union and Rock Insurance was traded at N6.10. Other market considerations then included Linkage Assurance, N4.80; Mutual Benefits Assurance, N4.96; NEM Insurance, 4.35; Niger Insurance, N8.70; Oasis Insurance, N4.63; Royal Exchange Assurance of Nigeria, N5.43, Sovereign Trust Insurance, N4.56 while Unic Insurance opened February 2008 at N5.51 per share.

But contrary to the largely diversify and generally upward pricing trend in early 2008, insurance stocks open today with almost a generic depressive outlook. Currently, more than 83 per cent of quoted insurance companies are trading at their nominal value of 50 kobo per share while the remaining few are trading mostly around the nominal value. Out of the 30 insurance companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), 25 are stuck at the nominal value of 50 kobo while three others are trading around 61 kobo. Only two stocks-Custodian and Allied Insurance and newly named Mansard Insurance Plc-formerly Guaranty Trust Assurance, are trading within the three digit range. At N1.20 per share, Custodian is trading arround its lowest value of N1.15 while Mansard Insurance 's N1.68 consideration represents a substantial discount from the N1.76 per share valuation used in the sale of the former Guaranty Trust Bank subsidiary to new core investors.

While insurance stocks generally appear to have bottomed-out at nominal value, they mostly have lacked the resurgence to rebound, stabilise and reflect emerging positive fundamental figures. Although all the main indices and sectoral indices at the NSE declined in 2011, further decline of 14.70 per cent by insurance sector index raised the compounded decline rate between 2010 and 2011 to 51.7 per cent, the worst performance within the period.

It should be noted that the All Share Index (ASI), which serves as the benchmark value for the entire market, appreciated by about 19 per cent in 2010. However, NSE Insurance Index had declined by 37 per cent in 2010. So, while insurance sector's negative return rate was relatively lower in 2011, it was a worsening of a bad situation. Compared with the opening value of 249.01 points in 2010, the NSE Insurance Index today represents average return of about -50.2 per cent over the 32 months.

Conversely, the broad equity return, denoted by the All Share Index (ASI), shows modest but reassuring positive return of 14.04 per cent over the same period. So far this year, average return in the insurance sector stands at -13.56 per cent as against general average year-todate equity return of 14.5 per cent.

Parody of the multitude Yet, with 30 companies, insurance sector is the most populous sector at the NSE, accounting for 15.1 per cent of total number of listed companies, far ahead of banking sector, which now accounts for 7.5 per cent with 15 companies. But insurance's population means little to the market. None of the insurance companies ranks within the top 20 companies at the stock market, a first-class group that controls more than three-quarter of the market capitalisation.

Yet, many other sectors including banking, building materials, breweries, food and beverages, conglomerates, petroleum-marketing and foreign listings are represented in the 20 most capitalised stocks group. Although it mostly trails banking sector on the activity chart, in terms of volume, insurance sector has little influence on the turnover direction at the stock market.

Insurance stocks: Class phobia or loss of value?

Insurance sectoral statistics are on the face of it generally discouraging. Its market capitalisation of some N135.5 billion is just about 1.8per cent of total market capitalisation of equities and worse still, it represents just 61 per cent of the 221 billion ordinary shares outstanding in the sector. Besides banking sector, insurance sector holds the largest outstanding issued shares in the stock market.

Poor risks, poor evaluations Without major natural or artificial disasters that could have shaken risks-bearing companies to their net assets, the current outlook of the insurance sector is largely a direct result of the stock market recession. Heavily exposed to the equities market, unyielding depression in shares prices directly built up losses and provisions in the profit and loss accounts and balance sheets of insurance companies. On the other end, share prices of insurance companies have generally been the worst hit by the recession as a hangover of negative industry perception, streak of impaired portfolio-induced losses and reticent management combined to single out insurance sector as the highpoint of the bear market.

With huge funds raised during the capital market boom, and following the trails of squandering banks, insurance companies had turned mainly to the capital market to invest their bubble-induced assets. Small and medium insurance companies, which had metamorphosed into big companies with outstanding shares and equity funds larger than size of business, left the conservative nature of risk assessment and provision, which were the core expertise of insurers, and turned into speculators. Unmindful of the unscrupulous linkage between banks' deposits and the bubble share prices in the market, insurance companies were caught napping when the financial services regulators pulled the plugs.

Re-evaluating the risks If the overall sectoral outlook and the steep decline in value at the stock market are unquestionable basis for generalisation, then the insurance sector is the nadir of the market place. But these variables sometimes don't hold true in all instances. Although the overall sectoral outlook reflects to a large extent the undercurrents in the sector and share prices are mostly the competitive and most realistic values of quoted entities, they are nonetheless not sufficient for generalisation. The herd instinct that tends to drive investors on the bandwagon oftentimes even out growth potentials of few impressive stocks in its presentation of market trend.

The market itself could undervalue or overvalue a stock, a sector or even the entire bourse, leaving bargain hunters to search for the pearls buried under the rubbles of bearish ruins.

The general depression in the insurance sector appears to be more as a result of psychological investing or class phobia- a segregation that tends to view an entire group within the same window

irrespective of individual potential. While the historic fundamentals of most insurance companies were discouraging, emerging fundamentals of several insurers show good potential, especially when viewed against the bottom-rock share prices.

With improving bottom-lines in the immediate past year, several insurance companies had resumed dividend payments. Many insurance firms offered appreciable dividend yields including Aiico, 12 per cent; Continental Reinsurance, 13.3 per cent and NEM Insurance, whose 5.0 kobo dividend per share translated into 10 per cent at current market consideration.

Interim operational reports so far showed a mixed-grill of improvements and declines, although most companies still ended with positive bottom-line. For instance, in the first half ended June 30, 2012, Aiico Insurance improved gross premiums to N9.8 billion as against N8.13 billion in comparable period of 2011. Profit after tax stood at N1.49 billion compared with N1.39 billion in 2011. Net assets rose from N10.48 billion to N12.01 billion. NEM Insurance also improved gross premiums from N5.28 billion to N6.01 billion while profit after tax increased to N1.02 billion as against N949.53 million. Net assets totaled N7.11 billion compared with N6.36 billion in 2011.

However, many companies indicated declines in net earnings. Niger Insurance recorded net profit of N78.4 billion on gross premium of N2.52 billion in 2012 as against N101.6 million on N3.25 billion in corresponding period of 2011.

Also, Intercontinental Wapic's net profit halved from N662.8 million to N379.8 million while gross premium dropped from N3.25 billion to N2.55 billion.

At the extreme, Law Union and Rock replaced its net profit of N79.9 million in 2011 with net loss of N18.2 million in 2012. Gross premium had slipped to N2.02 billion in 2012 as against N2.31 billion in 2011. The company's net assets consequently reduced from N4.79 billion to N4.68 billion.

Sectoral outlook Although the relatively low turnover-to-net assets ratios of most insurance companies may on one hand imply underutilisation of shareholders' resources, these also indicate significant headroom for underwriting capacity and growth on the other hand. There is still much growth potential in the Nigerian insurance industry. From government to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and to operators, insurance stakeholders have recently taken major steps to enliven the performance of the industry. The passage of the Nigeria Content Development Act and other laws on compulsory insurance by government has opened up tremendous business opportunities for insurance companies. The Local Content Act requires that all insurance risks associated with oil and gas sector including prospecting, exploration, drilling, constructions, shipping, distribution, marketing and trans-

portation must be insured in Nigeria with registered Nigerian insurance company. This law alone represents immense opportunities for well-capitalised and stable insurance companies.

Besides, NAICOM has also in recent period taken many far-reaching and proactive steps to standardise insurance operations and enforce conformity with best practices. It has also introduced new accounting standards with more stringent provisions to ensure that insurance profit and loss accounts and balance sheet showed the true state of affairs.

Insurers are also expected to make timely rendition of accounts to make their returns more predictable. With the broad provisions of the Insurance Act and related NAICOM guidelines, the tough stand of the insurance regulator has greatly improved the operating environment. The industry regulator is also leading the charge for compliance with existing compulsory insurance laws.

Although still a highly fragmented industry with some 51 insurance companies, wellmanaged quoted risk companies stand to benefit both in the event of industry consolidation or market-driven competitiveness that places premium on security of insurance rather than lower rates. With estimated penetration of some seven per cent, Nigeria's large population and expansive economy also put insurers on good footings.

The risks within One of major factors against the insurance sector is perception. From NAICOM to insurance companies, the believability index of insurance sector is relatively low compared with the banking sector, whereas the latter is known for more infringements and malpractices. Insurance sector is also plagued by inadequate human capital, lack of innovation and creativity, unhealthy competition resulting in sharp practices such rate cutting, demarketing and uncollected premium and general public resentment. While insurance industry has suffered less disruption than the banking industry, most investors and average Nigerians still rate banks far ahead of insurance companies, a behavioural perspective that dovetails into market valuations and patronage.

But with all the risks, several insurance stocks still holds out good prospects of competitive returns. While the low prices present opportunity for large and quick capital appreciation within a short sectoral rally, the fundamentals of many stocks already indicate double-digit dividend yields, which should provide cushions for long-term investors in the event of delayed appreciation and rally. The main risk in the insurance sector is that of not looking too far and deep enough, because insurers, like the risks they carry, can oftentimes be unpredictable.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 , 2012

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DUE DILIGENCE

Red Star Express: On the balance R

ED Star Express Plc recorded appreciable growth in sales in 2012 but substantial costs and provisions for taxes impinged on the bottom-line . Audited report and accounts of the company for the year ended March 31, 2012 indicated improvement in the underlying profit-making capacity of the courier and logistics company with about three percentage points in average profit per unit of sales. With relatively high operational costs, the company fell on internal cost management to improve profitability. However, 303 per cent increase in taxes reduced net earnings.

Notwithstanding, the company sustained its cash payout rate of 30 kobo per share, although reduction in net earnings affected long-time dividend sustainability. Increase in net assets strengthened the overall returns outlook. The company's zero financial leverage remained supportive of the profit and loss accounts but marginal declines in the liquidity position and proportionate equity funds impinged on the balance sheet position.

Financing structure The paid up share capital remained unchanged at N294.7 million but shareholders' funds increased by 10.5 per cent from N1.44 billion in 2011 to N1.59 billion. Total assets also improved by 13.5 per cent to N3.14 billion in 2012 as against N2.77 billion in 2011. Current assets rose by 23 per cent from N1.87 billion to N2.3 billion while permanent assets declined marginally from N896 million in 2011 to N845 million.

With zero bank borrowing, equity funds amounted to 51 per cent of total assets in 2012 as

2007

By Taofik Salako

against 52 per cent in 2011. Longterm liabilities/total assets ratio slipped from 14 per cent to 12 per cent while current liabilities/total assets ratio weakened from 34 per cent to 37 per cent.

Efficiency Red Star Express witnessed appreciable improvement in cost and productivity efficiency. With better midline cost management, total cost of business declined to 88 per cent of total sales in 2012 as against about 92 per cent in 2011. While average pre-tax profit per staff was N0.43 million on average staff cost per head of N1.06 million in 2011, there were no definitive details to determine the average productivity level per person in the immediate past year.

Profitability Red Star Express grew sales by about 20 per cent in 2012 but

Fiscal Year Ended March 31 Nmillion 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) 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

2012 12 months % change

2008

2009

profit after tax dipped by 1.9 per cent. Total turnover rose from N4.21 billion in 2011 to N5.03 billion in 2012. Cost of sales however, increased by 21 per cent to N3.38 billion as against N2.79 billion. Gross profit stood at N1.65 billion compared with N1.41 billion, representing an increase of 16.6 per cent. Operating expenses remained flat at N1.059 billion in 2012 as against N1.06 billion in 2011. Non-core business income dropped by 13 per cent from N58 million to N50 million.

With these, profit before tax rose by 56 per cent from N411 million in 2011 to N640 million in 2012. However, significant increase in tax provisions from N77.71 million in 2011 to N313.14 million in 2012 depressed net earnings to N327 million compared with N334 million in previous year.

Underlying profitability showed a mixed-grill between the top-line and the midline.

2011 12 months

NA 5,030 3,380 1,649 1,059 50 0 640 327 55 177 30 270

NA 19.5 21.0 16.6 -0.1 -13.3 0.0 55.7 -1.9 -3.5 0.0 0.0 10.7

2,925 4,208 2,794 1,414 1,060 58 0 411 334 57 177 30 244

673 845 1,351 2,298 3,143

-9.0 -5.7 12.2 22.6 13.5

739 896 1,204 1,874 2,770

175 0 1,171 382 1,553

8.4 0.0 25.4 -3.6 16.8

162 0 934 396 1,330

295 1,591

0.0 10.5

295 1,440

While gross profit margin dropped from 33.6 per cent to 32.8 per cent, pretax profit margin improved from 9.8 per cent to 12.7 per cent.

Also, return on total assets rose from

2010

2011

14.8 per cent to 20.4 per cent but return on equity slipped from 23.2 per cent to 20.6 per cent.

Basic earnings per share fell from 57 kobo to 55 kobo. The company meanwhile sustained its gross dividend of N176.8 million, representing a dividend per share of 30 kobo. Net assets per share however, improved from N2.44 to N2.70, indicating that the company has been trading largely around its book value.

Liquidity The liquidity position of the company declined marginally, although it remained considerably sufficient to meet emerging liabilities. Current ratio, which essentially measures the agility of the balance sheet to meet emerging financing obligations, slipped from 2.01 times in 2011 to 1.96 times in 2012. The proportion of working capital to total sales was flat at 22.4 per cent in 2012 as against 22.3 per cent in 2011. Debtors/creditors ratio stood at 771 per cent in 2012 compared with 745 per cent in 2012.

Governance & structures Red Star Express is wholly owned Nigerian company with more than 4,200 shareholders.

The company was incorporated as a private limited liability company in 1992. It became a public limited liability company and was quoted in 2007. Wholly owned by Nigerian institutional and individual investors, the major core in-

Fiscal Year Ended March 31

•MD, Red Star Express, Sule Umar Bichi

vestor in Red Star Express is Dr. Mohammed Koguna.

Red Star Express maintains tight board and management structures and generally complies with all relevant codes of corporate governance. Dr. Mohammed Koguna still chairs the sevenman board while Mr Sule Bichi leads the executive management team as managing director. Red Star Express operates defined charity programmes including the Red Star Foundation which receives 0.5 per cent of net earnings annually for scholarships in public secondary schools.

Analyst's opinion The performance of Red the company in the immediate past year reflected the benefits of the company's diversification programme, which has created new growth centres. It also underscored the increasing cost efficiency, which to a large extent mitigated the adverse impact of huge tax provisions. Red Star Express' tax provisions raised concerns about the propriety of its tax management. It had boosted its net earnings in 2011 with tax write-back, only for jumpy increase in tax provisions to whittle down net earnings in 2012.

Meanwhile, Red Star Express needs to sustain its top-line performance by continuously driving its main courier business and subsidiaries to achieve new sales target.

Overall, there is reasonable basis to assume that the company could maintain a sufficiently positive overall outlook in the years ahead.

2012

2011

%

%

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

50.6 12.2 37.3 0.0

52.0 14.3 33.7 0.0

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

32.8 12.7 20.4 20.6 1.83

33.6 9.8 14.8 23.2 1.90

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

NA NA 88.3

0.43 1.06 91.6

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

1.96 22.4 771.0

2.01 22.3 745.0

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

37

Multimedia is a combination of elements, such as music, lighting, computer-generated graphics and video used for entertainment, presentation, advertising and public relations. It is fast growing, given the increasing awareness about non-entertainment applications of multimedia and graphics in medicine, education, architecture and automobile designing. The challenge, however, is skilled manpower. This is a focal point in the alliance between Middlesex University, United Kingdom and Aptech Nigeria Limited. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

F

OR the generations that grew up reading comic books, animated shows have changed the face of entertainment. Printed comics today cannot match the lure of He-Man, Spiderman and Giant Robot. Ever since, the entertainment industry has thrown open its doors to an ocean of animated shows and films. The gaming industry is rapidly becoming popular with not just youngsters, but serious gamers making the most of gaming and animation. The phenomenon has arrived in towns across the country and now play stations, Internet and mobile gaming is at an all-time high. Expansion of the industry means that the time is ripe for young Nigerians that have creative inclination to dabble into virtual world and make a living from it. In the last couple of years, job opportunities in animation have grown manifold.

Speaking in Lagos, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University, United Kingdom, Professor Raj Gill, said the sector has been touched by the wave of proliferation of gaming as a popular form of entertainment.

Gill, who spoke at Aptech Nigeria’s career quest seminar, said the animation industry has begun to take shape, because of increasing demand from Nollywood and the broad entertainment industry.

The usage of animation, he said, has gradually increased in various end-user segments, such as advertisements/commercials, feature films, TV programmes, and computer/online games, where animation solutions have found a place in niches such as special effects, film titling,

• Animated work

Job prospects in animation, multimedia business TV broadcast graphics, 3D modelling, Web entertainment programmes and background development. Nigerians love to watch movies.

Advancements in technology are helping in all spheres of the film industry, film production, film exhibition and marketing. According to him, the electronic gaming industry is one of the fastest growing segments within the software industry. He said the nation needs professionals, with sound technical knowledge to make a breakthrough in the sector. In future, he said the key driver for the entertainment industry would be technology and Nigeria needs a large pool of skilled IT manpower and creative storytellers.

As fast as the industry is growing, Gill said the animation industry is facing acute shortage of skilled manpower. In spite of the enormous demand for 2D and 3D specialists, companies are increasingly finding it difficult to find and employ qualified candidates. This

is because the animation industry is slowly moving away from merely performing basic tasks, such as giving touches to animated characters to storytelling and conceptualisation.

On the average, the cost of producing a 30minute animation programme could be N200,000 or more. Producers need animation experts to provide cartoon film footage and animated computer images for television, cinema and the Internet. Big conglomerates are encouraging studios to shoot films in its more exotic locations and use animation studios for production.

Gill said animation is an essential part of the creative industry and that creative or artistic efforts are required in the development process of animation. Though there are no specific studies to gauge the manpower demand in the industry, he said the demand is huge considering the growth of the multimedia and graphics industry. There is, therefore, the need to train more hands for the

industry, he noted.

With concerted efforts by industry players in Nollywood, he said the industry has the potential to evolve into a star performer of the economy.

Consequently, Gill said Nigeria needs to produce multimedia specialists as technical and creative excellence need to be showcased in movies through spectacular animation and graphics. He said multimedia training has seen a considerable spurt in demand. This is because multimedia is being increasingly perceived as an exciting new-age career, with a range of career opportunities.

The opportunities spread across applications in cinema, television, streaming, ad agencies, game development agencies, product design companies, animation and visual effects companies, Web design and development houses, engineering design • Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

38

JOBS

Job prospects in animation, multimedia business • Continued from page 37

companies and video production houses. According to him, skills needed in the industry vary.

Presently, the areas in demand are largely audio and film. IT graduates of Middlesex University, he said, study a variety of courses depending on the kind of job a student wants to move into. The main courses in demand range from traditional animation processes 3D, CGI, computer graphics and visual effects, high-end compositing and editing.

Marketing Head, Aptech Limited Mr Major Prasad, said animation has become a fullfledged industry in Nigeria, with huge potential for employment. He said students can find the jobs in animation and multimedia.

While Nigeria is striving to catch up with established countries and garner more jobs in animation, supply of animators doesn’t meet demand. This is because there are few animation training institutes. Cashing in on this opportunity, Aptech has added multimedia courses to its portfolio.

Prasad said Aptech institute offers well trained manpower to the ever-growing media, animation and gaming industry. The curriculum, he explained, is designed with inputs from several industry professionals within and outside the institute. The curriculum is a culmination of exhaustive efforts put in to collate all the information gathered from the industry to build a very robust learning platform for students. The aim is to train graduates fit for a position in any media, animation, gaming company.

He said APTECH provides the best possible training for students which makes them worthy of appointment at any good animation, media, gaming company. According

• Gill

• Prasad

to him, training in new concepts and technology are some of the important pre-requisites for the nation to be able to seize the multimedia opportunity – the other two being creative talent and technology. These centres offer training on high-end multimedia technologies such as Maya for 3D animation, animation for 2D animation, audiovideo editing and special effects.

He said the surge in demand for animated content in the domestic market and the growing character licensing business is creating tremendous growth opportunities for animation and gaming studios in the country.

The potential platforms for animation include online education and industry specific applications such as medical, legal, insurance, architecture, etc.

According to him, multimedia is an area that is particularly challenging from a workforce development perspective because of the rapid technological and market changes that affect education and training requirements. To enable those interested in this burgeoning field to sculpt a career in the games industry, he said his institute is providing expertise in multimedia training in broad terms such as products, services,

and content that integrates digitally manipulated text, photographs, graphic art, animation, sound, and video elements.

He said multimedia professionals working in highly dynamic and high-tech environment are expected to use a variety of skills to produce multimedia design, animation, and programming applications, so Aptech provides training which enable young Nigerians to use creative ability, computer skills, and artistic talent in the production of innovative presentations. He said Aptech Limited has entered into partnership with the Middlesex University in London, Dubai or Mauritius, to offer graduates of its Certified Computer Professional (ACCP) programme, the opportunity of obtaining a B.Sc. degree in their final year of the four courses.

He explained that Aptech Computer Education has built a reputation for high quality computer education, addressing the needs of discerning students worldwide.

According to him, Aptech Certified Computer Professional is targeted towards students who are serious about making a career in Information Technology.

On the balance, the Nigerian multimedia industry has flourished by leaps and bounds. The electronic revolution symbolised by television, telecommunication and computers has tremendously boosted the requirements of multimedia content production and innovative applications. The level of penetration of multimedia training institutes has been traditionally centred on Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

Stakeholders in the industry believe that there is tremendous animation in these areas because of the presence of the film bsuiness in these places.

MOVER AND SHAKER

W

EMA Bank has announced the appointment of two new directors to its Board, Augustina Onehimare Vukor ‘Quarshie as an Independent Director and Adeyinka Olatokunbo Asekun as a non-Executive Director. This brings to nine, the number of non-Executive Directors on the Board.

The statement said the ap-

Wema Bank appoints directors pointments reflect an indication of the bank’s continued commitment to the sustenance of good corporate governance and adequate gender representation at all levels.

Quarshie, a former director of

Platinum Bank and consummate banker with over 15years of relevant banking experience in various leadership capacities, becomes the first female director to be appointed to Wema Bank Board and signifies a remarkable step for-

ward in bringing more diversity to the board.

Speaking on the appointments, Managing Director of the bank, Segun Oloketuyi, emphasised the commitment of the bank towards ensuring diversity and adequate

gender representation at all levels within the bank.

He said he was confident in the two appointments by the Board as Quarshie and Asekun bring with them quality experience and expertise having distinguished themselves in various endeavours and have made significant contributions to the industry and the growth of the economy.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Job interview plagues you must avoid T

HE last two presentations were on things you need to do right. Equally important are the errors you must avoid in the course of attending a job interview. Here is a list of the top priority ones:

Don’t prepare Not being able to answer the question “What do you know about this company?” might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in an “About Us” section on most company websites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory. Also check the company’s LinkedIn page and Facebook page, if they have one.

Dress inappropriately Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a suit if you are being interviewed for a professional position. When interviewing for a summer job at your local theme park or as a lifeguard, for example, dress accordingly in a neat and casual attire. If you aren’t sure what to wear, visit the organisation and watch employees coming in and out of the office to see what they are wearing.

Poor communication skills It’s important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for em-

By Olu Oyeniran

ployment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position - before you even answer an interview question.

Too much communication Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn’t get the job, didn’t hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview.

Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don’t belong at an interview.

Talk too much There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn’t need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don’t ramble - simply answer the question.

Don’t talk enough It’s really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. I remember a couple of interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth to get

any answers from the candidate. It wasn’t pleasant. So, even though you shouldn’t talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.

Fuzzy facts Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information.

Give the wrong answer Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. Like the following candidate, you’ll knock yourself out of contention if you give the wrong answer.

The interviewer had completely described a sales and marketing position to the candidate. She emphasized that cold calling and prospecting were the most important skills and experiences needed for the position. The candidate responded to the question about what she did or didn’t like to do in sales, with these words: “I hate to do cold calling and prospecting, and I’m not good at it.” That response ensured that she wouldn’t get the job!

Badmouthing past employers Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn’t wait to leave? Even if it’s true

don’t say so. I cringed when I heard someone ranting and raving about the last company she worked for. That company happened to be our largest customer and, of course, I wasn’t going to hire someone who felt that way about the company and everyone who worked there.

It’s sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don’t know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don’t want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren’t the best.

Forget to follow up Afraid you didn’t make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the interview? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company.

Finally, even if you do flub the interview, don’t take it to heart. I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t blown an interview or two. If it happens, look at it like it just wasn’t meant to be, and more importantly, learn from your mistakes and move on to the next opportunity.

Olu Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates.

Website: www.jobsearchhow.com E-mail: oluoyeniran@yahoo.com Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

39

INSURANCE

Human capacity gap threatens industry H

UMAN capacity gap is a serious threat to the growth of insurance in Nigeria, the Director-General of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Mr Adegboyega Adepegba, has said.

During an interview with The Nation, he said the industry has not been able to balance the rate at which people leave with that of intake.

Adeboyegba said: “We want to match the number of those coming in two times over and above the number of people going out but we have not been able to achieve that yet. There is a danger if we have, for example, 30 people retir-

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

ing every year and we cannot find 40 and 50 people replacing them by way of qualification.

On steps taken to redress the trend, the director-general said: “When we did the last count, we discovered that we only have an average of 60 people joining the profession every year. We do not have the statistics of those leaving the industry, but we know that people are leaving due to age and some other reasons.

“Though there are improvements in the number of people coming in, we are working seriously to get more people into the profession

through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), visit to tertiary institutions, catch them young programme, our operation 5,000 graduate scheme and others.

He said unless urgent measures are taken, the industry may be heading for extinction as 60 per cent of its workforce is said to be near retirement age.

He said the industry’s operation is threatened by human capacity gap, adding that most of the

industry’s workforce is almost 60 years.

He noted that to revise the trend, operators must begin to recruit young and intelligent personnel.

“The statistics available to us show that in a few years from now, the industry workforce will consist of people who are in 60 years and above age bracket, and this is not good for the industry. If about 60 per cent of the industry’s workforce will be ageing – going

towards 60 years, therefore, there is a dire need to inject new people into the industry. I think everybody has agreed on this. By the time we achieve all these, the issue of succession planning and running of the companies would be made easier,” he said.

He said the institute is reaching out to youths through their schools and encouraging them to take professional insurance examinations to beef up the human capacity depth.

CIIN condemns CBN’s proposed N 5,000 note

T

HE Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has condemned the proposed issuance of N 5,000 note by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

President of the institute, Dr. Wole Adetimehin in a statement signed by the head, Corporate Affairs, Mr Joseph Obah, said the move was unpopular and unthinkable.

He said the N 5,000 note would send a wrong signal that all was not well with the nation’s economy, adding that it would amount to aiding inflation in a nation whose citizens are groaning under the burden of an inflationary trend calculated in geometrical proportions over the years.

Adetimehin wondered why the

CBN would conceive such idea at a time it should be pre-occupied with measures aimed at actualising its canvassed cash-less policy.

“CBN’s cash-less policy is well conceived and commendable, but it is being contradicted by the proposed issuance of the N 5,000 note”, the CIIN boss stated.

The public outcry against the move by the nation’s apex bank to churn out N 5,000 currency denomination has continued to make the news, with most critics calling on the Federal Government to apply the brakes and forestall what would amount to a pitfall in the nation’s monetary policy. If public opinion is anything to go by, the move should be thwarted and the CBN made to a rest its plans.

Standard Alliance Life Assurance gross premium up by 30%

T

HE management of Standard Alliance Life Assurance Limited said the company’s gross premium grew by 30.45 per cent in the business year ended December 31, 2011.

Its Chairman, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor , during the presentation of the financial and operational results to the shareholders last week in Lagos, attributed the improved result to the focused and aggressive marketing strategy which the company employed in the year under review.

He said: ”Our focus on aggressive marketing continues to pay off as reflected in the appreciable increase in gross premium within the reviewed year. Gross premium income grew from N1.6 billion recorded in 2010 to N2.157 billion in 2011.This represents a growth of 30.45 per cent or N503.528 million over year 2010 position”.

The company also recorded a profit after tax amounting to N44.6 million against a loss of N1.173billion in 2010.

The result presented showed that the company paid a total of N3.818 billion as claims within the year. The

breakdown showed N913.75 million was paid for Group Life, N6.258 million paid for individual life policy and N2.898 billion for deposit administration. However, the company recorded a decline in growth from N4.155 billion recorded in 2010 to N2.647 billion in 2011.

This represents 57 per cent reduction in 2011 over 2010 performance.

The financial statement also revealed that there was a decline in interest and other investment income by N263.5 million or 28 per cent.

Notwithstanding the constraints the company contended within the reviewed year, O’Tega reported that the company reported operating profit for the year which stood at N493.03 million. This was however lower than the N689.81 million recorded in 2010.

Giving reasons for the performance, the chairman said the challenges of high operating costs, policy inconsistencies of government and infrastructural deficiencies as well as perennial power crisis, affected their operations negatively. Other constraints which challenged the nation’s economy.

‘Dana air crash victims get $30,000’

C

OMMISSIONER, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr Fola Daniel, has said the victims of the Dana Air crash has, so far, received $30,000.

He disclosed this in Calabar. He said the balance of $70,000 would be paid soon.

He noted that NAICOM would ensure that the indigeneous insurers that underwrote the risks live up to expectation.

Daniel noted that the sum assured of the risk was $350 million, which comprises life and third party liability excluding the claims for the air-

craft.

He said families of those who died in the crash have to present death certificates and certificate of administration before they would be paid the other claims.

Daniel noted that the No Premium No Cover would not deter the operators from paying the claims, adding that only legitimate claimant would be paid.

He said: “Whether the co-insurers pay or not, we would hold the lead insurer responsible and legitimate claimants would be paid adequately.”

• From left: Abayomi Fashe, Dealer Specialist, Lagos South, Etisalat Nigeria; Ebere Chibunze, Managing Director, EBBY Store and Etisalat Sub-distribution Partner, Sina Adegoke; Head, Distribution, Emmanuel Ilori; Regional Distribution Manager, Lagos North, Etisalat Nigeria and Edward Molokwu, General Manager, Kenneth & George, at the prize presentation for highest product sales in the Q2 2012 Sub DP Trade Promotion in Lagos.

LIMRA: Individual life sales steady

T

OTAL individual life insurance annualised premium grew by four per cent in the second quarter of this year. This resulted in three per cent growth for the first half of the year.

After five consecutive quarters of growth, policy count was flat for the second quarter. Year-todate, policy count remains up three percent.

“The biggest driver behind premium growth was indexed universal life, soaring 37 per cent in the second quarter,” noted Ashley Durham, senior research analyst LIMRA product research. “Indexed universal life continues to attract consumers who are interested in the opportunity for cash value growth potential while protecting their principal, which this product provides.”

During the first half of the year, indexed universal life (IUL) was up by 29 per cent, representing just over 25 per cent of all universal life (UL) sales.

Total UL new annualised premium grew six percent in the second quarter, and three percent in the first six months of the year. UL policy count grew one per cent in the second quarter — the 13th consecutive quarter of policy count growth. For the first six months of 2012, UL policy count grew three percent.

Lifetime guarantee (LTG) UL premium dropped eight percent, dampening overall UL sales.

While LTG products represent the highest share of new UL premium (about 35 per cent), IUL are narrowing the gap. In 2009, there was a 40 percentage-point gap between

LTG UL and IUL; today, the gap has closed to just 10 percentage points.

Whole life (WL) was the second biggest driver of growth. WL premium rose nine percent for the second quarter and nine percent yearto-date. Nearly three-quarters of WL writers recorded positive growth. Policy count improved three percent in the quarter; up five percent in the first half of 12.

WL premium market share was 33 per cent in the second quarter.

This represents the highest WL market share since 1998.

Variable UL premium dropped six per cent in the second quarter; down seven percent in the first six months. Less than one-quarter of the VUL writers were able to increase their sales over the first half of 2011.

New life and annuity insurance to use Accenture’s compromised by an aging and HE Navy Mutual Aid software restrictive technology environment.

Association has gone live

T

with the Accenture Life Insurance Platform, the life and annuity insurance software suite from Accenture (NYSE: ACN).

The Platform supports Navy Mutual’s life and annuity product configuration, new business, underwriting and policy administration processing needs.

Navy Mutual selected the system, which was deployed earlier this month, to support growth, while enhancing overall customer service and keeping operating costs low.

“The new system, which supports virtually all of our processing needs across our business, is a key component of our growth agenda,” said Bruce Engelhardt, president and chief executive officer of Navy Mutual Aid Association.“We expect the Accenture Life Insurance Platform to deliver simplified product

development functionality based on pre-configured processes, as well as real-time testing capabilities that should allow us to respond even more effectively to changing market conditions.”

As part of the project, Accenture converted 138,000 policies from Navy Mutual’s legacy systems using the Accenture Insurance Data Migration Factory, an end-to-end data migration solution. This conversion allows the insurer to handle all new business and service existing policies on a single platform.

“Cost pressures and market uncertainty continue in the life insurance business,” said Mitchel F. Ludwig, product line lead of Accenture Software for life insurance.

“To compete more effectively, insurers must move new products to market as rapidly and cost-efficiently as possible, but that goal is often

Navy Mutual’s new platform will enable the association to more easily create products that meet its members’ needs and bring these to market faster.”

“This go-live also demonstrates that a project that involves the full replacement of multiple legacy systems and the migration of all existing policies onto a single modern platform can be realistic, affordable and achievable.”

The Navy Mutual Aid Association serves those protecting our nation.

Navy Mutual continues to support that mission today by providing exceptional life insurance and annuity products, assisting sea service members and their survivors in securing the federal benefits to which they are legally entitled, and providing education on matters of financial security which are specifically tailored to the military member and family.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

40

LABOUR

NUPENG to review Fed Govt’s actions in two weeks

T

HE National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is to review the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the Federal Government before it agreed to suspend its one week strike in Abuja.

It said the action would be to determine whether the Federal Government has kept to the terms of the agreement, saying the review will be concluded in two weeks.

Acting General-Secretary of NUPENG, Comrade Isaac Aberare, said this while explaining to the next line of action by the oil workers to ensure government’s sincerity in the agreement with the workers.

He said: "NUPENG has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government, which forms the basis of the suspension of one week strike in Abuja, and the planned nationwide strike.

And this would be reviewed in two weeks’

Stories by Toba Agboola

time to ascertain government’s preparedness to fulfill promises made to the oil workers.”

According to Aberare, the oil workers will henceforth continue to monitor the activities of the government to ensure full compliance of the agreement reached with the workers.

The oil workers’ union has also said the planned review would be a continuous process as past experiences have revealed that "only day-to-day monitoring of government projects would make the agencies of government to be transparent in their actions.

"This is because from all indications, all the agreements reached with the workers cannot be met within two weeks, hence the workers would make a follow up to ensure

its’ implementation", he said.

NUPENG suspended its industrial action, following more than seven hours of dialogue with the Federal Government after which it immediately mandated tanker drivers to resume lifting of fuel for distribution to all parts of the country. A communique suspending the strike was read by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Emeka Wogu.

Union officials who signed it include acting President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Promise Adewusi; President, NUPENG, Comrade Achese Igwe; representative of Oando, Awobokun Abayomi; Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Reginald Stanley; National Secretary, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mike Osatuyi and a representative of DAPPMA, Uche Ogah.

Also appending their signatures were Executive Secretary of JEPTFON, Enock Kanawa; Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim.

The communique announced the success of the meeting between government, NUPENG, NLC, depot owners and oil marketers, and stated the commitment of all the groups to work together to resolve all outstanding issues responsible for the dispute.

It validated the Federal Government’s insistence that it had been paying all verified claims and would continue to do just that, and also submitted that oil marketers accused of fuel subsidy fraud should submit themselves to the ongoing verification exercise.

435 NIPOST retirees die waiting for pension

A

BOUT 435 retirees of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) have died in the last 73 months in the cause of waiting to collect their retirement benefits.

Over 9,433 NIPOST retirees have forcefully relocated their homes to the headquarters of the post office in Lafiaji, Obalende, Lagos, in anticipation that their accumulated N4billion benefits will be paid.

Decrying the intimidation by men of Nigeria Police Force (NPF) hired by NIPOST against their picketing and apparently to forestall breakdown of law and order in the premises, the retirees said they wondered why the Post Master-General could afford to spend N40,000 daily on police, whereas he could have used that fund to settle part of the people that are dying of hunger and want.

National President of the NIPOST Retirees 2000/06 set, Mr Braimah Alezi Oboiriere, told journalists last week, that the picketing was the last resort to get the attention of the general public to their plight.

"Our first picketing on July 4 to 11, 2011 was suspended, when they pleaded that we should suspend the protest, which lasted for eight days nationwide till July 15, and we accepted. But on the 15th, they did not still pay. We called again and they promised to pay on July 28th or 29th. But on the 27th, I called and they said it’s not possible, that the director who ought to sign the Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE) was not around. I was very angry.

“Again, they promised to pay on August 5, 2012 and today is the 9th, they have not paid. We will not call off the protest until we are paid. Although the Post Master General has boastfully warned me that if I mobilise pensioners to picket post offices, that he would make me realise that he is an Hausa man and would use his power to deal ruthlessly with me, so I am waiting for him to do his worse."

Earlier, the Lagos State’s Chairman of the union, Comrade Akindutire Elijah Adebola, said: "As I am here now, I have nothing to eat, my children have been thrown out of school. We slept on empty stomach last night, as I came out this morning I trekked most of the way, I don’t know how to go back home today, yet, my entitlement is hiding somewhere, I must ensure that I collect and enjoy the work of my hand."

However, in a swift reaction, the Postmaster General/CEO Mallam Ibrahim Mori Baba, said : "I am equally touched by their plight, but my hands are tied, my efforts to save the situation has not yielded any positive result. They are only channeling their grievances towards the wrong person. Their protests should be towards the Accountant General of the Federation, not me."

The pensioners, who currently are relocated to the headquarters of NIPOST in Obalende, explained that they might be forced to close down the remaining 30 branches of within Lagos State if their demands were not met.

• From left: National Auditor, Boniface Ijoko; Vice President, Emmanuel Abuato; National Treasurer, Ishiaku Usman and National President, Boniface Isok.

PHCN workers accuse leaders of siphoning N331b pension

W

ORKERS of the electricity unions, under the umbrellas of Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Company (SSAEAC) and National Union of Electricity (NUEE) have accused the management of siphoning their N331billion meant for their pension.

President General of SSAEAC, Comrade Bede Opara and the NUEE General Secretary, Comrade Joe Ajaero, lamented that the management sabotaged the superannuation fund of over N331billion which was to be used for payment of staff retirement entitlements.

"We have been receiving only 75 per cent of our salaries since we started working with the company and the remaining 25 per cent was to go to the superannuation, so what we are saying now is pay us our terminal benefits because we don’t know Pension Commission (PENCOM)."

That pensionable agreement stated that on privatization that workers’ welfare and benefits must be negotiated to a conclusion

before privatization and it’s like government is trying to sweep that under the carpet.

According to them: "They have been enjoying the in-house pension policy whereby any retiree is paid immediately he or she is going, those who retired two months ago got their own, but now, we are hearing another thing, that the money is not there, the management should tell the general public what went wrong with the 25 per cent and we have been contributing since."

Condemning the statement, credited to the former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, and Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Opara stressed that he was surprised to hear that the minister and BPE who probably were not aware of the system on ground decided to scuttle our in-house system, whereby they now want to keep us from collecting what we laboured for.

"The media propaganda by the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) claimed that even when they are paying the staff salary, they did not set aside any 25 per cent,

which shows the level of ignorance which Nnaji and the BPE have in civil service rules of engagement.

"The moment you are made a staff of PHCN, 25 per cent is set aside for your pension, gratuity and welfare where 10 per cent is for pension, 10 per cent for gratuity and five per cent for welfare because what we are receiving is a consolidated salary of 75 per cent and it was on the basis of that that all this while those that have been retiring government does not have to bring in money to pay for the pension rather it is being picked from our superannuation fund. As at 2010, the superannuation fund has been vandalised to the tune of over N331 billion. So, what we are saying now is refund that money and we will use that money to settle the terminal benefits of our members and whoever wants to remain with the new company, according to a new agreement with the new company can continue to work for them on clean slate."

Nigeria hosts second BWI regional conference IGERIA will be hosting the second edition of the Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) regional conference.

The conference, scheduled for Abuja, will be attended by workers in the construction, civil engineering, furniture and wood sector in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The theme of the conference is Building and Advancing Workers Power in Construction and Forestry Sector.

President of the National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), an affiliate of BWI, Oba Samuel Adeoye, said that the conference is an opportunity for employees to brainstorm on challenges confronting them in the region.

Adeoye said: "Between the last conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and now, lots of

N

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

things have happened. Political, social and economic events in the region and even in the globe have shaped the building, construction and wood industry.

"These events have impacted on the workers’ welfare, who are our members. The Abuja conference will bridge the gaps on policies, decisions and affirmations of the Addis Ababa conference."

NUCECFWW General Secretary, Comrade Babatunde Liadi, said aside from using the conference to discuss workers’ welfare and the implementation of Core Labour Standards (CLS) by multinational corporations, it will also provide the opportunity to launder Nigeria’s image and cultural heritage.

"This is an opportunity for the international representatives of trade unions that will be

attending the conference from other Africa countries, Europe and Middle East to know more about Nigeria and have direct link with Nigeria.

"Nigeria is blessed with lots of advantages.

This is a chance for them to know that what they have been hearing is quite different from the reality. There are advantages of investing in Nigeria."

BWI was formed in December 2005 at Buenos Aires, as a result of a merger of the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) and the World Federation of Building and Wood Workers (WFBW). It is a global union federation grouping of free and democratic unions with members in the building, building materials, wood, forestry and allied sectors. The BWI groups comprise of 328 trade unions representing about 12 million members in 130 countries, including Nigeria.

“Mancini’s presence certainly influenced my decision a great deal. I already worked with him, so he knows my football and the kind of person I am. I am really happy to be working with him again.”

Monday, September 3, 2012

2014 WORLD CUP

Ronaldinho seeks Brazil recall

PODOSKI

R

inspires Arsenal

ONALDINHO has stated he is ready to return to Brazil's national team should coach Mano Menezes recall the former Barcelona star.

The 32-year-old has been in fine form since moving to Brasileirão outfit Atlético Mineiro from Flamengo in June.

Ronaldinho has won 94 caps for the national side since making his debut in 1999, but missed out on the 2010 World Cup squad under former boss Dunga and has rarely featured

•Ronaldinho

under Mano Menezes.

Earlier this week, Brazil's Football Confederation (CBF) president Jose Maria Marin said the "door was open" for the former Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker to return to the Seleção.

Ronaldinho has responded by saying: "Right now I'm only thinking about playing for Atlético but if the national team needs me I will be available.

Atlético currently lead the Brazilian Serie A standings with Ronaldinho revelling in the same midfield role he occupied during his zenith at Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles and one Champions League crown.

He added: "I have never been as happy as I am at this club.

"I feel like I am participating more by playing in the midfield.

I am touching the ball a lot more than I did playing in attack."

RVP's hat-trick wrecks Southampton

R

OBIN van Persie struck twice in the dying moments to complete his first Manchester United hattrick and ensure Sir Alex Ferguson’s side marked the manager’s 1,000th English league game with a 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday.

Ferguson appeared destined for disappointment on his landmark occasion when United trailed with three minutes of normal time remaining at St Mary’s.

But van Persie -- who had earlier cancelled out Rickie Lambert’s 16th minute opener and missed a penalty after Southampton had again gone ahead through Morgan Schneiderlin -equalised from close range in the 87th minute after Rio Ferdinand’s header had struck the post.

Then with the game in stoppage-time, the Holland international met Nani’s corner with a near post header that brought the striker’s 100th Premier League goal and secured a fortunate win for Ferguson’s team.

Van Persie’s late intervention was agonising for a Southampton side who had performed well and dominated periods of the game but are still looking for their first point of the season.

Ferguson provided a

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS Liverpool 0 - 2 Arsenal Newcastle U. 1 - 1 Aston Villa Southampton 2 - 3 Man Utd.

reminder of his ruthless streak before kick-off when he revealed goalkeeper David De Gea had been dropped as punishment for his error in the 3-2 victory over Fulham, with Anders Lindegaard recalled at the Spaniard’s expense.

In front of Lindegaard, Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were reunited in central defence for the first time since last December.

But despite their combined wealth of experience, it quickly became clear Lambert was capable of troubling the United backline with Ferdinand in particular suffering a testing opening 45 minutes.

BOATENG

to undergo

surgery

K

EVIN-PRINCE Boateng will undergo surgery on his fractured right hand and reassured fans he’ll be back for Milan very soon.

The Ghanaian was seen in pain during last night’s 3-1 win over Bologna and today tests showed he has fractured the metatarsal in his right hand.

Boateng will take the opportunity to undergo surgery during the break for international duty, as there are no Serie A games for two weeks.

“I will be fine, thanks to everyone,” wrote the midfielder on his Twitter account.

win against

Liverpool L

UKAS Podolski and Santi Cazorla scored in either half as a bad few days for Liverpool got worse as Arsenal recorded a 2-0 victory at Anfield.

Just two days after what was widely regarded as a transfer deadline day for the Reds to forget, the gloom around Anfield

deepened as the Gunners claimed a hard-fought Premier League win that lifts Arsene Wenger's side up to seventh.

Podolski set Arsenal on their way, firing home a low shot on 31 minutes following Cazorla's run and pass. The duo then combined again for ast

Former Inter Milan player, Douglas Maicon explaining why he chose to play for Manchester City.

MAICON: 'Why I chose Man City'

D

OUGLAS Maicon reveals Roberto Mancini “certainly influenced my decision a great deal” to leave Inter for Manchester City.

The 31-year-old right-back made the switch on transfer deadline day for a reported €4.5m, reuniting with his former Nerazzurri Coach.

“Mancini’s presence certainly influenced my decision a great deal. I already worked with him, so he knows my football and the kind of person I am.

“I am really happy to be working with him again,” the Brazilian told FCInterNews.it.

“Why did I join City? Without doubt because I have the opportunity to play Arsenal's second on 68 in the Champions League and win minutes, the German other titles with a new club. I needed playing in the Spaniard to new motivation and the time had drill another low shot past come to leave Inter.

Reina.

“I have been very happy in Milan The defeat means and won many trophies, but I don’t Liverpool have just one want to stop now. I want to continue point from their first three winning and achieving my objectives. games and have made “I think Manchester City can help their worst start to a league me to season in 50 years. obtain more success.”

Maicon "Rodgers tells me he has is one of option of recalling Andy several Carroll in January," said ‘Treble’ •Maicon McNamara via Twitter this stars afternoon. "He only let him who go, because he thought have left another forward was Inter this coming in." summer, Carroll was involved in includin two of West Ham's three g Lucio, goals yesterday as they beat Julio Fulham 3-0 at the Boleyn Cesar Ground. However he was and the forced to retire injured on retired the hour mark after Ivan sustaining a hamstring Ramiro injury.

Cordoba.

Rodgers: I may recall Carroll

•Rodgers

L

IVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers insists that he has the option to recall Andy Carroll from his loan spell at West Ham halfway through the season, should he so desire.

Liverpool, who were beaten 2-0 at home by Arsenal Sunday afternoon - a defeat that leaves the Merseysiders one place off the bottom of the Premier League and five points adrift of the Hammers allowed the England striker to move to Upton Park on loan last week.

It was thought at the time that Carroll would spend the entire campaign at the Boleyn Ground after West Ham claimed that a season-long loan spell had been agreed.

"The 23-year-old has moved from Liverpool for the remainder of the 2012/13 Barclays Premier

League campaign, with the Hammers having the option to complete a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee next summer," read an item on whufc.com last Thursday.

However that is NOT the case according to the Liverpool manager, who told the BBC's Conor McNamara after today's defeat by the Gunners that the terms of the loan agreement mean he can take the striker back to Anfield in January.

PARALYMPICS Bath: Pistorius/Peacock 100m Davies showdown like Bolt-Blake's wins discus

E

IGHT years go, a bored 11-year-old boy named Jonnie Peacock was sitting in the sitting room of his Cambridgeshire home flicking through the television channels when he came across “a close-up of a guy with weird legs” running like a bat out of hell.

That glimpse of the undoubted star of the Athens Paralympics may have been Peacock’s first sight of Oscar Pistorius but, with the youngster’s imagination fired forever, it wasn’t going to be his last.

Next Thursday, Peacock will once again see Pistorius in action. This time, however, the English Paralympian will do so from close quarters in a titanic T44 100m struggle which is being pitched as the Battle of the Blades and which is almost as keenly anticipated as Usain Bolt’s showdown with Yohan Blake in the Olympic version of the

same event.

There are all sorts of other Paralympic legends competing this week, not to LED Davies helped mention hometown heroes Great Britain pass its such as Dave Weir and Shelly Paralympics athletics Woods, but no other event gold medal haul of 2008 with has come close to capturing the public imagination in the a dominant performance in same way as the final for the F42 discus final. amputee sprinters.

The 21-year-old, who won

gold for GB

A

•Pistorius

bronze in the shot put, threw a British record 46.14m to hand GB its third title in London.

There was more joy in the field for Britain as Stef Reid won silver in the women's F42/F44 long jump.

However, it was disappointment for Shelly Woods, who could only finish eighth in the T54 5,000m final.

"I'm probably the happiest guy on planet," said Davies.

"It was a tough competition, I dug in deep. I'm speechless.

This crowd and everything unbelievable."

MONDAY, SEPTEMB ER 3, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Last Thursday, the Yoruba nation at a General Assembly in Ibadan, Oyo State, set agenda for peaceful co-existence among the ethnic groups in Nigeria. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU, who was there, reports.

Yoruba set agenda for national unity, peace T

HE Yoruba, a race of about 40 million people in the Southwest, has taken a position on the future of Nigeria, a perpetually crisis-ridden nation-state that evolved from an amalgam of diverse and incompatible ethnic nationalities 98 years ago under Lord Fredrick Lugard, a British overlord.

To its leaders, the disintegration of the highly heterogeneous country may not be a viable option, but national unity is still negotiable.

After a sober reflection, they contended that only a return to regional autonomy and true federalism can guarantee peaceful co-existence among the over 450 ethnic groups that have been administratively collapsed into beggarly 36 component units looking up to an octopus and power loaded Federal Government for succour and survival.

It was a moment of truth at Ibadan, the political headquarters of the Southwest, where kith and kin from Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, Kwara and Kogi states converged to brainstorm on the way forward for a region writhing in pains of marginalisation, infrastructure decay and stalled progress under Nigeria’s skewed and lopsided federalism.

Yoruba intellectuals and professionals; lawyers, jurists, educators, technocrats, politicians, businessmen and men and women from all walks of life were locked in lamentation over the fate of the Southwest geo-political zone, particularly, its regression to backwardness in many critical sectors.

Reality dawned on delegates to the General Assembly convened by Alani Akinrinade, a retired Army General and former Chief of Defence Staff, that the Yoruba were at a crossroads in a country facing perilous times, amid the multiplicity of the unresolved crises of development and nation-building. He said the region now thirsts for the return of the glorious Awolowo era, when it took the lead in almost all the sectors. Gen. Akinrinade said that the gains of that epoch had been wiped out by long years of military rule.

There was no evidence to suggest that the Southwest’s demands-regional and state police, restructuring of the polity, abolition of Land use decree, regional constitution, regional autonomy within a united federation, return to parliamentary system and role for traditional rulers, Sovereign National Conference-would create strains and further impair the fledlging federation.

The Southwest only appears now to be in a state of readiness for reengaging the national question by planning to set up a regional constitutional commission to collate its input into the future constitutional proposals for a new Nigeria.

However, it was obvious that some Yoruba leaders from the conservative bloc had not purged themselves of their futile attachment to peculiar pecks falling from the federal table. The Ibadan meeting was a gathering devoid of political and religious leanings. Yet, the tension between the advocates of mainstream politics and proponents of regional integration resurfaced. Sources said that the Southwest leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) advised its

From left: Former Military Governor of Oyo State Gen. David Jemibewon, former Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo, ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba at the Ibadan meeting.

members to shun the meeting, but some of them turned up.

The difference between the progressive and conservative divides came to the fore when a PDP chieftain, Dr. Dejo Raimi, attributed the Yoruba’s predicament to the loss of the position of the Speaker of House of Representatives to the North. Bisi Adegbuyi, a lawyer and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stalwart, rejected the attribution, claiming that Yoruba suffered from the bad federal structure and its defective constitution. Adegbuyi hinged his remark on the fact that when a” Yoruba President” was in the saddle, the race was boxed into a position of disadvantage because of the pervading incongruent system.

Part of its predicament is that almost 52 years after independence, Awo’s achievements as the first Premier of the region has remained the benchmark. The pride of the region are the Liberty Stadium, Cocoa House, Ibadan, first television in Africa, introduction of free education, relics of farm settlements. But all these were achieved before independence. The nationalisation of many of its assets, especially University of Ife, Ile-Ife, by the military was a setback. But strange values unknown to Yoruba, including fraud, street begging, gangsterism, have gradually crept into its culture.

The concept of “Omoluabi”, hard work, honesty, patriotism, merit and standard have also been eroded in the process of cultural adulteration. Gone were the days of good governance and life more abundant.

“That is why we are clamouring for regional autonomy to reposition our region for excellence”, said Dipo Famakinwa, a member of the planning committee in his presentation on the Yoruba Agenda, who listed the benefits that would accrue to the Southwest.

He said regional autonomy would create equal political, economic and

social opportunities for its citizens, ensure security of lives and property, offer the people the freedom to choose their leaders at will, promote transparency and accountability as the basis for governance and ignite their collective resolve for cultural renaissance, educational resurgence and social stability.

Famakinwa said the wisdom that had enabled Yoruba to accomplish all these under Awo has not deserted the race. “With 49 million population, Yoruba is more populous than 20 countries in Europe, 41 in Africa, 17 in the Americas, 13 in the Middle east and six in Asia.

“We have the advantage of early exposure to education. Though Yoruba are just about 24 percent of Nigeria’s population, they have, according to some estimates, about 50 percent of Nigerian university graduates, and over 60 percent of Nigeria’s holders of Ph.D degrees; and they are widely thought to be the most literate people on the African continent”, he added.

Famakinwa also alluded to Yoruba’s rich asset in the Diaspora.

They include medical doctors of Yoruba origin, which constitute about 60 percent of Nigerians in Europe and America. Besides, he said Yoruba are urbanised and urbane people, with a sophisticated culture.

They are endowed with considerable competitive capabilities in agriculture, tourism, commerce, industry, services and the professions.

They also possess proven, but yetto-be-harnessed hydrocarbons.

In the pre-colonial period, it was a democratic federal nation of subtribes united by a common language, culture and tradition. In 1914, its identity was ignored by adventurous colonial masters who lumped it together with other ethnic nationalities, in spite of their diversities. “Yoruba found itself in a new country without consultation, input from its natural rulers, agree-

ments that could guide, shape or regulate socio-economic and political relationships and even treaties”, lamented Famakinwa. At independence, the race became part of Nigeria by colonial compulsion. Since then, the journey to this difficult future began.

In Famakinwa’s view, Nigeria is a limiting factor, stressing that too much power at the centre makes the struggle for power to be intense and acrimonious. Besides, the current federal structure fosters monumental corruption, which is a hindrance to progress, making the democratic process to be constantly under threat.

He also painted an awful picture of master-slave relationship in the federation, whereby the federal government has cornered all powers to the detriment of the subservient states. “By 1960, 44 items were on the Exclusive List, while 28 were on the Concurrent List. But the 1999 Constitution has placed 68 items on the Exclusive List while 12 items are on the Concurrent Legislative List.

We now have a single police, centralised national grid for electricity supply forbidding the state from power generation, one appeal and Supreme Court, and abrogation of the right of states to the natural resources found on their soil”, Famakinwa said.

Justifying the call for a cabinet system, Mr Ayo Afolabi, another member of the planning committee, said that the presidential system makes governance very costly and promotes corruption. But more injurious to the national health, in his view, is the revenue allocation formula, which is skewed against development.

The implications for development cannot be lost on the Southwest.

Stressing that the Federal Republic of Nigeria serves no developmental purposes, Famakinwa observed that power insufficiency cannot her-

‘By 1960, 44 items were on the Exclusive List, while 28 were on the Concurrent List. But the 1999 Constitution has placed 68 items on the Exclusive List while 12 items are on the Concurrent Legislative List. We now have a single police, centralised national grid for electricity supply forbidding the states from power generation, one Appeal and Supreme Court, and abrogation of the right of states to the natural resources found on their soil’

ald industrial growth. “Lagos/ Ibadan expressway is now a complete death trap, and so are many other roads in the region. Insecurity of lives and property is a big concern. Rail transportation is now a century backward and funding for developmental projects is in short supply’, he added.

These impediments were ever anticipated at the outset by Yoruba nationalists. As other tribes wobbled on under the dubious, artificial nation, which Obafemi Awolowo aptly described as a mere geographical expression, it was evident that the foundation, which was not erected on equity, could not sustain the gigantic edifice cruelly erected on it by the British interlopers. When Nigeria was on the fast lane to independence, the North cornered its entire machinery of government. “If you want us(the North) to be part of this Nigeria you have in mind, then, we want 50 percent of the membership of the National Assembly”, Sir Ahmadu Bello told the Colonial Secretary in 1952.

The formula, which gave a numerical advantage to the North in the federal parliament, subsists till today. It became the base for political domination.

According to the Yoruba Assembly, a new constitution and restructuring of the polity have become a sine-qua-non for progress, adding that the race would use the platform of the a Conference of all Nationalities in the country for the actualisation of the agenda for a better Nigeria.

Hailing the resolution, the Itsekiri nation, represented at the meeting

by Chief Fred Agbeyegbe and Elder Isaac Jemide, said only a Sovereign National Conference (SNC), where the basis for peaceful co-existence among the ethnic nationalities in the country, can be discussed, is the last hope for Nigeria.

Yoruba outside the Southwest also have their grievances against Nigeria. For Yoruba in Kwara and Kogi, the label of being “Yoruba Northerners” has denied them of their distinct identity and prospects of reintegration with the Southwest.

Their spokesman, Ayo Abereoran, said: “Grouping with the North has separated Yoruba in Kwara and Kogi from their kith and kin is the Southwest and this has retarded the progress and development of Yoruba in those states. State creation have made Okun Yoruba in Kogi and Yoruba in Kwara to become more weakened, despite the fact that Yoruba occupied 12 councils and have the largest population in Kwara State.

“Willinkson Committee recommended that the people of Kabba and Ilorin Provinces can decide whether they can remain in the North or become part of the Southwest. They said they wanted to become part of the west, but it was not implemented. We want self-determination and correction to the geographical imbalance and erroneous boundaries created by Lord Lugard.”

A legal luminary, Chief Niyi Akintola, said Yoruba deserved a fair deal in Nigeria because it had made enormous sacrifices for the nation-state. He said the race had not been an oppressor, adding that it had always stoof on the side of •Continued on page 44

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMB ER 3, 2012

44

POLITICS

‘I warned Agunloye against leaving ACN’

H

ON. Femi Adekanmbi, a onetime candidate for the House of Representatives in Ondo State has seen the rough side of politics. He told the nation at the weekend that he had been kidnapped and shot at several times.

Adekanmbi, a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state, has, however, vowed to put the ordeals behind him and work towards unseating the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olufemi Mimiko of the Labour Party. He claimed that Mimiko had not performed, adding that the ACN candidate, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu would force the governor out of Alagbaka, the Governor’s House in Akure.

“I am no longer a novice in the Ondo state elections. This coming gubernatorial election will not favour the incumbent Governor Mimiko, but the ACN, under Akeredolu who has the potentialities to lead the state to El dorado,” he said.

“I am being wooed to back to the Labour Party I had dumped, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also calling me to come but I refused, seeing the way the two parties are playing politics which is different from that of the civilized ACN. I have been vilified, hunted like an animal but politics is not what is fetching me money; rather, I am spending money on it. I have my business that I use to sustain the family. I don’t make politics a do or die affair. After losing the election, I was advised to go to Court but I said no, I went to church to thank God.” He further said: “ACN is a good party with egg-heads and technocrats.

If you look at Ondo state politics, it is entirely different from the way others are playing politics in Nigeria because the state believes in integrity, and hence, believes in Akeredolu. If you look at the state over the years you will see that the state is not doing well. The performance of the state and local government is below expectation, as the state government has been blowing the trumpets that they are performing, but this is only on paper.

“How would you expect the state government to be building markets and motor parks, which are the primary functions of the local government? Apart from that, Ondo state is a state that believes in one term only .I remember Mimiko was once against the late Baba Ajasin’s second term; he was against Adefarati era; he came to join Dr. Olusegun Agagu, and he once said it on NTA that he was going for only one term. I am attacked by the Labour Party in a daily basis because of my support for a good party, ACN. They are after my life but, for goodness sake, I am not the issue in Ondo state.”

Further narrating his experience in the hands of political thugs, he said: “I was once kidnapped and shot at many times. Not only that, guns and ammunition were also deposited in my compound to frame me up. Recently, Indian hemp was deposited in my compound in Owo in order to cow me and make me kowtow and force me out of politics, yet I remain undeterred,” he continued, adding: “I am in ACN and I have told PDP people that I cannot leave the ACN. I did not join the ACN because of my pocket or what I want to eat. I joined politics because of Ondo State people who are suffering, and it is very important for me to support Akeredolu (Aketi), a former commissioner, an Ondo state man who has an excellent record and also from Owo where the post is zoned to.”

He spoke further on the coming election in the state: “Nobody is really asking Mimiko to come for second term. If you are talking about performance, he has not performed; you cannot tell us that the water fountain construction that was constructed for about N12 to N15 million which is

•Adekanmbi

By Taiwo Abiodun

put for N250 million is right. I am into construction and I know how much this costs. This is when a lot of people are hungry and don’t have jobs in the state and you are talking about water fountain, which is uncalled for.

In Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole created a lot of jobs for youths. He constructed roads and people could see them, but look at Ondo State that has got up to N60 billion and cannot tell us what they did with the money. The Labour Party in Ondo state has made us believe in the government of building market, motor parks and water fountain. What we need in Ondo state is infrastructure - good roads, potable water, good shelter and food. When you see the condition of Ondo state people you feel sad. Each time I go to Ondo state I see people begging for N100 to buy food, this is sad; but I can assure you that ACN has come to solve all these problems and will make sure the state reaches higher heights.”

Speaking on Dr. Olu Agunloye’s defection to the Labour Party, he said: “As at the time Dr. Olu Agunloye was leaving, I gave him my advice that Mimiko would mess him up. You can see what is happening today; he is being messed up. I advised him not to leave our party, ACN. Saka Lawal is a very nice, young man and he is articulate and matured. He has his own mind but since he left we have no choice than to accept. We that are bona fide ACN members are sure that ACN in Ondo state will eventually emerge the winner in October election.

On President Goodluck Jonathan, Adekanmbi argued that Jonathan will eventually be the best president in the country. Jonathan is on that throne not by power but by the grace of God. He has good, wise, bureaucratic people that can perform and working for him. He did not start Nigeria problems, Nigeria problems started long time ago and he has come to assist in putting them right. They cannot be eradicated within one year or two years and these are things we need to know.”

‘ACN is a good party with egg-heads and technocrats. If you look at Ondo State politics, it is entirely different from the way others are playing politics in Nigeria because the state believes in integrity, and hence, believes in Akeredolu. If you look at the state over the years you will see that the state is not doing well’

Yoruba set agenda for national unity, peace •Continued from page 43

equity, justice and fair play. He condemned the recent attack on Yoruba

by Asari Dokubo, an Ijaw from Southsouth, recalling that prominent Yoruba helped him in his time of trouble.

Akintola lamented that Southwest had been severely marginalised, noting that in the critical sectors of banking, industry and stock exchange, it does not play any leading role. He urged the Southwest states to prepare for constitution review, which he said, would come in earnest.

Akinrinade rejected the notion that certain issues are not negotiable in Nigeria. “All matters, including the unity of Nigeria, are negotiable”, adding that the former apostles of non-negotiability in defunct Yugoslavia and Rwanda are today either in jail of facing criminal trials.

“We need to examine the structure of the polity together and make recommendations on how to facilitate the overall economic development of the country and the Southwest zone, in particular. We need to brainstorm about how to make sure that the architecture of governance is designed to strengthen the unity of the country through a constitutional system that favours restoration of regional autonomy that made it possible for our region to create the largest pool of manpower in sub-Sahara Africa half a century ago”, he stressed.

Akinrinade said the Yoruba Assembly was convened to start the process of restoring true federalism with its cornerstone of regional autonomy in our country, adding that “this could be achieved the same way Scotland has, through a peaceful constitutional process, demanded home rule within the framework of the United kingdom.

Today’s Assembly is a family meeting aimed at starting the formal process of demanding the restructuring of the Nigerian federation.

Akinrinade revisited the national question, saying that Yoruba, which traditionally organised its polity along the model of federation since pre-colonial period, has to canvass true federalism because it is most suitable for a country of diverse nations like Nigeria.

He lamented the backwardness in Yorubland, pointing out that most Yoruba children growing up in the Southwest from eighties had come to see life as an experience to endure, rather than enjoy.

He said between 1952 and 1966, when Nigeria operated a federal system, Yoruba enjoyed free education, established the University of ife, created the first television in Africa and developed the best civil service in Africa led by the late Chief Simeon Adebo.

Akinrinade further recalled: “The cruel irony is that the region is now

•Akinrinade

almost fully dependent on revenue from oil and handouts from Abuja.

At independence in 1960, the federal government was taking loans of substantial amounts from the government of Western Nigeria. unfortunately today, the truth is that, apart from Lagos State, our region has become a mendicant region that waits for limited droppings from the table of the federal government in Abuja.

“A distant federal government has become an overlord that has unnecessarily attracted to itself the charges of marginalisation from constituent nationalities. Knowing where we were coming from, it is crystal clear that the absence of functional federalism in the country in the country has exacerbated the decline of Yorubaland”, he added.

Akinrinade allayed the fears of people who think that Sovereign National Conference would lead to war. He said national conference will re-examine the heavy value added tax and punitive duty on imported alcohol collected by the federal government for distribution to all states, including those that banned alcohol, using some dubious calculus.

He said, amid the battle for restructuring, Yoruba should strive to preserve its language and culture as a means of fast-tracking knowledge and development.

Akinrinade also enjoined the Yoruba political class to remove brigandage that accompanies elections in the Southwest to avoid the destruction of lives and property.

Olusi, who endorsed the position of the General Assembly, said: “Those of us from Lagos are from Ile-Ife. Lagos will always follow the Southwest. Oba Adeniji-Adele said Lagos State belongs to the west. We will always belong to Yoruba.

Yoruba has an agenda. The federal structure is oppressing other component units. Yoruba can truly de-

velop under a truly federal Nigeria. That was how Awolowo was able to bring progress to the Southwest”.

Mamora reiterated his call for functional federalism, adding that the current National Assembly lack the power to make a new constitution for Nigeria. he said a separate Constituent Assembly made up of representatives of the people should be saddled with the responsibility.

Akintola supported the above view. He described himself as a Yoruba and Ibadan irredentist, saying : “We must return to Omoluabi concept which is no more in existence in Yorubaland. A Yoruba man was President, but he deferred to nobody. He did not succeed. The marginalisation of Yoruba is real.

Yoruba has lost out in the banking and power sectors. What is happening today could not have happened in the days of Ajasin and Bola Ige. How many yoruba are in the Court of Appeal. Our governors are sleeping. Balarabe Musa and Shehu Sani even cried out that Yoruba is marginalised.

“We need to encourage people like Gani Adams. We must insist that derivation and Value Added Tax must be revisited. As we prepare for constitution review, we must also know that our states in Yorubaland have diversities and different needs. States in the Southwest should have synergy. They should put heads together to construct the Lagos/Ibadan expressway, Benin/Ore Road”.

Bankole supported regional economic integration in the Southwest, assuring that it will not lead to the disintegration of Nigeria. But he cautioned against state police, saying that those in government at the state level are not like the men of the old order who exhibited maturity in their days.

Mrs. Laoye-Tomori said: “We have neglected agriculture in the Southwest. That is why the North is threatening not to bring food to the Southwest. We must return to the farm”.

Oba Fashiku said: “Southwest governors should have Southwest Governors Forum. Enugu was capital of Eastern Region when Ibadan was capital of Western Region.

Enugu is now a state. Why is Ibadan not a state? Ibadan should be a state”.

Adegbuyi, a lawyer, said: “What yoruba needs is self-determination.

When Yoruba was president, did he reconstruct Lagos/Ibadan Expressway? Nigeria must revert to the structures at independence, with minor modifications. We either get Nigeria restructured or Nigeria is ruptured.

“Awolowo succeeded because of the constitutional framework. We want derivation, state police, autonomy. If some people say that they don’t want state police, those of us who want it should have it.”

• Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (second right) flanked by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson (second left), Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Dickson, Mr. Doye Diri, Special Adviser, Political to Bayelsa Governor, Chief Fred Agbedi during their courtesy call on Governor Ajimobi at the GovernPHOTO: OYO STATE GOVERNMENT ment House, Ibadan ... yesterday.

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Kwara giving conflicting figures on council funds, says ACN

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Kwara State chapter, yesterday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government’s claim that it is not tampering with local government funds cannot be trusted.

It said the reason for such doubts is the inconsistent and contradictory figures the government is giving on the alleged shortfall in councils’ allocations.

Kwara ACN Chairman Kayode Olawepo said in a statement in Ilorin that a government, which issues conflicting figures on the same issue cannot be trusted, particularly when the council fund comes to it first before being disbursed to local governments.

“The contradictory statements from the same government make it impossible to trust its claim that it is not deducting the funds meant for the councils.

“We draw the attention of the public to the debate patriotic Kwarans have engaged Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed

in on Twitter. In response to a question by the Kwara Whistleblower, who uses @kwhistleblower handle, and others like @IamDiranEbo and @Kwarason, Ahmed said the shortfall in allocations to the councils from May to July is exactly N1.2 billion.

“But Secretary to the State Government and Information Commissioner said at a press briefing last Wednesday that the shortfall is well over N1.25billion. Who do Kwarans believe between the governor and his men?” he said.

Olawepo added that Ahmed and his men’s refusal to disclose the amount accruing to the councils before and after the reported drop in the federal allocations raises suspicion about the claims of the government.

He described as suspect, government’s statement that the alleged shortfall was due to its failure to pay two months’ salaries, since the oth-

er states affected by the drop in allocation are paying salaries.

The statement reads: “We have watched with attention, the PDP-led government’s lies, double-speak and fruitless efforts to get over public anger about its poor performance and non-payment of salaries, especially those of local government workers.

“Most important is the way the government has been speaking from both sides of the mouth and running from pillar to post to justify that the shortfall in federal allocation, including the one to councils, is the reason it did not pay salaries in time. Before we continue, may we place it on record that the said shortfall affects all states of the federation, but Kwara is the only one clinging on to it to owe workers two months’ salaries. We urge the government to tell the world the real reason it is owing salaries.

“It is instructive that the

governor and his men (who are quick to ascribe their failures to the shortfall) will not divulge the exact amount accruing to the local governments before or after the said shortfall. Kwarans should read between the lines.

“Also, the fact that council fund passes through the state government makes it difficult to believe their claims in the light of the above contradictions, which are just some of the many double-speaks of this government on issues of public concern.”

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HE Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Babagoni Machina, has refuted claims that banks are closing down their branches in the capital, Damaturu.

Machina told reporters in Damaturu that he had met the banks’ representatives, police and commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF). He said the banks assured that they would resume full operations today.

“I’ve met the bank representatives, police commissioner and operatives of the JTF. The police and JTF have assured that security would be tightened around the banks. Banks are secure in the metropolis as most of them are located on the highway where security is tight.

“Our meeting was fruitful.

The banks have assured us that

‘Banks are secure in Damaturu’ From Duku Joel, Damaturu

they would resume full operations today. The police and JTF have also promised the banks protection.

“On our part as a government, we will continue to support the banks in terms of patronage,” Machina said.

Our reporter learnt that most banks in Damaturu are yet to begin operations after the Eid-el-Fitri holidays, while some banks such as the Guaranty Trust Bank and Ecobank have temporarily shut down.

Investigation showed that the banks have posted their workers to Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba states.

Rep urges govt to extend dredging of River Benue A

MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Aishatu Ahmed Binani, has urged the Federal Government to extend the dredging of River Benue to Adamawa State, to prevent flood.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The lawmaker, who is representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency, was speaking at the presentation of relief materials to the flood victims in Yola, the State capital.

A statement from her office reads: “I wish to use this medium to call on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transport to hasten the dredging of River Benue.

“Sometime this year, I sponsored a motion, enjoining the Federal Government to extend the dredging of River Benue to Wuro Bokki in Adamawa State, to prevent flood and improve the economic activities of our people.

“The motion was supported and forwarded to the Ministry of Transport. If this is taken up urgently, it will reduce calamities such as flood.

“I call on the National Emer-

gency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs).

“This is important because life in camps can be difficult with the possibility of the outbreak of communicable diseases.

“I urge the government to look into the plight of the flood victims with a view to helping them.”

Binani enjoined the victims to see the incident as an act of God. She added: “I sympathise with the families who lost their loved ones and valuables worth millions of naira.

We take this as an act of God and pray that he should give us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“We have visited the victims at the camps. We commiserate with them and pray that God should save us from such calamities in future.”

PUBLIC NOTICE Legal FOR THE ATTENTION Of Dada Adekunle Awosika TAKE NOTICE that a Civil Bill has been issued by Eunice Ayodeji Awosika In proceeding entitled record no.1 AN CHUIRT TEAGHLAIGH CHUARDA THE CIRCUIT FAMILY COURT DUBLIN CIRCUIT COUNTY OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN IN THE MATTER OF THE FAMILY LAW (DIVORCE) ACT 1996 AND IN THE MATTER OF THE INTENDED ACTION BETWEEN: EUNICE AYODEJI AWOSIKA APPLICANT AND DADA ADEKUNLE AWOSIKA RESPONDENT FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that you must within 42 days of this advertisement contact the Circuit Court Office at Phoenix House, 15/24 Phoenix Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7 to enter an Appearance.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you do not enter an Appearance the case Will proceed in your absence and Orders will be obtained without further notice to you.

Dated this day of 2012.

Signed: Court Registrar

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MOTORING

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THE NATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 2012

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

Land Rover has revealed the first images of the new Range Rover, which will make its public debut at the Paris motor show at the end of the month, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with agency addition.

•Range rover

The new Range Rover T

HE use of an all-aluminium monologue body structure makes the Range Rover the first SUV to use such technology, which borrows techniques developed by Jaguar for the XJ saloon.

The result is that the luxury SUV is up to 420kg lighter than the model it replaces, suggesting a kerb weight of about 2.4 tons and what Land Rover describes as a “transformation” in fuel economy and Co2 emissions, as well as enhanced performance and agility.

Range Rover has taken the wraps off its latest model, which continues the tradition of combining onroad luxury with off-road performance.

The new model will be the fourth all-new Range Rover since it was introduced in 1970, and features a sleeker treatment of the nose, with the headlights and grille reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque. At the rear it, retains its split tailgate.

“Designing the next generation Range Rover, following over 40 years of success, came with a huge responsibility to protect the DNA of such an icon,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer.

“Our design team worked incredibly hard to capture the elegant proportions and pure surfaces which have been a feature of the best Range Rover designs.”

The latest Range Rover features an aluminium front and rear subframes as well as “completely re-engineered” air suspension, which is said to retain the car’s ex-

cellent ride quality while removing some of the body roll in cornering and improving steering feel.

Land Rover Global Brand Director, John Edwards, said: “The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability. However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.”

As ever, the Range Rover promises to be a capable off-roader, and features Land Rover’s Terrain Response System, which analyses driving conditions and sets up the vehicle accordingly. It will also maintain its position as a luxury vehicle, with features such as “acoustic lamination” of the glass to reduce noise levels, as well as an extensive list of options. Those in the back will also find that legroom has improved (by 118mm).

As standard the back seats take the form of a three-seater bench, although customers can upgrade to a two-seater “Executive Class” option.

Engine options consist of a supercharged V8 petrol or V6 and V8 turbocharged diesels. Land Rover is yet to release any details of fuel economy, emissions or prices, but expect the range to start from about £70,000 when order books opens this month. The first cars are expected to be delivered to customers early next year.

•Interior of the car

Ford builds 350-millionth vehicle

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HE Ford Focus is now the best selling car in the world and the one you see here is the 350millionth Ford to be produced.

Imagine a line of cars stretching all the way to the moon and back twice.

That’s exactly what you’d achieve if you defied gravity and stacked every single Ford ever made into a straight line.

The Blue Oval has just celebrated the production of its 350-millionth vehicle, which is the equivalent of having built one car every 10 seconds for the last 109 years.

Founded in 1903, Ford led the mass production game with its Model T Ford but surprisingly, as much as 300million of the total tally was only

•Ford Focus

produced in the last 60 years.

To mark the occasion, Ford made sure that its 350-millionth vehicle was a Ford Focus, which has just become the worlds’ best selling

passenger car.

According to global data from IHS Automotive, the 489 616 Focuses were sold in the first six months of this year, its nearest rival being the Toyota Corolla at 462 187.

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MOTORING

FRSC educates The Nation drivers on safety M ANAGEMENT of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation has partnered the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to enlighten its drivers on safety tips.

The seminar was held at the board room for two days.

FRSC Corp Marshall Osita Chidoka used the opportunity to thank management of The Nation for the coverage given to the corps activities.

The Nation, Chidoka noted, stands out among other newspapers on road safety awareness.

Osita was represented by the Commission Assistant Corps Commander, Lagos State Command Sulaiman Oseni.

Oseni, the Sector Head (Training, Standard and Certification) said the training is part of ongoing public education to enlighten the drivers.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

“We have established cordial relationship with The Nation for a long time. The company has played key role in assisting the commission to publicise its campaign on road safety. The Corp Marshall is indeed grateful to the management. No doubt, The Nation stands out in the coverage of our activities,” he said.

According to him, there is an urgent need to improve quality of the drivers plying the roads and corporate organisations are not exempted.

“That is why the commission is moving from enforcement to public education; we strongly believe if drivers have the skill required, accidents will reduce on the highways.”

Considering the hazard of the profession, Oseni said drivers working in media houses need to be better

•Oseni listening to one of the drivers during the interactive session

equipment for the onerous task.

Issues discussed include driving technique, road signs and markings, vehicle maintenance, executive protection driving skills, causes, effects and prevention of Road Traffic Clash (RTC).

He enjoined them to display positive traits on the roads and be model for other drivers.

Oseni expressed optimism that the drivers would help educate their fellow road users to reduce accidents, especially during the ‘Ember months.’

Vintage Press Limited General Manager, Training and Development Mr Soji Omotunde thanked FRSC on behalf of the management for the seminar.

PHOTO: GBENGA KUTELU

Omotunde urged the drivers to put into practice lessons derived from the two-day seminar.

“Let these skills show in your attitude on the road; your behaviour, action and performance must reflect professionalism. We do not want accidents anymore because of loss of lives involved and material losses,” he said.

Drivers ogling pedestrians cause one million crashes yearly

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RIVERS ogling pedestrians cause nearly one million crashes in Britain every year, new figures have shown.

Figures show distracted motorists cause an average of 2,525 crashes every day - the equivalent of 921,840 per year.

Researchers found drivers crash their cars into lampposts or shunt other vehicles more in the summer when men and women are wearing less clothing.

A study of 2,142 drivers found 60 per cent of men admitted being distracted

by attractive women while 12 per cent of women said they took their eyes off the road to leer at good looking men.

And 21 per cent of drivers also admitted that advertising billboards featuring pictures of perfect models were also a major distraction on the road.

Insurance company Direct Line discovered 17 per cent of male drivers admitted knowing their actions were dangerous but said they “could not help but look”.

Spokesman Matt Owen said:

“Stealing a quick look at an attractive pedestrian or billboard model may well be a bit of fun but, on a serious note, drivers should not underestimate that this type of distraction is a major contributing factor in road accidents.

“The number of crashes caused in this way have not changed year on year so drivers obviously are not learning to keep their eyes on the road.”

Between 2008 and 2009, 921,840 drivers across Britain admitted crashing because they were distracted by a member of the

Group, VIO, partner on road safety

A

RTISANS, Peasants, and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN) has organised a seminar to educate its members on road safety.

The programme, which has the theme Use Road, Safe Life saw officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Traffic section of Nigerian Police Force (NPF) educate the gathering.

APTAN National Officer Mr Munirudeen Adekunle, lamented the increasing loss of lives to accidents.

He called for caution among road users.

APTAN, he said, is worried over the continuous disregard for road safety measures.

“We cannot continue watching commuters involved in avoidable accidents due to negligence on the part of road users. This event is to complement the effort of FRSC, VIO, LASTMA and other bodies tackling the problems on our roads,” he said.

FRSC Assistant Corps Commander,

By Wasiu Adeyemi

Lagos State Command Sulaiman Oseni said FRSC has adopted zero tolerance on recklessness by road users.

Oseni, the Sector Head (Training, Standard and Certification) reiterated the corps committment to the United Nations policy on road safety.

He said: “We have improved ways of responding to emergency in case of road accidents. The response time now is less than 10 minutes. We are going round to enlighten the public on defensive driving technique. As a road user, you should consider others as potential dangers that have to be avoided.

“The road accident now is drastically reduced. FRSC is committed to zero tolerance on road accidents. Until we get to that level we are not going to rest on our oars.”

VIO Head of Operation III Mr Adebayo Olusoji, in his lecture, highlighted various causes of road accidents and how to avoid them.

He urged all road users and other organisations to support Lagos State government on the new traffic Laws.

Olusoji told the participants the need

to obey all existing traffic laws and road signs to avoid road accidents.

“The road users should know that parts of causes of road accidents are overspeeding, drunk driving, running road sign, overloading and design defects. These are major road signs which have to be observed: Informatory, warning, prohibitory, regulatory, mandatory, and traffic signs. People need to obey all these for road safety,” he said.

A cleric at the event, Ustadh Qamarudeen Bello, urged government at various levels to safeguard the lives of people on the roads.

Bello said LASTMA government should emulate the practice in advanced countries on the provision of good roads and prompt response to road accidents.

He cautioned drivers on dangerous driving as this may cause loss of lives.

“The government needs to educate the people on the need to protect lives on our roads. Islam lays much emphasis on safety of lives to the extent that penalty for manslaughter is valued at N29 million while the punishment for deliberate killing is death,” he said.

opposite sex.

Driver Martyn Beard, 32, from Tipton, West Mids., wrote off his Ford Fiesta last July when he ogled a girl outside a pub.

He said: “I was on my way into Birmingham when I saw this lovely looking blonde girl standing on the side of the road.

“She was outside a pub wearing pretty much next to nothing.

“I couldn’t take my eyes off her; she had the classic long legs and lovely figure.”

“My concentration drifted and

suddenly I realised I was about to crash into the car in front. I slammed on my brakes and this bloke when into the back of me. It wasn’t too bad though and when I told him what had happened he actually saw the funny side of it. But I was gutted the girl didn’t come and check if I was okay, she just walked off and I was stuck swapping insurance details with this big hairy bloke instead.

“The insurance paid out because the man went into the back of me but I did feel partially responsible for causing the crash.”

C

Motorists urged to shun hooliganism

OMMERCIAL bus conductors in Lagos State have been urged to shun all acts of hooliganism and other social vices that could portray them as miscreants in the society.

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mrs. Olusola Oworu, gave the advise at the inauguration of new executives of Bus Conductor Association of Nigeria, (BCAN) in Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos.

Mrs Oworu, represented by Mr Tunde Dauda, said the state is working to ensure all commuters’ associations are reformed and rebranded to meet the mega city status.

“But for this laudable effort to materialise, there is need for you (bus conductors in Lagos State) to desist from all acts of hooliganism, thuggerry and other social vices,” she said.

Lagos, she said, is ready to train all artisans in the state, including members of BCAN, adding that over 400 trades and artisan associations have been registered in the state.

“I can assure you that the Lagos State government is not planning to wipe out bus conductors in the state. Rather,

we (the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) are happy to work with you.

We will regulate your activities, provide you with useful information through your association and also, empower you through our skill acquisition programmes and vocational training,” she said.

National President of BCAN Isreal Adeshola, urged all members present to pay their taxes.

This, Adeshola said, is for them to show gratitude for the recognition given their profession by the Lagos State government.

He enjoined them to conduct themselves properly in their daily activities to earn respect they deserve from the public.

The newly executives include, Chairman, Saliu Amure, Coordinator, Don Macaulay, General Secretary, Fatai Daudu, and the Task Force officers, Tajudeen Shittu.

SAFETY DRIVING

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ITHOUT any iota of doubt, the establishment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in Lagos State has transformed traffic management. You can imagine what the traffic situation will look like if there is no LASTMA in Lagos State. It is unimaginable.

However, for the efforts of the state government to yield the desired results, the excesses of the LASTMA officials must be effectively and completely curbed.

The rate of corruption among some LASTMA officials is embarrassing and counterproductive.

Whether or not the cases of Ikotun and Lekki LASTMA officials that

LASTMA and unholy pursuits were crushed by vehicles were rightly reported, I have personally witnessed several occasions where LASTMA officials physically pursued and dangerously hung on to moving vehicles.

There was an occasion when I had to warn an Official to desist from risking his life through unnecessary pursuit of erring motorists. It is crude and risky. At the end of the risks, some of these officials ended up collecting money from the motorists while only very few cases ended up in their yards.

Some LASTMA officials receive extra salaries from commercial vehicle operators. Hence the boldness of the

drivers of commercial vehicles to ply prohibited lanes with impunity.

It is expedient for the operation of LASTMA to be improved and computerised. If a vehicle violates the traffic law and it cannot be stopped or refuse to stop, take the registration number and book such a vehicle for future arrest and extra penalty instead of pursuing the vehicle thus causing accident or traffic snarl.

In the recruitment of LASTMA officials, educational background is very important and they should also be exposed to regular capac-

ity building programmes to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.

Plain cloth officers and certified volunteers should also be used to further curb the excesses of the LASTMA officials.

LASTMA should be well funded and never be given revenue target. It will surely be counterproductive like the bankers and PHCN target system.

LASTMA is doing pretty well but there is still need for some attitudinal changes to enhance the accomplishment of the objectives of its establishment.

Jide Owatunmise •Registrar/Chief Executive Owatunmise is the Professional Driving and Safety Academy

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NEWS Tanker fire kills two in Suleja From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

TWO persons were yesterday burnt beyond recognition by fire from a petrol tanker that fell and went up in flames at Maje in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident, which occurred near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot in Diko, also affected some passersby who were injured.

Many of the victims were taken to the UniAbuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada where they are receiving treatment.

Twenty-eight shops and many residential buildings were destroyed.

Consoling the families of the victims yesterday, the Chairman of Suleja Local Government, Yunusa Adamu, expressed shock over the inferno and appealed to the victims to take heart. He said he would do everything possible to ensure that petrol tankers are banned from plying the community routes.

He promised to liaise with the Niger State Government to prevent future occurrence.

300 animals die in Katsina THREE hundred sheep and goats have died in Majen Gobir village, Rimi Local Government, Katsina State, following an outbreak of diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the diseases, suspected to be tuberculosis, respiratory infection and liver diseases, affected the village last week.

Malam Muhammad Da’u, whose animals were infected with the diseases, said the epidemic led to the death of over 300 sheep and goats.

He said: “As a result of the outbreak, only one of my 22 goats and sheep survived.”

•The burnt tanker... yesterday

One killed in Abuja crash ONE person has been confirmed dead and several others injured in a crash involving 12 vehicles on the Karu-Nyanya Expressway in Abuja at the weekend.

The Enlightenment Officer, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Bisi Kazeem, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the accident occurred about 3pm on Saturday, resulting in traffic jam.

NAN learnt that the victims were taken to the Asokoro General Hospital for treatment.

A nurse on duty, who pleaded for anonymity, said two victims were on admission, adding that the others had been treated and discharged.

UNILORIN: Contestant sues VC, Jonathan

O •Some of the affected buildings

Boko Haram kills police sergeant, two civilians M EN suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect at the weekend allegedly killed a police sergeant (name withheld) and two civilians at New Marte in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Divisional Police Unit and the Cocin Church as well as the quarters of the Unit Commandant of the Nigerian Army were also allegedly razed.

Five vehicles parked on the premises of the police station were reportedly vandalised.

From Joseph Abiodun Maiduguri

Our reporters learnt that some of the terrorists came in three Golf saloon cars.

Others rode on eight motorcycles. They shot sporadically into the air, making the residents to run for safety.

An eyewitness who escaped from the scene of the attack alleged that the suspected Boko Haram men overpowered the police and other security agents as they

ran out of arms and ammunition during the four-hour battle.

He said the security agents alerted their colleagues at the Monguno Military Barracks, asking for assistance. But due to communication problem, the terrorists had an upper hand and left before the arrival of additional troops.

The remains of the police sergeant have been deposited in the mortuary of a hospital in Maiduguri.

Attempts to get an official confirmation of the attack was futile as police spokesman Gideon Jibrin’s line was not accessible.

But a senior security officer who does not want his name in the print told our reporter that there was an attack at New Marte at the weekend by men suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect. He said they killed a police officer and two civilians and razed buildings.

According to him, normalcy has returned to the area.

Kano appoints VC, principal officers for varsity

K

ANO State Government has ratified the appointment of Prof.

Dato Mohd. Razali Bin Agus as the first substantive ViceChancellor of the stateowned North West University.

Agus, until his appointment, was the Vice-Chancellor/Chief Executive, Twintech International College of Technology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Also appointed were

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Faruk M. ‘Yanganau, Registrar and Sunusi Nassarawa, Librarian. Yusuf Isa is to serve as the Bursar.

Receiving the new principal officers in his office, Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso urged them to be steadfast in nurturing the university to an enviable standard in Nigeria and beyond.

He said though the task of

managing a new tertiary institution was challenging, he was confident that the principal officers would live up to expectation, considering their past achievements.

He thanked the chairman and members of the Implementation Committee of the university for doing a good job and hoped that they would continue to partner the new management to achieve the desired goals.

The Chairman of the

Implementation Committee, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, told the governor that the principal officers were recruited after assessments and interviews.

He noted that with men of their calibre, the university would begin its activities on a sound footing.

Prof. Agus, who spoke on behalf of the newly-appointed officers, promised to work toward the development of the university.

NE of the contestants to the seat of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Rasheed Ijaodola, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Ilorin, challenging the selection of Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali as the VC designate.

Ambali was selected by the UNILORIN council in July and the selection was approved by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, expires on October 15.

Prof Ijaodola along with some other contestants cried foul about the modus operandi of Ambali’s emergence.

In an originating summons filed at the Federal High Court, Ilorin, the claimant sued the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Governing Council, UNILORIN, Prof. Ambali, Alhaji Saka Saadu, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Education, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), other council members, Oloyede and four candidates who were selected for interview during the exercise.

In some of the 17-relief backed by a 54-paragraph affidavit, the law professor is seeking “a declaration that the short-listing, selection and appointment of Prof. Ambali as the new Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN is irregular, improper, unlawful, null and void.

Beniseed distributed to Benue, Nasarawa farmers From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi THE Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Makurdi zonal office, has distributed improved sesame seeds otherwise known as beniseed to Benue and Nasarawa farmers, to increase its promotion in the country.

NEPC’s Controller in charge of Makurdi zonal office, Mr. William Ezeagu, who spoke in the Benue State capital, said the programme involved registered farmers under the aegis of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), adding that each was given bags of improved seeds, depending on the farm size.

He said after the production of the commodity, the council made arrangement with the buyers to buy the produce at the end of three months, thereby guaranteeing farmers’ easy market access.

Ezeagu said there is a high demand for sesame seed by overseas buyers, noting that the programme is meant to take advantage of the opportunity to become big time farmers, as Nigeria at present produces about 200,000 metric tones of sesame annually.

Baptists meet The monthly meeting of Itesiwaju Baptist Association holds today at 6:30pm at Araba Baptist Church, Ilasamaja, Lagos.

It will be presided over by the moderator, Rev. Gbenga Ojo of Araba Baptist Church and consultant, Rev. Femi Ajayi of Victoryland Baptist Church, Isolo, Lagos. Issues affecting the association and member-churches will be discussed.

54

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

62nd KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING.

T

oday Wednesday 29th August, 2012 (11TH Shawwal, 1433 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its Sixty Second (62nd) sitting in continuation with sequence of previous sittings during which important

policy issues and programmes that positively impact on the quality of lives of our citizenry were deliberated.

Importantly, in Sixty One (61) sittings the present administration approved a capital expenditure of over N201 billion of which N449,215,017.04 was approved for the execution of 20 projects by the Council during its most recent 61stn sitting as follows;

Main Highlights of the 61st Sitting are: 1. N177,080,083.52 as funds to facilitate for the renovation of existing structures at GTC Wudil.

2. N70,182,486.44 as funds to facilitate for the renovation of seriously dilapidated structures at GGAC Gwaron Dutse Gwale LGCA. 3. N33,390,000.00 as funds to facilitate for the clearance of drainage in Farm Center Kano metropolis.

4. N28,500,000.00 as funds to facilitate for continuation to completion of the construction of the WRECA Headquarters building at Gwaron Dutse along Aminu Kano way.

5. N21,669,880.00 as funds to facilitate for the beautification of Kwankwasiyya Bandirawo and Amana Cities with model city avenue trees and protecting them.

6. N18,054,000.00 as funds to facilitate for the transfer/installation of two (2) package plants from old Watari water treatment plant (WTP) to Gari and Tomas WTP’s.

7. N17,548,171.32 as funds needed to renovate existing structures at GSS Chiromawa, Garun Malam LGCA. 8. N16,071,928.08 as funds needed for the construction of one block of four (4) classrooms and two (2) offices Kwankwasiyya type at GJSS Badawa Unguwar Gaya in Nassarawa LGCA. 9. N16,071,927.08 as funds to facilitate for the construction of one block of four (4) classrooms and two (2) Kwankwasiyya type offices at School for Arabic Studies (SAS).

10. N14,893,759.33 as funds to facilitate for the construction and equipping of a library and a media center at Kano State Scholarship Board.

11. N11,763,450.00 as funds to facilitate for the implementation of short term measures/installation and commissioning of four (4) 1650KVA electricity generators at the new Tamburawa water treatment plant (WTP).

12. N9,176,944.09 as funds to facilitate for the execution of some community based projects in Gwale and Kumbotso LGCAs. 13. N8,583,200.00 as funds to facilitate for sponsoring Twenty Nine (29) Kano State indigenous candidates admitted into the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) skills training center Maitama Abuja.

14. N3,690,000.00 as funds to facilitate for the payment of sitting allowances for members of the Committee on the establishment of Kano Driving Institute.

15. N690,000.00 as funds to facilitate for operational cost for the Committee on Local Government/State Joint Projects.

16. N680,000.00 as funds to facilitate for the payment of sitting allowances for members of the standing Committee on Kano Free Trade Zone.

17. N669,000.00 as funds to enable participation of Kano State contingents at the 8th National Council on tourism, Culture and National Orientation holding in Ilorin Kwara State (22nd – 24th August, 2012).

18. N350,000.00 to facilitate for operational cost for the Committee on the verification of qualification/suitability of teaching staff at the State tertiary Institutions.

19. N150,000.00 to facilitate for support in respect of five (5) blind students studying at the Nigerian Farm craft center for the blind/Siterin-Olofin, Lagos State.

Today, Council sitting was presided over by the Governor Engr. RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO FNSE during which 37 memoranda were submitted by 13 MDAs for deliberation by the Council. An expenditure of N1,459,701,133.27 covering 32 projects was approved for execution by the Council. Thus: 1. Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The Office submitted memoranda for consideration by the Council as follows: a. Request for funds to facilitate for the settlement of Sitting Allowances for Members of the Committee on Revival of Horse Riding and Provision of Official Vehicle for the Smooth running of the activities of the Committee: Contents of this memorandum acquainted the Council of the fact that the referred Committee has a total of nine (9) members Eight (8) of which are entitled to N30,000.00 sitting allowance per month (i.e. N30,000.00 * 3 = N90,000.00).

And, N90,000.00 * 8 = N720,000.00 while the Chairman is entitled to N50,000.00 per month (i.e.` N50,000.00 * 3 = N150,000.00). The total sum required for payment of the allowances for the nine (9) members is equal to N870,000.00. So, Council noted, considered and approved. b. Request for funds to facilitate for the Placement of Enlightenment Programmes on major Policies of the present Administration: Contents of this memorandum intimated the sitting of the fact that funds are required for utilisation every quarter for various enlightenment programmes in the State ranging from Radio and Television programmes, documentaries, special features, media discussion, interviews and placement of advertorials. The requested sum of N45,000,000.00 was approved for release to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to facilitate for the referred purpose. c) Request for funds to facilitate for the payment of outstanding allowances for the 44 Local Government Council Areas CRC Committee members covering (June, 2011 to July,2012) as well as provision of Operational Vehicles: Attention of the Council was politely drawn, by contents of this memorandum, to the request by the Kano State Community Reorientation Committee (CRC) for funds to facilitate for the payment of outstanding allowances for Fourteen (14) months (June, 2011 to July, 2012) I. Local Government CRC Chairman.

II. CRC Secretaries.

III. Twenty (20) members.

In each month the total money owed is N250,000.00 per Local Government which accumulated to N250,000.00 * 14 = N3,500,000.00 per Local Government. This translates to the grand total sum of N3,500,000.00 * 44 = N154,000,000.

So, the request is for the Council to approve for the release of outstanding allowances and N11,000,000.00 (standing monthly approval for allowances) = N165,000,000.00 Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to facilitate for the stated purposes. d) Submission of progress report by the Committee for the establishment of Kano Film Academy: Council was appropriately reminded, by contents of this memorandum of having constituted a coordinating Committee for the establishment of Kano Film Academy in the State under the coordination of Alhaji Bello I. Danmaisoro. Progress achieved by the Committee were presented as summarised in nine (9) items which the Council noted, considered and approved for the following: I. The Committee is to pay a 4-day working visit to NEXIM Bank Headquarters Abuja in order to initiate/facilitate discussion on support package for the immediate take off of the academy.

II. The initiation of E-mail correspondence between the Kano Film Academy and New York Academy to establish areas of collaboration, pending the possibil-

ity of paying exchange visit by the two industries.

III. That the management of Nigerian Film corporation along with relevant state holders to visit Kano for exploring areas of collaboration.

IV. That the Committee should provide details pertaining to the comprehensive publicity programmes on the proposal academy for Government consideration.

V. That the temporary site for the Academy be located at Murtala Muhammad Library (Informatics site) whenever the Informatics Institute moves to its permanent site.

VI. That the Committee should provide detailed requirements for the opening of the Academy’s website. e) Request for provision of office accommodation, operational vehicles and funds to facilitate for the effective discharge of the duties assigned to the Committee on Animal Traction Programme: Contents of this memorandum politely requested for the considerate Council to approve for the release of the sum of N1,629,500.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to facilitate for the stated purpose in respect of the Committee on Animal Traction in view of the significance of the services rendered. g) Presentation of progress report from the State Cultural Development Committee and request for the release of funds to facilitate for the Payment of the sitting allowances of the members (March - August,2011) : Council was politely reminded by contents of this memorandum, of the inauguration of the referred Committee on the 15th March, 2012 charged with the responsibility of facilitating a broad and culturally relevant policy framework for the sociocultural development of the State and mandated to also articulate, promote and coordinate cultural activities in the State which have the potential of providing employment opportunities to the citizens of the State. Contents of this memorandum went further to state that the Committee has since swung into action by subdividing itself into six (6) sub-Committees – viz.: cultural policy sub-Committee, cultural organisations and activities sub-committee, cultural heritage and preservation sub-committee, cultural co-operation and projects sub-committee. Cultural promotion through media programmes and education curricular sub-committee, and funding sub-committee. The report presented details on the responsibilities of each sub-committee as well as highlights on the stake holder’s forum organised by the committee. So, the committee requested for the Council to consider and approve for the release of the sum of N1,560,000.00 to facilitate for the payment of the sitting allowances for its eight (8) members including the chairman for six (6) months (March – August,2012). Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to facilitate for the stated purpose. h) Request for funds to facilitate for the procurement of requirements for the empowerment scheme named waste to wealth: The attentive Council was politely reminded, by Contents of this memorandum, on its deliberations on the report of the 3-day workshop on waste to wealth at its sitting of Wednesday 4th July, 2012. At that sitting, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and the Director NGO’s were instructed to propose a site for the empowerment programme. Nevertheless, contents of this memorandum maintain that there are other requirements for the scheme pertaining to the beneficiaries which need to be addressed as requested by the NGO’s as follows: I. Provision of: • Ten (10) sets of recycling machines N200,000.00 • Ten (10) crushers N4,000,000.00 II. Provision of 300KVA electricity generator set.

III. Provision of safety kit and first aid materials.

IV. Enacting of monitoring and supervision Committee under the Office of the Director NGO’s to monitor the progress of the project if implemented.

Council noted, considered and approved for the under listed: I. The Ministry of Health to provide the required safety kits as well as the first aid materials to the training.

II. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to provide the required 300KVA electricity generator.

III. The appointment of a monitoring Committee by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to assess the progress of the project implementation.

IV. The release of the sum of N4,000,000.00 as trimmed down funds for the procurement of the recycling machines, crushers and blenders as highlighted above.

2. Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Request for funds to settle arrears of monthly allowance for seven (7) categories of staff engaged on temporary basis at the Kiru Reformatory Institute: Council was abundantly notified, by contents of this memorandum, that sequel to the procurement and supply of workshop materials for carpentry, tailoring, metal work, office record, gymnastics e.t.c. to the Kiru reformatory institute. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development deemed it imperative to engage the services of essential/professional staff to manage these fields. As such, the Ministry requested the considerate Council for the release of the sum of the total sum of N2,065,000.00 to facilitate for the payment of seven (7) categories of temporarily engaged staff – thus: I. Carpentry instructor N30,000.00 per month II. Welding instructor N30,000.00 per month III. Tailoring instructor N30,000.00 per month IV. Gymnastics N25,000.00 per month V. Record officer N20,000.00 per month VI. Eight watchmen N15,000.00 * 8 = N120,000.00 VII.Four attendants/cleaners/messengers = N40,000.00 Total monthly allowance for Fifteen (15) staff = N295,000.00 which accumulated to 7 * N295,000.00 = N2,065,000.00 in seven (7) months. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to facilitate for the stated purpose.

3. Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Two (2) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry for consideration.Thus: a. Request for funds to facilitate for the Graduation Ceremony of the 3rd batch of trainees on animal traction under Kano Farm Mechanisation Institute to be facilitated by KNARDA: The referred graduation ceremony is a routine activity as maintained by contents of this memorandum, normally being held after trainees graduate. This is the 3rd time for which Council approved for the release of the requested sum of N3,122,750.00 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to enable KNARDA facilitate for the 3rd graduation ceremony of the trainees on animal traction- Thus: I. N1,918,000.00 Passing and Ceremony.

II. 1,204,750.00 Media Coverage (ARTV, NTA, PRINT) TOTAL = N3,122,750.00 b. Request for funds to facilitate for the Construction of a Poultry Pen and additional toilets cubicles at the Kano Poultry Institute Tukwui: The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources requested, through contents of the memorandum, for the release of the aggregate sum of N20,157,992.65 to facilitate for the construction of a Poultry pen and ten (10) additional toilet cubicles for the convenience of students at the Kano Poultry Institute. Council noted,

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to undertake the stated projects at the Kano State Poultry Institute as one among the twenty (20) such institutes created by the present administration to provide skill acquisition and empowerment opportunities for our teeming youth.

4. Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health submitted three (3) memoranda as follows: a. Request for funds to facilitate for the Procurement/Repairs of X-RAY Machines and Lead Lining Works at seven (7) selected Hospital in the State: The Ministry of Health politely alerted, through contents of this memorandum, the responsive Council of the vital need for the procurement/provision and/or repairs of X-RAY machines and/or Lead Lining works at seven (7) selected hospitals in the State (i.e Kabo, Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Gaya, Hasiya Bayero, Doguwa, Danbatta and Rogo). Thus:

As such, the aggregate sum of N32,513,885.00 was requested for release by the Council to the Ministry of Health to facilitate for the referred projects as only the first phase of similar projects proposal to cover the entire thirty four (34) Government owned Hospitals in the State.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Health to undertake the stated project so as to improve the seriously negative situation affecting the smooth running of the Hospitals. a. Request for funds to facilitate for the training of Proprietors/Medical Directors of Private hospitals on Data Collection, analysis and transmission to the State HMIS for policy and decision making: Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the sum of N1,282,991.20, as requested by contents of this memorandum, to the Ministry of Health to facilitate for the referred training in view of its relevance. Accurate data generation and keeping on new and reoccurring diseases and other vital health indices is paramount. Availability of such records guides Government intervention in the health sector more meaningfully and in accordance with national guidelines. b. Convergence of appreciation/commendation letters from four (4) training health institutions to his Excellency Governor RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO FNSE: Council appreciatively acknowledged conveyance of the referred letters, as maintained by contents of this memorandum, by the Ministry of Health. The referred commendation/appreciation letters were from the schools of Nursing, Health Technology, Midwifery Kano and Dambatta and Umaru Ringim Anestesia Training complex dedicated to the Governor Engr. Dr RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO FNSE for his numerous efforts in transforming the schools and the entire health sector of the State within the record-breaking period of one year.

Notably, the special attention accorded the schools during the first year of the second tenure of the incumbent administration range through the under listed amongst others: I. Construction of new hostel block, equipping and furnishing at school of midwifery Dambatta.

II. Renting, equipping and furnishing of hostel at school of midwifery Dambatta.

III. Provision of classroom furniture (desks and chairs) to schools of Nursing Kano and Midwifery Danbatta.

IV. Supply of textbooks, practical/demonstration materials, equipment/ instruments and reagents/stock solutions to schools of Nursing, Midwifery Kano and Danbatta.

V. Renovation/conversion works at schools of Nursing, Midwifery Kano and Danbatta.

VI. Payment of accreditation fees for the schools.

VII.Supply of dental equipment/instruments and renovation of toilets at school Health Technology Kano.

Again, contents of this memorandum maintained that efforts of the present administration ensured excellent performance of the schools during the recent accreditation exercise conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the Dental Therapist Registration Board of Nigeria on May/July 2012 respectively. These accreditation visitations translated into the lifting of the suspension of two courses (Dental surgery assistant and Dental health technicians) at the school of Health Technology. In fact, the accreditation terms acknowledge our schools as the best in the North-West region presently. So, management students and the entire Ministry of Health extend their profound gratitude, appreciation and prayers to the present administration under the leadership of Engr. RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012 c. Submission on the need to establish HIV/AIDS Response Mechanism: The Ministry of Health conveyed a summary of the report presented by the Honorable Commissioner for Woman Affairs and Social Development on her return from a seminar organized by the first Lady of the Federation under the Theme “prevention of the transmission of HIV/AIDS from Mother To Child”.

The main issue as highlighted in the report on which UNAIDS indicated readiness to fund the programme for a better and healthy society.

Now, the meaning of the Response Mechanism was intimated to the responsive Council by the Honorable Commissioner of Health asI. The establishment of an HIV/AIDS agency.

II. The establishment of HIV/AIDS Agency.

III. The establishment of HIV/AIDS program development project 2 (HPDP2) and a team with members to be constituted and communicated to the National Agency for control of AIDS (NACA).

To qualify for UNAIDS funding SACA must have a work plan for HPD2 which must have been approved by NACA and World Bank and it is from among such approved work plans that the USAIDS can fund some of the programmes (on the work plan) NACA and the concerned SACAS. Contents of this memorandum submitted an endorsed statement that the Ministry of Health is already working towards establishing the SACA administration for the HPD2. Council noted and awaits the actualization of the claims of the endorsed statement.

5. Ministry of Education.

Two (2) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Education for deliberation by the Council-Thus: a. Request for the release of funds to facilitate for the conduct of the 2012 school for Arabic Studies (SAS) Entrance Examinations and Interviews: Contents of this memorandum intimated the attentive Council of the fact that SAS admits students from the 19 Northern States, Abuja and the Abia center from the Southern part of the country. As such, befitting entrance examinations and interviews are conducted annually for which the Ministry of Education requested for the Council to approve release of the sum of N945,000.00.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release for the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Education to enable SAS conduct the stated examinations. b. Request for funds to facilitate for the purchase of Jamb forms (UTME/ DE) and revival of admission Committee drive for Kano State Students The Ministry of Education requested for the release of the sum of N9,200,000.00 for the purchase of 2000 JAMB forms (UTME/DE) for distribution free of charge to deserving students in the state. Council noted, considered and approved for release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry Education to facilitate for the stated purchase as usual since it is a gesture of rewarding meritorious performance by state indigenous students of the state 6. Ministry of Environment.

The Ministry of Environment submitted three (3) memoranda for consideration by the Council as follows: a. Presentation of monthly report on the state environmental Sanitation exercise: Council was presented with the report on the monthly environmental exercise conducted for the month of July, 2012 by the Committee enacted to organize, monitor and supervise the conduct of the sanitation exercise with a view to ensuring compliance by all and sundry for the exercise to be more effective.

Nevertheless, the Committee sub-divided itself into two sub groups to ensure wider/comprehensive coverage. Team A was under the chairmanship of the Honorable Commissioner Ministry of Environment while team B was chaired

by Permanent Secretary of the same Ministry. However, the report presented highlights on findings on the sanitation exercise conducted on Friday 27th July, 2012 at Government and Business premises and Saturday 28 th July, 2012 general sanitation. A summary of twenty one (21) findings on the exercise conducted on the first day (Friday) was presented to the Council while eight (8) findings were presented for the second day (saturday). The Committee concluded its report by proffering (12) recommendations to the Government which the Council noted. b) Submission of a Proposal and request for funds to conduct a one-week tree planting activity by dignitaries: The aggregate sum of N24,697,650.00 was requested for release by the Council to the Ministry of Environment by contents of this memorandum to enable the conduct of a one week tree planting activity by dignitaries to mark the reintroduction of comprehensive desertification control initiative in the State.

The programme is designed as pilot to be replicated across the 44 Local Government Council Areas in subsequent years. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Environment to undertake the referred activity. Thus:

c) Request for revalidation of Financial Support for the conduct of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise: Contents of this memorandum adequately reminded the Council of its approval for the release of the sum of N3,200,000.00 as monthly allocation for the period of six months (February to July 2012) for the purchase of diesel and facilitation for logistic. This fund is exhausted making the Ministry of Environment to request for the revalidation of the approval to cover for the period (August to December 2012).

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Environment to enable the facilitation of the stated purchase.

7. Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism.

The sum of N192,000.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Commerce as requested by contents of this memorandum to facilitate for the payment of allowances in respect of ten (10) security personnel at Daula Hotel for the Month of May 2012 as their entitlements for having conducted their assignment for the month of May prior to the signing of the handover agreement between the State Government and Merrs. MAS-MENSON for the partnership on the renovation of Daula Hotel and Kano State Institute for Hospitality and Tourism. Accordingly, contents of this memorandum maintain that, the company has taken over the Hotel and is now responsible for the entire and needed security of the site effective from 1st July 2012.

8. Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.

Seven (7) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for deliberation by the Council as follows: a. Request for funds to facilitate for the payment of three (3) months allowances of three batches (1,2,3) of traffic Assistants for the months of July to August: Contents of this memorandum requested the Council to approve for the release of the sum of N16,748,800.00 to enable the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport effect payment of three months allowances (July to August, 2012) for batches 1,2 and 3 traffic assistants. These youths were engaged to help in reducing the wanton abuse of traffic rules and regulations especially by motorcycle operators and provide them with employment opportunity. So far, the services rendered by this timely intervention are welcome. And, Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to facilitate for the payment of the

55 referred allowances.

appraisal of the MDA’s on this import aspect.

b. Request for funds to facilitate for the construction of 2-bedrooms and Zaure, under the model Village Programme at Warawa, Kunchi and Makoda: Responding to the Executive directive given on the 18th 2012, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport presented a re-examined picture on the issue. The programme is scheduled to commence with Warawa, Kunchi and Makoda villages in the state as a pilot scheme.

Acting on instructions, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation proposed a befitting design consisting of two bedroom, and Zaure bungalow and prepared estimate for labor and material in the sum of N738,570.00 per house (i.e N738,570.00 * 100 = N73,857,000.00) for 100 houses.

10. Office of the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner for Local Government.

Request for funds to facilitate for the conduct of the first Kano Niger Republic Trade and Investment Scheme: Contents of this memorandum adequately reminded the Council of the resolution between the State Government and Niger Republic on the Trade and investment summit to be organised and staged in Kano to address issues mitigating smooth operations of cross border trade between Kano State and the Niger Republic.

So, Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N5,000,000.00 to the office of the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner Ministry for Local Government to facilitate for the conduct of the referred summit.

c. Request for funds to facilitate for the requirements for the final takeoff of the Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA): Relevance of the creation of KAROTA was emphasized to the attentive Council by contents of this memorandum that the agency is aimed at introducing a dynamic traffic management system and strategies, as well as, coordinating and regulating the transportation system in the state. It is clear that the existing various organizations presently charged with the responsibility of supervising and regulating the transportation sector are not performing to expectations.

KAROTA, in any case, requires proper provision of operational tools and equipment as well as relevant number and quality of personnel for successful take-off.

As such, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for approval of the release of the aggregate sum of N57,020,000.00 by Council to undertake the provision of the operational tools and equipment while the procurement of operational and official vehicles can be processed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government-thus: I. Three (3) saloon cars for the Managing Director, Deputy Managing and the Agency’s Secretary/legal Adviser.

II. Ten (10) operational Toyota Hilux vehicles.

III. Two (2) towing trucks (40 tons).

IV. Five (5) towing vans (10 t0ns

11. Ministry for Higher Education.

This Ministry submitted four (4) memoranda for consideration by the Council as follows: a. Request for funds to facilitate for the execution of some projects at Aminu Kano College of Islamic Legal Studies in order to satisfy accreditation requirements pending the commencement of NCE Programme: The Ministry of Higher Education politely reminded the attentive Council through contents of this memorandum of the outcome of the most recent accreditation visitation of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (N.C.E) to the College on which they intend to follow-up in order to verify and ascertain compliance with their directives on the provision of some basic necessities pending the commencement of the N.C.E Programme at the College. Such includes:

I. Approval for the release of the requested sum of N72,020,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to facilitate for the provision of operational tools and equipment for the take-off of KAROTA. II. Directed the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to process for the procurement and allocation of the requested official and operational vehicles to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for use by functionaries of KAROTA. III. Directed the Office of the Head of Civil service to look into the likelihood of deploying/employing the required number and quality of personnel to KAROTA. d. Request for funds to facilitate for the re-construction of Kofar Naisa City Gate in sandcrete blocks.

Kofar Na’isa City Gate is among the coveted monuments of Kano State and is in deploration condition, as maintained by contents of this memorandum, In fact, complete demolition, redesign, and reconstruction are required to restore the edifice of historical relevance to the State. So, Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N12,374,843.80 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to execute the project of re-designing and reconstructing the Kofar Na’isa Gate using sandcrete blocks. e. Request for funds to facilitate for the construction of a cafeteria hall to serve North-West University temporary siteat Ado Bayero House: Contents of this memorandum amply informed the Council of the need to construct a befitting cafeteria at the temporary site of the North-West University pending its final movement to the permanent site. Council noted, considered relevance of the project and approved for the release of the requested sum of N52,468,325.98 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to expedite action on the stated project. f . Request for funds to facilitate for the construction of a 1,789m (perimeter) wall fence at the State Mobile Police Headquarters, Kano.

Unhesitatingly, the concerned Council approved for the release of the requested sum of N54,274,050.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to execute the construction of the wall fence at the State mobile Police Headquarters, Kano in order to enhance security measures under the present challenges in the country. This is among the cardinal resolutions of the present administration. g. Request for funds to facilitate for the construction of office block with store and toilet cubicle at the premises of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption commission: The sum of N13,409,586.26 was approved for release by the Council as requested through contents of this memorandum, to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to undertake the stated project and could be financed under code 140107 of the 2012 approved budget.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the request sum of money to the Ministry to the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Transport to undertake the stated project and directed the Ministry of Planning and Budget to issue authority to incur expenditure expedition (AIE) to the Ministry of Works as recommended by the Office of the secretary to the Government. h. Submission on the need for the release of Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE) from the Ministry of Planning and Budget: Attention of the Council was drawn, by contents of the memorandum to the need for the release of the Authority Planning and budget to enable the task force committee on the repairs and rehabilitation of street and traffic lights from NITEL Training CENTER TO inec round about and from Dawakin Kudu.

The committee has already mobilized to site for commencement of the projects but had to stop due to reasons connected to the exhaustion of funds from the budget code as a result of other vital similar projects whereby the committee even incurred over – expenditure. So, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for the Council to approve for the issuance of AIE by the Ministry of Budget and planning to the tune of N178,598,701.20 . Council noted, considered and directed the Ministry of Planning and Budget to issue the AIE on the sum of money requested to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the continuation of the stated project.

9. Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

Presentation of First (1 st) quarter (January to March, 2012) report on Revenue Collection: Contents of this memorandum politely reminded the Council of the fact that: I. Internal revenue generation is one of the priorities of the present administration and its importance is not only to execute capital projects but also to fund other components of the annual budget such as personnel cost, overhead cost, and other programmes.

II. Recurrent revenue is composed of internally generated revenue receivable through the Federation account. While the State Government has control over internally generated revenue (IGR) by formulating and implementing policies that have direct bearing on locally generated revenue, revenue acquiring through the Federation Account is determined by a nationally approved revenue sharing formula and other economic indices. So, the attentive Council was further intimated of the under listed: a. That the sum of N24,993,623,573.89 was collected as total recurrent revenue during the first quarter of 2012 fiscal year representing 44.9% of the approved target of N55,572,881,047.00. The total collection composed of N19,780,795,359.80 or 79.14% as revenue received from the Federation Account and N5,212,828,214.00 or 20.86% as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). b. That the performance of Internally Generated Revenue is generally below expectation as most MDA’s scored less than 50% of the expected due to their low performance in revenue collection efforts during the period reported upon.

The concerned Council noted, considered and directed thatAll revenue acquiring (generating) MDA’s should put extra efforts in revenue collection.

The Ministry of Finance to present progressive monthly report on revenue generation to the State Executive Council as a guiding document for performance

Importantly, items I and II are construction works to be awarded contractually while items III to VI are to be undertaken by the College. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N199,880,778.08 to the Ministry of Higher Education to enable the execution of the stated projects at the Aminu Kano College of Islamic Legal Studies pending the commencement of NCE programme at the College. a. Request for funds to facilitate for the purchase of JAMB forms (UTME/DE) and revival of Admission Committee Drive for Kano State Students: The Ministry of Higher Education requested for the release of the sum of N9,200,000.00 for the purchase of 2000 Jamb forms (UTME/DE) for distribution free of charge to deserving students in the State. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Education to facilitate for the stated purpose as usual since it is a gesture of rewarding meritorious performance by state indigenous students of the State. b. Request for funds to facilitate for the purchase/installation of library furniture and working tools/stationeries at North-West University Kano: The Ministry of Higher Education requested for the release of the sum of N115,573,128.30 by the Council to enable the facilitation of the purchase and installation of library furniture and working tools/stationeries at North-West University Kano. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to take Ministry of Higher Education to execute the project for the take-off of academic activities at the referred university. c. Request for funds for the supply of laboratory furniture. Equipment and chemicals to the North-West University: To actualise the commencement of academic activities of the North-West University Kano is among the priorities of the present administration. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N312,885,628.00 to the Ministry of Higher Education for the purchase and supply of laboratory furniture, equipment and chemicals to the North-West University Kano.

12. Ministry of Planning and Budget.

Request for funds to facilitate for access to the 2012 State Track Conditional Grant scheme under the Debt Relief Gains managed by the Officer of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (ossap-mdg’s): The Council approved for the release of the sum of N600,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Planning and Budget for onward payment in to the Kano State 2012 State track conditional grants account (GCA) as 50% of N1,200,000,000.00. This is to ensure that all conditions set were fulfilled to access the funds like other states of the federation. This window really provides an avenue for the State to leverage funds for other equally demanding projects as well as carry out development projects that are in tandem with the Governments policy trust. The breakdown of the application of the funds submitted to OSSAP-MDG’s is as follows: I. Water sector – N405,087,049.19 Provision of multiple borehole based water supply scheme at 5 locations.

Tube well based water supply scheme at 2 locations.

II. Health sector – N391,606,926.00 Construction of fully equipped Primary Health centers at 6 locations.

III. Agriculture sector – N373,307,025.00 Animal traction and mechanized farming.

Dairy production.

Bull fattening.

Ram fattening Rabbit production and processing.

Importantly, N600,000,000.00 will be granted as 50% counter funding by the OSSAP-MDG’s while the state grants N600,000,000.00 for the funds to total up to N1,200,000,000.00.

13. Ministry of Finance.

Request funds to facilitate for the payment of outstanding tax liabilities to federal inland revenue: The sum of N25,000,000.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Finance to facilitate for the payment of outstanding tax liabilities to the Federal Inland Revenue in accordance to the details forwarded by contents of the memorandum.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES 1. Council acknowledged the signing of the agreement between the Kano State Government and embassy Between the Kano State Government and embassy of the Republic of China for the establishment of a Chinese language study institute in Kano State.

2. Two renowned institutes presented Merit awards on excellent performance on services provided by the Kano State Government as headed by the incumbent, Gov. RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO. i. Nigerian Institute of Town Planners. ii. Air force Institute of Technology Kaduna.

3) 501 Kano State Indigenous candidates were approved for final selection of undergraduates to undergo postgraduate courses at various oversea universities.

Signed: Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture

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FOREIGN Hague: Heathrow election promise will stand OREIGN Secretary William Hague has ruled out a change of Government policy on a third runway at Heathrow, as reports emerged of plans for a new four-runway airport which could be submitted as a solution to the aviation capacity crisis.

Speaking to Sky News’ Dermott Murnaghan, Mr Hague said the Government did not intend to break its election promise about not building a third runway.

“That’s not something that this Government, this Coalition, will be doing,” he said.

“It’s important to make the right decision about this and study all the options.

“We said very specifically we would not be (building a third runway). Because a runway or an airport takes such a long time, this does not have an immediate effect on the economic situation now and our airport capacity now, but there are others things which do have an effect.”

Campaign puts Obama in touch with life outside bubble

•Obama

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RESIDENT Obama has begun nearly every outside-the-Beltway appearance since taking office with a derisive nod to his place of work.

“It’s good to be out of Washington,” he tells the crowd, inevitably getting some laughs. He goes on to explain that it’s not the people who live here so much as the dysfunctional politics and the thick walls, high fences, and men and women with guns who protect him, sealing him off from ordinary

people who could be giving him even better advice than he receives now.

A look at what he and his allies need to do and say to win over voters next week.

So now, this famously insular president is spending an increasing amount of time outside the White House, trying to burst out of his Washington bubble and reconnect with the country.

Although he maintains the same tight circle within the White House, he is paying increasing attention to what supporters tell him on the campaign trail and to bloggers, writers and longform journalists who vary in their political outlook from the left to center.

He is using the new information to animate stump speeches — criticized by some supporters in the past as too much about himself — and to prod his communications team to sharpen the arguments for his reelection.

The often-secret briefing

books, which he plows through one after another, now often include some of his open-source favorites from the Internet. As a result, the mix of influences helping guide the president through the campaign’s final phase is suddenly more eclectic and real-world than it has been since perhaps his last race.

“We’re in a much different process .?.?. because he is traveling so much,” said a senior administration official, describing how Obama is receiving information and the way it is influencing him.

This adviser — who like others declined to be identified by name in order to pull the curtain back slightly on Obama’s personal habits on the trail — said the increased contact with voters has proved to be like “the 10 letters on steroids,” referring to the handpicked sampling of constituent concerns that

Obama reads each evening.

“It’s not the campaigning, per se,” the senior administration official said. “But when he can talk to people out on the trail it makes him better at his job.”

Although planned to the minute and choreographed for the media, presidentwith-real-person encounters often produce a kind of detail otherwise unavailable to the president. And Obama, who leads Republican nominee Mitt Romney in “likability” by nearly 40 percentage points, has often used what he hears.

In mid-August, during a meeting about education

policy at the campaign’s Chicago headquarters, Obama told his senior advisers about a visit he had with a geometry teacher in Scranton, Pa., months earlier.

According to a senior administration official, Obama said the teacher told him that a recent jump in class size of about 30 percent had translated into his having 30 percent less time to give individual help to students who needed it. “That’s the kind of real-life effect class size has,” he told advisers, according to the senior official. “And a real way of explaining the importance of ensuring [to voters] that class size does not rise.

Man arrested after gun attack

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33-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died in a gun and grenade attack.

The body of David Short, 46, was found at his house in Clayton, Manchester on August 10 after police responded to reports of gunfire.

Less than 10 minutes after Mr Short’s body was discovered in Folkestone Road East, Greater Manchester Police received reports that shots had been fired at a second property, in Luke Road, Droylsden, where detectives say there was also a grenade blast.

No one was injured in the

second incident.

Armed officers arrested a man in a park near the junction of Herne Street and Newton Close in Openshaw, police said.

Assistant chief constable Steve Heywood said: “Since David’s tragic death, we have had armed officers on patrol in the north Manchester and Tameside areas to both reassure our communities and as part of our determination to ensure those responsible for David’s death are brought to justice.

“Today, those same officers were on patrol in the Openshaw area and attended at a local park and made an arrest in connection with David’s death.”

British man, son drown in Majorca

A •A member of the Syrian security forces inspecting the wreckage of a vehicle in Al-Mehdi Street in the Abu Remmaneh district of Damascus as Syrian state TV reported twin bombings near security service buildings in the capital...yesterday. Four people were PHOTO: AFP injured.

New Jersey teenager killed in bus

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NEW Jersey teenager was killed when his head hit a highway overpass after he apparently stuck it out of a party bus near the George Washington Bridge, which connects Manhattan with New Jersey over the Hudson River.

Daniel Fernandez, a 16year-old resident of Sayreville, died Friday evening on his way to a sweet 16 party, according to Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman.

He was on the top level of a double-decker bus when he

apparently stuck his head out of an emergency hatch in the roof, Coleman said.

His head then struck the underside of an overpass, he said.

Emergency vehicles surround the white bus, right, involved in Friday’s accident.

The incident occurred after the New Jersey-bound bus departed Queens, New York — loaded with 65 teenagers — and had just crossed the George Washington Bridge.

Off-duty emergency medical technician Leon Tyrone McKivor, 52, said he ap-

proached the scene to offer his assistance and escorted worried parents to a nearby police station where their children were waiting.

“One individual had on a blood soaked shirt that he refused to take off until police insisted that he change,” McKivor told CNN. “A number of other individuals had blood all over them, as well.”

McKivor said he tried to console Fernandez’s mother.

“She was just crying and crying and hugging me and thanking me,” he said.

The horrific scene left several party-goers stunned, according to multiple posts on social media.

“Sitting here with your blood on my foot wishing this was all a bad dream,” tweeted teenage party-goer Vicky Budz. “Can’t sleep with you on my mind cause the more time goes on the more its settling in.”

News of the incident spread quickly via the microblogging site Twitter, with over 500 tweets to the staystrongdan hashtag within a few hours of the accident.

N6.1b Sim card registration: House report indicts NCC

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HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) may have to refund verified unspent fund allocated to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration, it was learnt at the weekend.

The lawmakers justified the removal of N1 billion proposed for SIM card registration in this year’s Budget by NCC. The lawmakers also spoke of a plan to sponsor a bill aimed at revolutionising national security communication system.

The telecommunications

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

regulatory body was also accused of laxity in project execution contrary to its budget proposals.

Speaking at an interactive session with reporters in Abuja, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communications, Usman Bawa, representing the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Kaduna said investigation by the sub-committee on SIM card registration showed some contradictions in the application of the N6.1b allocated to

the programme.

He said there was no basis for the telecommunications regulatory body to be directly involved in the exercise as telecommucations service providers have carried out about 80 per cent of the registration of subscribers.

“If you ask me, the NCC has no business in the SIM card registration. This is not the only country where such exercise is taking place. Apart from that, our investigation has shown the service providers have done about 80 percent of the registration because

they started well before the NCC. “To me, for the regulatory body to be involved in the registration is a duplication of effort and a waste of resources and time. Even with the manner with which the bill for the N6.1b was passed, as I was told, showed that there was more to it than meet the eyes.”

Bawa, who also chaired the sub-committee on SIM card registration disclosed that the sub-committee has concluded its investigation and that the report would be submitted after two-month recess.

BRITISH man and his seven-year-old son have drowned off the coast of Majorca.

The father died as he tried to rescue his son swept out to sea by a huge wave at a small deserted cove called Cala Antena, near the resort of Calas de Mallorca, in the south-east of the Spanish island.

The tragedy was witnessed by the boy’s horrified mother and two sisters from the shore.

The mother ran screaming for help, and lifeguards from a nearby hotel tried to rescue the two holidaymakers but could do nothing to save them.

The pair were named locally as George, 28, and Louis, seven, but there were conflicting reports about their surname.

Witnesses said they saw the father shouting for help from the sea, waving his arms in the air.

The tragedy happened in a cove called Cala Antena According to one local report, he had been taking photos of his son by the rocks shortly before the tragedy, which happened at around 11am on Saturday.

It was raining lightly and a red flag was flying on the beach warning bathers not to enter the water.

Nigeria, Iran to partner on power

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HE Federal Government and Islamic Republic of Iran have agreed to partner in electricity supply, agriculture, science and education.

This position was reached at a bilateral meeting between Vice President Namadi Sambo and President Mhamoud Ahmadinejad of Iran at the 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran.

The Vice President, according to a statement by his media aide, Mr. Umar Sani said that to realise the decisions taken at the summit, the level of development in the country calls for partnership so that both countries can realise their developmental objectives.

He said though there are

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Iranian companies in the country, Nigeria needs more cooperation with Iran to enable her attend its developmental goals especially in the power sector.

Sambo expressed the concern of the Federal Government over the eviction notice given to the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, noting that despite the fact that Nigeria has acquired the property since 1994, three people have come forward in 2006 to lay claim to the property.

He used the occasion to highlight what the country has done so far in building both thermal and hydro power projects as well as other projects in agriculture.

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FOREIGN Pakistan ‘Qu’ran plot’ imam remanded in blasphemy case

Obama rallies in Iowa on ‘Road to Charlotte’ tour

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RESIDENT Obama began his “Road to Charlotte” tour before 10,000 people here on Saturday, kicking off a string of events that will bring him right up to his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night.

“There’s a reason for me to begin the journey here in Iowa, where it first began more than four years ago,” Obama said, reminding Iowans that it was a victory at the state’s caucuses in 2008 that set him on his path to the presidency. “And it will be you, Iowa, who choose the path we take from here.”

Beginning what will surely be several days spent rebutting the messages of last week’s Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, the president took his opponent to task for offering “rerun” policies “better suited for the last century.”

“If you didn’t DVR it, let me recap it for you,” Obama said of the Republican’s convention.

“Everything’s bad. It’s Obama’s fault, and Governor Romney is the only one who knows the secret to creating jobs and growing the economy. That was the pitch. There was a lot of talk about hard truths and bold

choices, but nobody ever actually bothered to tell you what they were.”

As an alternative, Obama touted successes in cutting taxes, expanding health care, improving education, creating green energy jobs and saving the auto industry to lay out the choice facing voters in November.

“This Thursday night I’ll offer you what I believe is a better path forward,” Obama said. “A path that grows this economy, creates more good jobs, strengthens the middle class, and the good news is you get to choose which path we take.”

Obama campaign press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the president was working on the speech aboard the morning flight to Iowa.

For the first time on the stump, the president also picked up a line of attack that his campaign began shortly after GOP nominee Mitt Romney finished his acceptance speech late Thursday night.

“This November you get to decide the future of this war in Afghanistan,” Obama told the crowd. “Governor Romney had nothing to say

about Afghanistan last week, let alone offer a plan for the 33,000 troops who will have come home from the war by the end of this month.”

The Obama campaign pointed out this omission from Romney’s speech in a statement released just hours after Romney left the stage in Tampa, and continued the attack in e-mails and a web video released Friday morning.

Some conservative writers also criticized the GOP nominee for not mentioning U.S. troops fighting abroad in his acceptance speech Thursday night.

In a move reminiscent of the president’s rock star status as an upstart candidate in 2008, Saturday’s campaign event also featured performances by indie rock band The National and former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell before the president arrived.

Responding to the president’s speech, Romney spokesman Ryan Williams said that Obama may have “dubbed this trip the ‘Road to Charlotte’ but his policies have taken us on a road to declining incomes, higher unemployment and more uncertainty for the middle class.”

•Chishti

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PAKISTANI imam has been remanded in custody, accused of planting pages of the Koran among burnt pages in the bag of a Christian girl held for

A

Sunday.

Earlier Sunday, St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister told CNN the water level at the lock has been reduced “tremendously” since Saturday night, and “We feel a lot better.”

But forecasters still predict the Pearl to crest Monday at 19.5 feet, more than five feet above flood stage. That will result in “major flooding” of at least two subdivisions near the banks and threaten areas in the southeastern corner of the parish, according to the National Weather Service.

The remains of Isaac drifted over the Ohio River valley on Sunday, bringing stormy weather from Nashville, Tennessee, to Indianapolis.

The remnants of Isaac, meanwhile, moved to the northeast on Sunday after scattering much-needed rain on parts of the lower Mid-

west. But the system skirted most of the Midwestern and Plains states, where this year’s drought is the worst.

“Certainly, it helped some locations in our far eastern counties in Oklahoma, but there was very little beneficial rain,” said Pete Snyder, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Tulsa.

Nearly all of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas fall under the worst two drought categories. Isaac dumped heavy rain across southern Arkansas last week, with some flooding reported around Little Rock and Pine Bluff. But the northwestern city of Fayetteville, which is nearly 11 inches below its normal rainfall totals for the year, got just over an inch, Snyder said.

Flood warnings remained posted for parts of two north-

at a maximum-security prison by a further two weeks.

Her father has said he fears for his daughter’s life and for the safety of his family. He has called on Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to pardon her.

Rimsha’s parents have been taken into protective custody following threats, and many other Christian families have fled the neighbourhood.

Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws are often used to settle personal vendettas, correspondents say.

Last year two leading politicians were assassinated after speaking out against the legislation.

Afghan police recruits’ training halted after attacks on NATO

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HE US says it is suspending training for new recruits to the Afghan local police (ALP) while checks are carried out on possible ties to the Taliban.

The move follows a series of incidents in which foreign troops have been killed by Afghan soldiers or policemen.

The suspension of training - which only applies to new

Failing lock threatens Louisiana homes UTHORITIES dropped a mandatory evacuation order Sunday for neighborhoods threatened by a strained lock on a southeast Louisiana canal, but still recommended people stay away.

“As there is still a potential threat, even though reduced, a voluntary evacuation remains in place until the Army Corps of Engineers deems the lock stable and safe,” the president and sheriff of St. Tammany Parish announced late Sunday morning. “Please stay vigilant.”

The lock authorities feared would fail was on a manmade canal that juts off the Pearl River, along the Mississippi state line. The river has been swollen by rain from last week’s Hurricane Isaac, forcing authorities to relieve pressure on the structure by releasing water Saturday and

blasphemy.

The girl was detained two weeks ago near the capital Islamabad after an angry mob demanded she be punished.

Prosecutors say Imam Khalid Chishti will himself face charges of blasphemy.

The girl, named as Rimsha, is said to be about 14 and to have learning difficulties.

Imam Khalid Chishti allegedly told a witness, after tampering with the girl’s bag, that this was a “way of getting rid of Christians”, a prosecutor said.

The case has sparked international condemnation.

Earlier this week, a court extended Rimsha’s detention

eastern Arkansas counties along the Cache River on Sunday. Parts of Missouri and Illinois saw up to six inches of rain Saturday, and the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning early Sunday for portions of southern Illinois.

Isaac is blamed for at least 19 deaths in Haiti and at least four more in Louisiana and Mississippi after making landfall last week as a Category 1 hurricane — on the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina — near the mouth of the Mississippi River.

The storm posed the first real test to New Orleans following a $14.5 billion federal effort to reconstruct the city’s flood control system after it failed during Katrina in 2005.

Katrina killed nearly 1,800 people, most when the storm overwhelmed the levee system and flooded the city.

ALP recruits - will allow US special operations forces to “re-vet” current ALP forces.

US special forces currently have around 1,000 Afghan local police trainees.

“While we have full trust and confidence in our Afghan partners, we believe this is a necessary step to validate our vetting process and ensure the quality indicative of Afghan local police,” Col Thomas Collins, spokesperson for US forces in Afghanistan, said in a statement.

The suspension of training would be “temporary”, according to Col Collins, adding: “Despite the recent rise in insider attacks, they are relatively rare among SOF [Special Operations Forces]partnered forces.”

An existing eight-step vetting programme will be made more rigorous, officials say.

The number of counter-intelligence teams will be increased and there will be greater vetting when Afghan soldiers return from leave.

The sale of Afghan army and police uniforms will be

made illegal.

Military guidelines on vetting have sometimes not been followed in the past for fear of slowing the growth of the Afghan security forces, officials told the Washington Post.

Operations by forces already trained would continue, as would the recruitment of new trainees, US Special Operations Forces spokesman Lt Col John Harrell told the Associated Press.

There are currently 16,380 members of the ALP. The Afghan army and national police, trained by Nato, are unaffected by the suspension. The training of Afghan special forces will also continue.

On average, 7,000 Afghan soldiers and 3,700 Afghan police graduate from training every month.

The ALP is a relatively new force, introduced to improve security in some of the most remote parts of the country, the BBC’s Quentin Sommerville in Kabul reports.

Couple missing after girl found alone on boat OLICE are searching for a couple last seen on a boat in Norfolk, after a 13-year-old girl was found on board alone.

The alarm was raised late on Saturday afternoon after a member of the public realised a hire boat had not been returned.

Police found the boat moored to a tree near Salhouse Little Broad and the girl was found unharmed on board.

She spent the evening in police custody and is expected to be spoken to by specially-trained officers later today.

P

The boat has been recovered and returned to a boat yard at Horning where it will be examined.

Police are still searching the water near Salhouse Broad Officers are continuing their search of the water along a mile-long stretch of the river near the Hoveton area from Salhouse Broad to Wroxham Broad.

Enquiries are on-going to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to establish the whereabouts of the 13-yearold girl’s parents.

Non-aligned countries urged HE Federal Governto keep peace ment has urged the

T •From left: Chief Executive Officer, Yakubu Gowon Foundation (YGF), Mr. Dan Tenshak; member, Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Dio Lamul and Chairman, Mikang Local Government, Mr. Isah Kungwai, at the inauguration of Yakubu Gowon Foundation Community Learning Centre in Mikang Local Government, Plateau State...yesterday.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to maintain its capacity and relevance as agent for greater cohesion amongst states and be more robust in addressing the challenges of today and the future.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, who represented President Goodluck

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Jonathan at the 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran, Islamic Rpublic of Iran, stated this today, during the meeting of Heads of State and Government of the NAM.

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTMBER 3, 2012

NEWS

CPC condemns N3.2b UN House revival bill • Says it is a waste of money

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HE Congress for Progress Change (CPC) yesterday condemned the Federal Government’s decision to spend N3.2 billion to rebuild the bombed United Nations (UN) House in Abuja.

The CPC, in a statement in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin, said the UN House is insured and should be rebuild by the insurance company.

The statement reads: “The Congress for Progress Change (CPC) received the news of the Federal Government’s offer to rebuild the bombed United Nations (UN), Building in Abuja with ambivalent feelings.

“While we understand the feeling of anguish and colossal loss that the bombed facility caused to lives and property, it is our belief that, before embarking on this expensive venture, there is the need to ascertain the appropriateness of this expenditure. Indeed, in its worldwide operations, UN has a comprehensive Insurance policy for its buildings and a separate insurance for terrorism! This is why we see the offer by the Federal Government to spend money on what was already provided for by the UN as totally wrong-headed and preposterous.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

“The September 11, 2001 terrorist acts in the US ensured that the different sectors of the economy got a fresh elixir in national preparedness. Indeed, a legal framework for Terrorism Risk Insurance was laid with the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) of 2002.

“On the expiration of the TRIA in 2005, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Programme Re-authorisation Act 2007 extended the TRIA through December 31, 2014. In today’s Nigeria, terrorism is an uninsurable risk despite the national challenges posed by increased wave of terrorism with attendant wanton destruction to lives and property.

“This vintage knee-jack response to National challenges by the Jonathan regime has made it imperative for certain questions to be asked: • Was the proposed expenditure of N3.2Billion included in the 2012 appropriation act?

• If not, is it not a ground for impeachment for an administration with the penchant for implementing unbudgeted Projects?

• Is this another subterfuge for concealing one of the corruption-laden expenditures of the Jonathan regime?

• With the daunting secu-

•Gen. Muhammadu Buhari

rity challenges, what is the effort being made for providing the legal framework for Terrorism Risk Insurance in Nigeria?

“It is our belief that true Nationhood can evolve through a structured, cohesive, and leadership-cantered agenda of growth. The practice of designing policy to suit the whims and caprices of the helmsman at any instantaneous time is unsustainable. We wholeheartedly reject this wrong-headed show of magnanimity by the Jonathan-led Federal Government.”

‘Foreign investors express interest in Nigerian lottery’ • Body generates N3.2b in three years

T

HE Director-General of the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr. Peter Igho, has said foreign firms want to invest in the industry.

Igho, who spoke in Abuja yesterday while featuring at a forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the lottery sector has been sanitised to make it more attractive to investors.

He said the licence fee for lottery operators was increased from N10 million to N50 million in 2009, adding that a massive media campaign was carried out to sensitise the people on the renewed sanity in the industry.

He said lottery had a new and positive image in Nigeria in spite of the seemingly huge licence fee and that the new image informed the new investors’ confidence in the system.

He said: “And the word has gone round the world that now on ground in Nigeria, with a population of 150 million people, we now have serious regulator that is bringing sanity to the industry; that is clearly making a difference and ensuring that there is transparency and integrity.

“That is music to the ears of lottery operators around the world. And in the last few months, we have attracted investments from Russia; we have attracted investors from Romania, Sweden only last week, from Israel, from South Africa, from all over the world people are now coming to show interests.

“In spite of the so-called security challenges that people are talking about, I am receiving guests, stakeholders who want to come and invest in this country. That shows that Nigeria has potential for investment.’’

According to him, once the enabling environment of transparency and integrity is created, investors will always know that Nigeria is the place to be.

Igho said that NLRC had created a level playing ground for all, adding that prospective investors must come “with clean hands’’.

He said potential foreign investors must have Nigerian partners and provide such partners technical assistance.

The NLRC boss called on Nigerians to uphold integrity and transparency as a way of gaining investors’ confidence.

NLRC was established in 2005 to issue licenses and permits, set standards, guidelines, rules and promote transparency, integrity in the business of lottery in Nigeria.

Igho said the commission generated N3.2 billion for government since 2009.

He said lottery was capable of generating N350 billion “because it is an area where many people do not understand what it is about.’’

The commission boss said proceeds from lottery in the country had helped to fight desertification and sponsored many people to pilgrimages.

Igho cited the Havard and Yale universities in the U.S. as institutions built with proceeds from lotteries after the Catholic Church got permission to operate them.

He added that 800 million pounds, being proceeds from lottery, was used to fund athletes in the just concluded London Olympics, while it was a veritable source of funds to government in Morocco.

“Playing lottery is like donating to a good course because part of the proceeds is spent on charity,’’ he said.

The Commission has directed the stoppage of unsolicited lottery text messages on cell phones, Igho also said yesterday. He said the commission had the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Communication Commission to enforce the directive.

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

61

SPORT EXTRA

I never give up, says Oparanozie

D

ESIRE OPARANOZIE spends a lot of time off the ground, as is only to be expected of one of the best headers of the ball at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup 2012.

And no matter how much the Nigeria attacker is buffeted by opposition defenders or how acrobatically she tries to reach the ball, she always manages to land on her feet.

She also manages to keep her feet firmly on the ground metaphorically, a useful trait when she has to deal with disappointment, such as in the recent quarter-final against Mexico.

"I missed a hatful of chances. I know I did, and I'm really annoyed with myself," she said to FIFA.com. "I needed to score to know that all my hard work was actually worth something and that I'd contributed something to the team.

"At the end of the day if I've created a lot of chances for myself and we lose, I don't feel like I've helped the team – the opposite in fact."

Despite being her own harshest critic, the centre-forward certainly did help her team against Mexico. Her extra-time goal, which as you would expect came from a header, sent the Falconets into the semi-finals, where they will take on USA, as well as repaying the faith shown in her by the rest of the Nigerian camp.

"I felt under a certain amount of pressure, but it was of my own making – no-one else was putting any pressure on me," said the striker, who grew up idolising local legend Mercy Akide and who now admires Abby Wambach and Wayne Rooney.

"When I missed those chances and when I made a few wrong decisions, the coach and my teammates kept telling me to keep my chin up, to put it behind me and that the next chance would come along soon. When the ball finally went in, I could hardly believe it! The goal was just reward for their encouragement because it got them into the semifinal."

Making sacrifices Where plenty of other forwards would have become impatient, Oparanozie maintained her focus and assumed her responsibilities.

"When you've got the experience of playing in the full international team, you have a duty not to get carried away and to help your team-mates to keep calm," said Oparanozie, who represented her country at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup

2008, the U-20 equivalent in 2010 and at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011.

"I never give up, and that's an important aspect of my character," she said of her neversay-die attitude against Mexico, even when it looked as if the Nigerians were on the way out.

"When you have an objective, you need to give it all you've got all the time, and never give up until you've achieved what you set out to do. That applies to football and to life in general."

In the short term, Oparanozie's main aim is to help her country put things right after their failure to reach this year's Women's Olympic Football Tournament.

"People around the country expect a lot of us, particularly after what happened with the Olympic Tournament," said the striker, who is also studying Business and Management to ensure that she has a career path to follow once she hangs up her boots.

"We didn't even take part and the whole country was in mourning after that," she continued. "I'm one of the players who has most to say and when things start looking difficult, I tell the others that we can't afford to falter, that the time has come to make sacrifices.

"Not just for ourselves, but for our families and all the people who believe in us and who we make happy whenever we win.

We know that we can do it and we know that we have to do it."

What they feel they "can and have to do" is bring the trophy home to Nigeria. Oparanozie was part of the team that came so close to achieving that in 2010 and she believes that the near miss will help them enjoy more success in the future.

"I experienced the elation of making it through to the final in [Germany in] 2010, and I'm back now with the same objective in mind," said the striker, whose transfer from Delta Queens to Turkish club Duvenciler Lisesi fell through in 2011, just when she was hoping to launch a new stage of her career in Europe.

"Getting through to the final showed me where I'm at and the minimum that I can achieve. I didn't come here this year with the mindset of not getting as far this time round."

Oparanozie continues to fly high and land on her feet. And on the rare occasions that she stumbles, she picks herself up again straight away. "I want to play in the final again," she concluded with conviction. "But this year I don't want to come off second-best."

2012 WOMEN'S CHALLENGE CUP

Quarter finals hold Tuesday, Wednesday T

HE quarter final matches of the 2012 Women's Challenge Cup Competition will hold on Tuesday and Wednesday September 4th and 5th respectively in Abuja, Calabar, Akure and Owerri a top official has revealed.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri Rivers Angels and the team they defeated Sunshine Queens to cart away the Cup last year are among the top teams still remaining in the year's edition.

Two quarter final matches are slated for Tuesday in Abuja and

Calabar centres while two last set of last 8 ties will come up the following day in Akure and Owerri zones.

In a south west derby, Sunshine Queens will square up with Osun Babes in Abuja on Tuesday while Rivers Angels will seek to negotiate a spot in the semi final

Hockey: Niger Flickers beat Yobe to IEI Premier League title •Bayelsa retains female crown

T

HE Niger Flickers of Minna on Saturday in Abuja dethroned defending champions, the Yobe Desert Rollers of Damaturu, to win the 2012 IEI National Premier Hockey League’s male championship.

A sudden death goal in the sixth minutes of the extra time from Yohanna Farouk, gave the Minna side a 3-2 win after regulation time play had ended 2-2.

In the match at the Astro-turf hockey pitch of the Abuja National Stadium, the Flickers demonstrated their superiority by scoring when it mattered.

With goalkeeper, Agada Shaibu, making good saves and the duo of Bala Murtala and Zailani Iliya, providing good cover several times, the Desert Rollers held off the Minna side several times in the game.

Good play by Saleh Umar, Jauro Iliya and Tinat Jonathan, ensured that the defending champions stayed in the game with enterprising build-ups for Abdulmajidin Nayola and Bala Hussaini.

It was, however, Bala Hussaini (Jnr), who came off the bench in the 24th minute to put the Damaturu side ahead after 29th minutes of play.

Niger Flickers’ response was swift with Farouk producing the goal to draw them level three minutes later.

They dominated the game with team Captain, Adamu Kolo, outstanding at the rear to prop Ndana Baba and Lamido Auwalu for good offensive support for Faruk.

In the 14th minutes of the second half Kolo put the Niger Flickers in the driving seat, only for Nayola to take the game into extra time with his 66th minute goal after brilliant play by Jauro and Hussaini.

But in the sixth minute of extra time, Faruk collected a short pass at the edge of the striking arc and made a swift turn to blast past Agada for the winning goal.

Niger Flickers’ head coach, Mohammed Isah, was elated with his side’s performance at the end of the match, saying it was a performance he was very happy with.

“I am very much happy because my team really played well in spite of the strong opposition.

“It is this same team that beat us in last year’s final 3-1 right here at this venue and coming to beat them today is really something we must cherish for long,’’ he said.

The coach, however, said it was a much deserved victory

as his team really worked for the feat.

“We really worked for this victory because the players and officials sacrificed a lot for it. We camped in Abuja for 14 days before the event and endured having to miss some things.’’

On his part, the Desert Rollers’ head coach, Fate Jibrin, said he was not dejected with the defeat, saying he saw losing as a normal thing.

“It was a good game and I see the defeat as normal. It is a natural thing in sports. You either lose or win and for about five years now we have been winning this title.

“Today’s loss was all due to ill luck as it is and we are not God. That’s how He wanted the game to go,’’ he said.

Earlier in the day at the same venue, the Union Bank of

Lagos had won the third-place match by beating the Kano State Flickers 1-0.

At the end of the competition, Collins Ifeanyi of Union Bank, was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Auwalu Lamido of Niger Flickers, won the highest goal scorer award with six goals.

In the female competition, the Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa retained their title with a 1-0 win over the Yobe Desert Queens of Damaturu, in a repeat of the 2011 competition’s final match.

The Plateau Queens won the third-place game in the competition with a 1-0 defeat against the I-G Babes of Kaduna.

Ajuma Ejegwa of Yobe Desert Queens won the female competition’s MVP, while Mary Ogan with five goals, won the highest goal scorer award.

against Adamawa Queens on same day in Calabar.

The other quarter finals will only be known after the determination of the Akure centre which still have some matches yet undecided. Ibom Angels and Inneh Queens progressed from the Owerri centre and are awaiting their foes in the last 8.

RESULTS England - Premier League Liverpool 0-2Arsenal Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa Southampton 2-3 Man Utd Italy - Serie A Udinese 1-4 Juventus Cagliari 1-1 Atalanta Catania 3-2Genoa Inter 1-3AS Roma Lazio 3-0 Palermo Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina Parma 2-0 Chievo Sampdoria 2-1Siena Spain - Primera Division Vallecano 0-0 Sevilla Bilbao 2-0 Valladolid Levante 3-2 Espanyol Madrid 3-0 Granada Barcelona 1-0 Valencia Germany - Bundesliga I. Wolfsburg 0-4 Hannover Bayern 6-1 Stuttgart France - Ligue 1 Bordeaux 1-1 Nice Marseille 3-1 Rennes Lille1-2 PSG Holland - Eredivisie Vitesse 1-0 Feyenoord FC Twente 1-0 VVV Venlo PSV Eindhoven 5-1 AZ SC Heerenveen 2-2 Ajax

WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD

Team Nigeria loses to Columbia

N

IGERIAN male team to the World Chess Olympiad suffered its worst defeat at the ongoing chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey with 0.5-3 score line to highly favoured Columbia led by veteran Alonso Zapata in the fifth round of the tournament.

A draw against the South American would have enhanced the country's placement in both category and individual rating but it was International Master Dapo Adu who set the tone of what the day will be with the loss to Grand Master Zapata on board one.

The Nigerian playing in the white side of his favorite Sicilian Defense, Nardjorf variation was totally in control of the game till the 30th move when he blundered to a Rook move to c4 as against f1 and this gave the Zapata, a veteran of several World Chess Olympiad and escape route to escape to victory after 44moves.

However, on board two, Bomo Kigigha, who has been having an impressive outing in the tournament erased the perfect score most pundits have being anticipating against the Columbia with a hard earn draw against Alder Escobar on board two.

The game was transposed from Sicilian defence Grivas variation into the hedge-hog defense on move 11 and both players maintained their position without any one having upper hand till both agreed to a draw situation on

move 62.

The duo of Nonso Orawgwu and Femi Balogun could not cope with the mastery prowess of Esneider Barrientos (2500) and Camilo Crishian (2398) respectively on board three and four respectively to give Nigeria it's heaviest defeat so far in the tournament.

In the female section, the trio of Nsisong Asanga, Funmi Akinola and Vivian Dzaayem all crashed to the superior prowess of toddlers of Julia Lebel-Arias, Mathilde Chung and Noela-Joyce Lomandond from Monaco while Tobi Olatunji on board won had earlier in the day secured a massive win over Beatrice Choing on board one. The average age of all the players from Monaco is 12 years!

On the top boards it was match-ups of many powerhouse teams in the male section with two-time Olympiad Champion Armenia locked horns with the defending champions of Ukraine. Armenian Super GM and World number two Levon Aronian engaged in battle Vassily Ivanchuk. The only decisive game in the match, Aronian went up the exchange and moves later with a simple tactic sealed the fate of Ivanchuk and the Ukrainian team, giving the Armenians a 2,5-1,5 victory.

The Russian and Hungarian teams engaged on the second match table, pitting long time friends and competitors of Kramnik and Leko. Spectators were delighted to see

something that wasn't a Petroff between these two players. 32 moves later a quiet draw was taken, but on the board next to them Grischuk slashed and hacked at Almasi's defenses until all that was left was yet another simple tactical sequence to finish him off. The Russians had stuck the proverbial fork into their Hungarian competitors and finished them off 2,5-1,5.

The Azeri's and Chinese teams demolished their Canadian and Iranian counterparts respectively with a 3,5-0,5 score, while France suffered their first loss against the Croatian team with score of 2,5-1,5.

In the Women Section Russia quickly secured the decisive advantage against France with the two victories on the lower boards. Sophie Milliet could only reduce the losing margin after the European Champion Valentina Gunina ran into a checkmate. Russia wins 2,5-1,5 to assume sole lead as the only team with the perfect score.

Serbia once again excelled as they defeated their Bulgarian neighbors by a score of 2,5-1,5.

Ana Benderac, returning to the playing arena after being a captain for several years, won against Elitsa Raeva. The experienced Margarita Voiska turned the tables against Andjelija Stojanovic to even the score, but Maria Manakova continued to play in fantastic shape to score her 5th consecutive victory and bring two match points for Serbia.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA

Udinese declares Obodo free agent

I hate seeing Robin score for Man Utd, says Wenger A

RSENE WENGER admits watching Robin van Persie score for Manchester United was torture.

The £22million Dutch striker has already netted more goals this season than all his former Arsenal teammates put together.

And Wenger confessed that

Van Persie’s stunning strike on his first start for United against Fulham made uncomfortable viewing on Match of the Day last weekend.

He said: “I must say it was a fantastic goal, a typical Van

• Wenger

2012 WOMEN'S CHALLENGE CUP COMPETITION

Rivers Angels, Sunshine, 4 others through to last 8

S

•van Persie

I

Persie goal. But what was a bit strange to me was that he had the wrong shirt on!

“Why is he jumping around in a shirt like that? I don’t know.

“I do know, but I don’t like it too much.”

IX CLUBS have booked places in the 2012 Female Challenge Cup competition with two more expected by Monday September 3.

In Group A match played in Abuja Sunshine Queens of Akure who were losing finalists last year qualified alongside Adamawa Queens, while in Group C with Calabar as centre produced defending champions, Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt and Osun Babes as qualifiers.

In Group D,both Ibom Angels and Inneh Queens got the two tickets available in the Owerri centre at the expense of favourites, Bayelsa Queens and Delta Queens who finished disappointedly 4th and 3rd respectively.

Speaking on the

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri competition after witnessing the Owerri centre the Secretary of the Women's League, Danlami Alalana said it was not a surprise that Bayelsa Queens and Delta Queens exited at the Group Stage at Owerri Zone since the duo of Ibom Angels and Inneh Queens took their

chances to pip them to the tickets.

"Any of the four teams could have qualified. They all had equal chances of qualification before the matches were played and for the fact that Ibom Angels and Inneh Queens grabbed the two tickets in the group showed they were the more prepared teams of the four and nothing

should be denied them at all.

They deserved to progress."

The Women's League Secretary, however, charged the media to give Women's football more coverage than it is presently for the good of the round leather game.

Rivers Angels beat Sunshine on penalties in the same competition last year.

TALIAN club Udinese have officially announced that they have ended their seven - year collaboration with the Nigeria international Christian Obodo by mutual consent. An application to that effect has been filed with the Serie A. Thus, 28 - year - old Obodo is now a free agent and can be signed by any club despite the closure of the summer transfer market.

Having played for five clubs in Italy - Udinese, Fiorentina, Lecce, Perugia and Torino, there are speculations that Obodo could be leaving Italy for a new adventure.

Cypriot club APOEL Nicosia had been pursuing a deal for the former Plateau United star.

But he failed to arrive the Cyprus capital to sign an official contract because he was processing his Italian Passport.

•Obodo

18TH NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

Team Rivers resume second phase camping

T

HE Rivers state contingent for the 18th National Sports Festival tagged 'Eko 2012' has resumed camping phase two on Saturday, September 1, in preparation for the fiesta

Florence Nkem Israel, Port Harcourt billed for Lagos later this year.

The camping also becomes necessary in view of the zonal elimination for the team sports which is expected to start from September 17 to the 22nd where the state will be locking horns with Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the south-south zone B elimination group.

The camping venue remains the University of Port Harcourt campus where the state usually camp its athletes due to the availability of sporting facilities within the campus.

The first phase camping took place in July and it is expected that after this second phase, a third phase that will precede the festival proper would come up shortly after.

Rivers state is seen as a very

strong contender in this year's sports fiesta after hosting and winning the 17th national sports festival, sweeping almost all the available medals in that fiesta; and one of the gold medallist in that festival for the state, Ivory Nwokorie has also inscribed her name in the international sports scene as she secured Nigeria's number two gold medal at the Paralympic events going on currently in London.

Rwanda coach backs Eaglets UNIOR WASPS of to succeed Rwanda coach, Richard Tardy has tipped the

J

Golden Eaglets to qualify for the 2013 Under-17 AYC in Morocco.

Eaglets outscored the East African side 5-0 in Friday’s friendly match at the UJ

NIGERIA/ LIBERIA CASH

No cause for alarm —Shofoluwe

•Backs Keshi on Mikel’s, Osaze’s exclusion

E

X-SUPER Eagles’ defender, Yisa Shofoluwe has declared that Liberia will not be a threat when they host Nigeria in a Nations Cup qualification match in Monrovia next week.

Speaking on the all –important match, Shofoluwe also throws his weight behind Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi on the exemption of Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi and Osaze Odemwingie of West Brom from clash.

“Well I know they have been preparing for the match for a long time now, and the team have played lots of friendly matches alongside. I am optimistic Nigeria will win. The players just need to be focused, and I am sure they will carry the day all things being equal I don’t think the exemption of Mikel and Osaze will affect the team in any way. What if they are injured wont Nigeria play?

The Minster of Defence as he

By Innocent Amomoh was referred to in his active day, said so far good the handlers of the team have worked hard enough to earn good result, as he called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to up the support for the team ahead of the match.

Asked if the threat by the Liberia Football Federation to intimidate Nigeria in the first leg should be taken seriously, Shofoluwe said it should rather make them stronger as a team.

“I remember when we went to play against Ghana in one of the qualifiers during my time. They were so hostile that, but instead getting scared we became wilder and played one of the best games of our career.

So the Super Eagles should be focused on getting a win in the match so that the second leg at home will be a mere formality,” he said.

Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Tardy said he was impressed with the Nigerian team but promised tougher game in Sunday's rematch of the friendly game.

"The Nigerians are good team and we can see that their players are tactically sound and without doubt we lost to a good team," said the French.

"Playing against the Nigerian side at this stage of our preparation is a real challenge, this is the first real match since we started our programme about one month ago.

"We lost 0-5 to Nigeria and that shows there is work to be done before we play Malawi or Botswana in October.

"But I'm hopeful about our chances of qualifying for the next African championship in Morocco. We will play better when we meet on Sunday.

"I wish Nigeria well in their game against Niger Republic next week," he said.

Tardy who declined to finger any Eaglet for commendation said he was impressed with the mobility of the Nigerians.

He added that great work must have been done on the team before they could play with such intensity and drive.

The second game between the Golden Eaglets and the Junior Wasps will hold at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Sunday at 11am.

The match was shifted to allow the Rwandan delegation meet up their departure schedule to Kigali.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

63

SPORT EXTRA Lagos Country Club commissions world-class tennis Clay court

Ronaldo notches 150th goal in win over Granada T C

RISTIANO Ronaldo hit a brace to reach a landmark 150 goals in 149 games for Real Madrid as they got their league campaign back on track on Sunday with a 3-0 win over ten-man Granada.

Despite beating Barcelona to lift the domestic Super Cup in midweek the pressure was starting to show on the team with just a point from their opening two league games but Ronaldo responded with a goals in either half to continue his remarkable scoring run in Madrid.

The first owed as much to poor keeping from Antonio ‘Tono’ Rodriguez as the Portuguese’s shot from a tight angle after 25 minutes went through his legs,

although it did take a slight deflection off Inigo Lopez.

Ronaldo got his second after 53 minutes and Granada’s hopes of a comeback took a blow with Borja Gomez sent off six minutes later. Substitute Gonzalo Higuain completed the scores with a tap-in 15 minutes from the end.

Jose Mourinho rotated his squad which included giving Luka Modric a starting place after he came on for the last few minutes against Barca while Karim Benzema was chosen instead of Higuain to lead the line.

Granada, who also just had one point, were aiming to frustrate Madrid and build the anxiety in the Bernabeu but Jose Callejon could have settled the nerves inside the

first few minutes from a neat pass by Modric.

However, ‘keeper Tono got down well to block him.

Granada survived and, while Madrid were clearly in charge and passing the ball around, they were finding it difficult to create

further openings.

Ronaldo had looked sluggish in his first two league games and he failed to trouble the ‘keeper with a free-kick and a couple of shots from distance before he did break the deadlock with a soft goal from Granada’s perspective.

Ahmed Musa lifts CSKA Moscow N

IGERIA winger Ahmed Musa gave CSKA Moscow the maximum three points away at Krasnodar on Sunday.

He has now netted twice in two weeks and CSKA Moscow are third on the table with 15 points from seven games.

Musa hit target on Sunday for the Moscow side on the hour to give them 1-0 win over host and the Nigeria was happy with his form.

"I am happy with the victory and my goal. It is a good thing that we recovered in time after our shock exit from the Europa League,” the Eagles star told MTNFootball.com

“We have to do our best to return to Europe next term and we want to do that in grand style by winning the league.

“I will keep doing my best in every game to help us actualise this dream."

He informed MTNFootball.com that he will arrive the Eagles training camp in Abuja ahead of the Liberia game on Tuesday.

He said, "I will arrive camp in Abuja on Tuesday, I discussed with the coach and he understands with me. I am eager to come and give my best as usual."

EKO 2012: Edo will clinch gymnastic medals

T

HE Edo State female gymnastic coach, Beauty Mohammed has assured that the state will clinch virtually all medals available in the gymnastic even when the National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged Eko 2012 gets underway in Lagos come November.

Revealing this in a chat with NationSport recently, the former national gymnast said with the calibre of athletes at her disposal, coupled with the quality of training and motivation from the state, Edo State should clinch 12 out of the 14 medals in gymnastics.

"We are training very hard.

The athletes have the right motivation in terms of training equipment.

"With what I can see, Edo should win almost all the available medals in gymnastics. I can only speak for the sport because that is

PUBLIC NOTICE I, formerly Miss Ajomale Adebanke Olajumoke now Mrs Oni Adebanke Olajumoke and Miss Kelani Raliat Adetutu now Mrs Okotete Faith Raliat Adetutu. All former documents remain valid. General public, plsease take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to notify the general public that in my First School Leaving Certificate my name was erroneously written as GANAGO ELABANABARI that my correct name is GANAGO LEDIBABARI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

By Innocent Amomoh where I belong," says Mohammed.

The mother of two, however, said the athletes have commenced their open camp since last week, which is good for preparation, while calling on the state government not to relent on its efforts to spur Team Edo to a better outing in Lagos.

She said with six gymnasts available for each sexes, the ancient state may just be on its way to creating a new record in the sport.

"We have wonderful gymnast in camp right now. I don't see anybody stopping us this year. They are of different age grades from seven to 15 years with lots of prospects. I see us increasing Edo's medal haul this term,"she said.

•Ronaldo

HE management team of the Lagos Country Club tennis section on Friday commissioned the rebuilt court 3 at a well attended event. Chairman of the tennis section Barrister Ayo Olanrewaju said the completion of the Clay court project was a positive testimony to progress and continuity for which the elite club is known. Comparable to the world famous Roland Garros in France, Court 3 Clay Court rebuilding was started

By Kayode Williams in March 2012 under the chairmanship of Barrister Rasky Igbinigie and was scheduled to be completed within two months, but lasted 6 months due to heavy rains and paucity of funds.

In all of these, barrister Wale Osomo the charismatic president of the club, was always on hand to give financial and moral support to the section to help fast-track the speedy completion and commissioning.

Valuable experience was also provided by several past chairmen of the tennis section to achieve a world standard clay court, which in the words of barrister Olanrewaju, will facilitate international competitions and also massive changes within 6months of being commissioned.

In his own speech, amiable president of the club, barrister Wale Osomo declared the Court 3 project as the best in the world at the moment.

Congratulating the management team of the section, Osomo said “members of this club have every reason to be proud of this laudable feat that has hosted international tournaments in the recent past.

I make bold to say that this court will be a hub for international tournaments.”

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 7 NO 2,237

‘The critics would be thriving as long as there are perceptible faulty areas in governance that need to be practically addressed, but are not. Let sentiments be put aside and firm decisions implemented...’

SOJI OMOTUNDE

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

W

E all adore history for its instructions, its ability to inspire, to chasten and to convict us. That was why when I gained admission to study History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, I knew I had chosen the best course of study in the world. I thought of that last week when Professor Barth Nnaji lost his job precipitously as the Minister of Power.

It reminded me of the story of a hero of the ancient world whose story, with a dash of exaggeration, can relate to that of the ousted minister. His name was Achilles. Most people only know the cliché, Achilles’ heel, but that metaphor diminishes the heroics of that man. He was mythicised in the narrative of the greatest of all epic poets in his masterpiece called, The Iliad. Homer was not the only writer who penned epics about Achilles’ soldiery, his mythic handsomeness, his ties to the gods, his genius in the art of archery, his chivalry, his battle growl, his swift feet, his fiery temper, his thirst for butchery, his regal poise. But even when Homer did not tell of his weakness, he anticipated his tragedy, the quality with which Aristotle invested all heroes of that status.

Electricity or lack of it has been central to the follies of this generation. Power lies at the heart of our underdevelopment. That is why we have so many jobless, so much poverty, companies dying and scurrying offshore, profits evaporating, crime soaring.

Every great economy hinges on the efficiency of the supply of power. But the handling of power has always needed a hero in this country, a man who could confront the savages of power, that heart of darkness where so many forces have invested their souls and money and criminality.

Barth staked a claim to that man, working assiduously on the road map. He also tackled the injustices of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, faced off its aggressive union and set targets. By the time he left last week, he had shown a sign of a miracle worker. When the Trojan War took its toll on the Achaeans, everyone wanted Achilles to save them, and he did. So it seemed for Nnaji. But like Achilles, Nnaji had a flaw of which his enemies took advantage. Achilles had a wound in his heel, and that chastened his speed and led to his death.

When he was nominated as Minister of Power, it was common knowledge that he was a major player in the field. His company, Geometric Power Limited, was a key player. How was he going to operate as minister and not contend with the reality of a conflict of interest that was inevitable? That was Nnaji’s Achilles’ heel. The odds clearly were not on his side. But that was not the whole story. Before he was appointed, the scouting agencies, including the security forc-

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009& 2010 (D.A.M.E)

Thirty pieces of silver ‘Nnaji hoped the big man would save him from the law. Jonathan did not. It was an act of betrayal. If Jonathan were consistent in abiding by the law in the past, it would have been seen as a President sticking to principle.

Rather, Jonathan handed back the 30 pieces of silver and allowed Nnaji to go to Golgotha’ •Nnaji es, investigated. The National Assembly also was supposed to know of his interests and they cleared him. The biggest culprit here was President Goodluck Jonathan who not only nominated him, but appointed him.

After he scaled all the hurdles, he took the oath of office presided over by the President.

Conflict of interest violates the oath of office. To obviate any culpability, Nnaji put his interest in a blind trust and cut himself away from all activities of the company.

This is the perfect example of the Frankenstein growing quietly into a monster. Frankenstein, a character created by Mary Shelley in her novel, started innocently before coming after his maker. Nnaji assumed that his blind trust would shield him from any charg-

es of conflict of interest when his company eventually would bid. That was naïve. His naivety arose from his assumption that the President, knowing of his blind trust, would stand by him. Nnaji did not consider the law.

He reckoned on what we call the Nigerian factor. After all, former President Olusegun Obasanjo got away with it in the famous Transcorp controversy. We have had many stories of conflicts of interests, and nothing happened.

It was a case of honour in a lawless environment. He relied on the President to cover him. The President knew, so why did he not refer to the potential conflict of interest? The reason is simple. The President does not regard conflict of interest as an infraction. We all know now of many such cases. One, the cases affecting his dames of subsidy, Petrole-

um Minister Diezani Allison-Madueke and Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Both sat on their desks while the greatest oil scandal of the generation brewed. There was a conflict of interest in allowing them to stay in office while the underbellies of their ministries were under investigation.

Jonathan saw nothing wrong with that.

Was there no conflict of interest in the Otuoke church matter, when Gitto build a church for him? Money changers had taken over the temple.

It was not because the President loved the law so much that he signed off on Nnaji’s resignation. If following the rule of law was important, he could have reinstated Justice Ayo Salami. The matter is over a year and still sunk in the sewer of political rigmarole.

So why did he so easily let the man go? It is because he could not stand by the man he should not have hired in the first place. Nnaji should have known that the law did not back him. He probably thought if the law did not back him, at least his President would.

Our system has laws, but it is a contrast to what the United States founding founder John Adams called “a government of laws, not men.” In Nigeria, we run a system of strong men, so the law is subject to the will and caprices of the powerful. Ours is a subversion of the principle that the law was made for man because we abuse it.

If it was inevitable that the issue of conflict of interest would arise at a point, the question was, would Jonathan stand by him or would he allow the law to cynically take its course?

Nnaji hoped the big man would save him from the law. Jonathan did not. It was an act of betrayal. If Jonathan were consistent in abiding by the law in the past, it would have been seen as a President sticking to principle. Rather, Jonathan handed back the 30 pieces of silver and allowed Nnaji to go to Golgotha. The powerful forces in the power industry overwhelmed Jonathan’s sense of loyalty to a man who worked the most for his government. By many accounts, he was the only performing minister in the cabinet.

“It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend,” noted poet William Blake.

The President’s claim that he would replace him with an Igbo diminishes Nnaji, who worked not as an Igbo man but an astute professional. Malcolm X once said that betrayal is worse than death. We were given a miracle and it was taken from us. Nnaji is an example of how difficult it is to be a good man in this system. Nnaji was too good on account of his business entanglements to save power. From Odysseus to Alexander the Great to Napoleon to Mandela, Fate bent rules for its heroes. Nnaji was not allowed to be such a hero.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

HARDBALL

New national carrier? Perish the thought

I

F the Aviation Minister, Stella Adaeze Oduah, was quoted right by a newspaper yesterday, the Federal Government may be on its way to inspiring a new national carrier to play the role Nigeria Airways struggled to adapt to until it crashed in 2003 after accumulating over $60 million debt. She did not say whether the reasons for trying to float a new national carrier were borne out of nostalgia for the time Nigeria Airways dominated the Nigerian sky and flew the country’s flag to many international airports. She obviously could not talk of a time when the defunct carrier made so much money for the country, because that never happened. Nor could she talk of a time when Nigeria Airways was so efficient that it shamed other African carriers including Air Afrique, Ethiopian Airline, or even Kenyan Airways. Even in its heyday in the early 1980s, the Nigeria Airways, which spotted the inappropriate logo of an elephant (Skypower) and was managed by many foreign airlines, was the butt of many jokes and cartoons.

Oduah indicates the new national carrier

will allow private equity and be jointly and professionally managed to make it a successful venture. In addition, she tells the newspaper, if all things go well, the new carrier could hit the skies before many months. It was also not too long ago, however, that the government welcomed Virgin Atlantic to invest in the airline business in Nigeria over the ashes of Nigeria Airways. It proved an impossible task after just a few years, as the new airline made huge losses estimated at more than $300 million between 2005 and 2010. In 2007 alone, Virgin Nigeria Airways lost nearly N10 billion. Moreover, Virgin Atlantic Limited never took more than 49 per cent equity in the Virgin Nigeria project. So, what has changed? Oduah says the government has learnt its lessons, and will not repeat the mistakes of the past. She is confident that a new national carrier operated jointly with private capital will fly. Nonsense.

If private investors want to come into the airline business, either in partnership or single-handed, the skies have always been open.

As everyone knows, the skies may be open,

but the capital to establish and run airlines here has not always been open or friendly.

Airline business has been a difficult one in recent years requiring the help of the government to keep it aloft. Only a few months ago, the government has had to organise loans for the airlines at a concessionary rate.

In spite of the help, the problems of the sector have not really abated, and the airlines are still gasping for air. International carriers in Europe and the United States have also had to be succoured even more substantially than Nigeria has done for its own privately owned airlines.

It is doubtful whether Oduah can convince anyone of the need for a new national carrier. Nigeria is not grappling with airlines unable to cope with demand for air travel.

They are instead grappling with financial and perhaps, too, management problems. The Aviation Ministry cannot claim to have an innovative business model which the world has not seen or heard of, and which is capable of sustaining a successful carrier. If that business model that transcends local and

world financial crises exists, surely it will have been applied to run the Federal Government itself far more efficiently than the past few presidents have done.

The idea of a new national carrier is idle and wishful thinking. There is absolutely no basis for it, either financially or managerially. Worse is the fact that the Federal Government’s own business model in which virtually everything, except the plum and very rewarding decision-making political process, has either been privatised or is run on private-public partnership, negates the founding of a new carrier – a road the government travelled both alone and in partnership before. If Oduah and other government officials who think like her are not quickly dissuaded, soon another minister will begin to flirt with the heresy of reviving the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), which was liquidated in 1995, and other moribund public agencies long since buried. If the Aviation Ministry is idle, the government should look for less costly toys to keep it occupied.

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