September 08, 2014

How we award contracts, by Ajimobi NEWS Page 6

Newspaper of the Year

News APC faults govt’s order to INEC P4 Sports Keshi: Eagles must beat Bafana P24 Business NLNG stakes $1.5b for six ships P25

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2965 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Two ‘large banks’ record zero liquidity ratio, says CBN report

Ebola vaccine hope rises

V

ACCINATED monkeys have developed “long-term” immunity to the Ebola virus, raising a prospect of successful human trials, say scientists.

The experiments by the United States (U.S.) National Institute of Health showed immunity could last at least 10 months, according to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Human trials of the vaccine started last week in the U.S. and will extend to the United Kingdom and Africa.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said more than 2,000 people have died in the outbreak in West Africa.

Several experimental treatments are being considered to help contain the spread of Ebola.

Continued on page 4

•www.thenationonlineng.net

T

•CBN chief Emefiele

HREE banks have recorded a negative liquidity ratio in a stress test conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on 21 deposit money banks and 14 foreign subsidiaries.

Of the three, two are among those categorised as “large banks”.

Liquidity ratios measure the

By Collins Nweze

ability of banks to meet short term debt obligations.

The CBN Financial Stability Report released at the weekend said the zero liquidity ratio recorded by the lenders followed a cumulative 30-day shock conducted by the regulator to assess the resilience of

the industry to liquidity and funding shocks. The test was conducted using the Implied Cash Flow Analysis (ICFA) and Maturity Mismatch/ Rollover Risk approaches.

The ICFA test, the CBN said, assessed the ability of the banking system to withstand unanticipated subContinued on page 4

•INSIDE: FINTIRI PICKS ADAMAWA PDP TICKET P5 3 ‘DIMGBA IGWE’S LAST MOMENT’ PP5 5 P53

State varsity shut as Boko Haram takes more towns 50 insurgents killed, says army Borno SSG laments ‘critical situation’ From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

A

UNIVERSITY was shut yesterday and students sent home as Boko Haram fighters continued their incursion into Adamawa State.

To prevent an attack on students, the Adamawa State Government shut the state university in Mubi as the insurgents overran Uba, a town five kilometres from Mubi.

Other towns taken at the weekend by Boko Haram fighters are: Michika and Bazza.

Both towns, along with Uba, are in Hong Local Government Area .

But the sect suffered a major setback, with no fewer than 50 of its men killed in a military raid in Borno State. The army said yesterday that security forces raided a “hideout” of suspected Boko Haram members in Kawuri, a village about 37kms from Maiduguri, the state capital, on Saturday.

The suspected fighters were planning an attack, the military said.

Heavy artillery, including anti-aircraft guns and an armoured vehicle, were seized in the raid. Three soldiers were injured, the army said.

The sect’s fighters seized more towns in AdContinued on page 4

?

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

INSIDE •Tales of horror from child-victims •Jonathan in Chad for talks on terrorism •PDP defends Ihejirika •Probe Sheriff call •AND MORE ON PAGES 2-4,9&56

•Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) during the visit of Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima to their camp in Maiduguri…at the weekend.

‘

The threat of insecurity affects everybody... The enabling environment for politics and electioneering campaign is simply not obtainable at present

’

•ALLEGED N6.113B FRAUD: EFCC DECLARES POLITICIAN, BANKER WANTED P53

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

2

NEWS

Tales of horror

•From left: Human Resources Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Victor Famuyibo, Marketing Director, Walter Drenth, Logistics & Sourcing Director, Henk van Rooijen, Managing Director, CEO, Nicolaas Vervelde and Sales Director, Hubert Eze at the re-launch of Gulder beer new bottle and final selection party for contestants for Gulder Ultimate Search 11 in Lagos...at the weekend.

A report released at the weekend in New York, United States by Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict (“Watchlist”), which strives to end violations against children in armed conflicts and to guarantee their rights, bears horrific tales from Boko Haram victims, writes Asst. Editor OLUKOREDE YISHAU

• Kids orphaned

by Boko Haram reading a newspaper PHOTO: WATCHLIST

B •Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Osun State, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon (left), receiving an award on behalf of Governor Rauf Aregbesola from the Chief Executive Officer of TEXEM United Kingdom, Mr. Alim Abubakre and Vice-Chairman of Business Council Africa, United Kingdom, Mr. Clive Carpenter. With them is Project Director, Manchester Business School, Tara Monkman in London.

•From left: Manager, Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Ufoma Dogun; Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof Cordelia Agbebaku; Analyst, Customer Care, Etisalat Nigeria, Olanike Faroun; and Analyst, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh during a courtesy visit to the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State... at the weekend.

•All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode(middle) discussing with some young professionals after a Town Hall meeting organised by For The Future in Lagos.

OKO Haram and the Civilian JTF are opposite sides of the war in the Northeast. But, both of them, said the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict in a report released in New York, United States at the weekend, use children inappropriately to feather their nest.

“Children as young as 13 are being recruited by both sides of the conflict and have nowhere to turn,” said the report.

The report, “Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict”, said the sect has subjected boys and girls to forced recruitment, detention, attacks at school, abductions, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.

The gravity and scale of these violations warrant urgent action from the Federal Government, the United Nations, and other child protection actors, the 64-page report said.

The report titled “Who Will Care for Us?” details grave violations by some parties to the conflict since December 2012 and provides recommendations on how to better protect children. “While the abduction of over 200 girls in Chibok, Borno State, has shed some light on how children are affected by the conflict in the northeast, most abuses are still poorly documented, understood, and addressed by key actors,” said Janine Morna, Researcher at Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict.

It added that security forces who encounter child soldiers in Boko Haram’s ranks often detain these children in unofficial military detention facilities known for the mistreatment of detainees, instead of protecting and rehabilitating them, in accordance with international standards.

“The government of Nigeria should denounce the recruitment of children by all armed groups, take immediate steps to release child soldiers in their custody, and develop procedures to transfer child soldiers to civilian actors,” said Morna.

Watchlist also researched attacks on schools in the region which, according to their media survey, has resulted in the death, injury, or abduction of at least 414 students, teachers, or other civilians on school premises between January 2012 and July 2014. “Continuous attacks on schools have devastated education in the region, creating a climate of fear for students and teachers, and leading to school closures from as early as April 2013. Relevant actors must bolster school security through programmes like the Safe Schools Initiative,” said Morna.

Watchlist documented abductions of boys and girls by Boko Haram, including Christian girls who were forced to convert to Islam and coerced into marrying members of the group, along with other female abductees.

Boko Haram abducted these girls and young women from schools and markets, and during raids on villages in areas across Borno State since at least December 2012. Some members of the group raped girls and young women in the camps. None of the girls and women who escaped, and were interviewed by Watchlist, had access to counseling and other health services.

“The humanitarian response to violations against children has been slow, fragmented, and unable to meet the fast-growing needs of those affected by the conflict,” said Morna. Few international actors currently engage in the northeast, leaving the government and local groups, with limited capacity, to support survivors. “The Nigerian Government, United Nations, and non-governmental agencies must take urgent steps to recruit experts with experience operating in a conflict situation and scale up programming to support some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable and marginalized children,” said Morna.

The executive summary of the report reads: “Conflict between the armed group Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram, Nigerian security forces, and civilian selfdefense militias, is ravaging Nigeria’s fragile northeast. Despite President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, the level of violence and the scale of grave violations against children have worsened.

The conflict in the north-east, along with inter-communal violence, has displaced an estimated 650,000 people, primarily women and children, and affected millions of others. The parties to the conflict have subjected boys and girls to forced recruitment, attacks on their schools, killing and maiming, abductions, rape and sexual violence, and arbitrary detention.

In April 2014, the seriousness of these abuses came to the forefront when JAS abducted over 200 girls from Chibok in Borno State, sparking national and international outcry.

“The humanitarian response has

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

3

NEWS

or from Boko Haram child-victims

‘

When we were going we saw people in military uniform. They stopped us. But the insurgents were dressed like the military...

They held many buses. They checked if you were Christian, in which case they would kill you. If you were Muslim you were allowed to pass. They identified... (Christians/Muslims) by their mode of dress • Shekau

been slow, fragmented, and unable to meet the fast-growing needs of those affected by the conflict. Few international actors engage in the northeast, leaving the government and local groups, with limited capacity, to address violations and support survivors. The overall lack of expertise on child protection in conflict-related emergencies has left critical gaps in the response including, inadequate protection-related data, a lack of standard operating procedures to manage children encountered in conflict, and limited emergency preparedness planning to address the continuous attacks on schools.”

The report also bears horrific tales from child-victims of both Boko Haram and the Civilian JTF. One Friday in late December 2012 in Gwoza, Borno State, a 16-year-old girl was late for school. Soon after she arrived and greeted her friends, suspected members of JAS attacked the school and abducted her and five other girls before detonating a bomb on or near the campus.

She said: “I found myself in an Imam’s house. I don’t really remember how I got there ... The men said [to us], ‘You are the real strong Christians. We want you to become Muslims. We will give you men to marry and if you refuse, we will kill you.’

The five other girls accepted. I said, ‘rather kill me.’”

Boko Haram decided to prepare her and the other girls for marriage.

Over a roughly one-month period, she cooked meals for the members and rehearsed prayers and verses with the girls. Just before her marriage, she seized an opportunity to

escape when a core group of suspected members of Boko Haram left the compound for an attack. The other girls have not been seen by the community since their abduction.

A young woman who was 21 at the time of her abduction told Watchlist that she was abducted while riding public transport from her polytechnic in Maiduguri to her home in Gwoza on March 15, last year.

Her bus was traveling in convoy with several other buses. The driver and passengers received information that JAS was coming and decided to take an alternate route to Gwoza. Unfortunately the drivers had been misled. The young woman explained: “When we were going we saw people in military uniform. They stopped us.

But the insurgents were dressed like the military... They held many buses.

They checked if you were Christian, in which case they would kill you. If you were Muslim you were allowed to pass. They identified... (Christians/ Muslims) by their mode of dress. After searching and killing, and because it was getting dark, they assembled us to go to a camp. Many people were taken captive.

The young woman reported seeing many abducted girls at the Boko Haram camp. She escaped 19 days later.

Another 19-year-old young woman told Watchlist that she was abducted while travelling to her home in Gwoza from Konduga Local Government College.

She was 18 years old at the time and had just completed her final exams. On May 10, last year, she travelled home with six female classmates below the

ages of 18. En route, four men holding guns stopped them. The men asked if there were Christians in the car. One of the Muslim girls provided a hijab for each of the other girls in the car who then pretended to be Muslim. The girls were held captive for three days before JAS commanders arrived and released them. Women and girls have also been abducted during and after attacks on villages.

A young woman who was 19 at the time of her abduction explained to Watchlist: “I ran to the hills. I was short of food so I went to get corn...

When people came, they came in a number and I ran and hid. When they started beating my grandmother, I surfaced from the hiding and I was caught. They started beating her and said we should go. I was the only person taken. I was caught with a gun.”

In June 2014, reports emerged of JAS invading and abducting scores of women and girls in villages in Borno State.

Sixty-three women and girls from one of these attacks successfully escaped in July 2014.

Soon after Christian women and girls arrived in the camps, they were forced to convert and were told they would be married to members of the group.

A young woman who was 19 at the time of her abduction in Gwoza explained how she was forcibly converted: “They were pulling the noose around my neck and dragging around and said I should come back to Islam.”

She eventually relented to save her

life and the group set her dowry between N10,000 and N15,000 (approximately USD $60 to $90). The reports of forced conversion and marriage received by Watchlist are consistent with other reports appearing in the media.

Four of the former abductees interviewed by Watchlist said they were raped during their abduction. The rape appears at times targeted and at other times opportunistic. A former abductee speaking to a local news organisation explained that JAS leaders raped young virgins, while other members of the group took turns raping married and elderly women.

In two cases cited by Watchlist, members of Boko Haram took advantage of an opportunity to rape the abductees when either the commanding officer was away or when the woman or girl was alone and vulnerable.

A young woman who was 18 years old at the time of the abduction said: “They gave us an axe to dig a hole to ease ourselves. In the night I wanted to ease myself. I was trying to ease myself and as I was in the process [he approached] and I started screaming.

He abused me.”

He slipped away. He tried to penetrate, but when people came, he didn’t enter.

According to the report, women and girls sometimes escape from Boko Haram camps but often lack sufficient support, counseling, and health services when they return home. Reports indicate that these women and girls are rescued from the camps by the military and Civilian

‘

JTF, or through family members who pay ransom and negotiate their release.

All of the women and girls interviewed by Watchlist returned to their families, but often had to leave home for fear of their safety. In one case, the parents had to leave because they were targeted by Boko Haram following their daughter‘s escape.

Other reports suggest that families sometimes send their children to other cities to avoid the stigma of rape and pregnancy outside of marriage.

Few of the women and girls interviewed by Watchlist officially reported the abduction because of either mistrust of the authorities, fear of retaliation by Boko Haram, or a feeling that reporting was futile because authorities have limited capacity for individual assistance.

A mother of one of the abductees said: “The issue of reporting is a waste of time... The cases are so rampant.”

In addition, none of the women and girls received support or counseling.

Civilians, particularly in remote areas, have limited access to health and other services.

Many of the interviewees were traumatized by their experiences.

One woman told Watchlist:”Immediately I left this place (the camp), it made me insane,” while another said, “When I remember, I normally cry.”

While the government and other partners are providing some support to the families of the abducted Chibok girls, as well as the girls who escaped, it is unclear to what extent other survivors of abduction and sexual violence can access such services.”

GDP stands at 6.5 per cent in second quarter of 2014

T

HE National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday said the growth rate of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 6.54 per cent in second quarter of this year.

In a statement by the Statistician-General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale, in Abuja, Kale said the figure was 0.14 higher than 5.40 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2013, and also higher than the 6.21per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2014.

“In the second quarter of 2014, Nigeria’s Nominal GDP (at basic prices) was estimated at N 21.7 billion and16.1 billion in real terms.

“In the corresponding quarter of 2013, nominal GDP was estimated N19.9 billion and N15.1 billion in real terms,’’ the statisticiangeneral said.

He said the average daily crude oil production in the second quarter of 2014 stood at 2.21 Million Barrel Per Daily (MBPD) as against 2.11 mbpd in the corresponding quarter of 2013.

“This is an increase of 0.10 mbpd or 4.7 per cent. In addition, the US dollar price of crude increased significantly from an average price of 104.31 per cent in second (Q2) 2013 to 112.25 in Q2 of 2014, an increase of 7.6 per cent.

“Consequently, Oil GDP was valued at N2.6 billion in nominal terms in the second quarter of 2014, compared to N2.6 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2013,’’ he said.

He said real growth in the oil sector was recorded at 5.40 per cent in Q2 2014 (-5.22% quarter-on-quarter), indicating better performance compared to -16.42 per cent growth recorded in Q2 of 2013.

Kale said the non-oil real sector of the economy grew by 6.71per cent in the second quarter of 2014.

“This is a decline of 2.17 percentage points

from the 8.88 per cent growth recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2013.

“Relative to Q1 of 2013, non-oil growth was also lower by 1.49 percentage points when growth was recorded at 8.21 per cent.’’

Kale said the services sector accounted for the largest share of real GDP in the second quarter of 2014, amounting to N8.5 billion or 53.15 per cent.

“Industry ranked second with a contribution of N4.2 billion or 25.96 per cent, while agriculture constituted the smallest sector in the second quarter, representing N3.4 billion or 20.89 per cent of GDP.’’

4

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

•Former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki (third left) and his wife, Oluwatoyin, during her 50th birthday party in Ilorin...at the weekend. With them (from left) are: Former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), former Ekiti Governor Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, frontline businessman Femi Otedola, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and former Acting Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje

APC faults Jonathan’s directive on ballot papers

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the Presidential directive that all electoral materials must be printed by the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) as a threat to the independence of electoral agency INEC and the organisation of a free, fair and credible elections in the country.

In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the directive is suspicious because it was followed by the dissolution of the management of the NSPMC, which may be a ploy by the President to inject PDP card-carrying members

into the reconstituted management so that the company could become another rigging tool in the 2015 general elections. ‘’On the surface, there is nothing wrong in having the NSPMC print electoral materials, since this will translate to more jobs for Nigerians and save money.

However, against the background of the PDP-led Federal Government’s abuse of national institutions like the military and the police, which are used as the enforcement arms of the PDP during elections, it will be dangerous to have the Federal Government take control of the printing of ballot papers and other electoral materials via the

Hope rises for Ebola vaccine Continued from page 1

This includes a vaccine being developed by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline.

It uses a genetically modified chimp virus containing components of two species of Ebola - Zaire, which is currently circulating in West Africa, and the common Sudan species.

The viral vaccine does not replicate inside the body, but it is hoped the immune system will react to the Ebola component of the vaccine and devel-

B

op immunity.

Animal research, on which the decision to begin human trials was based, has now been published in the journal Nature Medicine.

It shows four crab-eating macaques all survived what would have been a fatal dose of Ebola virus five weeks later.

However, only half survived an infection 10 months after immunisation.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the BBC: “The

NSPMC. ‘’Secondly, where is the independence of INEC when the President can just direct it by fiat to do its bidding? INEC should be left to determine where to print its electoral materials to ensure the integrity of such materials. ‘’Thirdly, asking the CBN Governor, an appointee of the President, to now oversee the ‘reform’ of the NSPMC, and the Governor’s promptitude in visiting INEC over the presidential directive, raise more questions.

While the CBN is a part owner of the NSPMC, it is not INEC’s supervisory ministry and should not tamper with its duties,’’ it

said.

The APC said the bottom line is that INEC should be left alone to carry out its onerous duties without interference from any quarters whatsoever. ‘’There should be a limit to the desperation of President Jonathan and his party to win the 2015 elections at all costs. They have perfected the use of the security forces, especially the military, the police and the DSS, to harass and intimidate the opposition during elections. While the whole nation is still trying to get them to stop abusing the security forces, they should not draft another institution into the election rigging fray,’’ the party added.

EBOLA CASUALTIES AS AT SEPTEMBER 5

2,105

•Ebola deaths - probable, confirmed

and suspected

1,089 517 491 •Liberia

•Guinea

•S/Leone

8

•Nigeria Source: WHO

good part of this vaccine is that at five weeks or earlier you get full protection.

“The sobering news is the durability isn’t great, but if you give a boost, a second shot, you make it really durable.”

“We knew this worked in the monkey months ago and based on this paper we started human trials.”

For now this is the best evidence available on how successful such a vaccine would be in people.

The first patient, a 39-yearold woman, was given the vaccine last week as human trials got under way.

There will also be separate Continued on page 56

Jonathan in Chad for talks on terrorism From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

•Dr. Jonathan

T

O forge stronger alliance against terrorism and violent extremism in the region, President Goodluck Jonathan will today in Ndjamena, Chad hold talks with his Chadian counterpart, President Idriss Deby.

The talks in Ndjamena, according to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, is a follow up to their discussions in Nairobi last week on the sidelines of the African Union Peace and Security Council Summit.

Jonathan and his host, who

is also the current Chairman of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, will discuss how to further actualise agreements for greater cooperation against insurgents and terrorists reached by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon at a meeting in Paris earlier this year.

The statement said: “Their talks are expected to lead to the strengthening of the Paris Accord on joint border patrols, intelligence sharing and the prevention of the illicit movement of terrorists, criminals, arms and ammunition across shared borders.”

President Jonathan is accompanied by the National SecuContinued on page 56

Two ‘large banks’ record zero liquidity ratio, says CBN report Continued from page 1

stantial withdrawal of deposits, as well as short-term wholesale and long-term funding over five-day and cumulative 30-day shocks, with spe-

cific assumptions on fire sale of assets.

However, the stress test conducted, based on their endContinued on page 56

Insurgency has crippled Borno State, says SSG

ORNO State is grounded by the Boko Haram insurgency, Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Baba Ahmad Jidda said yesterday.

He asked all political leaders and stakeholders to unite and meet with President Goodluck Jonathan on how to salvage the situation.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the proposed by-election for Jere House of Assembly Constituency.

Jidda, who made his views known in a statement in Abuja, said there is urgent need for peace in the state.

He said he issued the statement in his private capacity having been disturbed by the deteriorating situation.

The statement said: “A deep appraisal of the condition prevailing in Borno State at the moment shows a disrupted environment that is in desperate need of peace and restoration.

“As a result of the insurgency caused by Boko Haram, large swathes of the land in the state is currently inaccessible. Normal governmental, economic, social and political activities have been

State varsity shut as Boko Haram takes more towns Continued from page 1

amawa State, following the success they recorded in attacks on some villages on Friday when they took Gulak, the headquarters of Magadali Local Government, Kirchinga, the hometown of Acting Governor Umaru Fintiri, Duhu and Shuwa.

Uba, a town five kilometers to Mubi was also overrun by the sect.

Some Michika residents, speaking on the telephone, said the insurgents commanded some of the youths to join them for the “work of Allah”.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

dislocated, with huge numbers of displaced persons living in refugee camps in Maiduguri, neighbouring states as well as Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

“The state of emergency is still in force, with its attendant curfews and restrictions on free movement and assembly.

“The Maiduguri Airport is also closed, limiting access significantly to and out of Borno State.

The threat to security of lives and property as a result of the criminal activities of the Boko Haram insurgents is everywhere and indeed the limited peace prevail-

Another resident said: “When the insurgents met me on the road in Michika, they said I should follow them to work for Allah. They asked me to go home and prepare to follow them to fight the cause of Allah but I decided to run and hide.”

A resident of Bazza spoke of how the sect’s fighters stormed the town, “shooting sporadically, using artillery gun and other heavy weapons but from time to time Air Force jets were dropping bombs”.

The Adamawa State Government on Saturday confirmed that the government had lost to the insurgents many towns, includ-

ing in Maiduguri and the few other areas is achieved largely due to alertness and corporation of the Civilian JTF and the security agencies.

“Moreover, the search and rescue efforts for the abducted Chibok School girls remain on the front burner.

“The above scenario presents a troubling condition that affects all and sundry in Borno State and the Norteast as a zone.”

Jidda gave an insight into the biting effects of the insurgency on the citizenry.

He said: “At this very moment, most parts of Borno State are be-

ing Gulak and Michika.

The Associated Press reported yesterday that Boko Haram fighters seized more towns along Nigeria’s northeastern border with Cameroon. They were adopting a new strategy of encouraging civilians to stay, witnesses told the news agency.

“They assured us that they will not attack us, but people began to run for their lives. Some of us have fled for fear that after subduing the soldiers, the insurgents will turn their [gun] barrels on us,’’ Michael Kirshinga, a resident of Gulak, said after the town was attacked.

ing occupied by Boko Haram insurgents. Government presence and administration is minimal or non-existent across many parts of the state, with economic, commercial and social services totally subdued. Schools and clinics remain closed.

“Most settlements in the affected areas in the state have either been deserted or access to them practically impossible, thus majority of the political stakeholders cannot, in real fact reach their constituencies.

“So, the threat of insecurity affects everybody, irrespective of political differences. The en-

abling environment for politics and electioneering campaign is simply not obtainable at present in Borno State.”

The SSG said he was not after political gains, but he felt he had a duty to speak out.

He added: “At this juncture, it is pertinent to make some clarifications. Even though I remain a member of All Progressives Congress (APC), current SSG in Borno State and having served the nation in the past as Ambassador of the Federal Republic and SSA to the President, I make this particular call in my individual capacity, as a privileged citizen

and elder in Borno State.

“I, therefore, crave your indulgence not to see my current endeavour from any political standpoint, but one borne out of patriotic interest for the peace and development of Borno State, the Northeast Zone and Nigeria.”

Jidda begged all stakeholders and political leaders in the state to rise up to the challenge and make representation to the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to assist the state.

He said the immediate priority of the people is peace and not election.

He added: “As things stand now, the priority of the citizens is the immediate return of peace and restoration of basic social and economic conditions. In the view of many, the thought about politics and pursuit of political interest in this environment appears absurd, callous and morally repulsive.

“In the light of the foregoing, I hereby make a clarion call on all Continued on page 56

ADVERT HOTLINES 08023006969, 08052592524

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

5

NEWS DIMGBA IGWE 1956-2014

Igwe’s last moments, by eyewitness F OR many friends and relatives of Dimgba Igwe, former vicechairman of The Sun, his death in the early hours of Saturday was still like a well scripted movie, with its suspense and happy ending.

Details about his death have been revealed by eyewitnesses while his immediate family has found solace in God. When The Nation visited his Dele Orisabiyi, Okota. Lagos residence yesterday, a steady stream of sympathisers which included members and pastorate of his Pentecost Assembly Church-where he was Deputy General Overseer (DGO)- was visible.

The house, in spite of its external extravagance has a modest furnishing inside. It was a basic living room which exemplified a humble living.

A condolence register which was opened late on Saturday had 77 registered visitors many who were former workers with the late journalist. Many of them praised the faith, courage and kindness of Igwe.

It was not the sort of painful farewell which is often associated with such a loss, but one which conveyed hope of a kind. Pastor Ajibade Ademoroye said: “ Not a loss but a gain. You lived well for the Lord and His church, see you later bro.”

Linda Osareren said: “Dimgba,

By Seun Akioye,

Senior Correspondent

some of us have agreed that you have to come back to take care of your family.”

Inside the house, Mrs Obioma Igwe was surrounded by sympatizers. But none of them was crying and if one didn’t know beforehand, it will be difficult to guess a tragedy of such proportion had befallen the house.

A pastor prayed. He thanked God for Dimgba, saying he was alive. “ Pastor Dimgba is alive, we know he is with you. He has been promoted, we are consoled,” he said.

Mrs Igwe also exhibited a rare spirit of courage, as visitors continued to gather in the house, she took her time to ask after the welfare of those who came.

When a group of young girls came, she laughed, clapped and offer consoling words to them. Many visitors with intention to console her left perplexed seeing her jovial and happy spirit, one which refused to yeild to depression and sadness.

The late Dimgba was a man of faith and courage until his death. This was also corroborated by eyewitnesses who told Hanson Igwe, brother to the deceased, about his last moments.

“I met some eyewitnesses here today. They said they helped

‘My comrades at The Sun take heart’

E

DO State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has condoled with the management and workers of the Sun Publishing Ltd on the death of Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

He said in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua: “It came as a rude shock to learn of the death of one of your executives, a journalist with the Midas touch, whose literary contributions to the development of the media had its unique place in history.

“I had the opportunity to interact with him on a number of occasions and I could see the informed logic of his discourse, especially on issues of statehood.”

‘We’ve lost a quintessential journalist’

D

EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu expressed shock yesterday on the death of Pastor Dimgba Igwe.

A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, quoted Ekweremadu to have described the deceased as a “quintessential journalist.”

He said his death was a

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

“typical thunderbolt from a blue, serene, sky”.

Ekweremadu said: “I am short of words to describe this sad event. Sometimes, life can be cruel beyond measure, and this is one of such instances. It is a grievous loss not only to the Sun Publishing Ltd, but also the media industry and the nation.”

Okorocha sympathises with Sun

I

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has, on behalf of the government and people of the state, expressed regret over the death of the Vice-Chairman of the Sun Publishing Ltd, Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

He said Igwe’s death at 58 last Saturday taught a lesson about life that “we all live at the mercy of God.” The governor said: “Given the option, Mr. Igwe would have preferred to remain alive, but he was not offered that alternative by his creator.

“Politicians and political office holders, who talk and act as if the world belongs to them, should learn a big lesson from Igwe’s death.”

NGE mourns

HE Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has mourned the death of Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

It said: “A gentleman, Igwe was said to be jogging near his Okota, Lagos home about 10am when the sad incident occurred. He later died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

“It is painful to recall that only recently, between August 27 and 31, the deceased was in Katsina, where he

T

participated at the 10th All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC). His death, therefore, has dealt a great blow to journalism, to which he and his inseparable colleague, Mr. Mike Awoyinfa, made invaluable contributions.

“Igwe was deputy to Awoyinfa when the Weekend Concord hit the newsstand in 1989. The partnership was replicated when the Sun came on board in 2003 and in the books they co-wrote.”

•Wife of the late Dimgba Igwe, Obioma (second left) with sympathisers at her residence...yesterday Inset is PHOTO: SEUN AKIOYE The late Igwe.

Dimgba when the accident happened. They said he was still praying for them as they helped him into the vehicle.

“Someone who was jogging close to him said they saw a car misbehaving and they all jumped out of the way. But she said they saw the car hit him and he sustained serious wounds. I was in Aba and around 10 o clock, I learnt we have lost him,” Hanson said.

He said eyewitnesses told him the car was a Toyota Corolla and the driver was male. According to another insider who said his brother witnessed the accident, the driver who killed Dimgba was avoiding a pothole.

The source a employee of

Dimgba’s company said his brother had jogged on the same Ibe road that morning. He said the car came into a corner on high speed and in an attempt to avoid a pothole hit Dimgba. “ My brother said when they saw the car swerved, they all jumped to the culvert but Dimgba was not fast enough. The car hit him and ran him over the culvert. The side mirror of the car came off as well as the wheel cover of the tyre.”

He said: “ My brother and other joggers ran to him, he had bruises on his leg but they didn’t know he had serious internal injury. He asked for a phone and called home. They got a car and lifted him inside. But when they touched his legs, he screamed.”

Many of the sympatisers described the deceased as one of the kindest men on earth. Hanson ruled out a case of assasination. “ I know him, he was a gentleman who had no enemies that may want him dead.”

“My boss was a fun man, he was kind and I loved him so much. It is like a movie because he didn’t die during all his travels and died just here near his house,” the former employee said.

Dimgba was said to have a habbit of jogging on Ibe road early in the morning. He was not alone as many other residents of Okota also excercise on that stretch of road everyday.

“It was his routine, not anything out of the ordinary,” said Hanson.

Amaechi: killer-driver must be prosecuted

T

HE Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the driver, who knocked down and killed the Vice-Chairman of The Sun Publishing Ltd, Pastor Dimgba Igwe, must be arrested and prosecuted by the police, to act as a deterrent to others.

Amaechi, who is also the Rivers State governor, spoke yesterday in a condolence letter to the management of the Sun, addressed to Mr. Femi

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Adesina, the Managing Director of Sun Publishing Ltd. Igwe was jogging near his Okota, Lagos home on Saturday morning, when he was hit by a car. The driver sped off, abandoning him.

The NGF chairman said: “I received with shock, the news of the sudden passage of one of the leading lights of journalism, Pastor Dimgba Igwe.

He was passionate and painstaking. He was a thorough-

bred professional and one of Nigeria’s brightest and best.

“His demise at this time, when our nation is in dire need of men of honour and courage and when his younger colleagues need his steadying hands to guide their practice is most painful. We in Rivers State feel a deep sense of personal loss, because of our close relationship with him.

“We enjoin the police to ensure that the driver is brought to book. It is unfor-

tunate that this great man was cut down in his prime, as life only begins at 40.

“While we wait for justice to be done, we assure the deceased’s family and his friends and colleagues that we share in this grief.”

Amaechi also expressed the sympathies of the government and people of Rivers State over the great loss and assured the Igwe family, his relatives and friends of the prayers and support of the Rivers people.

His death a blow, says Aregbesola

O

SUN State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has expressed shock on the death of versatile journalist, Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

He described his death as a blow not only to the media, but also to the country.

The governor said in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Okanlawon that Igwe’s death robbed the media of a doyen.

He said the demise again brought to the fore the level of insecurity in the country.

Aregbesola noted that it was unimaginable to think that merely engaging in a harmless venture like a regular morning exercise could lead to a tragic death.

Fayemi: his death sad, devastating

E

KITI State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has expressed condolence on the death of a celebrated journalist, Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

He described the death of Igwe, 58, in an accident as sad and devastating.

Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said losing a media icon with a deep understanding of public affairs like Igwe at this time was devastating.

He said Igwe was one of the pioneers of human angle genre in the print media, which brought freshness and excitement to journalism.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

The governor said he practised the profession with zeal, candour and integrity, adding that Igwe’s place in journalism was secure, as he gave much to the job as an editor, a columnist, a manager and an administrator.

Fayemi recalled Igwe’s trailblazing roles at the defunct Weekend Concord and the Sun, which recorded successes in the print media.

He said his column in the Sun was a must-read for Nigerians, who looked forward to his incisive analyses on burning issues.

He said: “It is a tragedy of huge proportion not only to have lost this fine journalist and manager of men, but also to have lost him in such a needless tragic circumstance. This once again calls to question the level of insecurity of life and property in this country.

“Igwe, until his death, with his closest friend, Mike Awoyinfa, brought journalism to another level, which

brought one of Nigeria’s highest selling newspapers, the Sun, into the consciousness of Nigerians.

“His death brought back to mind our last encounter. Last year I met him and his professional twin brother, Awoyinfa. After lunch, we had a profound and robust discussion about a new Nigeria of their dream. It is rather unfortunate that Igwe would be lost soon. We pray for the repose of his soul.

Ambode commiserates with Sun

A

CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has commiserated with the Sun Publishing Ltd on the sudden death of the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

He described the death as an irreparable loss to journalism and to Nigerians.

The former accountant- general of Lagos State, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication, Mr. Idowu Ajanaju, said: “We can only be consoled by the fact that Igwe lived his life using his God-given talents and gifts for the benefits of the masses through his writings and diligence in the management of one of the foremost Nigerian newspapers.”

He prayed for the management, workers of the Sun and the deceased’s family, saying God would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ambode said the transient nature of life was brought to the fore and advised that men ought to live their lives in the consciousness of this fact.

6

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

NEWS

‘Jonathan’s campaign strategy mocks Chibok girls’ parents’

T

HE # B r i n g B a c k O u r Girls (BBOG) protesters have said President Goodluck Jonathan’s new campaign slogan, #BringBackGoodluck2015, does not only show his inhumanity, but also mocks the grieving Chibok girls’ parents.

They said it was unfair for the President to mock the parents “because he does not know what will happen to him tomorrow.”

The protesters said government tried to stop their ad-

From: Grace Obike, Abuja

vocacy through intimidation, “which will not work because we shall stand firm until the schoolgirls, who were abducted 146 days ago at the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok are rescued.”

The group’s leader, Aisha Yusufu, spoke yesterday in Abuja during a protest.

She said although the nation was at ‘war’ with the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, the President

did not deem it fit to address the citizens over the ‘war’.

Her words: “I think their plan is to mock us, to mock the campaign. But the only thing they have succeeded in doing is to show their inhumanity. They don’t have a sense of empathy.

“This is a campaign for people in pains. No matter how highly-placed, how important somebody is, you are not above God. Anything can happen to you. We don’t know what can happen tomorrow. Those who are

laughing at somebody grieving today do not know what will be their portion tomorrow. Only God knows tomorrow. This is why you should never mock another person.

“We were supposed to meet at the Unity Fountain, but we changed our venue at the last minute for security reason.

“This intimidation will not stop us. We will not give up.

We will not stop until the girls are rescued.”

‘No rift between police, civil defence’

T

HE Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, said yesterday that there was no rift between the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ojukwu, an acting commissioner of Police, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on phone that the police and the NSCDC were members of the same family, working for one purpose.

He dismissed reports that policemen attacked NSCDC operatives in their headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the story was untrue.

Ojukwu said: “The Police and the Civil Defence are one family. Our relationship is that of a brother and a sister. We don’t have any problem with them.

“The negative stories making the rounds about attacks are not true.”

He said the police were investigating the alleged attempt by a police inspector to shoot others at the CommandantGeneral of the NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin, in Lagos.

On August 22, NSCDC alleged that a police inspector attempted to fire at Abolurin in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The Corps, last Friday, also alleged that about 10 policemen launched an attack on its men in front of the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja.

Scholars demand better welfare EDIA owners have for journalists

M

•From right: Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the kick-off of the airlifting of pilgrims at Dutse International Airport.

2015: APC ‘ll rescue Nigeria, says Odigie-Oyegun

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) will rescue the country from its socio-political and economic problems, the party Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said.

He added that it would bring change, prosperity and hope for the masses.

Odigie-Oyegun spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the 50th birthday anniversary of Toyin, wife of Senator Bukola Saraki.

He said: “Your husband has the courage from a commanding position of a party with better federal might to come down and succumb to becoming a member of the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

APC that is in opposition, which has a very good prospect, but not a future that is guaranteed.

“Everyday he works assiduously to ensure that next February he will be back in power as part of a new government that will bring change, prosperity and hope to the ordinary Nigerians.

“He has passion for that vision and together with those of us here, who have resolved to rescue this country, because we are the greatest black nation on earth with potential for greatness.

“With people like Bukola

Saraki, the ex-chairman of the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje here and another courageous man like Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the legitimate secretary of the PDP, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, PDP is fast sinking into oblivion.”

APC chieftains including Governors Okorocha (Imo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), among others, were at the ceremony.

On her husband’s defection to the APC, Mrs. Saraki said it was in line with the people’s wish.

She said he was inspired by

God and the people’s wish to dump the PDP. The highly-elated woman said her husband’s decision to join APC was not driven by selfish desire.

She thanked the indigenes and other Nigerians for turning out en masse to celebrate with her.

Senator Saraki said he was humbled by the large presence of prominent personalities, especially in the APC, who trooped to the state to rejoice with his wife.

He also spoke on the statement by the Kwara APC that there would be no automatic ticket for any aspirant, saying the decision applied to him.

How Oyo awards contracts, by Ajimobi

G

OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has threatened to publish the names of people who got contracts from the government since 2011 when he assumed office.

He said this was to determine the percentage of the indigenes who got jobs from the government.

His threat came on the heels of false claims by the opposition that all contracts in the state were awarded outside and taken to Lagos State, thereby denying indigenes of the benefit of getting jobs .

Last week, at the declaration of former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala to contest the 2015 governorship election, he accused Governor Ajimobi of taking the majority of the con-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

tracts to his stooges in Lagos State .

But, speaking at the Ibadan Recreation Club at the weekend where he (Ajimobi) was made the grand patron of the club established in 1902 by the colonial masters, Ajimobi told the elite class that 95 percent of the contracts so far awarded by his administration were given to the indigenes.

He said the remaining five per cent were jobs that could not be handled by local contractors. He threatened to publish the names of the contractors to enable the public see the veracity of his claims.

The governor said: “These people are ignorant of what we are doing . Some will say they are not giving jobs (con-

tracts) to the people of Oyo State. Let me tell you today that we have given out thousands of jobs, over 95 percent are given to Oyo State indigenes. If not for the people who pleaded, I have made up my mind to publish the names of Oyo State indigenes who were awarded contracts in the state one by one. Today we have started constructing model schools, any Oyo State indigene who has interest should apply. The contract ranges from N500million to N1.5billion but they will use their fund to kick start, then we will pay them later”.

He spoke also on the dwindling federal allocation and meagre state resources, which he said inspite of the limited

resources his administration, it had continued to provide the needed amenities to the people of the state.

The governor said: “For a state that gets N4billion every month, our salary and wages bill amounts to N4.6billion every month, ab initio we are running a deficit system and now the allocation has been reduced to N3.6billion. Recently we increased the salaries and wages of workers and the promise I made to the workers that their salary would be higher than that of other states in the Southwest.

Today I have fulfil that promise.

“The teachers have never had it so good, the pensioners have never had it so good. So, what we are saying in essence is that this government is working.”

been advised to pay journalists well, to enable them meet their responsibilities.

This was contained in a communiqué at the end of a two-day conference organised by the Association of Communications Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).

The event attracted stakeholders and professors of Mass Communication.

ACSPN, according to the communiqué, would partner the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory authorities to re-design the media and communication curriculum.

The ACSPN also advocated an improved welfare for media scholars and professionals.

The association agreed to partner NUC to institute a sixmonth mandatory industrial training for media and communication students.

Also, the apex body for mass communicators recommended that conflict reporting should be included in the media and communication curriculum and urged journalists to report conflict with a sense of responsibility. The association frowned at the use of inflammatory, misleading and sensational headlines by the media to attract sales and advised that such should be discouraged.

It recommended that proper and responsible journalism should be encouraged among professionals, particularly journalists, to reduce the psychology of fear intended by terrorist groups.

The association encouraged young female communication scholars and professionals to be active members of ACSPN as a way of improving their competencies and impacts in the industry. It recommended that communication institutions and associations in public relations, marketing communications, broadcasting and film production should promote professionalism.

ACSPN advised communication scholars and professionals on the need to frame children and youth issues as they were a vulnerable group that must be given special attention.

The media, according to the communiqué, needed to get acquainted with and adopt the conflict sensitive approach in reporting elections in the country.

The media was also enjoined to develop capacity as mediators in political conflicts by paying attention to their gate-keeping, agendasetting and status- conferral roles in political reporting process.

Prof. Idowu Sobowale, Prof.

Lai Oso and Prof. Owems-Ibie Nosa were re-elected as the Chairman Board of Trustees, President and General- Secretary.

Others are Prof. Umaru Bête, Deputy President. Six vice-presidents were elected for the six geopolitical zones: Dr. Wilson Joseph, Northeast; Prof. Kate Omenugha, Southeast; Dr. Beatrice Okonkwo, Northcentral; and Dr. Odion Odiboh, Southwest.

Centre to host Fashola, Lamido From Tony Akowe, Abuja

T

HE Kukah Centre will tomorrow host Governors Babatunde Fashola and Sule Lamido of Lagos and Jigawa states at a national policy discourse on the challenges facing the country.

The event, hosted by the centre established by erudite scholar and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, will hold at the Aso Hall of the International Conference, Abuja.

The two governors, who are chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are expected to speak on the theme: “Fixing Nigeria: The Nuts and Bolts.”

Among other issues to be discussed at the event, which will be moderated by Bishop Kukah, include “What is wrong with Nigeria?” “Does democracy have a future in our country?” “What needs to be done to fix the country?”

Others include the “Vexed issues of federalism & revenue and ideology- Parties-Politics-Succession”.

The centre seeks to deepen the quality of national discourse on co-existence in Nigeria, strengthen the capacity of citizens to engage government at various levels, promote inclusive governance processes and expand the relationship between faith and public policy.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

7

NEWS Osun APC petitions INEC over Ife results From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the results from eight local government areas in the governorship election.

Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Environmental Matters, Bola Ilori, broke the news at the weekend in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

He said: “We have written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the manipulation of votes by the PDP in the four wards of the Ife South Local Government Area. In all, the APC is contesting results of eight council areas because of what happened during the election in these areas. So, people should not be surprised that votes counted for the PDP would be deducted.”

Ilori said it was clear to the voters that Omisore wanted power not in the public interest but to serve his selfish and inordinate ambition.

He said: “People of Osun are not fools. They know Omisore was pretending to love them while his heart was far away from the state.

If Omisore is accusing the administration of capital flight, the people know who their friend is and who is boosting the economy of the state and who is doing the opposite. All the policies and programmes of the Aregbesola administration have brought about a multiplier effects that significantly reflect on the quality of lives of the residents.”

Ilori said the PDP would be surprised that some of the votes counted for Omisore would be deducted at the conclusion of the tribunal sitting.

Group to boost foreign investment

By Wale Ajetunmobi

T

HE Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) will, on Wednesday, hold the maiden edition of the Diplomatic Dialogue Series (DDS), aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with other countries and boost investment.

The event will take place at the Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, at 8am.

According to the organisers, DDS is a platform for interaction between businessoriented people and foreign ambassadors.

NLI’s Director of Programmes Anthony Ubani said it would be a sustainable forum for the leaders of corporate firms, public servants, policy makers, business-oriented senior fellows and associates of the institute to engage, interact and share ideas with envoys.

The event will host the India High Commissioner to Nigeria, A.R Ghanashyan, as a guest.

Chief Executive Officer of the NLI Dr. Yinka Oyinlola said: “Whatever brings people closer will inherently bridge divides, foster peace and better understanding and ultimately strengthen human interaction, growth and productivity.”

Ekiti govt: PDP responsible for delay in salary

T

HE Ekiti State government has blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Governor-elect Ayodele Fayose for the delay in the payment of workers’August salary.

The government said the delay was as a result of the refusal of banks to grant it overdraft facility due to the panic created by the governor-elect.

It also faulted Fayose’s transition committee over the way Governor Kayode Fayemi has managed the state.

The chair of the transition committee, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, accused the government of mismanaging the state’s finances. The state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also accused the governor of illegally moving funds.

From Sulaimon Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

The government described the criticisms as “highly irresponsible and infantile in nature”.

The government, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said no responsible party or transition committee would make such malicious allegations against the administration, especially when such claims are unfounded.

The statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said the Fayemi administration has run the affairs of the state in the last four years with utmost regard for public accountability and fiscal responsibility laws.

“Having built a reputation of service and integrity over the years, nothing- not even a controversial loss in an elec-

tion - would make us go back on this path of honour. Neither are we going to succumb to cheap and infantile blackmail,” the statement added.

The state government challenged the PDP to mention the banks where the alleged illegal movement of funds took place and explain where the so called 3,000 workers were recruited illegally. It added that the establishment of LCDAs went through a due process that culminated in the law passed by the state Assembly establishing the 19 new LCDAs, adding that the incoming government could annul the new councils by simply going through the lay down procedure if it so desired.

“If Mr Fayose and his team believe that indeed many of these allegations have any iota of truth in them, one

would have expected that a team that espouses a commitment to cooperation and reconciliation would have made an effort to seek further clarification on the many destructive allegations before rushing to the press, if this was not a calculated agenda to malign and manipulate public opinion.”

The government said the PDP resorted to blackmailing the Fayemi administration after it alerted the public and the banking authorities in the country of the subterranean moves by Fayose to have unauthorised dealings with banks that have relationships with the state government.

The statement reads: “Immediately we foiled that move by notifying relevant authorities of plans by the governor-elect to have un-

der-the-table dealings with the banks under the guise of checking financial details, the PDP resorted to cheap blackmail. But we are undeterred.

“For a party that is set to form government in a matter of weeks to seek to discredit the incumbent administration, through sheer falsehood and blackmail is simply irresponsible and childish.

“PDP should mention the banks where the alleged illegal movement of funds took place and also where the socalled 3,000 workers were recruited illegally. Equally the establishment of LCDAs went through a process that started with the Justice Ajakaiye’s committee and culminated in the law passed by the Legislature establishing the 19 new LCDAs. If the incoming Government so desires let it go through due process and get the assembly to annul the process that established the LCDAs.”

Fed Govt, Ondo fight over control of taxes From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

T

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (middle) receiving a plaque after his investiture as the Grand Patron of Ibadan

Recreation Club 1902 from a Trustee of the Club, Mr. Ogie A. Alakija (left) in Ibadan... at the weekend. With them is the President of the Club, Mr. Adeoye Adeshoye.

A

Ambode says Lagos debt under control

FORMER AccountantGeneral in Lagos State and governorship hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Akin Ambode, has faulted claims that the state’s debt is unmanageable.

He spoke at the inaugural leadership lecture series organised by a political action committee, The Future Nigeria.

Ambode explained that debt should never be analysed in isolation but considered in relation to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that most of Lagos’ debt went into financing

T

•Inaugurates campaign office today projects to increase its revenue-generating capability and ensure it remains creditworthy.

When asked his vision for Lagos, Ambode said: “I see a prosperous Lagos; a Lagos that is easily accessible, open to foreigners and Nigerians to pursue their potential; a safe and clean environment; a Lagos that allows every person to achieve their potential; a Lagos that knows no gender no race, no sex, no religion, no colouration; a Lagos that has connectivity and mobility; a 24-7 Lagos, a Lagos where

the economy does not sleep at 8pm.”

He dismissed the notion that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Is anti-poor, adding that the party wanted to give all Nigerians the tools to get out of poverty and progress.

Ambode will today inaugurate his campaign office. The office is in Gbagada on the Lagos mainland. The event is expected to be graced by thousands of his supporters.

Ambode, who hails from Epe, will interact with his supporters and inaugurate the

women and youth wing of the organisations.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Communications, Idowu Ajanaku, said Ambode’s vision to be the next governor of Lagos State is out of his desire to consolidate on the foundation laid by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Raji Fashola.

He said having served in the civil service for 27 of his 47 years, he was qualified to succeed Fashola.

The aspirant promised that given the opportunity to serve as governor, Lagos would continue to be the pride of Lagosians and Nigerians.

Ondo APC faults plan to recruit teachers

HE Ondo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday criticised the move by the government to recruit 2,000 teachers, describing it as a mirage and another way of deceiving the people.

The party said:”If 2,000 qualified teachers are genuinely recruited in the highly-publicised recruitment plan of the government, and not the usual chicanery, trickery and media propaganda of the Mimiko-led administration, then the Dr Olusegun Mimiko-led administration would have scored a point, truly beneficial to the people, since inception in February 24,2009.

“But, what Ondo State people has witnessed, since February, 2009, in the scope of

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

employment and empowerment, are nepotism, discrimination and partisanship.

Friends and families of the governor are being smuggled through the backdoor into the state’s Civil Service Commission, while bristling population of the unemployed youths are left in the eternal joblessness by the Mimikoled administration. Sacking and retrenchment of workers on flimsy excuses are common.

“Therefore, the people of Ondo State were astonished that a government that has abandoned them for almost six uneventful years suddenly announced its intention to recruit 2,000 teachers. Is this August recruitment a bid to

shore up the dwindling popularity of the government?

“For record purposes, the last time Ondo State people witnessed mass and genuine recruitment into the Civil Service precedes the Mimiko era. Also, the need to boost the Teaching Service Commission with over 10,000 teachers has been at the fore of developmental discourse since 2009.

“The government has incisive recommendations to this effect, but chose to do absolutely nothing. Why did it take the Mimiko-led administration almost six years to announce recruitment plan, despite the huge revenue allocations to the state?

“If it takes the government six years to embark on re-

cruitment exercise, how many years will it take the same government to finally get the teachers into the classrooms to teach our children?

The mixed feelings that welcomed the recruitment plan from the people of Ondo State is understandable in view of the antecedents of the government.

“Will this government not give the prospective 2,000 teachers the treatment it gave to the workers in the 18 local governments areas, recruited under Mr Governor’s supervision, through the backdoor, few months to the election in the 2012? Those workers were consequently tagged ghost workers and sacked immediately after the re-election of Mr Governor.”

HERE is a cold war between the Ministry of Mines and Steel and the Ondo State government over multiple taxations levied on members of the Quarry Owners Association (QOA).

The ministry is against the N3, 000 charge levied on the quarry owners by the state government.

There was a verbal confrontation between leadership of the quarry union and officials the state government for allegedly preventing trucks from moving out of the quarry depot on Akure-Owo Expressway.

Speaking with reporters, the association’s ViceChairman, Jimoh Ojo, said the union would never comply with the state government’s directive.

Ojo said their businesses had been affected by multiple taxes levied on them by the state government, adding that the matter is before the court.

The Director, Ministry of Mines and Steel, Opeyemi Fadare, said only the Federal Government has the right to collect tax on the minerals.

He cautioned state officials to stop harassing members of the union, saying the step taken by the government was an act of exploitation and a way of increasing cost of building.

The leader of the consultancy team representing the state government on the issue, Mr. Akinfaderin Oye, said the government has the constitutional right to collect tax from the union.

He noted that they were hired by the Ministry of Environment to collect the levies from the buyers of the mineral.

Oye confirmed that he was aware that the matter is before a high court.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

8

NEWS Osun raises 54,000 oil palm seedlings for plantation regeneration

O

•From left: Managing Director, Osun State Investment Company, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly,Najeemdeen Salam; and Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative and Empowerment, Mr Jaiyeoba Alagbada during a reception in honour of Governor Rauf Aregbesola by the Ikire Muslim community at NASFAT Ground, Ikire... yesterday.

SUN Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Mr Wale Adedoyin has said the government has raised 54,750 improved oil palm seedlings to replace ageing palm trees.

Adedoyin spoke at Ojere farm settlement in Ife North Local Government Area at the weekend The commissioner said the distribution was a component of government’s Semi Wild Groove Yield Enhancement Scheme.

He said the programme was borne out of the government’s commitment to the production of food in abundance.

He promised that the government would ensure the provision and distribution of free, unadulterated oil palm seedlings to farmers in the state.

He said the government raised 54,750 improved oil

palm seedlings spread in seven nurseries in which 41,544 was the establishment count to replace ageing oil palm trees.

Adedoyin enjoined oil palm farmers at the Ojere axis, the direct beneficiaries of the pilot scheme, to use seedlings to regenerate their plantations.

Mr Seyi Adegbembo, Project Manager of Tree Crops in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, charged farmers to make the best use of the agricultural farm inputs.

Mr Adejumo Anthony, a beneficiary, who spoke on behalf of the farmers, described the occasion as an omen of the good things that would happen in the agricultural sector.

Adejumo described the regeneration of oil plantations as a wise investment for the state.

FAAN consumes 132,000 litres of diesel monthly

T

•The widower and General Overseer, The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor Elijah Oludele Abina (middle), former General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Wilson Badejo (second right), Deputy General Overseer, GOFAMINT, Pastor Samuel Ewuola (right), a guest and the eldest son of the deceased, Elder Folorunsho Abina (left) at the PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID. interment service of Madam Felicia Oluremi Abina at her residence in Lagos...yesterday.

HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it consumes four trucks of diesel, each containing 33,000 litres, in ensuring regular power supply at the Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA) every month.

FAAN’s General Manager, Southsouth and Southeast, Mrs Ebele Okoye, in a statement yesterday, said FAAN was worried over the high cost of running generating sets to provide electricity at the airport.

According to Okoye, the unstable public power supply at the airport has made it to depend on generating plants, which gulped a lot of diesel.

Okoye said the funds being used to get diesel could have been used in other areas.

She said the spending on diesel was putting pressure on the finances of the organisation and urged the Ministry of Power to come to their aid in ensuring regular public power supply was at the airport.

The General Manager urged airline operators and passengers to bear with the authority on the ongoing work at the airport, assuring them that they would benefit from it at the end.

Okoye also said the management of the airport was embarking on home delivery of cargo in conjunction with an independent company.

She said a new toll gate would soon be erected as part of the airport’s means of generating revenue, noting that it would be done in conjunction with the Rivers State Government.

Okoye said funding had been the greatest challenge in the day to day running of the airport.

Tambuwal, Igbinedion seek support for Ajimobi

H

OUSE of Representatives' Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the Chancellor of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, at the weekend showered encomiums on Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, urging the people to stand by him.

They spoke at separate events in Ibadan, the state capital.

Tambuwal, who was speaking at an empowerment programme organised by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, praised the governor for what he called his brilliant performance and monumental achievements.

"I want to appreciate Governor Abiola Ajimobi for his wonderful performance in

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Oyo State. I have always said this and will keep on saying it that whenever and wherever you identify good leaders who are doing well, you must continue to acknowledge them and commend them for their good works. ``Notwithstanding the political affiliations and political party differences of the people of Oyo State, Governor Ajimobi has continued to meet the need of the people,'' he said.

In his address, Governor Ajimobi noted that the track record of people for political offices should be major factor in next year's general elections.

He enjoined the people not

to sell their conscience through monetary inducements during elections, saying this would have negative effect on the future of the country.

Speaking at his 80th birthday event organised by the University of Ibadan, Igbinedion said he once lived in Ibadan as a Constable in the Nigeria Police.

He expressed surprise that when he got to the capital of Oyo State, he missed his way due to the many infrastructural developments that have been brought to the state by the Ajimobi government.

"I have at least six houses in Ibadan. When I spoke with the governor days before this event and he assured me that I would miss my way, I didn't

believe him but when I got here, I indeed missed my way. Even though he is building on what his predecessors did but his achievements stand out," he said.

He added that the administration has also made Ibadan more secured.

"Ibadan and Oyo State got its name from the Wild Wild West of the First Republic and that violence continued until of recent. I want to commend the governor for ensuring that there is peace in this land and for the development that he has brought to the state. If Oyo State people are appreciative like our people, they will automatically give you a second term," Igbinedion said.

Oyo govt urges NASU to shelve strike

T

HE Oyo State Government has appealed to members of the NonAcademic Staff Union (NASU) in its secondary schools to shelve their proposed strike and embrace dialogue.

The state government made the appeal in a letter to the union signed by the Acting Head of Service, Mr Soji Eniade.

The letter was dated September 4.

Eniade said Governor Abiola Ajimobi had directed all relevant authorities to critically work out acceptable modalities for consideration of the workers’ demands.

“In cognisance of the recent kind ges-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

ture of the governor’s gracious approval for upward review of government workers salary, I wish to appeal to your members to step down the intended industrial action,’’ he said in the letter.

Eniade said shelving the strike would “ give room for meaningful negotiation and amicable resolution.’’

NASU had in an earlier letter to the state government issued a 21-day ultimatum for their demands to be met.

The union said in the letter that the state government had failed to implement the 37.5 percent peculiarity allowance it re-

quested for its members in the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

“His Excellency would recall that he graciously granted NASU delegation audience in May 2013 “You directed the then Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Establishment and Training and the Executive Secretary, TESCOM, to meet on NASU’s demand and present recommendation for approval.

“The directive has not been carried out since then,’’ the union had stated in the letter.

T

Academy of Science partners Fed Govt in tackling Ebola

HE Nigerian Academy of Science says that it is collaborating with the Federal Government in the fight against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country.

The President of the academy, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

He said members of the academy had been involved in the management of Ebola for a long time in providing guidance in the area of laboratory.

“Our members are involved in organising and coordinating the activities of laboratories, if they do not diagnose properly, we cannot know what we have and how to go about looking for a solution.

“Even before the virus came into Nigeria, scientists had provided support to the Federal Ministry of Health.

“We advised on the need to strengthen port health measures as a means of checking the entry of some of the very deadly diseases, including Ebola into the country,” he said.

According to him, the search for Ebola cure is a worldwide challenge, not

that of Nigeria alone.

The president, however, said the academy had nonetheless been involved in the search for a solution.

“Since the first Ebola virus broke out in 1976, this is the first time we are having it in Nigeria, so it could not be regarded as our sole problem.

“Finding a cure for Ebola, therefore, is getting international response since it is a cross-border menace,’’ he said.

Tomori, a professor of virology, cautioned on the handling of Ebola issues because of the sensitive nature of the virus.

“It is so dangerous that you need the right equipment because it will be suicidal to work with Ebola cases without the right kind of equipment.

“To work with Ebola cases we need to improve on certain things, some basic infrastructures like constant electricity supply and bio-security,” he said.

He advised the Federal Government to look beyond the immediate Ebola crisis by funding the health sector and the development of science in general in the interest of the country.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

9

NEWS Appeal Court nullifies Ebonyi council polls procedure •We’re heading to Supreme Court, says Attorney-General From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

T

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu has declared that the open ballot system used in the conduct of the September 28, 2013 local government elections in Ebonyi State was inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.

The court, in a 53-page judgement delivered at the weekend, held that Mr. Peter Nwali, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Organising Secretary, was denied the right to his privacy as stipulated in S.5 (1) and paragraph 21 (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the First Schedule to Ebonyi State Electoral (Amendment) and Related Matters Law 2010.

The court said Nwali’s right to vote and be voted for was violated during the election because the right had not been shown to have complied with Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim delivered the verdict on behalf of Justices Saidu Tanko Husaini and Misitura Omodoere BolajiYusuff in a suit filed by Nwali.

The APC chieftain, on August 28, filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abakaliki against the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, the Speaker of the House of assembly, the AttorneyGeneral of the State and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Ebonyi State Government.

He applied for the enforcement of his fundamental right to privacy, praying for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from using the open ballot system to conduct the local government elections.

Police officer’s wife, daughter abducted in Abia From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

T

WO unknown men at the weekend abducted the wife and 18-yearold daughter of a police officer attached to the Rivers State Police Command, Mr Cletus Oke. The abductors, who operated on a motorcycle, reportedly attacked Oke, a Superintendent of Police (SP), in his Volvo car at 8.30pm at Osusu Abala village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.

They beat him up and took his wife and daughter away to an unknown place in his car.

It was learnt that the incident occurred on Saturday.

Abia State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu could not be reached for comments last night.

Gunmen, last Thursday, abducted a woman and her two children on the outskirts of Ohuru village in Obingwa Local Government Area.

The Nation learnt that the police recovered the victim’s Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) at Owerrinta, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The police assured that efforts were on to rescue the woman and her children.

Aba shops closed over unidentified body

S

HOP owners on the busy Asa Road, opposite a shopping centre - one of the electronic markets in Aba, Abia State - at the weekend hurriedly shut down when the body of an unidentified person was found in the area.

The decomposing body of an adult, whose gender could not be immediately ascertained, was wrapped in a bag and dumped in front of the market.

The shop owners said they suspected that the body was dumped on Friday night after they closed for business, or before dawn on Saturday.

When our correspondent visited the scene, the shops were closed while a police team from the Central Police

•Woman’s body found in septic tank From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Station (CPS), Aba, closed traffic on the lane where the body was kept.

This restricted vehicular movement on the side of the road on which the body was dumped.

Health officials evacuated the body in an ambulance and took it to the permanent site of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) on Ayaba Umueze Road for autopsy.

A source said: “We came to our shops in the morning (Saturday) and started perceiving some unpleasant odour. But we could not trace

where it was coming from.

We only noticed later that the bag in front of our shops had a dead person inside it. It was then many of us closed our shops and invited the police.

“You know that with the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), we had to take precautionary measures.”

Efforts to reach the chairman of the market, whose name was given simply as Hunter, were unsuccessful.

He was said to have gone to ABSUTH with the medical team.

Also, the body of another man, identified as Igwe, was found at weekend on the Ama Ogbonna area by Ten-

ant Road.

The deceased, a medical expert who examined his body to ascertain the cause of his death, said he might have died from a natural cause.

The body was handed over to his family after it was cleared of EVD. Also, two weeks after she was declared missing, the body of a woman, Mrs Amarachi Chibunna, has been found in a septic tank near Umuika Community Hall in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State.

The late Mrs Chibunna and her little daughter were said to have left their home at Umuode village in the

same local government for a meeting ahead of the funeral of her brother-in-law on August 17 at Ibibi Uratta village in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.

But she was said to have gone missing between her home and destination.

A search party did not find her. Only her little daughter was said to have been rescued at an unnamed hotel room on September 3.

The villagers alerted the police when they found Mrs Chibunna’s body.

But the police had not commented on the incident at the time of going to the press last night.

PDP defends Ihejirka From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

T

•From left: Mrs Yemi Karunwi, Mr Peter Okechukwu, Mr John Okulaja, Mrs Catherine Ndupu; Principal, Mende Junior High School, Mrs Sobukola Adewumi, Mrs Wumi Adeoye, Mrs Wumi Olaoye, at the Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project Governor’s Award, Ikeja. With them are: Mr Olawale Faturoti, the Charter’s President of the Ikeja Platinum Lions Club Mr Abiola Iyanda..

Orji to opposition: stop attacking me

A

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has warned the opposition to stop attacking his administration.

The governor said the opposition was getting undue publicity from the attacks.

He described such attitude as wishful thinking and defeatist.

Orji was reacting to the remarks credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Ogbuehi Dike, who allegedly accused the Orji administration of failing to develop the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ajunwa, the governor described UPP as a moribund and ghost party that was desperately looking for public attention.

He said: “UPP, which is a party that was dead on arrival, tops the list of dead parties in Abia State which should be ignored, as the living has no business with the dead, as the people are better focused to developmental achievements of my administration.”

The governor said the opposition and those he called political failures had resorted to destructive criticisms of his administration as “part of their belated strategies to gain cheap

•PPA hails Arthur Eze for remarks on Abia

D

ESPITE the knocks the Abia State Government has given critics of the Theodore Orji administration, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) at the weekend alleged that there is infrastructure decay in the state.

Recently, frontline businessman Chief Arthur Eze expressed disappointment in the Orji administration.

PPA blamed the Orji administration for refusing to implement the party’s master plan for the development of the state.

It noted that this was responsible for infrastructural decay in the state.

Orji became governor on the platform of the PPA in 2007 but defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after he fell out with his political godfather, former Governor Orji Kalu, the major sponsor of PPA then.

Alluding to Eze’s claims, PPA National Chairman Peter Ameh, in a statement at the weekend in Abuja, said: “PPA has been vinFrom Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

popularity ahead of the 2015 general polls”.

He described his critics as political chaffs that posed no threat to his administration.

Orji dismissed the “media attack” against his administration as the ranting of a drowning political desperado.

The statement reads: “The attention of Abia State Government has been drawn to the renewed media attack on my person and my people-oriented admin-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

dicated after a well-respected and reputable person within and outside the context of our country, billionaire Arthur Eze, on the 23rd anniversary of the state made a public statement as reported in some newspapers on the bad state of Abia occasioned by maladministration under the current governor, that Aba stinks. Aba is very dirty and the roads are so bad.

“Eze further questioned the conspiracy of silence of Abia elders and the elected/ appointed officers on the horrifying infrastructural decay of the state which, among other things, have dragged Abia as ‘Gods Own State’ to be treated as one of the most underdeveloped states.”

Ameh added: “The statement further strengthened the party’s position that the governor’s poor performance was a worrisome dimension and needed to be checked...”

istration by some frustrated and inconsequential political failures whose only method of seeking relevance is attacking the government.

“The government wishes to state that it would not be distracted by the antics of detractors who will never see the wave of transformation pervading the Abia landscape, courtesy of my focused and purposeful leadership.

“Joining issues with political Lilliputians and incoherent detractors will only

amount to dignifying their untenable fallacies, hence, my resolve to ignore them and remain focused on my transformation agenda which has since restored Abia on the path of greatness.

“It is only obvious that Abia has no worse enemy than any person or group under any guise which fails to acknowledge the widely applauded strides of my administration, which has successfully laid a strong foundation for Abia’s development in all sectors.”

HE Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the alleged link between former Army Chief, Gen. Azubike Ihejirika and the Boko Haram sect is laughable.

The party said the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) remained one of the best soldiers to head the military.

It said Gen. Ihejirika consistently fought Boko Haram insurgents when he was the Army Chief.

Addressing reporters at the weekend in Umuahia, Abia State PDP Chairman Emma Nwaka said it was ridiculous that APC leaders made “unsubstantiated allegation” by an Australian international negotiator, Dr Stephen Davis, and uses it smear Gen. Ihejirika.

APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on September 2, called for the arraignment of the former Army Chief at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram insurgents.

Tribune ex-official loses father

T

HE father of a former worker of Nigerian Tribune, Mr Odidison Omankhanlen, has died.

Pa Joseph Odigene Omankhanlen died on Saturday August 9. He was 77.

He was born in April 1937 at Ibore-Irrua.

He worked in the state Ministry of Works where he retired in the 1990s.

The late Pa Omankhanlen was a disciplinarian and community leader. Though a Christian of the Roman Catholic faith, he was a stickler to tradition.

The late Pa Omankhanlen will be buried in his home at Ikekiala Quarters, Ibore–Irrua at 10am. Traditional rites will hold on Sunday at the same venue and time.

A thanksgiving service will hold at St. Mary Catholic Church, Ibore. He is survived by wife, children and grandchildren.

•The late Pa Omankhanlen

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

10

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

Motorcyclists snatch rifle from policeman

I

T was like a movie scene.

In a commando style, some fast riding commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada snatched yesterday a policeman’s rifle at a road intersection in Lagos.

Passersby watched in awe amid the ensuing confusion as the police attempted to recover the rifle. It all happend at the Ojekunle Street junction close to the Ladipo Auto Parts Markets in Mushin, Lagos.

The Okada riders were said to have gone after the police for allegedly impounding a motorcycle.

Sources said the policemen who were patrolling in a vehicle marked ‘OPS Attack’, arrested one of the motorcyclists at Oshodi for ply-

‘

As the policeman hit the okada man on the head, another forcefully snatched the gun and pointed it at the policemen in the patrol vehicle. The Inspector, who led the police team ordered the driver to stop, and they all disembarked and fled. The okada rider also mounted one of the motorcycles and fled with the rifle.

’

By Jude Isiguzo

ing illegal route.

The motorcyclists were said to have mobilised their colleagues and followed the policemen to Ojekunle junction, were they dragged the

motorcycle from the patrol van with the two policemen guarding it.

The Nation learnt that one of the policemen used the butte of his AK47 rifle to hit one of the riders on the head.

An eyewitness said: “As

the policeman hit the okada man on the head, another forcefully snatched the gun and pointed it at the policemen in the patrol vehicle.

The Inspector, who led the police team ordered the driver to stop, and they all

disembarked and fled. The okada rider also mounted one of the motorcycles and fled with the rifle.”

Some minutes later, the Inspector led four other policemen to plead with some social miscreants to assist them recover the rifle.

“It was a funny scene. The policemen knelt down before some miscreants, begging them for the hideout of the motorcyclists. The policemen, who were almost in tears, told the miscreants that they risk losing their jobs if the rifle was not found”, a source said.

The police team were seen driving back to Oshodi, where they impounded the motorcycle, in search of the rifle.

•FLOODED ROAD: For the past two weeks, Oroyinyin Street on Lagos Island has been flooded because of a blocked drainage.

PHOTO: AYODEJI OLAOSUN

Community leaders honour local government chairman

T

HE Community Development Committee (CDC) of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area of Lagos State has honoured the Chairman; Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo, for outstanding grassroots development and good leadership.

Olabinjo received the award during the Ojokoro Community Development Committee Day held at the Anwar-Ul-Islam Girls Secondary School, Ojokoro. It was attended by party stalwarts and traditional rulers.

The CDC chairman, Alhaji Aremu Amzat, said the honour was in recognition of Olabinjo’s impressive performance in rural and infrastructural development.

“Since his assumption of office, Hon. Olabinjo has demonstrated tenacity of purpose not only by providing good governance, but more importantly in the areas of infrastructure and rural development as well as engendering peaceful coexistence among residents.”

The immediate past chair-

By Kunle Akinrinade

man council’s, Morufdeen Adefolabi, urged Olabinjo to continue to give residents dividends of democracy.

Olabinjo thanked the community leaders for considering him for the award, noting that the gesture would spur him to do more.

“When one is honoured by groups or associations, it clearly shows that that person has done something commendable. Therefore, the honour bestowed on me today is a call to more service and I will continue to ensure the inauguration of social amenities that will make life meaningful for residents of the council area.

“As community leaders, I want to implore you to be law abiding citizens in all its ramifications. We must obey sanitation and traffic laws, monitor and sustain infrastructures in our domains.”

Former Special Adviser on Rural Development to Governor Babatunde Fashola, Mr Paul Kalejaiye, urged community leaders to shun partisan politics in

•Olabinjo (second right) receiving the award from Adefolabi (left). With them are Mrs Omolabake Olabinjo and Idowu Tijani.

PHOTO: KUNLE AKINRINADE

the discharge of their duty.

He said: “Without communities there will not be council areas. We should form ourselves into pres-

sure groups to eradicate or checkmate unscrupulous elements in our various communities. Community development associations

should not serve as an arm of any political party but as partners in the development of rural communities.”

Robbers to residents: We’re coming

By Jude Isiguzo

R

ESIDENTS of Oseni, Nkanna, Owodunni and Lisabi streets in Palmgrove, Lagos are living in fear following a notice of attack served on them by armed robbers.

The notice, which was found on Saturday, was said to have been pasted on a car in one of the streets on Friday night.

Since then, the neighbourhood has been abuzz with talks about the impending attack.

“In the notice, the robbers specified that they would visit us to take what we owe them from us. I don’t know what to do now because it has happened elsewhere without the police coming to victims’ rescue,” a resident on Oseni street, who simply gave his name as Tolani told The Nation yesterday.

“As you can see, I can’t go to the church today because the information has scattered my psyche. I spent a night with a friend in the Shasha area of Egbeda early this year when about 40 armed robbers swooped on the area for over four hours.

They dispossessed us of money and other valuables; no policeman came to our rescue while it lasted. That was why I feel apprehensive now,” he added.

Another resident on Owodunni Street, who spoke under anonymity, recalled that over 35 armed robbers laid siege to the place and Nkanna Street last year without help from any security agency.

“Some of us who had the phone numbers of some policemen called repeatedly without any response.

Even if they would respond, the refrain in such a situation would always be that they don’t have fuel in their vans; this is where my fear lies now. We still have to beg police authorities and the state government to come to our rescue because we are helpless,” he said.

At a restaurant near the Lisabi Police Post, the issue was being discussed by some fear-stricken residents yesterday. They agreed to report the matter to the Ilupeju Police Station.

One of them told The Nation: “I saw one of the notices where it was pasted on a car at Oseni street. They (the robbers) said they are not coming to harm any guard; they said they are coming like the second coming of Jesus Christ to collect what we owe them and that no security apparatus can deter them. I may likely relocate elsewhere tomorrow because I can’t endanger my life.”

It was learnt yesterday that elders in the affected streets may meet to decide what to do. “Whether the police will act or not, we are reporting this to them because it is their duty to protect us,” one of them said.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

11

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

2,000 benefit from Senator’s largesse

Man battles kidney failure

By Wale Ajetunmobi

•Patient requires N6.5million for surgery

F

IFTY ONE year old Fatai Olaseni is battling for his life in hospital. He needs N6.5million to undergo kidney transplant at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos.

His trouble started in 2004 when he developed hypertension, which his family tried to manage. The story changed when he was diagnosed with End Stage Kidney Disease in April.

Since then, the father of three has been on maintenance haemodialysis. But he has not been able to meet up with his sessions because of money.

In tears, he said:”I have spent all my hardearned money trying to find a cure for the ailment. I have also spent my wife’s pension to defray the medical expenses, including tests, drugs and dialysis.

N

By Basirat Braimah

“My sister has agreed to be a donor. But I cannot afford to provide the required amount because I don’t even have any income now. I don’t want to lose my hope of living.”

Dr. E.L Bamgboye, a consultant Transplant Nephrologist at St Nicholas, said Olaseni must undergo renal transplant to live a healthy life again.

Olaseni said his ailment had stopped him from discharging his responsibility as a father.

His family is seeking financial support to save his life.

An account has been opened at the Guaranty Trust Bank(GTB) with No:0010900438 under his name:OLASENI FATAI OLANREWAJU with his phone numbers: 080230322109,08036849989.

My husband is irresponsible, aggressive says wife

A

24-year-old woman, Mary Eze, is seeking the dissolution of her 10-year old marriage with Chigozie Eze, at the Customary Court in Alagbado, a Lagos suburb.

The marriage has produced three children: Blessing (5), Favour (4) and Peace (2).

Mrs Eze alleged that her husband destroyed her property, beat up her siblings and seized their children with the intention of taking them to his hometown.

She said: “Why should I inform a man who doesn’t feed me about my movement? I don’t have any source of income, but he accuses me of spending money on men. He receives

By Basirat Braimah

my phone calls without my consent. It has been three months since we spoke to each other. He destroys anything he sees in my possession. He threatened to eject me from our home, claiming that I belong to the streets. When he knew I informed a third party about our misunderstanding, he sent me out of our home because he had warned me against it. I have been sleeping under different roofs because of my ‘bad boy’ husband. He is irresponsible. I hawk meat in neighbouring streets to pay my children’s school fees.

But he has never asked how or where I got the money from. He once stripped my elder sister and beat her up

because she took me in. He doesn’t respect my folks at all. So, I want my children because they are my priority.”

Her husband broke down in tears in court, saying he was tired with his wife’s lifestyle.

Eze said: “I am tired of my absentee wife. She is fond of moving out at odd hours.

Whenever I complain, she will attempt to hit me. Surprisingly, when I informed my mother-in-law about my wife’s suspicious movements, she slapped me, saying my wife would go after other men if I continued to be jealous. In truth, I slapped her back because I did not deserve such awful treatment from her. Our third child was only three

months old when my wife left with another man for eight months. I was then forced to play the role of a nanny. My landlord could not eject me when my house rent was due because I was literally handicapped within that period. It is sad because her siblings see no harm in all her deeds.

“My wife came back claiming to have turned a new leaf. So, I took her back because I still loved her.

Few weeks after, my wife’s attitude got worse. She started keeping her phone in her pants and was dressing in skimpy clothes at night, pretending to be asleep. We sleep in the same bedroom, but she is always missing in the middle of the night. My wife and her sis-

ters are popular prostitutes at Katangowa Market.

Knowing my wife sleeps on the road with other men makes me sad. She hawked for only two weeks and that was the only moment she fed me with her money. I am also tired of her movements, but I love her. I am not ready for any separation. If she continues with this lifestyle, it may affect our children. It is almost one month since my wife left home, abandoning the children to me. I need help”.

The court’s President, Mr Olubode Sekoni, fixed a chamber interview for the couple and ordered them to bring four relations each and adjourned the matter till September 11.

Council chief signs 10 bills into bye-laws amid fanfare

T

HE chairman of Ifako-ijaiye Local Government, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, has signed 10 bills into byelaws.

The ceremony was witnessed by over 500 residents representing all the community development associations (CDAs).

Oke said the laws were enacted to improve the quality of life of the people.

He said the bye-laws went through the processes including public hearing to get the input of stakeholders before they came into being.

The laws were enacted to streamline the various activities within the council’s geographical location to conform with its aspiration of making it more responsive and effective to the greatest number of residents, Oke said.

The Council Chief listed the bye-laws to include: The conversion of some roads within the council area to one way drive, and one regarding the one-side parking; the routes prohibition and control of motorcyclist activities; the en-

•Oke (right) and Fadare at the ceremony

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

vironmental cleanliness and provision of dustbin refuse disposable bags.

Others are: the pest control in regulated premises bye-law; tree planting/cutting, foodstuffs, regulated premises maintenance of

sewage tanks and drums for commercial ventures, the environmental sanitation and waste management, house numbering in

the local government area and the revalidation of street naming law.

He said with the byelaws, it has become an offence for any resident to flout any of its provisions, urging groups to obtain copies of the laws for their education and guidance as well as take cognisance of its provisions in their interactions with the local government.

Oke said those roads designated as one-way would soon be appropriately marked to avoid crisis, adding that all the laws would take effect from next month.

Giving insights into the byelaws, a councilor, David Olaniyi, said they addressed areas, such as safe motoring, environmental cleanliness promotion of the green culture, and the control of routes prohibitions for motorcycle operations.

Earlier the council’s Majority Leader, Israel Olaniyi Fadare, said the laws were enacted in line with Sections 1&2 of the 1999 Constitution.

Local govt chief preaches cleanliness to curb Ebola

R

ESIDENTS of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State have been advised to imbibe cleanliness to prevent the spread of Ebola.

The Council Chairman, Olumuyiwa Oloro, said at a parley with stakeholders warned that Ebola thrivers in an unclean environ-

By Basirat Braimah

ment.

He distributed fliers to the stakeholders, urging them to take the campaign to the grassroots.

Oloro said the council’s environmental health officials would ensure that residents abide by rules for healthy living.

“I make bold to say that our council was the first to flag off the campaign against Ebola disease.

However, before it became an issue, we had never shirked our bounden duty to keep our people alive to the fact that they must live clean and maintain a filthfree environment. This we shall continue to do,”

Oloro said.

The council chief urged residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse and defaecation in public places.

He said every member of the council would monitor residents’ to ensure their compliance with sanitation rules, especially during the state’s monthly exercise.

•Hon. Oloro

O fewer than 2,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos East Senatorial District have benefited from the empowerment programme of Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

At 8am, APC members besieged Somolu Local Government Area and Bariga Local Council Development Area for the programme. They sang the praise of the Senator during the distribution of items.

The distributed materials included sewing machines, deep freezers, refrigerators, vulcanising machines, welding tools and generators. Some people were also given grants to start up business.

In his speech, Senator Ashafa said he was committed to the welfare of his constituents.

He said: “Just a few weeks ago, we held a mega empowerment programme in IbejuLekki where over 1,000 party members benefited. Today is another empowerment of our party faithful in Somolu /Bariga axis.

This is to show that APC, our party, is ever committed to the welfare of the people. And we shall continue to do this to reduce poverty and unemployment in our state.”

The beneficiaries praised the senator for the gesture.

Police to reduce crime in Ember months

By Jude Isiguzo

T

HE Police in Lagos have stated their readiness to collaborate with other security agencies to reduce crime during the “EMBER” months.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ngwu, made the pledge after the weekly security meeting with Governor Babatunde Fashola.

Ngwu said the police and other security agencies would curtail crime during the months leading to the Christmas and New Year.

“If you are not new in Lagos you will know that each time the EMBER months arrive security agencies in Lagos begin to be proactive.

This is because if you look at the population of Lagos you will see the need for the police and the armed forces to do their job and the need for every other security agency to be ready for the task ahead”, he said.

12

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS Lions Club donates N14m diabetes tool to hospital

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE District 404A2 of Lions Club has donated a diabetic diagnostic and treatment equipment worth N14 million to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

At the handover ceremony in Calabar, the District Governor for the 2014/ 15 Lions year, Princess Obo Mesembe Edet said the club had grown very large in the service to humanity.

Edet, who is also the Head of Corporate Affairs of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, said the core projects for the year would centre on health intervention.

She explained that as more communities needed help, the club would also address them.

Edet said: “We shall embark on hygiene campaign and sensitisation for adults and children. For the children, we shall take the campaign to various schools where the services of hygiene experts will be explored. Eye screening programmes shall be carried out at various locations at regular intervals; de-worming for children below 10 years shall also be undertaken by the district.”

UCTH’s Chief Medical Director Dr. Thomas Agan thanked the club for its gesture.

He described the donation as “uncommon and a novelty”.

WAEC screens GCE candidates for Ebola

By Joseph Eshanokpe

T

HE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) at the weekend screened candidates taking the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination at some Lagos centres.

WAEC’s Head of Nigeria Office (HNO) Charles Eguridu led the screening team.

Eguridu said the screening, among others, would ensure that candidates who took the Economics paper on Saturday were not only Ebola-free but also medically fit.

He said the exercise was part of WAEC’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to its candidates.

Eguridu, who held an infrared thermometer to screen the candidates in some of the schools, explained that the screening did not distract them.

According to him, it takes less than a minute to attend a candidate.

Eguridu said: “There is nothing to worry about. It would not affect their performance. It took about 30 seconds to screen each of them.”

The WAEC chief said besides the screening, the council arranged for an ambulance and a medic to handle emergencies.

He said many centres would be covered.

Death toll in Rivers boat mishap rises to 13

D

EATH toll in the Bonny River boat mishap of last week has risen to 13.

A double engine Port Harcourt-bound passenger boat reportedly capsized in Bonny, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, on August 29.

Thirteen people, including two children and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member on board were killed.

Thirty-five passengers were said to have boarded the boat that morning at Bonny Jetty for Port Harcourt, although it was meant for 28 passengers.

It was learnt that the boat capsized shortly after

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

it left the jetty.

Twenty-eight passengers were rescued immediately; 10 others, including two minors, were said to have died while 18 were rushed to hospitals.

The other seven could not be found immediately.

A source told our reporte r s ye s t e r d ay t h at t h r e e more bodied were later found while the rest were believed to have been swept away by the tides.

The police could not confirm yesterday the report of the three recovered bodies.

Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, an Assistant Superintendent of Police

(ASP), could not be reached last night for comments.

But the Chairman of the Eastern Zone of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Peter Igbifa, blamed the mishap on the neglect on marine transportation in the coastal states.

In a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, Igbifa said the frequent boat mishaps on the Southsouth rivers were the result of past governments’ insensitivity and negligent of marine transportation.

He urged the Rotimi Amaechi administration to declare a state of emergency in Marine Transportation as he did in the Education sector.

Igbifa sympathised

with the families of those who died in mishap.

The IYC leader said the body planned to set up a “Marine Task Force” that would patrol the waterways to check the excesses of marine transporters and forestall a recurrence.

He hailed a former Chairman of Bonny Care Taker Committee (CDC), Adoye Wilcox, for his swift response to the incident, adding that this led to the survival of most of the passengers.

Igbifa said: “I am deeply troubled about the frequent loss of lives of innocent Nigerians on our rivers. We blame the past Federal and state governments for this.

“Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State is the hub of oil and gas activities in Nigeria. But our communities are neglected. Our only means of transportation is the water channels. Yet, because of negligence of past administrations, the channels are filled with wrecks, which cause havocs to our boats and movements on the water.

“We are not happy over this. We are call on Governor Chibuike Amaechi to a declare state of emergency on the Marine Transport sector as he did in the Education sector. This will create safe and conducive environment for the sector...”

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (middle), his deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, (fourth right) with members of the National Assembly Committees on Education, during their visit to the governor in Ado-Ekiti…at the weekend

Ex-militants to storm National Assembly today over welfare F ORMER militants from the Justice Camp in the Niger Delta have threatened to shut down legislative and all other activities today at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

The aggrieved ex-militants, who claimed to have made other peaceful entreaties for Federal Government’s attention to their plight, said theyadopted the protest approach because their camp had been sidelined by the Amnesty Office in the Presidency.

They said the officce refused to document and integrate them into the third phase of the amnesty programme.

Addressing reporters at the weekend in Ughelli,

From Shola O’Neil, SouthSouth Regional Editor and Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, General David Owhegbe, the State Chairman of the Justice Camp, alleged that his members had been deliberately excluded from benefitting from the programme.

He described the development as a daylight robbery.

Owhegbe said counsel to the former militant, A. Movie, in a letter about three months ago to the Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, regretted that the time they were promised for documentation and payment of sti-

pends had expired.

The letter reads: “On the proclamation of amnesty by the Federal Government, our clients, with a retinue of militants under their authority, voluntary submitted arms and ammunition under their control and management to Sector 1, Joint Task Force (JTF), at the Effurun Barracks, Delta State, recently.

“Contrary to expectations, the express promise made to our clients that they would be paid stipends and documented at the slated period has elapsed and unfulfilled.

“Note that the caption date - July 14, 2014 for amicable resolution of the issue raised

in the said letter further briefed us to remind you and request for your urgent reply to the said letter within 30 days of the receipt of their letter and that, our clients’ modest demand; an urgent integration and documentation into the amnesty programme, like other exmilitants, who keep to the tenets of militancy renunciation be granted.

“If the office of the amnesty fails or refuses to accede to our clients’ demands, then we will have no option than to institute legal action against you and federal government and also organize an unusual demonstration in every part of the Niger Delta region, beginning from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to district the sitting of national legislators and others until our demands are met.”

Attah warns against imposition of candidates

F

ORMER Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah has supported the zoning of the governorship seat to Eket Senatorial District.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain also warned against the imposition of candidates, especially the unpopular ones, for any position.

He said there were other factors to consider, besides

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

the zoning.

Attah spoke at a grand reception for him by the Ibibio, the largest ethnic group in the state, and his installation as the Ibibio leader at Asan Ibibio, Uyo. He said: “As I look round, I see a number of faces here of people I know are aspiring to the high office of governor of this state. A large number

of those aspirants are from Eket Senatorial District.

“This is as should be expected because of sequential logic that after Uyo and Ikot Ekpene, it should be Eket. But there must be a level-playing field for all the aspirants.

“This is particularly true at this time when there is such a crying need to give hope back to our people; to restore their confidence in

their government and to rebuild the state. Zoning will certainly be a major consideration. But at a time like this, certain other compelling determinants cannot be sacrificed on the altar of zoning alone.”

Attah also warned against imposition of candidate.

He assured the aspirants eyeing the 2015 governorship seat that there would be a level-playing field.

Robbers kill couple, police orderly in Enugu From Chris Oji, Enugu

A

COUPLE planning to wed last Saturday in Enugu was killed on Friday night by unknown gunmen.

Three others, including a police orderly, were said to have been killed by the robbers.

The couple, it was learnt, intended to wed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu.

Police spokesman, Ebere Amarizu, said the gunmen robbed a filling station in the area and killed its manager.

The groom was identified as Uzochukwu Eze. He was said to be in company of his bride when the robbers killed them at the filling station.

Eze was said to have his wife-to-be in the car with the intention to drop her off at her home.

When the robbers were escaping through Nike Lake Resort Road, they killed the police orderly attached to the wife of the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area.

The police orderly was said to have alighted from the vehicle to ease the traffic at the Timber Market end of the road when the hoodlums disarmed and killed him.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

13

14

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

15

16

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

17

18

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Stephen Davis’ charges Boko Haram: The naming of Sheriff, Ihejirika and a shadowy CBN official should not be taken lightly

W

E cannot dismiss these allegations merely by making press statements or assuring Nigerians of investigations or by solemn declarations about official aversion to terrorism. The charges now in the air from the lips of Stephen Davis, a hostage negotiator for the release of the over 200 kidnapped Chibok girls, are serious and hint at the level of high-powered backing of the infectious sect, Boko Haram.

The charges, in their gravity, are simple. One, former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, was accused of being a long-term sponsor of the sect.

Two, former chief of army staff, retired Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika was accused of also another sponsor. The third charge is laid at a shadowy individual described as a top official of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Davis shied away from naming the CBN official.

Davis stakes his claim on his familiarity with the Boko • Jonathan Haram sect, especially in negotiations for the release of the beleaguered Chibok girls. His bona fides are also stressed by his work with two successive Nigerian presidencies, Olusegun Obasanjo’s and Umaru Yar’Adua’s. He has also established strong links with al-Qaeda cells, up to three of them, around Africa. He is an Australian, and holds a PhD in political geography. Above all, he has gained the trust of the militants and governments in Africa, and he has leveraged this credential in raising the stakes of his activity in the topsy-turvy terrain of the religious zealots.

When he issued those charges, he said he was a negotiator working at the behest of the Jonathan presidency. This led to a flurry of furious arguments from Nigerians, politicians, journalists and human rights activists. Both Sheriff and Ihejirika have denied the charges. The charge against Sheriff is not new. In fact, he ignited partisan furies when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) called the All Progressives Congress (APC) a Boko Haram sponsor on the strength of Sheriff’s membership. Sheriff has now moved to the PDP. With the Davis allegations, the ruling party is at the butt of the same charges.

Ihejirika’s charge is curious because he was a point man as army chief in the war against terror. How come his name has popped up in this awful conversation?

Marilyn Ogar, the spokesperson of the Department of State Security (DSS) has denied that Davis was running an er-

rand for the President. She has also denied that Ihejirika has any link with the terror group, while reaffirming the common knowledge that Sheriff has been quizzed a few times by the nation’s intelligence agency, the State Security Service (SSS).

We cannot say that Davis has all the facts unless we see them. So, it will be foolhardy and presumptuous to believe the words of the Australian simply because of his biography. For the same reasons, we cannot ignore them. He is clearly in the position to know, and he has staked his life and name in his personal journeys into the lairs of the dangerous humans.

He is also no loafer having bagged a PhD. He is also a Christian cleric, which is antipodal to the world views of the terrorist. He apparently has no happy stake in the success of terror. We also wonder if he was specific in the case of Sheriff and Ihejirika, why was he nebulous on the matter of the CBN high roller?

The other reason we cannot ignore the charges is that by accusing the former army chief, his points a specific finger at the door step of President Goodluck Jonathan. Ogar has said that the allegations seek to devalue the service of the former army chief who laid his life for his country. Her point is well taken, but that does not stop us from raising questions. So, where is Davis’ evidence that the army chief helped fuel the escalation of the enemy’s fire power? Ogar also denied that a top sponsor was related to at least two of the nabbed Nyanya bomb-

We therefore support those who want this matter to be taken to the International Criminal Court ... It is not important whether Davis is working as an independent or at the behest of the Jonathan administration. The allegations are grave. The deaths and fall of northern towns are also grave. Our corporate security and prosperity are in danger. We should do the right thing and save this country from the barbarous hordes and their sponsors, whoever and wherever they are’

ers. If that is true, where are Davis’ counter facts? Or is Ogar fibbing?

The Stephen Davis charges touch three sensitive institutions. With the charge of Sheriif, it stalks the executive and potentially compromises governance.

On Ihejirika, it nudges the military. With the shadowy CBN official, the infrastructure of money is tainted. If these charges are true, then it means that Nigeria is helping the enemy through its high rollers.

Some quarters have argued that the history of Boko Haram leaves no institution innocent. First, it seemed only southerners and Christians were victims. Later, it alleged collaborating Muslims. Then, emirs and Muslim clerics and anybody became victims. The narrative has also taken on regionalist and ethnic accusations.

Those in the inner sanctum of the Jonathan administration as well as its supporters have seen the insurgency as a political move to besiege the Jonathan presidency.

They argue that a northern oligarchy unhappy to cede power did not want President Jonathan to succeed. They have also cited some statements from northern henchmen as evidence.

But the northerners say the Jonathan administration has been encouraging the insurgency. This, they argue, is orchestrated to gain sympathy for the government. It is in that context that some have placed the charge against his former chief of army staff.

President Jonathan himself had said in the past that Boko Haram has moles in his government. Who are they? Does Davis know them? Or is he working on inconclusive evidence? We cannot find this out by simply asking our government to investigate it. We cannot trust the Nigerian institutions on this matter for three reasons. One, the administration’s innocence has been impugned by the allegations. Two, because of the tentacles of Boko Haram, the investigations could be compromised by the working of fifth columnists within our institutions. The third point is that terror has morphed into an international network, and the best way to unravel its seedy dynamics is to internationalise its investigation.

We therefore support those who want this matter to be taken to the International Criminal Court. We believe that it will help bring out some of the shadowy information since top Nigerians may be involved in the operations of the sect. These allegations are too serious to be left in the realm of speculations. Boko Haram is waxing stronger and our soldiers are looking weak as the insurgents take territory after territory in the northeast.

It is not important whether Davis is working as an independent or at the behest of the Jonathan administration. The allegations are grave. The deaths and fall of northern towns are also grave. Our corporate security and prosperity are in danger. We should do the right thing and save this country from the barbarous hordes and their sponsors, whoever and wherever they are.

Priests or politicians?

I

N Igbo traditional parlance, there is saying that when an elder shows bad example, children don’t just copy it, they also modify it. The recent acts of priests of Ahiara Catholic diocese of Imo State aptly illustrated this truism. The priests have by their morbid recalcitrance to obey the order of the Holy See swept under the carpet all that Christianity stood and stands for, as well as their priestly vows.

One thing that separated Church of England from that of Roman Catholic Church is the latter’s strict adherence to principle of Hierarchism - which denotes that power flows from top to down. In the Church of England, dioceses enjoys a lot of autonomy from Lambeth Palace but its not so with Catholic Church where Order from Vatican is final. But the Catholic faithful of Ahiara diocese disregarded this tradition and have uncompromisingly stated their rejection of Bishop Ebele Okpaleke, former auxiliary Bishop of Awka diocese.

They regarded the posting of Okpaleke to their diocese as an imposition.

But be it as it may, the arguments of Ahiara Catholic faithful should be considered. They argued that since the inception of the diocese that no Mbaise priest has made it to a bishop.

They questioned whether Mbaise priests were second class citizens in the said diocese.

Inasmuch as their arguments appear sound, they should have handled the issue in the spirit of Christianity and Catholicism. They shouldn’t have gone to the extent of politicizing the whole issue and forcing out of their faithful a Catholic of thugs.

What I usually ask since the politicisation of this issue is what these priests preach to their congregants? For I wonder how priests that ignited their congregants to wage war against a posted bishop will advice the latter to refrain from doing bad things.

The unmannered response of Mbaise faithful to cardinal Filoni’s fatherly letter and rejection of mediation of Cardinal Onaiyekan is utterly unchristian and publishing it in a national daily awkward. It is expected that they should have done that through right means.

No doubt, this issue is so complex and ought to be treated with care and fear of setting a bad precedence. The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria should in concert with the Holy See evolve a powerful mechanism for negotiation with Catholic Faithful of Ahiara diocese. Any agreement must see to retention -and reaffirmation of Bishop Okpalaeke as their local ordinary!

The Catholic faithful of Ahiara should know that they can’t be judge in their own case. It seems to me that they’ve quickly forgotten the famous papal saying that he who hiss at the Pope dies like a beast.

•Asikason Jonathan, Awka, Anambra State

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

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

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

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

20

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: It is quite annoying that at the time Nigeria was on the verge of getting a clean bill of health from the ravaging Ebola virus disease brought into the country by Patrick Sawyer, one Dr. Ikechukwu Enemuo (now late) has thrown a spanner on the progress achieved so far in containing the virus from escalating beyond Lagos, the index state. This despicable action by the late doctor appears to have also dissolved the heroic effort of the late Dr Stella Adadevoh.

To be sure, media reports indicate that Enemuo had secretly treated the ECOWAS diplomat, Olu-Ibukun Koye, who contacted the virus through the late Sawyer. The diplomat had been quarantined in Lagos before he sneaked out of the state to Port-Harcourt apparently on a nocturnal arrangement between him and the late Enemuo.

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

Between Adadevoh and Enemuo Enemuo, who was aware that Olu-Ibukun had the deadly virus, decided to treat the latter in a hotel hence his decision to disinfect the hotel afterwards. Unfortunately, he had also contacted the disease. On August 22, he passed on. Three other persons, including a patient in the hospital where Enemuo was treated, have also died, while over 200 others who had contact with him are currently gasping for help in the state. Curiously, the ECOWAS diplomat was said to have

survived the virus after the purported treatment.

The story of the late Dr Stella Adadevoh, whose bold and courageous efforts helped in restricting the outbreak in Lagos has been told a thousand times. The patriotic and professional manner with which she handled that case has continued to receive commendations and celebration amongst Nigerians and the world. Quite to the contrary, the late Dr Enemuo was everything opposite to all that Adadevoh rep-

resented. He threw medical ethics and conduct to the dogs. Even when he was aware that he had been infected with the virus, he still went ahead to conceal the information from the doctors that treated him.

He was a sinking man that wanted to drown others too and, by consequence, innocent health workers and others have to now battle for survival. This singular selfish act has again brought us to our knees.

Enemuo's action, especially coming from a professional, is, to say the

Who will speak for the Igbo?

S

IR: True democracy buoys up independence and discourages thralldom. I love the Igbo for they are ingenious and believe in the unity of Nigeria if not it would have been difficult for them to have huge investment all around the country and even in inhospitable areas. Some commentators have even equated them with the Israelis but unlike the Israelis the Igbo have not made democracy lively in spite of being reputed to be republicans - have not improved on science, technology and the quality of life of the average Igbo.

Unlike the Israeli political leaders, yet again, who love to promote Israeli causes by calling on other nation-states to invest in her (even recently at the world economic forum in Davos Switzerland), assemblages like APGA, Ohaneze Ndigbo, MASSOB in contrast do not agree on a common objective that will take the Igbo to dreamland- is it surprising that Israel stands out in military competency, technological proficiency and a with a buoyant economy, while the southeastern economy is still in stagnation.

Unlike the Israeli that are united not heeding to the geographical space they occupy within Israel, the Anambra Igbo see themselves as more Igbo than others, while the Imo Igbo see themselves as more educated and the Enugu Igbo.

APGA no doubt has the right to endorse any party it likes for elections but is such co-operation entrenched in their party laws?

Shouldn’t that party be worried about deliberating on issues that are correct and throw candidates

for national elections instead of settling down as a tribal party without plans to take their place in the National political landscape?

How come that a region that is touted to have a strong political force is satisfied with being loyal to a ruling party and of what political benefit is the liaison to the entire Igbo?

Wouldn’t that party’s independence in years to come be subject to the consent of the PDP? It is time that APGA rightly take

on its responsibility to lead and shape the widely held support rather than simply follow a herd instinct.

The South-east needs a Winston Churchill and other grandees to help shape their political future beyond drama. But who will speak for the Igbo people in Nigeria?

I am knocked for six to see how easy it is for the Igbo politician to compromise.

• Simon Abah, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

least, extremely ineffable.

It is important that the Nigerian Senate fast track the Quarantine Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2013 that seeks to repeal the extant law which has been in existence since 1926 presently before it. The current legislation is grossly inadequate in terms of prosecuting the likes of Koye who flouted the surveillance and isolation order as it only prescribes N200 or six months jail term or both as a punishment.

The country must borrow a leaf from the Liberian lawmakers who recently passed a law criminalising concealing Ebola patients from the authorities or violating isolation orders in that country.

It is against this backdrop that the call for the immortalisation of the late Dr Stella Adadevoh and other health care-givers who have paid the supreme price for the country while trying to save others from the EVD has become irresistible. This is the only way to encourage others and demonstrate to the world that the country still rewards hardwork and patriotism. Effort on awareness campaign also needs to be intensified by the government and NGO's, especially at the rural areas where so many people still don't believe that the outbreak is a reality, while the medical professional bodies must ensure that her members uphold the professional ethics at all material times in order to avoid the repeat of late Dr. Ike's shameful action.

• Barrister Okoro Gabriel, Ebonyi.

Oyo pay increase, welcome development

S

IR: The announcement of an increase in workers’ salary by Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi few days ago elicited joy not only among the workforce but generality of the people of the state. The gesture is commendable given the lean purse of the state. The action is equally remarkable because it is about the first time in recent history of the state, when a government is increasing workers’ salary without agitation or industrial action.

The tradition in the past was for

an outgoing government to set a bobby trap for the incoming administration by increasing workers’ salary. I have no doubt that, Senator Ajimobi understands that success or failure of any administration depends largely on the support or lack of it from its workforce. This is because they are the mirror through which the masses view the government and any comment from them about the government goes a long way to determine their support for or opposition against the government. Therefore, a very

important way to attract their favour is to make their welfare a priority. The state government’s policy of payment of workers’ salary on the 25th of every month and payment of 13th month salary are some of the pragmatic steps to boost the morale of the work force and encourage same to be more proactive and result oriented. I have no doubt that the present gesture of the government will go a long way to promote workers’efficiency.

Beyond this however, the multiplier effect of the increment on the

economy of the state cannot be quantified; this is because the enhanced purchasing power of the workforce whose impact will be felt by all sectors in the state. It is hoped that the workers will reciprocate this unprecedented action from the government by continuing to give its unalloyed support for the government in its bid to improve the lots of the state and give the citizenry a new lease of life.

•Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso.

21

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

COMMENTS

I

NTERESTINGLY, a public notice published in newspapers obliquely concretised earlier reports of an impending legalised split between Rev. Chris Oyakhilome and his wife, Anita. The 50-year-old charismatic founder of Believers’ Love World Incorporated, a Lagos-based church popularly known as Christ Embassy, was reportedly served with divorce papers in a UK hotel room.

In the accompanying confusion, a statement by his lawyers, Pinheiro & Company, said: “The attention of our client, (Rev. Chris Oyakhilome and the Church, the CHRIST EMBASSY (“the Church”) has been drawn to the wave of false, malicious and fabricated stories being published in the print and electronic media about his person, the Church and a matrimonial cause between him and his wife.” Also, the lawyers accused “the concerned publishers” of “malicious falsehood”, saying, “It is our client’s instructions to inform the members of the public and particularly warn the concerned media houses that the news or story presently circulating in the media is nothing but a complete distortion of the facts in the pending proceedings in the United Kingdom, to the knowledge of the publishers.”

It is significantly revealing that the statement referred to “a matrimonial cause between him and his wife” and “pending proceedings in the United Kingdom”, which would appear to constitute a sufficient validation of the reports that things had indeed gone awry between Chris and Anita. It is possible that the development spawned salacious story angles that may have been inaccurately presented; nevertheless, the overriding consideration should be whether there are incontrovertible realities in this riveting drama of love gone cold or frozen romance.

It is noteworthy that a report said: “According to an online newspaper, The Cable, the divorce case, with Suit No FD14DO1650, was filed on April 9, 2014 at Divorce Section A, Central Family Court, First Avenue House, High

‘Perhaps pathetically, there is a seemingly remote possibility that the couple will kiss and make up... The approaching inevitability is particularly disquieting not only because it involves Christian pastors who are also media magnets... More importantly, the picture of irresolvable conflict is a devastating blow to the noblest virtues of Christian faith and matrimony’

F

ORMER governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah is an honourable man. At least his pedigree affirms this unequivocally. His aristocratic background provided for him the best affordable education during his time- a secondary education at Saint Patrick’s College, Calabar and tertiary education abroad.

The training burnished him into a thorough bred professional architect who had the enviable distinction of leading that professional body.

When Obong Attah ascended the high office of governor of Akwa Ibom State in 1999, it was seen as the return of the aristocrat to his people. Many feared that there would be lack of seam and sync given his blue blood cultivation. They further noted that his long absence from home, his lack of intimate affinity with the home people and apparent lack of grasp of political chicanery may combine to make him a stranger to the politics of the state. Despite these considered deficiencies, Obong Attah, possessing of iron-cast courage and will plunged into the exercise and made the best of it.

As governor, he broke new frontiers. During the resource control imbroglio, Attah fought doggedly, redefining the national perception of Akwa Ibom man hitherto construed to be timid. At every public forum, he gave a good account of himself in conduct and public communication. His dignified and urbane mien may have been part of the reason why he was made chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum. His conduct of the affairs of that office and his vociferous agitation for resource control gave him a notable standing in national politics.

Unfortunately, he misread the attention he received.

People applauded him for having the courage to confront the then President Olusegun Obasanjo who had assumed the place of a political deity that all had to worship and pander to. Attah broke Obasanjo’s myth and earned public plaudits.

But he thought the plaudits translated to political popularity and an invitation for him to contest for the presidency. With excess cash in his kitty, he girded his loin preparatory to making his son-in-law a governor and himself President. It was to be a well-choreographed dynasty at the centre and the state. Unfortunately, sufficient thinking was not invested in the process and dispassionate and objective analyses were not done. Working from two flanks at the same time, the centre could not hold. As for the son-in-law, because of his careless attitude to the people when he was in office as commissioner, even the best salesmen in the state could not market him when it mattered most. At the centre, Attah’s ambition did not enjoy the support of the then President. In fact between the two, there was no love lost and so was made to kiss the dust at the two fronts owing to political miscalculations.

Attah’s public estimation began to flag when he adopted

Chris and Anita

Holborn, London, the United Kingdom, on Anita’s behalf by Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors, a firm with expertise in commercial law, family, wills and estate, personal injury and medical negligence.”

Also deserving of attention is the information that Chris was served with a decree nisi, which is “an order from a court that a marriage will end after a fixed amount of time unless there is a good reason why it should not.” It is unclear how long the court may have allowed for the pursuit of possible reconciliation, but it is clear enough that in the event of irreconcilability the court will most likely issue a decree absolute, which is “an order from a court that finally ends a marriage, making the two people divorced.”

Perhaps pathetically, there is a seemingly remote possibility that the couple will kiss and make up. The next episode may well be the working out of the terms of the divorce by the lawyers on both sides, which would be a sad ending to a love story that had the inspiring appearance of a fairy tale. Anita has reportedly ruled out an outof-court settlement; and PREMIUM TIMES quoted her lawyers as saying that the estranged couple was on such bad terms that there was no chance that the personalities would ever return to the status of husband and wife. The online publication presented a response by Stephen Goddard, Business Development Manager of Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors: “It is with great sadness that our client, Pastor Anita Oyakhilome, has come to the conclusion that her marriage to Pastor Christian Oyakhilome has irretrievably broken down and regrettably there is no hope of any reconciliation.”

The approaching inevitability is particularly disquieting not only because it involves Christian pastors who are also media magnets; before the storm, Chris and Anita enjoyed the titles of President and Vice-President of the Christian ministry respectively.

More importantly, the picture of irresolvable conflict is a devastating blow to the noblest virtues of Christian faith and matrimony.

To go by the reports, Anita’s anger has to do with issues defined as “unreasonable behaviour” and “adultery.”

Given that the details of her charges against Chris are not in the public square, it would be unreasonably and unhelpfully speculative to explore the accusations and even the counter-accusations.

In the context of Pentecostalism, which Christ Embassy represents, it is useful to consider Biblical teachings related to divorce. First, reflect on the words of Apostle Paul: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband; and let not the husband put away his wife.”(1 Corinthians 7:10-11) Next, think about the idea of Jesus himself: “And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” (Mark 10:12) The unmistakable import of this background is the unacceptability of divorce in the framework of the faith. If there is a regrettably casual attitude to divorce in the secular world, church leaders whose stance should be informed by spiritual integrity ought to project a better example, especially considering that all eyes are on them. There is no doubt that divorce is understandably an expanding problem in the modern world with its anti-family tensions and tendencies; and it should be recognised as potentially antisocial.

Of course, a marriage may break down “irretrievably” just as suggested by the Chris and Anita developing story, and priesthood may not automatically confer immunity from marital troubles on individuals. However, the beauty of a matrimonial union must be its capacity for marathonic endurance, among other fundamentals.

Chris and Anita have two grown-up daughters who must be watching intently as their parents romance the depressing option of divorce; that is exactly what it is, an option, meaning there is possibly another one in the direction of unity. Will they understand how love disappeared, replaced by an intensely frontal and unmediated hostility?

How will this experience shape their emotional relationships, even their spiritual directions? Beyond these, what will happen to the image of the ministry, and even to the personal and pastoral brands of Chris and Anita?

Why is forgiveness apparently no longer possible in this case? This is the chief reason for its ugliness, the exclusion of the grace of forgiveness, which can always result from charity. Paul again: “Charity never faileth.” (1 Corinthians 13: 8) But pastors in particular should know this, which is why Chris and Anita need enlightenment.

Attah’s reception: A grand deception

By Ezekiel Akpan an adversarial role against his protégé and successor. Many were worried that having attained the almighty septuagenarian status, he should have rid himself of the baggage of pettiness. His unsavoury letter to Governor Godswill Akpabio in which he compared the latter to notorious leaders like Hitler and Mussolini was an eloquent expose of this fear. The altercation deepened necessitating many attempts at mediation. Obong Attah was said to have remained implacable further fuelling fears that he carried the baggage of hate against his son. This type of perception did incalculable damage to his well-earned reputation.

His public rating nose-dived more gravely when some ethnic jingoist goaded him into an ethnic war in which they accused Governor Akpabio of conducting pogrom against Ibibio sons and daughters through incessant kidnapping and killings. It was the most scandalous thing for someone of his pedigree to be associated. But those well-heeled in political shenanigan lured him into that booby trap and used his name to attempt at credibility with their specious allegations. Of all the names dragged into that arid piece of bigotry, only Obong Attah’s name rang a bell. The rest were mere provincial labels that stirred neither interest nor recognition. The consistent efforts of Ibibio jingoist to pigeonhole Obong Attah and give him the ignoble colouration of ethnic warlord or ethnic bigot is at best a disservice to him and the state.

Recently, news has been making the rounds that some of the jingoists have banded themselves together to pursue an ethnic agenda which they couched as reception for Obong Victor Attah. And when yours truly asked the purpose, one of them squawked the inanity, “that they are receiving him from the National Confab”. Obong Attah is now a pawn to be used in the pursuit of ethnic card. Seven-years ago, he was the butt of their jokes, treachery, insults and recrimination. Today, it is convenient to dust him, hoist him as a totem and use him to stoke ethnic acrimony and discord.

Obong Victor Bassey Adiaha Attah finished eight-years as governor of Akwa Ibom State; he was not received by these charlatans who confess love for him today. When he erroneously arrayed salvos against the present administration which drew a rash of criticisms from members of the public, these bigots were nowhere to be found. When Obong Attah had issues with his membership of Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party, he did not as much as draw a message of solidarity or protest from these foes in sheep’s

clothing. Even when the man’s wife died, their level of participation was either insignificant or non-existent. What is the value of this reception? This is not the kind of politics those who plan to be leaders should engage in. This is stoking ethnicity to an inflammatory peak.

We are told that a few moneybags who are bankrolling the dubious reception have contributed the hefty sum of N50 million. How much did they contribute when Attah’s wife died? Why was Attah’s reception delayed for sevenyears after he left office? Is being a confab member greater than being a governor for eight-years? Why is this reception coming just before nomination and 2015?

It is all queer politics, ethnic politics. Former governor Attah must reason these realities logically. We must think and find these answers to avoid lending ourselves as pliable materials to those intent on playing roguish politics.

We must decide as Akwa Ibom people where we stand on matters of honour and ethnic harmony. We must rise to the occasion of contending falsehood, ethnic bigotry with the saner politics of ethnic cohesion. Former governor Victor Attah must resist being used by these renegades to further their selfish agenda. He must know that he is an honourable man.

Akpan contributed this piece from Uyo.

We must think and find these answers to avoid lending ourselves as pliable materials to those intent on playing roguish politics. We must decide as Akwa Ibom people where we stand on matters of honour and ethnic harmony. We must rise to the occasion of contending falsehood, ethnic bigotry with the saner politics of ethnic cohesion.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

22

COMMENTS

T

HE Ebola pandemic has inevitably come with serious challenges. Given what has been said of its mode of transmission and fatality, many people, institutions and governments have reacted to it in different ways all in a bid to halt the spread.

Though efforts of governments especially in states where there have been an outbreak have been commended, signals emanating from the larger society do not give sufficient cause for comfort. Not unexpectedly, the rumour mill has been agog with all manner of stories some of them leading to false alarm and panic.

Matters have been such that a sick person now stands the chance of abandonment for fear that he or she may have been infected by the deadly virus. In some pubic institutions and hospitals, people including medical doctors were reported to have scampered for safety as rumours went round that an infected patient had been brought there.

But in most of these cases, tests conducted on the suspects proved to the contrary. The confusion has been so much so that even the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had to come out clearly to state that it will still cater for accident victims irrespective of the Ebola virus outbreak.

This statement highlights the problems which sick persons and their relatives are bound to face if a quick handle is not found to the deadly virus which spreads like wild fire.

Stories emanating from other West African countries where the outbreak has been most rampant speak of confusion and helplessness on the part of their people. There were even reports of food shortages and all that.

That is why all the precautionary measures taken by the government, churches and other private establishments to stem the spread must be supported by all. Regrettably, signals from the larger society seem to convey the impression that all are not on the same page on the imperative of these safety measures.

The federal government’s directive for all private and public primary and secondary schools to remain closed till October 13, to enable them control the virus has been challenged by private school proprietors in Lagos. They drew parallels with churches and markets and contended that if these public places have remained open, it was needless closing the schools. What needed to done in their view was for the government to provide safety measures for the schools to adhere.

Apparently succumbing to this pressure, the federal government has said it may review the directive for the schools to now reopen

A

Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Our churches, schools and Ebola

mid-September after the minister of education would have consulted with the state commissioners of education. Though there appears to be some point on the issues raised by the proprietors, the comparison with churches and markets as a basis for the schools to reopen is highly circumscribed. For one, the segment of the population that go the school, the activities that take place within the school environment on one hand and the markets and the churches on the other differ very remarkably. For another, the schools in question are attended by very impressionable children some of then yet unable to differentiate between their right and left. Such children will be exposed to grave danger if the schools had been allowed business as usual. They are the intended beneficiaries of the shut-down. There is also no guarantee that proprietors would have done the needful if the stark reality of the danger which school children face on account of the outbreak was not forced on them through the shut down.

Even then, the churches have also taken measures within the very limited time members congregate to reduce physical contacts among members. The Catholic Church which is not known to easily depart from its tradition has suspended the usual sharing of greetings during church services. It went further to introduce the receiving of Holy Communion by hand while giving those who prefer extant practice of receiving by mouth the option to continue. The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos which introduced these measures following the outbreak of the virus was responding to the reality of the emerging situation.

T last, grapevine indications that some powerful forces in Abia have vowed to scuttle gubernatorial ambitions of some ‘endangered specie’ is gradually coming to reality. The timing is understandably strategic, and appreciating the enormity of the self-given task, laden with moral burden; lots of nocturnal scheming and thief-ina-night calculations have been on the cards for several weeks. Rebuttals of serial exposure of the behind-the-scene manipulations, to prosecute the agenda in a seemingly populist fashion, have been commonplace.

Indeed, the most vexed issue in Abia political landscape today is the issue of the purported zoning, chorused by a negligible few of suborned wheel-dealers who prefer being kings in hell to servants in paradise. Of a truth, Abians are still at loss with the recent rubber-stamping of the purported zoning of the 2015 governorship position to Abia South Senatorial Zone. It is a typical case of ‘voice of Jacob, hands of Esau’. In fairness, there is nothing wrong with working out an acceptable power sharing framework to ensure stability and minimize acrimony in pursuit of power in any sociopolitical milieu. On the face value, it is appealing. But that is not the case with the newest grandstanding by those who are desperate to re-write history and transmogrify the cultural bond of Ukwa/Ngwa people. It is indeed a conspiracy to distort our history. Right from the defunct East Central State, when Late Dr. Michael Okpara held sway as the Premier, Ukwa/Ngwa or the old Aba Division had shared a common destiny in terms of allocation of political offices and largesse. Even in the old Imo State, Ukwa/Ngwa constituted a formidable and united bloc during electioneering and strategic calculations in socio-political balancing. In the present Abia State, they have been consistently made to serve as deputy governors in the persons of late Dr. Chima Nwafor, Enyinnaya Abaribe who is now a serving Senator, Hon. Eric Acho Nwakamma and presently, Col. Austin Ananaba (Rtd). Agitations for Abia governorship seat had been along the two recognized blocs of Old Bende and Old Aba Division or Ukwa/Ngwa. The contiguity of the area even makes Ugwunagbo/Obi Ngwa/Osisioma federal constituency to cut across the Abia Central and Abia South Senatorial Districts. Besides, Isiala Ngwa has remained the head of Ngwa ancestry and exploiting political leanings and interests to put them by the side, when the issue of common interest of Ngwa people are discussed, is tantamount to a traditional sacrilege. Again, the Abia Charter of Equity written before the creation of Abia State recognized power sharing along the two blocs of Old Bende and Old Aba or Ukwa/ Ngwa. So, zoning the Abia gubernatorial post along senatorial zones is unacceptable. It is like a poisoned chalice with chauvinistic considerations. The psychological pressure and the intended moral burden to whip non-conformists to line is preposterous, and geared towards putting the hitherto

But just as the proprietors are opposed to the continued shutting down of schools, there are Catholics who find it hard to come to terms with the new reality. Whereas the school owners may have been influenced by the profit motive in demanding the reopening of the schools, those Catholics who oppose some of these changes are propelled by religious zeal and the reluctance to part ways with subsisting practices. Their position can be understood. There was also stiff opposition when the idea of conducting masses in English and vernacular as opposed to the Latin language was mooted. That has since come to stay and all is now history.

This writer was really touched by a recent article in a national daily by a former junior colleague of mine Ifeanyi Alia. He had in that article kicked against the changes within the Catholic Church. He saw them as succumbing to the will of the devil and would want all Catholics to repose hope in God as His will, definitely will triumph over all evil machinations. Hear him, receiving “Holy Communion by hand is sacrilegious and any serious lay Catholic that resorts to it perhaps is either an agent of the devil or doing so wittingly or unwittingly to imperil his or her salvation” He essentially sees the outbreak of the virus as the handiwork of the devil which Catholics must resist by not abandoning their observances during mass.

Though he reckoned that those practices have been prevalent in the advanced and developed countries of the world, but he rationalized it on the ground that such countries had fallen in the faith. He would there-

fore want African and Nigerian Catholics to remain the epitome of pristine observances and practices of the Catholic Church.

The pains and frustrations of my friend can be understood. As some one seriously attached to his faith, it is not difficult why he sees these interim changes in the manner he has chosen to. He is entitled to his views no matter how extreme they may seem in the present circumstance. Incidentally, those countries he now seeks to disparage for spearheading the reception of the Holy Communion by hand were the ones that brought the religion to our shores.

There is a limit beyond which this argument cannot be sustained because, it is essentially judgmental. And for all Christians, only God can judge on such issues. The salvation of Catholics has very little to do with the manner in which the Holy Communion is received especially when that practice has been modified by the same Catholic Church. If we do not take instructions from our Church leadership, who then should we rely for guidance? That is the contradiction in stretching this argument far.

The issue that has been brought to the fore by all these is the kind of resistance that now confronts efforts to stem the spread of the Ebola disease. If we pander to all these dissenting views, we may find ourselves in a situation where the Ebola virus may soon overwhelm us all. Then, the society will turn round to blame the government. Proactive preventive measures taken by governments and all places of worship to stamp out the spread of the Ebola disease must not only be reinvigorated but seriously enforced. It is only a sound and healthy mind that can meaningfully participate in religious and school activities. A dead person neither attends schools nor churches. So if the schools needed to be shut much longer for us to achieve that objective, the end would turn out to justify the means.

‘The issue that has been brought to the fore by all these is the kind of resistance that now confronts efforts to stem the spread of the Ebola disease. If we pander to all these dissenting views, we may find ourselves in a situation where the Ebola virus may soon overwhelm us all’

Abia 2015: Let justice prevail

By Onwutuebe Hilary loving brothers and sisters at daggers-drawn, over who gets what.

Except the likes of late Jaja Anucha Wachuku, Dr. Paul Ogwuma, Senator Adolphus Wabara and presently, Chief Emeka Nwogu, virtually all strategic and national positions that came to Abia had been the exclusive preserve of Old Bende , and Ukwa/Ngwa did not begrudge them, knowing that one day, the most prized seat in the state will equitably get to them. Old Bende has produced iconic personalities whom their past positions are not factored in, in the present political equation yet it counted for them. At the dawn of new democracy in 1999, Ukwa/Ngwa still supported the emergence of their two sons as governors in the persons of Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief T.A.Orji, and now that it is the turn of Ukwa/Ngwa, external forces have aligned with home quislings to balkanize a historically-united people. A look at the list of these Old Bende icons is instructive here: Late Gen. J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi - Former Head of State; Okpara former Premier of Eastern Region; Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kalu(rtd) - former Military Administrator (MILAD) old Imo / Lagos States; Gen. Ike Nwachukwu - former MILAD old Imo State/ Minister; Dr. J.O.J. Okezie- former Federal Commissioner of Health & Agriculture; Amadi Ikwecheghformer MILAD old Imo State.

Others are, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe- Ex- VP and MILAD Lagos/Niger states; Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu- former Minister of Finance; Comrade Uche Chukwumerije - former Secretary of Information; Dr. Ihechukwu Madubuike - former Ministers of Health/Education; Prince Vincent OgbulaforFormer Minister, Presidency and PDP chairman; Ojo Madueke- former minister of Transport and Foreign Affairs; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala - Minister of Finance, and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu -pioneer chairman of NDDC. Without equivocation, if this zoning is pursued with the exclusion of Umunneato brothers, it will pose a big threat to Ukwa/Ngwa solidarity.

The inescapable truth is that the senseless phobia for Ukwa/Ngwa people is being exploited by their enemies to instigate irreconcilable acrimony among a people whose legendary unity of purpose in pursuing a common agenda usually sends shivers down the spine of their oppressors in the other divide. And one of the most unifying factors among Ukwa/ Ngwa people is the deprivation of the plum position of governor from them for years. Though there have been efforts to actualize the dream, like in 2003 when ‘Otu Onu’ mantra, meaning a Single Term; pervaded the land-

scape like a battle cry to assuage the ill- feelings and marginalization in Abia politics, yet it has not materialized.

Now that the chicken is gradually coming home to roost, vested interests are out to destroy Ukwa/Ngwa so that the spoils of victory would be ashes in their mouths; while the sponsors of internal implosion will retire to their home stead to pop champagne, thinking that the Pyrrhic victory would save them in the day of reckoning. Ukwa /Ngwa people should know that “when the vanes are removed from an arrow, even though the shaft and the tip remain, it is difficult for the arrow to penetrate deeply”.

One of the critical measures to ensure the survival of Ukwa/ Ngwa, now and in future, is to guard jealously the opportunity which the present circumstance presents, with their legacy of commonality and brotherliness. Relying on the pittances from the front row operators and bandwagons without dispassionately subjecting the far-flung implications of today’s actions would mar the gains of Ukwa/Ngwa affinity built from the time immemorial.

This is a trick to put us asunder to enable them install a stooge. Ukwa/Ngwa people should view the unfolding events as they are, not as their emotions colour them. Passivity and indifference at this time is very costly. Some erroneously think that one or a few aspirants are the ready targets of the purported zoning, but underlying the agenda is to subtly discredit Ukwa/Ngwa with our orchestrated internal squabbles, as an alibi. In a game with loaded dice, a player must have a temper of iron, with armour proof to the blows of fate, and weapons to make his way against men. According to Ralph Emerson, “Nature has made up her mind that what cannot defend itself shall not be defended”. Already, there strong aspirants on the wings, waiting to harness the timely opportunity if it slips away from our hands. Men of goodwill from Ukwa/Ngwa and indeed Abians should look eyeball to eyeball to those calling the shots, to avert murdering the truth. It has cataclysmic consequences. The argument that Isiala Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisoma LGAs should not contest the Abia 2015 Governorship based on the purported zoning to Abia South is unsustainable. It is rooted on a defeatist platform and a ploy that would shock the today’s promoters when the real intentions are unravelled. By then, handshake would have gone beyond the elbow (apologies to Chinua Achebe). It would be too late to start a face-saving battle, when the cause or the rallying point has been guillotined by short-sighted and divisive interests. A stitch in our decision today, may save nine!

• Hilary writes from Umuahia, Abia State

25

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively.

They don’t borrow money the way banks do, so you can’t compare this business to banking business. This business does not expose itself to that kind of risk. It is not the same thing as private equity •Managing Director/CEO, NSI A, Uche Orji

CEO

ISSUES

‘How NSE can woo firms for listing’ - P. 36

Long road to Calabar Port dredging - P. 28 News Briefing Labour decries $9.38b foreign debt THE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has cautioned the Federal Government not to mortgage the country’s future through resort to foreign borrowing.

–Page 26

‘Achieving GMP depends on law’ EFFORTS by the government to achieve the objectives outlined in the Gas Master Plan will remain a mirage without the requisite legal backing, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Group, Wale Tinubu, has said.

–Page 26

Investors show interest in ceramics INVESTORS have shown interest in the ceramics industry following interest from the private investors.

–Page 27

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil Cocoa

-$117.4/barrel -$2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

- ¢132.70/pound

Cotton

- ¢95.17pound

Gold

-$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

-$163/lb RATES

Inflation

-8.2%

Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending

-15.87%

Savings rate

-3%

91-day NTB

-15%

Time Deposit

-5.49%

MPR

-12%

Foreign Reserve

$39.6b

FOREX CFA

-0.2958

EUR

-206.9

£

-242.1

$

-156

¥

-1.9179

SDR

-238

RIYAL

-40.472

• From left: Divisional Head, Corporate Banking, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ola Olabinjo; Executive Director, FCMB Capital Markets, Mr. Tolu Osinibi; out-going Finance and Control Director, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Martin Kruegel; Managing Director, Nestle, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, and FCMB's Executive Director, Service Management and Technology, Mr. Nath Ude, at a dinner by the bank in honour of Kruegel in Lagos.

NLNG awards $1.5b contract for six ships

T

HE Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Company has signed a $1.5 billion contract with a South Korean firm to construct six new ships for the liquified gas company.

The Managing Director of NLNG, Babs Omotowa, who spoke in Abuja at the weekend, said the bidding and tendering for the project were transparent, arguing that the gas firm “got value for money when you look at our estimates and benchmarks”.

As part of the value for money recorded by the firm, Omotowa said: “The first thing was to create opportunity to resolve some of the social issues that existed. So, we looked at the issue of employment, capacity creation and decided to use this ship building contract to address some of those issues.”

In the deal, Omotowa said: “We signed into the contract that we will have 600 Nigerians trained in ship build-

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

ing; 200 of them will work in the yard of the vendor for two years and be able to learn about ship construction while the remaining 400 will be trained in specialised skills here in Nigeria. As we speak, 200 of them are in South Korea and in two years time when the ship would have been finished, they will come back with the ship with a lot of knowledge and technology.”

The other thing the gas company did was to think about the use to which goods and services made in Nigeria will be incorporated into the new ships to be constructed.

Omotowa said: “We, then, looked at ship building and thought of the aspects of ship building that can be made in Nigeria like cables, furniture, anodes, paintings and all of that; so, again we put in the contract that all those items that can be made in Nigeria will be supplied from Ni-

geria to South Korea and by doing that, we worked with a lot of local manufacturers of these goods because the Koreans will tell you that their standards are not good enough. So, we worked with Nigerian manufacturers and brought in international agencies to support the development of their goods.”

He said a lot of those companies had shipped several goods to South Korea, including cable metal which just sent out over N165 million worth of goods to Korea for ship building.

Also to build local capacity from the ship construction contract, the NLNG boss said the company got the ship manufacturers “to send down to Nigeria, simulators and they have sent down two simulators that are worth several billions of naira that are now going to be installed in our facility in Bonny. What that means is that the training of Nigerians that people use to go to Europe and South Ko-

rea, and only few people could afford that we can now do those training in Nigeria and save quiet a lot of money.”

In addition, an agreement was reached with the ship builders “to build a dry docking facility in Nigeria. We got them to commit about $40 million and provide technical partnership; we’re currently working together on the feasibility study and we are about now selecting a location where we will be able to build this dry dock facility. This will build significant capacity in the country and create lots of jobs for Nigerians.”

They were able to achieve all these because procurement profession in Nigeria has been able to make the difference by getting the most value for money spent.

Omotowa said: “This is procurement professionals going beyond the normal tendering process that we would have stopped at to

looking at societal needs and using our activity to resolve and contribute to making the country a better place.”

He challenged all those in the procurement profession “to look beyond tendering that procurement professionals can make. Procurement specialists should develop deeper understanding of the economy to make an impact, it is also important that we develop long term strategies in a manner that will derive value”.

Procurement professional he said “must have broad knowledge, must be trusted as a partner and work with the highest integrity, must build alliances and networks, must understand their stakeholders and build a relationship with those stakeholders, must be attuned with the latest technology for innovation and creativity because technology has brought changes to procurement activities and it is still changing.”

FMBN mulls Diaspora mortgage scheme

T

HE Federal Government, through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), is finalising a process that will build houses for Nigerians living abroad in the country, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo, has said.

He told The Nation in Abuja that the initiative comes under the aegis of the Diaspora Home Ownership Scheme, now nearing completion.

Kumo said: “I’m happy to let you know that we are for the first time trying to launch what we call the Nigerian Diaspora mortgage pro-

By Muyiwa Lucas

gramme. This is a programme that will make Nigerians that are living outside the country to have houses of their own in their country of origin.”

Already, Kumo said the mortgage institution was seeking to raise funds from international agencies, especially from Asia, to execute the programme.

He said payment for the homes would be tied up to the VISA and Mastercard gate of the owners, adding that a consultant has been appointed to work out the modalities with the appropriate bodies. He said it would be made public

and launched in New York, United States (U.S.).

He further said preparatory to the initiative, the bank has been privileged to deliver three lectures in the U.S. on the scheme and one in London, all aimed at sensitising and testing the waters before the commencement.

According to him, the bank has recorded tremendous success since he took over its management in December 2010. For instance, Kumo said the first thing his team did was to strengthen the collection process of the mortgage firm, as it was able to move the collection of the National Housing Fund

(NHF) by almost 300 per cent, that is, from N700 million in 2010 to the present collection level of N2.5 billion. Besides, the bank’s operation has been upgraded from manual operation to fully computerised institution, thereby making it possible to institute a new electronic collection for the NHF, that is, NHF e-collection.

Kumo said there was need for greater participation and integration of other groups and individuals into the government housing delivery scheme, especially through the cooperative societies.

He said in the 22-year-old

FMBN, 45 per cent of its portfolio came through mortgage and estate development schemes, which were achieved in the last three years - a feat he attributed to the collaboration between the bank, Nigerian Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Nigerian Employers Consultative Association and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He admitted that the establishment of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinances Company (NMRC) in January, would further boost housing delivery in the country.

Kumo said the organisation had been able to deliver 6, 100 houses across the nation.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

26

BUSINESS NEWS

Labour decries $9.38b foreign debts

T

HE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has cautioned the Federal Government not to mortgage the country’s future through external borrowing.

Its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, said the union was worried over the country’s huge external debts, which are $9.38 billion.

He said in 2005 under the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigerians celebrated the nation’s exit from external debt, adding that it was surprising that

by December 2010, Nigeria

By Toba Agboola

external debt portfolio had risen to $4.78 billion.

He said: “This is very sad.

If the foreign debt regime stands at $ 9.38 billion, it follows that external debt profile has risen by almost $5 billion which is about 100 per cent in less than four years.

“This is very unfortunate especially when the impacts of the foreign loans are not being positively felt by the generality of Nigerians.

“Nobody should be carried away by the argument that the country debt stock is still

less than 26 per cent of GDP the so called international standard.

Kaigama said the country went through hell when its debt stock was about $ 35 billion, stressing that the country was sliding back to where we were before 2005.

He said though the Debt Management Office (DMO) said part of the loan was injected into the power sector, there was nothing on ground to show that electricity supply has improved greatly in the country.

DMO’s Director-General, Dr Abraham Nwankwo, had said in Abuja that the coun-

try’s domestic and foreign debt had hit $ 66 billion over (N10 trillion) with the external component being $9.38billion.

Kigama warned that increasing reported cases of deserters in the Nigerian Army over lack of weapons to confront the Boko Haram insurgency is a dangerous trend that can destroy the army.

He expressed concerns over incessant refusal by soldiers to take orders from their superiors in their fight against the Boko Haram when deployed to the stronghold of the terrorist sect.

• From left: Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia; Son of Akintola Williams, Mr. Seni Williams; one of the seven founding fathers of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1960, Mr. Akintola Williams; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema and former Council Member, NSE, Mrs. Yemisi Ayeni, at the closing gong ceremony in celebration Pa Williams’ 95th birthday at the Exchange ... over the weekend.

‘Achieving Gas Master Plan depends on legal backing, says Oando chief E FFORTS by the government to achieve the objectives in the Gas Master Plan (GMP) will remain a mirage without the requisite legal backing, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Group, Wale Tinubu, has said.

The Oando chief, who spoke through the Senior Business Development Manager, Oando Gas and Power, Oga Adejo-Ogiri at an energy event in Lagos, said, the Gas Master Plan doesn’t have any legal backing.

He said to make the initiative meaningful and work to achieve its aims, government has to gazette it to give it the required legal teeth to drive economic development.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

He said policy inconsistency was also hampering the actualisation of the GMP. He explained that while the government initially gave franchise to firms to control the western and eastern areas, it has turned around, allowing firms to build a new set of infrastructure on the alloted fields.

He said the franchise enshrined in the GMP, gave each of the firms the exclusive right to develop gas supply infrastructure in their franchise area within a given period without the govern-

ment’s intrusion, adding that the same government has started bringing independent firms to build their own infrastructure in the franchise area without consulting the original franchise owners as stipulated in the agreement.

He stressed the need for the government to establish a body, commission or task force as it did in the power sector with the Presidential Task Force on Power.

He said such a body would take responsibility for the coordination and implementation of the GMP, and that will enable industry opera-

tors to have specific entity to channel their concerns for solution, adding that as it is now, the GMP has no ownership.

Nobody takes responsibility for anything, he added.

He said there was need for the government to set up a dedicated sector intervention fund to encourage investment in the gas supply sector.

Through this, the government would be able to help the in bankability of projects in the sector, create more credit enhancement for the gas supply, purchase agreement (GSPA), which will also support the Bulk Trader in partnership with the World Bank.

World Bank, IBS partner on capacity building

T

HE World Bank is partnering the Ibadan Business School (IBS) on capacity building.

This is the first time the global institution will be working with the institution.

The deal would enable the institution to deliver training programmes for the public sector and the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), by leveraging on the World Bank.

“The nation is facing the challenge of transiting from a developing to a developed state, where the private sector will drive the economy.

Developing this strategic missing link is the focus of IBS and we are happy that the World Bank has identified our strong point and has decided to partner with us in this regard,” said the Presi-

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

dent/Founder of the school, Mr. Yinka Fasuyi.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would be of benefit to the economy, considering that the World Bank will make available to the IBS its training programmes for the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of all the three tiers of government and also the MSMEs. In a letter to IBS, dated August 29, this year, the World Bank, said: “We have since visited your facilities and I am happy to inform you that the World Bank is willing to partner with your institution and to introduce your programmes to World Bank supported project teams in Nigeria.”

The IBS Board Chairman Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, , said

the partnership represented an endorsement of the school’s programmes. He described the deal as unique, saying the IBS is the only business school in the country that tailored its programmes to suit the need of the economy.

A former Managing Director of Oodua Group of Companies and director of the institution, Dr. Adebayo Jimoh, described the partnership good. He said the recognition by the World Bank had shown that IBS was on the right path in building the critical capacity needed to grow the economy.

Jimoh explained that unlike other business schools, IBS develops programmes tailored towards the economy, using indigenous case studies in discovering the secrets why some local

brands have not only become successful, but have emerged on the global scene despite the challenges militating against businesses in the country.

IBS’s Vice Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said the partnership, was a confirmation that the school is not a regional or a local, but a global institution which offers global solutions to local situations.

For him, if within two years of its establishment, the school had attracted the attention of the global bank, it means it could rank at par and could proudly compare itself with the best business schools anywhere.

“We may not appreciate it now, soon, Nigerians will recognise that a big bang has taken off in the country,” he said.

NERC creates office to resolve BEDC’s power disputes

T

HE National Electric ity Regulatory Com mission (NERC) has opened an office in Benin, the Edo State capital, to be closer to the consumers to address unresolved electricity issues between the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and its customers in the latter’s coverage area of the state.

Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, who inaugurated the office, said the initiative would enhance NERC’s mandate of protecting the right.

Nebo, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Omololu Ogunleye, hinked the success of reforms in the sector on the level of interaction among the stakeholders.

He called for support for the distribution firms to ensure that consumers’ rights were protected. “These companies must ensure that Nigerians have adequate power supply,” he stressed.

Ogunleye said the forum would serve as a platform and a major talk point for the resolution of electricity issues from various communities.

He said: “The commission has the mandate to ensure that Nigerians have adequate and reliable supply of power. Let me use this opportunity to emphasise that the Federal Government’s efforts are quite glaring and it will not rest on it oars until it has achieved the desire to provide electricity for all.

“It takes the commitment of all stakeholders and patience of the consumers to achieve this goal. There is no gain-saying that the success of the electricity sector is dependent on the effective coordination of the sector.”

Speaking on the occasion, Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Energy and Water resources, Chris Ebare, said the NERC forum

By Ebunoluwa Oladele

office was expected.

He suggested that such offices should be opened in all local government areas in the state to reduce the burden of people in the rural areas travelling to the state capital to lay complaints.

NERC’s Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, represented by Dr Albert Ibrahim, said the forum office was set up specifically to bridge the gap between power consumers and the electricity distribution company in the state.

“The forum is a body charged by the commission to hear and resolve customer complaints on appeal in the operational area of every distribution licensee.

Complaints that may come to the forum are complaints not settled at the customer care units situated in the distribution company,” he said.

Amadi said officials of the complaints’office were drawn from relevant stakeholders, which he said included the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations and the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) He however, urged electricity consumers to demonstrate understanding with the distribution company in the state, bearing in mind that the transformation in the power sector was a gradual process.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, who was represented by, her Executive Director, Commercial, Abu Ejoor, described the effort as a timely intervention to boost the interaction between the firm and its numerous consumers.

Expert urges NCAA on periodic audit of airlines

T

HE Nigeria Civil Avia tion Authority (NCAA) has been urged to engage in periodic technical and economic audit of domestic carriers to ensure their safety and profitability, Chief Executive Officer, Centurion Securities, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), has said.

Ojikutu, who is a consultant, said weak economic and technical state of domestic is an evidence that the NCAA was not doing enough to regulate the carriers, which are struggling with their operations.

He described a situation where some airlines were operating with two aircraft as not adequate to ensure safe and economically sound operations.

He said the high mortality rate of domestic carriers was an evidence that the regulatory body was not doing enough to ascertain the strength and weaknesses of the airlines before they eventually collapse.

Ojikutu urged the NCAA to step up its oversight of carriers to ensure that only operators that have adequate funds to maintain their air-

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

craft, pay personnel salaries and pick operational bills are allowed to remain in business.

The expert said the fare regime charged by domestic carriers could not recover costs for the airlines.

Ojikutu said: “Domestic carriers are going through a lot of difficulties to keep their operations afloat. That explains why some airlines are running their operations with one aircraft. This does not make safety and economic sense. What it implies is that the NCAA is not doing enough in the economic and technical audit of domestic airlines.

“The NCAA should as a matter of seriousness carry out periodic audit concerning the finance, safety and technical operations of the airlines.

“This would enable NCAA know the carriers that are healthy technically and financially such that the ones that have deficiencies should be advised to stop operations in the interest of safety. But, unfortunately, the NCAA is not doing enough.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

27

BUSINESS NEWS

‘Competition’ll not affect our T operations in Ghana’

HE competition on the LagosAccra route will not deter it from flying into the West African sub-region because of the robust relationship between Nigerian businesses and the neighbouring countries, the Managing Director, Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, has said.

He said what matters to an airline was not the number of operators in a route, but the quality of service offered.

He spoke in an interview in Lagos against the backdrop of plans by Medview Airlines to start flights between Lagos and Accra next week and the competition on the route.

He said the airline was propelled by the need to offer a window for Nigerians to have more options in their choice of carriers in facilitating their business and educational pursuits as well as other concerns between Nigeria and Ghana.

Bankole said the airline was finetuning plans to expand flights to the five countries in West Africa it has been offered by the Federal Government.

He listed the countries to include Senegal, Côte D’ Ivoire, Mali, Gabon.

Bankole said the desire to extend flight operations into Ghana would assist Nigerian passengers connect into Europe and other parts of the world, where foreign airlines offer cheaper fares.

He said the commencement of operations into Accra would facilitate such window where Nigerians could access Ghana by air and enjoy the lower fares available to other countries.

Apart from the huge business transactions between Nigeria and Ghana, Bankole said flights into Ghana would further open up the market for many Nigerians who live are in many com-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

munities in Ghana.

Bankole said: ‘’Looking at the market, Ghana as a country is significant because of its relevance in terms of stability.

“This is in terms of the gains of its stable democracy and Ghana as a connection to other countries in the West African sub region. And flight connections into other parts of the world including Europe and other places. ‘’A lot of Nigerians fly into Ghana to connect flights into other countries for many reasons.

“The reason many Nigerians fly into Ghana to connect flights into other parts of the world is predicated on the fact that the air fares offered by many foreign carriers from Nigeria into Europe and other destinations is very high. In fact, it is prohibitive.

“If you carry out any comparison, you would realise that air fares from Ghana into Europe is cheaper. And not only that Nigeria and Ghana belong to the same African family.

“There is a trading relationship between Nigerian and Ghana. Nigeria and Nigerian businesses are well represented in Ghana even in their communities. ‘’This large population of Nigerians in Ghana needs a passage by air to come back home.

“That is why Medview Airlines is tapping into this window to provide the best services to facilitate such movement across national borders. ‘’Another angle to the business is that we want to make the airline the carrier of choice to move goods across the countries.

‘’Recall that half of the Ankara made in Ghana is sold in the Nigerian market. ‘’So, both countries have common relationship that require movement by air to facilitate it.

“The basic motivation for this is create an avenue to bring our people back home. ‘’Another consideration is the large number of Nigerians schooling in Ghanian institutions , who would require to come back home all the time.

“That is another catchment for passengers. That is why Medview Airlines is providing the intervention. ‘’As an airline we have been around with our feasibility study in the Lagos-Accra route, with on time departure we are convinced we would have a good flight operation.

“With improvement on our flight services and a lot of innovation in what other carriers have not done, we are convinced our foray into Ghana is a done deal. ‘’We are not afraid of competition on the Lagos - Accra route. ‘’What is important is the number of airlines flying the route but the quality of service. ‘’What would mark us out is the quality of flight services.”

He said the airline was set to consolidate its operations on the Abuja Jeddah and Dubai routes, which he affirmed many Nigerians are excited about.

He said: ” The authorities of Ghana were not ready to assist us, but, we have to work hard to achieve this.

“We have five destinations in West Africa. Where government desig-

•From left: DVT Project Coordinator, Kehinde Awoyele; Senior German expert in Technical Facility Management and Maintenance, Mr. Thomas Merkle and Senior German Expert in Office Administration, Mr. Martin Hug, during the training by the German Dual Vocational Training Partnership with Nigeria in Lagos.

Experts chart way for internet governance

T

HE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MainOne, Funke Opeke, was among global policy makers, international organisations and other global internet stakeholders in Istanbul, Turkey last week that discussed Policies enabling access, growth and development on the Internet.

The Ninth Annual Internet Governance Forum conference with the theme “Connecting continents for enhanced multi-stakeholder Internet governance” was a collaborative effort under the guidance of the United Nations (UN) for stakeholders from various regions to engage in policy dialogues on the future of the Internet.

Ms. Opeke spoke at a panel that included the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson; Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, United States Government, Amb. Daniel Sepulveda; the Commissioner for Digital Agenda and President of the European Economic and

By Lucas Ajanaku

Social Committee, Neelie Kroes; Deputy Director-General, United Nations Educational Scientific, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Getachew Engida.

The session brought forth diverse experiences from both developed and developing countries on policies that have worked to enhance digital inclusion to drive growth and development. A critical consensus was formed on the need for deeper collaboration between the private and public sectors, and users on the implementation of strategies to enhance global internet access for the world’s four billion unconnected individuals.

Dr. Johnson, opened the session with a brief presentation of Nigeria’s broadband plan and the drive to increase fiber rollout and to make more spectrum available to drive broadband rollout, while Ms. Opeke highlighted other developments in open access networks in Nigeria, as

well as her firm’s Data Centre under construction in Lagos as a booster for local content.

In particular, the panel took a keen interest to the film industry Nollywood and the role the Data Centre could play in distributing that content via the Internet.

Speaking at the panel session, MainOne’s chief executive officer said: “We realise that Internet Access can improve economic outcomes for the large youth population that we have in Nigeria.’’ ‘’Delivering affordable Internet services to more of our youths will make a critical difference in our economic development and deserves the Industry’s utmost attention.”

Ms. Opeke noted that MainOne has been at the forefront of enabling affordable Internet Access in West Africa with investments in the growth of the local Internet Economy, stressing that participation in Internet Governance further reinforces that commitment.

nated us. We are working towards Abidjan, Mali, Libreville. We are taking it step by step. ‘’With time we would expand into all the routes. ‘’We are trying our best to assist Ghana with STABO and other companies to enable them come back.

“The Ghanaian authorities were not willing to assist because, they say three Nigerian carriers are flying into Accra without a single Ghanaian carrier flying into Lagos.’’

He continued: “But we have done our best to ensure the operations would run seamless. ‘’We are looking beyond Accra to fly to Bamako, Libreville, and other countries. ‘’On the Dubai operations, we are very ready, we have put our house in order and the Nigerian community is ready for us. ‘’We need to support our airline , because only Nigeria carriers would offer jobs to its nationals , not the foreign airlines coming in here to make

•Bankole

money.

“I have travelled to Saudi Arabia and Dubai to prepare for the operations. We need to support our own carriers. We are going to create jobs and have Nigerian flavour on board.”

Investors show interest in ceramics

I

VESTORS have shown interest in the ceramics industry following interest from the private investors.

The Marketing and Communication Manager, Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery for Ceramics (AIMAC), Gian Paolo Crasta, said Italian investors are ready to tap into the tile sub-sector, while also providing the needed equipment for local businessmen for manufacturing the product.

Also, the West African Ceramics Limited (WACL), said it would establish a $50 million ceramics plant at Agbara, Ogun State, as part of efforts to increase ceramics prduction in the country.

At the first international ceramics trade fair in Lagos, several private firms showed interest in the exploitation of available raw materials, such as kaolin, feldspar, silicon, clay and quartz, among others, for the manufacture of bricks, pipes, floor and roof tiles, table wares, pottery products, sanitary wares, wall tiles and earthenware, among others.

Chief Executive Officer, Epina Technologies Limited, Patrick Oaikhinan, whose firm organised the trade fair in affiliation with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) said: ‘’What I think we need now, are the enabling laws to encourage in-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

vestors. We also need institutions to provide capital for prospective start-ups in local ceramics production.’’

He regretted that there is no ceramics institute in Nigeria as it is in China and other countries, adding that some universities and knowledge centres which teach ceramics arts do not even have the potter’s wheels.

Assistant Director, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Dorothy Nwanah, said this has made it imperative for the country to develop the sector.

Managing Director, German Engineering Federation (VDMA), India, Rajesh Nath, said in his country, about 5.5 million people are employed by the industry.

According to him, in the unorganised sector, about 250 firms produce basic sanitary ware under various brand names in the country. He added that its market size is valued at 350 million Euros.

Minister for Science and Technology, Abdu Bulama said: ‘’We can see there are a number of opportunities in the sector. The ministry has developed facilities to improve the ceramics industry. RMRDC has a stockpile of raw materials to help the sector. If entrepreneurs take advantage of this sector, we can have a lot of foreign exchange.’’

Firms urged to conduct background checks

T

HE Managing Director of Background Check International (BCI), Mr. Kola Olugbodi, has appealed to corporate organisations and other employers of labour to conduct due diligence on prospective workers before employing them. This appeal is considered very apt, particularly in the face of fraud and other unethical behaviours that are now prevalent in corporate organisations across the country.

Olugbodi, who spoke against the background of rampart fraud cases in the country, urged corporate organisations to outsource the task of conducting due diligence to professional organisations that structured and equipped to carry out the task.

According to him, many organisations crying loud over fraud and other unethical behaviours that are eroding their brand values would not have experienced such if proper background checks had been done before employing workers, some

By Muyiwa Lucas

of who end up engaging in fraudulent acts in the organisation. He said BCI ventured into background checking business in 2005 after realising the enormous benefits it will offer to the country as well as corporate organisations in the area of human resources management.

He said: “Our superior offering of quality service delivery in educational qualification, professional certification, criminal record check, client background check, risk assessment report and several other areas is uncommon. We have been able to expose corporate organizations to the dangers of employing staff without proper verification.”

Olugbodi explained that BCI has over the years raised the bar of transparency and integrity in corporate governance and strategically positioned to chart the way forward to stem fraudulent practices that hinder organisational growth.

28

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

ISSUES

•Calabar port

The Federal Government’s approval for the dredging of the Calabar Port access channel is causing a stir in the maritime industry. With billions of naira sunk in the project with nothing to show for it, many are wondering whether the project has not become a conduit for siphoning public funds.

Maritime Correspondent OLUWAKEMI DAUDA examines the issue.

Long road to Calabar Port dredging P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s approval of the capital dredging of the 84-nautical mile Calabar Port access channel is giving many in the maritime industry the goose pimples.

While some applauded the move, apparently because of the project’s capacity to boost the economy of Cross River State and the nation, others were apprehensive because it has been abandoned by contractors for years despite the billions of naira sunk into it.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who broke the news to Southsouth and Southeast traditional rulers, led by Edmund Daukoru, the Amanyanabo of Nembe, in Bayelsa State, in his office, said the delay in the work had impacted negatively on the economic activities of Cross River State and the country. “The Tinapa Resort, Calabar has been a little bit dormant because of the non-functionality of the channel.

At last, the matter has been concluded and President Jonathan has graciously approved that work should commence at the channel. The remaining part of the channel that has not been dredged will now be dredged and the Calabar Channel Management Company will take charge of the capital and maintenance,” Umar said.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Habib Abdulahi also disclosed in Cross River State that the Federal Government has awarded the contract for the dredging of the port. Abdulahi made the announcement when he paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Governor of the state, Mr Efiok Cobham, at the Government House, Calabar as part of his familiarisation tour of ports across the country. His words: “I am very happy and ea-

ger to inform you that Mr. President has approved the capital and maintenance dredging of the Calabar Port.” Abdullahi promised that the dredging would begin before the end of the year but it would be done in phases.

Umar and Abdullahi were however, silent on why previous attempts to dredge the channel failed and why those who handled the project have not been brought to book.

History of the port The history of Calabar Port can be traced to the pre-medieval merchants’ ventures of the 15th century to the present day. It served as an important focus of trade with the outside world in the Eastern states and natural port for the northern states of Nigeria. The old port was privately administered and operated by various shipping companies amongst whom were M/S Palm line Agencies Limited and Elder Dempster Agencies until December 1969 when the Federal Government

took over the inadequate Calabar Port facilities from the erstwhile operators and vested it on the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The development, modernisation and expansion of the Calabar Port was embarked upon under the Third National Development Plan 1975 –1980 in order to make the Port facilities cope with the ever increasing demand of the country’s economy. The current port complex was commissioned in June, 1979 and consists of the following major operational areas: A total land area of 38 hectares, four quays each measuring about 215metres long and 40metres wide. The four quays were also divided into six operational berths.

The port also has two warehouses measuring 150 metres by 40 metre and 175 metres by 40 metres Its operational area was divided into two concessioned terminals. Terminal A consisting of two berths was concessioned to Messrs Intels Nigeria Limited, while Terminal B consisting of four berths was concessioned to Messrs ECM Terminal Limited.

‘

Before the latest move, $56 million (about N8.9 billion) had been spent on the 84kiliometres port channel without result. The dredging project began in July 2006 and lasted for 64 weeks. The channel is expected to be used by vessels with 30,000 Gross Registered Tonnage since the metre depth of the channel would be 9.5 metres minimum.

’

Previous dredging

The first contract was awarded in 1996

by Gen. Sani Abacha, former Head of State at N3 billion, while the second was awarded at $56 million, by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006.

Before the latest move, $56 million (about N8.9 billion) had been spent on the 84kiliometres port channel without result.

The dredging project began in July 2006 and lasted for 64 weeks. The channel is expected to be used by vessels with 30,000 Gross Registered Tonnage since the metre depth of the channel would be 9.5 metres minimum.

The contract was awarded to Messrs Jan de Nul and Van Oord. The entire length of the channel was divided between the two firms.

While Van Oord was paid $26 million to dredge the first 44 kilometres, Jan de Nul got $30million to dredge the last 40kilometers of the water channel. The Federal Government told the two firms to scoop out 25 million cubic metres of sand to achieve an overall draft of eight metres to enable big vessels sail to the port. The two dredging companies started work on October 19, 2006 and demobilised from the location in December.

There are worries that the project was badly conceived in the first place because the two companies knew that the volume of sand in the channel far exceeded the 25 million cubic metres estimated in the contract agreement. The firms were said to have hurriedly left the site after they met the specified volume, leaving behind over 12 nautical miles untouched and without buoys on the dredged part. In the absence • Continued on page 29

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

29

ISSUES

Long road to Calabar Port dredging •Continued from page 28

of buoys, excavated sand quickly filled the dredged portion and rendered initial effort useless.

The incessant failure of the contract for the dredging of the 84-nautical mile Calabar Sea Port channel has crippled the smooth navigation of ships and operation of port for almost 20 years.

About three years ago, another attempt was made by awarding LCM the contract, but a controversy arose and the foreign firm which participated in the bidding process, protested and petitioned the NPA and accused it of favouritism. The foreign firm accused NPA of giving out the job to the company because of its interest in contravention of the Public Procurement Act. The company claimed it submitted the lowest bid for the project and therefore, had the most competitive bid, which ought to have been considered as the winning bid.

But the NPA later defended its action, saying the completion period and the fuel price quoted by the foreign company was not realistic. It said the company quoted $765\Mt, while the prevailing rate was in excess of $1000. “This will lead to the claims of variation and price adjustment even before the signing of the contract agreement,” said the NPA in response to enquiries on the contract by the Federal Ministry of Transport.

Efforts to dredge the port access channel since 1996 have repeatedly hit the rock, costing the nation over N96 billion. The port has been perennially plagued by shallow channel, making freight cost to the port expensive.

Fresh concerns by Chief Anenih The Chairman, Board of Director of the NPA, Chief Tony Anenih, last year, sent a strong-worded petition to the Minister of Transport, querying the rationale behind the award of the contract for the dredging of the channel to the company belonging to a serving Senator by NPA’s Managing Director, Habib Abdullahi. The NPA chairman called for the reappraisal of the contract and questioned the basis for choosing the consortium to manage the company.

“The purpose of this letter is to respectfully draw the attention of the Honourable Minister to the Joint Venture Agreement, which was made on January 25, 2013, between the NPA and the Consortium lead (sic)

by Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited. The said agreement created a partnership arrangement between NPA and the Consortium and gave the Consortium the right to operate a Joint Venture Company, Calabar Channel Management Company Limited, where NPA holds 60 per cent equity and the Consortium 40 per cent.

“The circumstances that led to this Joint Venture Agreement and the terms need reappraisal in view of the fact that as at the time the Agreement was signed, there were no reference records of the Consortium on the basis of which it was selected to manage the proposed Company,” Anenih wrote in the letter to Umar.

Anenih lamented that despite the fact that the approval given by the Minister of Justice for the contract was conditional, officials of the NPA and the Federal Ministry of Transport “decided to engage in selective compliance by amending some parts and ignoring some other parts of the Draft Agreement, particularly those provisions that tend to give absolute control of the finance and management of the Joint Venture Company to the consortium rather than the Board of Directors of the Calabar Channel Management Company Limited.

“The consortium has no reference whatsoever of previous jobs done. They were completely alien to the Calabar channel project and did not even take part in the bids of 2010 and the later procurement process. The consortium was not prequalified and did not pass through the selection process like other companies. It therefore, follows that the Presidential approval for the appointment of the consortium, led by Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited to enter into a joint venture with NPA, which

•Anenih

•Umar

culminated in the agreement to form Calabar Channel, was obtained without following due process,” Anenih said.

It was the fourth controversial attempt at making Calabar River navigable. Three years ago, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) cancelled the entire process following protests over NPA’s attempt to award the contract to itself through the Lagos Channel Management (LCM). But the Public Relations Officer of the company, Mr. Rotimi Oyekan, said the company has the capacity to discharge its responsibility. He said LCM has 14 dredgers and vessels used to remove wrecks including special dredgers that can do the Key Walls.

On controversies surrounding the award of the Calabar Port dredging contracts to his company by NPA, Oyekan said the contract was advertised and LCM bided for it and won the contract. “We have an independent body for the contracts. We bided like others but the advantage we have is that we have been in the system and so, people can see what we are doing. We bided for a lot of contracts which we didn’t win. Even the Calabar dredging contract that is having problems now, we won at the initial stage, but NPA was criticised for awarding the contract to a company in which it had interest and the contract was given to another company. Today, we all know what happened next,” Oyekan said.

Stakeholders call for probe At a retreat for members of the maritime reporters in Abuja last year, a call went out to government to institute a probe into the Calabar port dredging contract. The forum advised that a fresh contract must not be awarded until an explanation was given on the previous one.

Other stakeholders who spoke with the paper said there is need for the government to probe those that took over N96billion from the government without much to show for it. The feeling of industry operators is that if N96 billion was judiciously invested in dredging the Calabar port, the channel will not remain shallow and difficult for big vessels to approach.

The President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu said the contractors who

took money from the government and failed to do the project to specifications have questions to answer.

“There is nothing bad if the government re-awards the contract. But the previous contractors must be made to tell Nigerians what happened and how the money was spent and on what so that people will not start to see it as avenue to siphoning public funds. Was the contract executed to specifications and if no, NPA and the BPE must tell us what they have done to sanction the companies and if yes, the same NPA must tell us how come the channel is not navigable? Were there some shady dealings? Who are those involved apart from the contractors? Officials of the NPA and the Transport Ministry who handled the contract details must also tell Nigerians what happened and why the huge sum could not improve the depth of the channel and boost the economy of the state and the country,” Shittu said.

Also, the President of Nigerian Indigenous Ship-owners Association (NISA), Chief Isaac Jolapamo acknowledged the effort of the federal government to dredge the ports to attract bigger vessels. He however, urged the government to ensure that the contract is executed so that it would not be seen as a political statement.

Investors groan Despite the huge amount of money spent on the port, its channel remains shallow, and investors at the port have continued to count their losses. For instance, in 2012, the Commercial Manager of ECM Terminals, a subsidiary of Ecomarine Group, which is the concessionaire in charge of Terminal B of Calabar Port, Ukemeabasi Udoh, said despite the huge investment in new equipments, information technology, human capital development, etc, the operator handled only 384 vessels between 2006 and 2011. He said this is owing to the fact that not many shippers would want to do business in the area.

Beside ECM Terminals, other companies whose business fortunes are being threatened include General Electric, TINAPA Business Resort, and Calabar Free Trade Zone.

Others are Intel Services, Cocoa Industries Ltd and many others.

In 2012, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, erstwhile

‘

About three years ago, another attempt was made by awarding LCM the contract, but a controversy arose and the foreign firm, which participated in the bidding process, protested and petitioned the NPA and accused it of favouritism. The foreign firm accused NPA of giving out the job to the company because of its interest in contravention of the Public Procurement Act. The company claimed it submitted the lowest bid for the project and therefore, had the most competitive bid, which ought to have been considered as the winning bid.

’

•Shittu

National Planning Minister, accompanied by the policy monitoring committee of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), visited the Calabar Port and adjoining facilities on a fact-finding mission to assess the challenges confronting concessionaires such as Shorelines Logistics owned by Addax Petroleum, Intel Services and others.

The delegation decried the shallow nature of the port and the negative consequences on businesses in the area. The companies told the Minister that the approach of the Calabar channel is 6.4 metres at high tide and 5.4 metres at low tide whereas the concession agreement stipulated that the federal government would take the draft to 9.5 metres, a promise the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) had confirmed would be achieved on start of business. But several years after, the condition of the draft remained unchanged.

Roles of the Senate and House of Representatives The House of Representatives had previously directed its Committee on Marine Transport to investigate the contract for the dredging of the Calabar channel and the Port Harcourt port. Members of the committee were given three weeks to submit their findings to the House, but Nigerians are worried that the issues in their findings remained undisclosed till date.

The resolution of the House followed a motion by one of its members, Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The motion was unanimously adopted when it was put to vote by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal. Titled ‘Failed Contract for Dredging of the Calabar channel and Port Harcourt ports’, the motion gave an insight into the failure of the projects.

In the motion, Chinda alleged that poor quality work was done in respect of the dredging of the Calabar channel in Cross River.

The legislator also alleged the non-dredging and scooping of the Port Harcourt wharf.

A maritime lawyer, Mr. Dipo Alaka, who spoke with The Nation, said both the Senate and House of Representatives members have serious role to play in the execution of the new contract awarded by the Federal Government. The upper legislative House, Alaka said, should demand for the terms of the contract and ensure that it is done within the time frame.

Worried by the way the dredging was handled in the past, the National Assembly, it would be recalled, refused to provide funds for dredging of the channel in 2010. NPA had included the project in its 2010 budget and had gone ahead to advertise for the capital and maintenance dredging of the approaches to the port. However, the Senate and House of representatives committee on marine transport expunged it from the budget.

The legislators had complained that NPA always include Calabar channel dredging in its budget yearly. In 2008 and 2009, for instance, the authority received N6billion and N7 billion, respectively but never used it. This is why stakeholders are insisting that legislators should ensure that money budgeted for the dredging of the channel this year is judiciously spent and the job seen to be executed so that fund that ought to be used to battle insecurity and provide jobs for the youth does not go down the drain in the guise of dredging the Calabar channel.

30

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

MONEYLINK

Banks, switches get deadline for data T security standards HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended banks, switches and processors’ compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) standard till November 30.

The PCI DSS is a proprietary information security standard for organisations that handle cardholder information for the major debit, credit, prepaid, epurse, Automated Teller Machines, and Point of Sale (PoS) cards. The standard was created to increase controls around cardholder data to reduce credit card fraud via its exposure.

A circular to banks, switches and processors, signed by CBN Director, Banking Payment System, ‘Dipo Fatokun, said the need to ex-

Stories by Collins Nweze

tend the deadline followed requests by many banks seeking more time to enable them to complete the certification process.

He said to determine the readiness of various operators, the CBN engaged the services of three Qualified Security Assessors to conduct pre-certification assessment of the banks.

The result, he said, showed that while many banks had complied with the certification, many are still at different stages of compliance.

He said with this extension, banks,

Ecobank, BNDES Brazil partner on $20m facility

E

COBANK Nigeria has signed a $20 million line of credit with Brazilian Development Bank BNDES. The facility will address special funding needs of customers and noncustomers of Ecobank that import goods from Brazil.

BNDES, also known as National Bank for Economic and Social Development, is one of the largest development banks in the world, with financial net worth of $27.40 billion and total assets of $353.37 billion in 2013.

Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Ms Foluke Aboderin, said the partnership was driven by demands from customers and importers requiring competitive financing to purchase products from the international markets, particularly Brazil.

According to Aboderin, the partnership underscores Ecobank’s pedi-

processors and switches are expected to comply before the end of the deadline.

The validation of PCI DSS compliance is performed yearly, either by an external Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) that creates a Report on Compliance (ROC) for organisations handling large volumes of transactions, or by Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for companies handling smaller volumes.

The CBN had earlier released card issuance and use guidelines for the financial services sector. Fatokun said power to issue the guideline was derived from Section 47 (3) of the CBN

Act 2007. He said industry stakeholders who process, transmit, and or store cardholder information should ensure that that their terminals, applications and processing infrastructure comply with the minimum requirements for the sector.

The CBN director said that all terminals, applications and processing infrastructure, should also comply with the standards specified by the various card schemes.

Fatokun said only banks licenced by the CBN with clearing capacity shall issue payment cards to consumers and corporations in the country. He said banks without clearing capacity can issue in conjunction with those with clearing capacity.

A

LEADING global rating agency, Standard and Poor’s (S&P), has assigned (B/ stable/B) to Skye Bank Plc in its current rating released this month.

S&P said it based its rating of the bank on Nigeria’s positive economic prospects which will support Skye Bank’s earnings growth, capitalisation and asset quality over the next 12 to 18 months.

Standard and Poor’s rationalised Skye Bank’s stable rating on the bank’s modest, but profitable franchise, operating in the mid-tier of Nigeria’s highly competitive banking sector, saying it anticipates that Skye Bank’s RAC ratio will remain between 5.5 per cent and six per cent over the next 12 months, reflecting robust internal capital generation and mild riskasset accumulation.

“We also expect that Skye Bank will maintain non-performing loans (NPLs) at about 3.5 per cent

of total loans, a cost of risk of about 2.5 per cent and a loan-loss coverage ratio in excess of 90 per cent of NPLs over the next 12 months”, while stating that the Bank is largely funded by stable customer deposits and relies on a sizable portfolio of liquid assets.

Offer Price 168.40 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.70 1.39 1,676.09 1,127.91 120.68 121.16 1,117.51 1.2522 1.2926 0.8969 1.0756

E

NTERPRISE Bank has initiated a loan scheme to specially cater for armed forces personnel.

The plan, it said in a statement, is in line with the bank’s avowed desire to continually delight her growing clientele.

The product, named “The Nigerian Armed Forces Special Personal Loan Scheme,” is designed to avail personnel of the armed forces personal loans that will enable them bridge financial gaps at discounted interest rates.

Created for officers serving in the Army, Air Force and Navy, from Second Lieutenant, Pilot Officer or

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

SYMBOL

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

2.88

3.17

10.07

IKEJAHOTEL

0.92

1.00

0.70

LEARNAFRCA

1.47

1.58

7.48

NNFM

20.94

22.05

ETI

Amount Sold in ($) 346.43m 398.77m 349.67m

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.6b

US Dollar

154.73

155.73

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

256.465

258.1225

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

Euro

204.1662

205.4857

5.30

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Swiss Franc

168.8455

169.9367

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Yen

1.4876

1.4975

CFA

0.294

0.314

234.7445

236.2616

Yuan/Renminbi

25.1466

25.31

17.01

17.86

5.00

MCNICHOLS

1.41

1.48

4.96

UBN

8.16

8.56

4.90

EVANSMED

1.86

1.95

4.84

DANGFLOUR

6.65

6.97

4.81

UPL

3.98

4.15

4.27

LOSERS AS AT 04-09-14

CHANGE

FLOURMILL

68.11

64.76

-4.92

AGLEVENT

1.47

1.40

-4.76

JOHNHOLT

1.13

1.08

-4.42

180.00

172.06

-4.41

TOTAL

Amount Offered in ($) 350m 400m 350m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES September 2, 2014

12.0%

PREMBREW

C/PRICE

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Monetary Policy Rate

C/PRICE

O/PRICE

Transaction Dates 27/08/2014 25/08/2014 20/08/2014

8.3%

O/PRICE

SYMBOL

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

Inflation: July

GAINERS AS AT 04-09-14

Midshipman, the lender announced in a statement that subscribers to the loan, would access various sums, which are available with repayment tenures of 12 to 36 months.

According to the statement, The Nigerian Armed Forces Special Personal Loan is availed against the security of Credit Life Insurance, domiciliation of salary and a third party guarantee.

To make it easy for the officers, it said the loan repayment would come from the beneficiary’s salary account. domiciled with the bank.

DATA BANK

Bid Price 168.06 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,127.23 119.84 120.30 1,116.70 1.2435 1.2926 0.8795 1.0756

The agency noted that Skye Bank had a modest, mid-tier position in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive banking sector, pointing out that in 2013, it reported total assets of N1.4 trillion ($7 billion at $1 to N160), ranking it the eighth-largest bank in Nigeria by lending.

Enterprise unveils loan scheme for Army

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

Also, all banks should seek approval from the CBN for each card brand they wish to issue.

S&P assigns BB, stable outlook to Skye Bank

gree in trade financing in Nigeria.

“This partnership offers a seamless solution to companies that import goods from Brazil,” she said.

“We encourage all goods importers to avail themselves of the opportunity that this funding arrangement provides by approaching Ecobank.

We expect it to generate a sizeable boost in trade flows between both countries.”

Under the deal, the executive director explained, importers and exporters negotiated export terms and conditions, and once commercial negotiation is finalised, the exporter or agent bank in Brazil submits the transaction to BNDES for approval.

The areas of interest for the import facility include agricultural products, engineering and construction equipment, oil and gas, industrial goods, electronics, and confectionary, among others.

Name

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

WAUA

Rate (%)

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

10.500

Riyal

41.2558

41.5225

1M

12.175

12.101

SDR

235.0039

236.5227

3M

13.328

13.225

6M

14.296

14.-85

FOREX RATES

VONO

0.91

0.87

0.40

COSTAIN

1.16

1.11

-4.31

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

ABCTRANS

0.72

0.69

-4.17

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

WAPIC

0.76

0.73

-3.95

WETERNA

4.04

3.90

-3.47

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

JAPAUOIL

0.51

0.50

-1.96

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

31

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-09-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-09-14

32

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

33

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

34

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

• Lekki Free Zone

Free Trade Zones (FTZs) brim with jobs. Already, 12 of the 25 licensed FTZs in the country, have begun operations, raising hope of exciting career opportunities. With pending applications for additional Export Procesing Zones (EPZs), thousands of jobs are on the way, reports CHIKODI OKEREOCHA.

Exciting careers in free trade zones T

HE opportunities are limitless. From supply of raw materials to provision of cleaning services, freight forwarding , provision of warehouse and cold storage facility and security services, among others, job opportunities abound in the Free Trade Zones (FTZs) or Export Processing Zones (EPZs). Although they are specially designated industrial and

commercial areas, where trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas are eliminated to drive industrial presence, attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and create jobs, FTZs may have gone a notch higher, providing answer to Nigeria’s long and tortuous search for solution to rising unemployment.

For a start, more than 20,000 jobs will spring up at the Lekki Free Trade Zone

(LFTZ) when the project is completed in 2016. The project, with investment size of about N2 billion, is a joint venture between the Lagos State Government and a consortium of Chinese businessmen. Covering an area of about 16,500 hectares of land on the tip of the Lekki Peninsula to the southeast of the state, it is said to be the flagship of the state government’s industrial development

initiative and it will attract local and foreign direct investment into the state. For the state and its millions of job seekers, the icing on the cake, perhaps, is the $9 billion Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, which plans to employ and train about 8,000 engineers in the course •Continued on page 35

35

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

JOBS

Exciting careers in free trade zones •Continued from page 34

of the operations of the refinery and fertilizser plants.

Those who would immediately exit the unemployment market when the project comes on stream include petrochemical, mechanical, electrical, and metrological engineers.

Other jobs that would spring up from the project include geologists, welders, accountants, caterers, drivers, cleaners and other levels of administrative staff. Already, President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote, owner of the project, had disclosed that LFTZ would be the biggest of such zones in the African continent. He assured that the communities stand to benefit enormously as over 8,000 engineers would be trained while jobs would be created for youths of the communities.

Given that economic activities within the FTZs are mainly geared towards export, such activities are expected to help create jobs for Nigerians in manufacturing. With Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Sola Oworu disclosing that only about 35 per cent of the goods to be produced in the zone would be consumed in Lagos while the rest would be exported, this is boom time for Nigerians in the manufacturing and export business, particularly freight forwarders. Nigerians who provide warehouse services and cold storage facilities will also have cause to smile. Same for professionals in aviation, maritime, and real estate sectors, as the free zone was designed to have a refinery, an international airport, seaport and high grade residential quarters, among other features.

Already, construction has begun at the Lekki Seaport within the free trade zone, creating hundreds of jobs for experts and artisans in the building and construction industry.

According to the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), “LFTZ is beginning to take shape.

The Master Plan is being realised; investors are trouping in. Tank

farms and major refineries are springing up to service the demands of the country and make room for export. The refineries create a major selling point and release of the opportunities that lie ahead in this zone, create opportunities for the local people and the potentials for Lagos and the Nigerian economy.”

Similarly, thousands of jobs are expected from the General Electric (GE’s) recent ground-breaking of their first stage of $1 billion investment in the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ). The US-based electricity conglomerate is to establish a power plant and an energy-training institute in that zone to drive capacity development in Nigeria.

Lots of direct and indirect jobs would be created. While the planned power plant project would create an initial 300 jobs, the training institute to be built, it was learnt, will see locals trained in electrical engineering and general managing to complement GE’s resources and develop the country’s capacity.

“After the ground-breaking of the facility in the Calabar Free Trade Zone, the first building that they are putting up is the training centre where they will train a lot of Nigerians. The construction work and the training are going on simultaneously. What this means is that as soon as the construction is over, Nigerians are the ones that will be employed to do the job.

This is the approach that we are proposing for every single investor that is coming in to invest in the free trade zones,” Managing Director (MD), Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Mr. Olugbenga Kuye,

• Aganga

explained.

He added that looking at the approach the agency adopted in terms of the value chain, the contractors and the suppliers of the companies that are coming to invest in the free trade zones means that a lot of jobs will be created. Same for the Oil and Gas Free Zone at Onne, Rivers State, which, at the last count, has provided 30,000 jobs to Nigerians since its inception in August 2000.

The 30,000 direct and indirect jobs that have been created were said to be as a result of the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the zone. Over 132 companies have been licensed to operate in the zone and their operations are expected to churn out more jobs in the coming years.

Other free zones located in strategic areas across the country are

• Kuye

also churning out jobs for trained professionals and artisans. Already, thousands of new jobs have been generated from the activities of various enterprises located in 12 of the FTZs that have commenced operations, according to Kuye. He said NEPZA, the agency with the mandate to promote and facilitate local and international investments into licensed free zones in Nigeria, has licensed a total of 25 free zones across the country. While 12 are operational, the rest are at various stages of development.

Kuye, who spoke at the recent 6th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment, said the agency had received 11 fresh applications for free zone status and that the applications are at various stages for consideration.

What this means is that as fresh

‘The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga has disclosed that the Federal Government would soon carry out a comprehensive review and restructuring of the operations of the FTZs across the country in line with the new mandate of the ministry. This has further raised hopes for more jobs’

applicants get the nod of the agency to commence operations, more job openings would be created. According to experts, the capacity of FTZs to create jobs is based on its concept, which was to develop export-oriented manufacturing in the non-oil sector of the economy. This is why no import duty is payable for goods imported into the Free Zone either for consumption, production or capital goods and there is no export charges on goods exported. In the Free Zone, goods are transferred under customs escort from any ports of entry in Nigeria to Free Zones and there is fast track of airfreight cargo movement under customs escort from any airport in Nigeria to the free zones.

The thinking is that these incentives would encourage operators and investors to come and create more jobs for Nigerians.

Already, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga has disclosed that the Federal Government would soon carry out a comprehensive review and restructuring of the operations of the FTZs across the country in line with the new mandate of the ministry. This has further raised hopes for more jobs.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

A

JOB application (referred to as cover letter by Ameri cans) is the first impression a potential employer gets of you, and it can make or break your chances. As you only get one chance to make a positive first impression, then you need to be careful and do your levl best to do everything right.

Something to honest confession: Following these guidelines perfectly won’t guarantee that all your application will get you somewhere as some manager look for some pretty strange things.

Application form Some jobs require an application form and some don’t. When there is an application form (sometimes called application blank), it asks for the information the employer most wants to know, like work experience. Most information required is already on the Resume.

Nevertheless, it is important thing is to include all the relevant information. The reason employers take this route is to provide a standard format for assessing applicants. Don’t leave a field blank unless it’s optional or you don’t have any relevant information to include.

Another important thing to do

How to apply for a job

By Olu Oyeniran

right is how you format the information in each field. If you format things like your phone number or your name (I have seen it) incorrectly, an employer is likely to assume you have poor communication skills. This means proper capitalisation in text, proper grouping in phone numbers and proper layout of things like addresses.

Cover letter Sometimes entry level positions wouldn’t require a cover letter but all higher level and professional jobs do. Your cover letter should be tailored to the specifically to the job you’re applying for and, when possible, addressed directly to the hiring manager or the person-withthe-power-to-hire.

A cover letter should be brief, generally one page and never more than two, and professionally written. You should clearly state why you think you would be most suited to the position and the organisation.

It’s crucial that your spelling and grammar are correct. One spelling error could remove you from consideration instantly. Read over your cover letter at least once, probably twice, before it goes off to an employer.Better still, get somebody to look it over for you.

Résumé Your résumé is the core of your application and thus the most important. It’s always a good idea to tailor your résumé to the job somewhat and you absolutely must format it correctly. (You’ve probably noticed a theme.) It should be separated into sections that deal with the things employers look for, like work experience and education.

Be sure to keep all your points brief. Say the most important things firstHiring managers have a large volume of applications to review and only have a few minutes to look at each one. Typos, grammatical errors are a no, no, no.

If you feel needs to be expanded on you can do so in your cover

letter but only if it’s particularly relevant.

Email application Even though email is usually regarded as quite casual, an email application is not. You generally don’t need a separate cover/application letter, the email body can serve that purpose. All the same rules apply to the email that apply to a conventional cover letter.

The subject line should always contain the position you’re applying for.

Addressing the Hiring Manager In cases where you know the name of the hiring manager, you need to address them properly. The rule of thumb is to start as formal as possible and get more casual when they indicate it’s appropriate. Obviously, if all you know is a first name then it’s appropriate to use it but if you know a surname then that’s what you should use to start with.

The only exception is when you

have no indication of what the appropriate salutation would be, like if they have a unisex first name such as Alex.

If you’re applying to me, you should start by addressing me as Mr. Oyeniran and later, once I’ve demonstrated that I’m a fairly casual employer you could start addressing me as Steve or Steven if you’d like. Truth is the last part hardly apply in this part of the world.

Application method Most job postings include how you should apply and all list at least one piece of contact information. When there’s an application method listed, that’s how you need to apply.

Otherwise you could be eliminated without your application even being read. If there’s only contact information, then the method is at your discretion, just be sure to do it properly.

Hopefully you found this helpful and will make your job search easier.

•Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

36

THE CEO Many telecommunication and oil and gas firms are not listed on the Stock Exchange, despite doing well. Yet, they are needed in the market to boost investments. How can they be brought in?

It is by giving them incentives, says Group Managing Director of BGL Plc, Mr Albert Okumagba in this panel interview. Capital Market Editor TAOFIK SALAKO was there.

‘How NSE can woo firms for listing’ L

ESS than five per cent of Nigerians participate in the stock market. What should be done to deepen participation in the stock market?

It is important to note that a lot has been done by the new management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in recent time.

These efforts have increased interest in the Nigerian stock market and would continue to stimulate interest in the market for the rest of investors at home and abroad.

Improved trading platform, market transparency, corporate governance drive and market information, are areas the management of the Stock Exchange deserves commendation among others. Additional incentives in the areas of competitive transaction costs, stricter enforcement of listing and trading rules and regulations, as well as expansion of market depth are other areas that could attract investors to our market.

How will you assess the level of foreign investors’ participation in the market, especially with the security challenges?

The attractive valuation of most of the stocks on the Nigerian stock market and very competitive real return from the economy, makes it difficult for foreign investors to take their attention away from our market.

The return potential, as a major frontier market, more than compensates for the risks that insurgency in some parts of the country pose to foreign investment.

We are, however, of the opinion that the earlier we are able to overcome this challenge, the better for the capital market. All stakeholders in the market, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), NSE, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and other trade groups, are interfacing with foreign investors to allay or clarify risk perceptions.

What is your take on calls for legislative actions that will compel firms to list on the stock market?

Getting companies to list on the Exchange is a laudable idea and a good step in the right direction. It is however arguable that forcing companies to list on the Exchange might send a wrong signal on the attractiveness of the Nigerian stock market as a beneficial platform.

While I recognise that there are sizeable entities outside the market across the oil and gas, telecommunication, fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) and conglomerates that would deepen the Nigerian capital market by listing their shares on the NSE, I am of the opinion that the stock market should woo them with incentives that create significant attraction to list their shares without compromising the corporate governance and transparency of the market.

A good place to start, which the current management is driving, is the review of incentives such as listing costs and fees. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also very eager to see that more companies are listed on the NSE. Again, we have argued that the federal government could lead by example by executing some of the privatisation of public enterprises programmes through the stock market. The power sector privatisation, in which 18 power firms were sold to private investors, is a classical case in point. The sales of the NIPPs are still ongoing with little or

• Okumagba

no consideration for the use of the capital market platform. We believe that if government executed these transactions through the stock market, the desired $1 trillion market capitalisation target can be reached easily while providing credible examples for multinationals and largely indigenously owned companies to follow.

PHOTO: TAOFIK SALAKO

How eould you rate the operations of market makers?

Perhaps the presence of market makers would have cushioned the impact of the stock market meltdown that greeted the economy a few years ago. All around the globe, market makers play a very important role in both the equity and bond markets. The ma-

‘While I recognise that there are sizeable entities outside the market across the oil and gas, telecommunication, fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) and conglomerates that would deepen the Nigerian capital market by listing their shares on the NSE, I am of the opinion that the stock market should woo them with incentives that create significant attraction to list their shares without compromising the corporate governance and transparency of the market’

jor role is liquidity provision and so they stabilise the market by standing ready to intervene at moments of scarcity or excess supply of securities. Market making is too important a policy to be left out of the operation of an effective and efficient stock market.

However, as good as the operation of the market makers look, they hardly can perform optimally without the existence of a vibrant market for securities lending. Unfortunately, securities lending is as good as nonexistent in Nigeria’s capital market today despite the provision for it. Hence, market makers have been curtailed by the inadequate liquidity for securities lending in the market. We are however arguably in the right direction, with the legal structure in place, it is a matter of time before appropriate private sector organization step in to provide the securities lending services.

Will the increasing use of technology to drive stock market transaction not lead to abuse; and erode the roles of stockbrokers?

The X-GEN, which is the new trading platform used by the NSE, supports seamless remote trading and offers benefits such as direct market access and automated trading by investors through their dealing houses’ •Continued on page 37

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

37

THE CEO

‘How NSE can woo firms for listing’ •Continued from page 36

online platforms. The X-GEN is highly scalable and therefore able to cater for wider participation by retail participants via various devices like smart phones which are easily accessible. In other words, without compromising the importance of certified brokers, the market has now been further decentralised to investors at different levels.

This democratisation of trading is also underpinned by SEC, which ensures that risk is still properly managed.

A certified stockbroker’s roles transcend trade executions for parties. A stockbroker is exposed to and possesses skills in equity valuation, bond valuation, corporate finance, portfolio management, alternative investment, derivatives and commodities.

These combined attributes make such a stockbroker an expert fund manager, financial adviser and investment analyst amongst others. Therefore, beyond just entering trades, there is a lot more that brokers can offer that would make non-brokers to still require their services. In fact, the remote trading access to investors that the X-GEN platform promotes complements the skills of stockbrokers as it provides them room to focus on wealth management, fast day trading, and exotics among others. This incidentally happens to be one of the arguments being put forward as a case for the Bill to repeal CIS Act. However, it is not impossible that some dealing members allow non-certified brokers to trade through the remote platform from their offices; it is however a major infraction of market rules and also exposes such dealing members to risks that are of high magnitude due to high probability of errors.

The incentive for an average dealing house to take such risk is very low.

How can a viable private-public partnership that can be used to stimulate the development of the capital market be built?

The task is easier today considering the wide consensus across board- public and private sector, on the importance of the capital market to economic growth and development in Nigeria. You will recall that one of the things we were able to achieve two years ago as a precursor to the ongoing recovery of the stock market during the period was getting the Federal Government to implement palliatives for capital market operators. This template would be utilised to support the development of the capital market in the future. Also, the CIS Annual National workshop has remained a strong platform for the engagement of capital market stakeholders and policy makers on national development issues that affect the capital market. It is also an engagement platform for members who are market players, regulators and the policy makers- the government. It is part of the larger efforts to use the capital market as a catalyst for growth and of course development. We would continue to improve on the performance every year and expand the scope in 2015 and beyond.

As the president of CIS, what are your priorities?

The status of CIS as the foremost capital market professional body needs to be enhanced. This requires a combination of brand restructuring and improved access and engagements with stakeholders. In this regards, we will ensure that in the next 18 months, CIS moves to a befitting structure that would house our secretariat. The suitability of the institute’s structure would go a long way in having impact on the institute as a brand. We would also embark on brand projects that would situate the institute in the rightful place in the financial market and the Nigerian economy and make it a strong brand across Africa and globally. An important component of this is to work with the National Assembly on the speedy passage of the CISI Bill.

To expand Nigerians’ rate of participation in the capital market and improve national savings mobilisation for critical investment growth, our goal is to expand the access to our certifications by varied but related professionals. We would therefore immediately embark on the expansion of the certification programmes as well as the frequency of the examinations. We would also align the programme to America’s FINRA and UK’s CISI curriculums in the light of the unfolding sophistication of our markets. We intend to transform the examinations from paper based to electronic format to expand access at minimal costs to both the institute and members at all levels.

• Okumagba

‘As good as the operation of the market makers look, they hardly can perform optimally without the existence of a vibrant market for securities lending. Unfortunately, securities lending is as good as nonexistent in Nigeria’s capital market today despite the provision for it’

• Okumagba

The relationship between the Institute and other professional bodies would be improved on while expanding local and international alliances. One issue that needs serious attention is the status of CFA charter holders and CIS certifications in relation to stock market trading permits. We would immediately resolve this and similar issues in our first 12 months in office. Besides, the process of graduating through membership to fellow would be immediately reviewed to remove the ambiguities and create a clear

PHOTOS: TAOFIK SALAKO

process and procedures for members to proceed from Associate Members to earning the Fellowship of the Institute.

While it is true to say that the institute is not as popular as some of its peers, its popularity has however, grown over time. Two of the major avenues through which the visibility of the institute can be made more pronounced are strong partnership with some of the listed companies and sponsorship of prominent events. At CIS, we are putting in place structures that would make us build a

brand that would sell and therefore make companies to seek partnership with us. Since this appears to be a long term plan, in the interim, we plan to extend the hand of partnership that would be mutually beneficial to stakeholders.

You have been talking about growing the membership of the Institute. What is your strategy for this?

A lot has gone into expanding the membership base of the institute in the last few months. Some of the strategies being implemented to increase the names on the institute’s register of students and members include the review of curriculum and the variety of certification that the Institute offers with a view to making them more attractive and giving potential members many options. Also, the introduction of the monthly diploma certification exams for post-secondary school candidates posits significant potential for membership expansion. We are reviewing the registration requirements for the Diploma certification to further broaden its scope to accommodate other professionals with interest in the CIS programme. This monthly conduct of examination is to run from this month to August 2015 with the requirement being Secondary School Certificate across West Africa.

We are also expanding the CIS programme to the West African sub region and beyond in the long run. In this regard, all the exams will become bilingual-English and French, with exam centres computerised. It goes to say that the institute’s certificate becomes easily accessible by both Nigerians and nonNigerians who are beyond the borders of the nation. Furthermore, a new curriculum scheme patterned after FINRA of America and CISI of the UK is to be launched.

Your programmes will definitely be capital intensive. How do you hope to improve the financial standing of the Institute?

Presently, our existing sources of revenue are registration fees, examination fees, sale of study packs and other materials and subscription. We, however, intend to add to these existing streams of income and also restructure the fees charged by the body across its various operation stages in other to make them competitive. The recent inclusion of diploma certifications offers opportunities to enhance our financial strength, while also expanding the scope of the Institute. We would further expand the diploma programme as a tool for revenue expansion.

Furthermore, since there is a direct relationship between membership figure and revenue, the current effort aimed taking student population to 150,000 or more is another step in ensuring that the financial strength of the Institute is improved. We will sustain this process with significant emphasis on the Diploma programme without compromising the integrity of the Institute.

One major challenge has been ensuring that members pay their annual subscription and membership dues on schedule. In this regard, we would immediately develop strategies to motivate members to pay their dues while enhancing the penalties for defaulting on dues settlement. For those who currently owe the Institute, we would develop a settlement process that helps them clear the backlogs while ensuring ease of payment. Our model may involve a review of the membership fees to encourage members to pay on schedule.

One of the areas the Institute has not fully exploited is that of philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). With millions of members in many large financial and non-financial companies in Nigeria, the Institute arguably has access to huge CSR support to fund credible projects it may decide to embark on. So, we shall explore this avenue to support our varied projects.

What is the relationship between the CIS and NASD? It is one of partnership for regulation, compliance and professionalism. The same relationships exist between the Institute and other Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) like the NSE, FMDQ and others.

However, the new leadership will like to improve on the already cordial relationships between the CIS and the other SROs and regulators. This is in a bid to ensure that both the Institute and the other SROs work together, along with other stakeholders, to facilitate further development of the market by increasing the depth of the market as well as bringing more companies for listing on the NSE.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

38

BUSINESS MOTORING

Jeep, the legendary off-road and sports utility vehicle (SUV), is back again with a new addition - The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It is stylish, provides fun and offers maximum comfort even while tackling rough terrains, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon makes debut

• Interior

A

FTER observing the wide acceptance of the Wrangler in the Nigerian auto market, Weststar Associates Ltd, the Authorised General Distributor of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram in Nigeria, now debuts the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Mirko Plath, the Managing Director and CEO of Weststar Associates, is convinced that the Rubicon will prove to be a “big hit” among the lovers of the acclaimed SUV. The 2014 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited is a model of the Iconic, rugged Jeep - a popular American automobile brand division of Chrysler Group LLC, now a subsidiary of the Italian multinational automaker - Fiat SPA. Easily identifiable by its fender flares, symbolic seven-slot grille and 17-inch polished mineral grey wheels, the Wrangler is stylish, fun and offers maximum comfort even whilst tackling rough terrains.

The four-door Rubicon Unlimited version, which is designed in pre-

mium leather seats, offers notable features like the mono-tube shock absorbers which have low speed tune-able valve technology that is firm on the rocks and relaxed at higher speeds. It also features standard Dana 44 front and rear axles which are equipped with TruLok locking differentials and offer the ultimate in traction. In addition, the Rubicon has elevated height for better ground clearance - suitable for the Nigerian roads, and the front axle sway bar disconnect allows for better articulation off-road.

The Wrangler Rubicon can be appreciated for its weather-resistant surfaces and its courtesy interior lights which

•Wrangler Rubicon

illuminate the front footwells.

Like all other Wranglers, the Rubicon is fortified with standard safety and security features. Besides advanced multistage front airbags which help provide occupant protection by matching airbag output to impact severity, there are also side-supplemental airbags with sensor detection. Hill Descent Control helps monitor throttle, speed and braking when travelling downhill, and the Hill Start Assist keeps your brakes applied for a short time after one removed foot from the brake to give time to accelerate without rollback. Inclusive are on-road four wheel disc Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Brake Assist, highefficiency round fog lamps comprising of chip-resistant polycarbonate plastic lenses with halogen bulbs that provide a low, wide beam of light, tire pressure monitoring display system to enable them drive with the utmost confidence, the sentry key engine system which makes it virtually impossible for anyone without a valid key to drive your vehicle, and

the Electric Stability Control (ESC) with the Trailer sway Control (TSC) help keep you (and whatever you are towing) safely and securely on course and under control. Also available are: special quiet, watertight three-ply sunrider soft top that is easy to fold away, the freedom top hardtop which gives driver the control to bring in the s u n a s d e e m ed f i t , r e m o v a b l e f u l l framed doors and fold-down windshield. Delivering communication and entertainment straight into the vehicle is the U-connect System. This consists of the CD/DVD and Mp3 player, Voice Command, and U-connect Phone via Bluetooth.

The Rubicon brags a powerful and efficient 3.6L Pentastar, V6 VVT 285horsepower engine that provides power, satisfying fuel efficiency with up to 600 km on a tank of fuel, and delivers up to 260 pound-feet of torque.

The Rock-Trac 4WD system enables more control and torque at the wheels to help go virtually anywhere driver point the vehicle.

Despite boasting under body armour that protects its critical components with 2.5-mm stamped steel skid plates on its fuel tank and transfer case and heavy duty forged-steel dual front and single rear frame-mounted tow hooks for pulling less capable vehicles out of ditches, the Wrangler is still considered a high-end luxury vehicle.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is available at Weststar Associates and its authorised dealerships. It comes with a four-year free service and an integration into its Jeep Plus programme. This programme comes with a Jeep Plus card and enables Jeep customers to be recipients of many rewarding benefits.

Equipped with up-to- date workshops and skilled technical man-power, Weststar Associates assures its customers that their vehicles are in good and capable hands.

39

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

MOTORING

New Ford Mustang out soon F

OR the first time, a right-handdrive version of Ford Mustang will be made, for sale in more than 25 markets such as the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa, the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker said in a statement.

President of the Americas at Ford Motor Company, Joe Hinrichs, said the firm has begun the building of the sixth generation of its 50-yearold Mustang sports car at a Michigan plant for export to more than 120 countries.

Ford wants to widen the appeal of a quintessential muscle car, which has been outsold by General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet Camaro for the past four years. The Mustang, which Executive Chairman Bill Ford has called the company’s “most important product,” has long helped woo buyers to its broader lineup. The redesign aims to meet global safety

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

standards while retaining classic cues such as the long hood and threebar taillights.

“It’s been designed to be accepted globally,” said Michael Robinet, an analyst at consultant IHS Automotive.

“But there is still a lot of traditional American design in that vehicle.”

The Mustang is being built at a Flat Rock, Michigan, factory, south of Detroit, which also makes the Fusion sedan. The two cars have similar grilles but share few parts, Robinet said. If sales take off for either model, Ford could add a third crew of workers at the plant and boost annual production to more than 300,000 vehicles, from about 220,000 now, he said.

“Ford now has the flexibility to turn the volume knob up or down at Flat Rock. They have the ability to allow

the Mustang to stretch its legs from an export perspective,” he said.

Ford will decide about that in about a year, Hinrichs said.

“There is definitely available capacity for a third shift,” said Hinrichs, who added that Flat Rock is one of Ford’s only plants operating on just two shifts. “We’ll know by the second half of 2015 how global demand is going.”

The United Auto Workers would welcome the addition of U.S. jobs, said Jimmy Settles, the union vice president who represents Ford workers.

“We will agree to a third shift right now if Joe says yes,” he said. But “they are not going to give us any raises, they are not going to give us products prior to the negotiations next year for a new contract, Settles noted.

Mustang sales in the U.S. rose 3.9 percent to 50,795 this year through

July, after declining seven percent to 77,186 for all of last year.

Camaro sales climbed 13 percent through July to 56,633, after falling 4.5 percent to 80,567 in 2013. The Camaro, redesigned in 2009, overtook the Mustang a year later, ending Ford’s 24-year run with the topselling sports car in the U.S. Buyers of these models tend to respond to new designs, Hinrichs said.

The Mustang’s best sales were in the 1960s, when Ford built more than 600,000 in a year.

Ford pioneered so-called pony cars with the introduction of the Mustang in April 1964, and it appeared in Switzerland in that year’s James Bond movie “Goldfinger.” Four years later in “Bullitt,” Steve McQueen’s good guy drove a roaring, squealing Mustang in an extended scene that helped redefine the movie car chase.

Stallion Motors partners Diamond Bank on centenary bonanza

S

TALLION Motors Limited in collaboration with Diamond Bank Plc has inaugurated new sales offer for customers to discover the uniqueness of precision engineered Volkswagen and Skoda passenger cars in a commemorative sales bonanza - tagged ‘Nigeria Centenary Celebration Bonanza.’

Announcing the scheme in Lagos, Volkswagen Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr Manish Daryanani said the offer is designed with a seamless repayment sequence to ease the process of vehicle ownership.

The bonanza, which offers for sale a select Volkswagen and Skoda models, including Volkswagen Polo, Jetta, Passat and CC variants as well as Skoda Rapid and Octavia models.

Daryanani said customers can walk into any of Stallion Motors’ Volkswagen and Skoda showrooms nationwide to place their orders.

Volkswagen and Skoda are part of the Volkswagen Group marketed in Nigeria under the Stallion Mo-

tors franchise.

Skoda World Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr Sanjay Rupani said the scheme is open to all customers including those with or without functional account at Diamond Bank PLC. He said the trio of Volkswagen, Skoda and Diamond Bank PLC have cautiously designed the scheme to enable beneficiaries’ access interest free funds without necessarily paying processing fees or showing collateral.

And as part of the bonanza, “customers will be eligible to one year free service and one year comprehensive insurance cover couple with other benefits as special anniversary pricing, free registration and one free Samsung Galaxy Note 3 NEO phone for any Volkswagen and Skoda cars purchased during this campaign,” Rupani explained.

While also adding that successful customers could spread payment tenure over a period of up to 48 months in affordable monthly installments, the Skoda World sales and marketing coordinator said the evolving needs and preferences of

•Skoda Octavia

prospective vehicle buyers prompted this campaign, which essentially seeks to change the predisposition of car buyers to embrace tried and tested European brands that are durable and serviceable.

“Our objective is to provide the best products and services to our customers and enable them to enjoy value-added experience in line with Volkswagen clear value for

customers - affordability, reliability and German engineering,” he said.

The auto marketing concern has announced starting monthly installment of N66, 000 for Volkswagen Polo; N76, 000 for Jetta; N110, 000 for Passat; N114, 000 for the CC while Skoda Rapid and Octavia start from N71, 000 and N81, 000 monthly installments respectively.

K

•Dana Motors (KIA) Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Sandeep Malhotra (middle) greeting Managing Director BKG Exhibitions/Chairman Organising Committee, 16th Abuja International Motor Fair Mr Ifeanyi Agwu during a visit to Dana House, Isolo, Lagos. With them are (from left): Dana Motors (KIA) Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Mr Peter Ayewoh; BKG Exhibitions Head Marketing Operations, Ms Franca Igwe and Dana Motors (KIA) Public Relations Executive Mr Olawale Jimoh.

Project, including Mr Chang-Muk Choi, Kia Motors Corporation’s Head of CSR Management Team.

Choi said: “The global Green Light Project which has helped to create the new school we are opening in Malawi, adopts all of Kia’s corporate social responsibility values. Here in this poorer district of Lilongwe, the majority of the residents receive little medical care and secondary school enrollment rate is under 30 percent.

“Kia views people around the

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

Road accidents in Nigeria will remain high if………

D

Kia expands ‘Green Light Project’ IA Motors Corporation has announced the expansion of its global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, the ‘Green Light Project’, during celebrations for the grand opening of a new Green Light School in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.

Kia’s Green Light Project – a global social mobility programme started by the corporation in 2012 – strives to improve access to healthcare and education for disadvantaged children in some of the poorest regions in the world, hoping to help them turn around their lives from ‘red light’ to ‘green light’.

At present, the programme is working with local people on projects in three neighbouring South Eastern African countries – Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi.

In Lilongwe, the new secondary school’s opening ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 local residents and a host of dignitaries, including Malawi’s Congressman, principal education officer, and Mr. Rev Kang, representative of MFHI (Malawi Food for the Hungry International). Also present were key Kia executives behind the Green Light

SAFE DRIVING

world as ‘one family’ and the programme aims to provide local communities with the means to ensure that young people can achieve independence and build better lives in future. Looking forward, Kia is planning to expand the Green Light Project to other countries and regions through the cooperation of its global network.”

As well as investing in the construction of the Lilongwe educational facility, Kia plans to support the students and members of the lo-

cal community by operating afterschool programs for a further five years.

In addition to Kia Motors’ construction of a secondary school and the donation of Kia K2700 trucks in Nagashanqui, Tanzania in 2012, Kia has funded the construction of a secondary school in Mozambique and several health clinics in Malawi. Kia plans to continue its investment in its Green Light Project until 2018, making a total investment of $14 million in the project.

AILY reports in Nigeria are still pointing to the fact that the rate of road accidents (crashes) and fatalities is still disturbingly high.

We should still remind ourselves of the recent rating of Nigeria as second to the last of 193 countries with high rates of road accidents.

The truth I wish to categorically state here is that unless the issues I want to mention in this article are objectively considered and addressed, the rate of accidents and fatalities in Nigeria will continue to be on the rise.

• Inadequate monitoring of the roads – There are some portion of intra and inter – State roads that have become death traps simply because the government officials responsible are not prompt in monitoring for quality construction by the Contractor or maintenance.

• Misplaced priority – Evidences abound that Government (Federal and States) and their agencies have and are still misplacing priorities in issues relating to the safety of lives and properties. For example, in the whole country with a population of over 150 million people, there is no single standard driving range constructed by the Federal Government, state government, Federal Road Safety Commission, Ministries of Transport, Ministries of Works nor by other agencies which the driving schools can use to train people how to drive or test candidates for Licence processing. Instead of focusing on this, the state governments are busy establishing drivers institute without driving range but just for income generation thereby limiting the opportunities that should have been available to driving schools to generate income, improve their standards, pay more taxes and make more impacts. The Federal Road Safety Commission is also busy running around to companies to conduct training programmes for drivers, a function that the same Federal Road Safety Commission and the State Vehicle Inspection Departments certified the Driving Schools to perform.

How many vehicles and drivers on Nigeria roads today passed the standards of the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Vehicle Inspection Officers? Why are they still moving about on the roads with impunity? The answer is not far fetched, the people to check and control them have been diverted by fund mobilisation for the governments and for personal pockets.

• To be continued

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

40

Taxation

VAT administration V

ALUE Added Tax (VAT) is a form of consumption tax that has been embraced by many countries worldwide. Because it is a consumption tax, it is relatively easy to administer and difficult to evade. It is a tax only on value added to a product or service by its manufacturer or distribution. It is ultimately only the end consumer tax.

The purpose of VAT is to generate revenue for the government.

Key facts about VAT • The spending borne by the final consumer and it is invoice based • Chargeable at a flat rate of 5%.

• Collected on behalf of the Government by registered persons • VAT is a tax on spending. The tax is borne by the final consumer of goods and services because it is included in the price paid.

• The tax is at a flat rate of 5%.

• The tax is collected on behalf of the Government by businesses and organisations which have registered with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) for VAT purposes, • A business or organisation which has registered for VAT is classified as a “registered person”. Such persons will pay 5% VAT on goods and services purchases but can claim credit for this tax (called input tax) when sold.

• Five per cent VAT (called output tax) is included in the price of all goods and services supplied by registered persons.

• VAT returns (and payments) are normally made monthly to the FIRS Integrated Tax Office on or before 21st day of the month next following that in which the supply was made.

No individual, business, organisation or government agency is exempted from the tax. Only some goods and services and specifically specified activities are exempted.

Rational and Nature of VAT: • It is a broader base tax.

• It is also realised from imported goods.

• VAT as a Consumption Tax is almost impossible to avoid by any consumer of a VATable products.

• VAT is comparatively easy to administer and collect.

Nature of VAT • VAT is a self-assessment tax, paid as the taxpayer renders returns. It has two parts: N’000 i. Output Tax xxx (xxx) ii. (Input Tax), The net is VAT payable at due date for payment. xxx VATable Persons • A VATable person may be a trader, a professional, a group of professionals (Partnership), a corporate entity like a Public or Private Company, a duly registered Association, club or charity, so long as they are engaged in one form of Economic or Business activity.

• Every VATable person has an obligation to register for VAT payment with the local tax office under whose jurisdiction it carries out its operations.

• The registration covers all the business activities of the Vatable person or entity. A VATable person is expected to register with the FIRS for the purposes of the Tax, within six months of commencement of business operations.

‘Because it is a consumption tax, it is relatively easy to administer and difficult to evade. It is a tax only on value added to a product or service by its manufacturer or distribution. It is ultimately only the end consumer tax’

• Every contractor hoping to transact any business with any ministry, statutory body and other agencies of any of the three tiers of government, shall be expected to show evidence of VAT registration with the FIRS as a pre-condition for obtaining a contract.

VAT Administration • VAT is administered and managed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, while the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) enforces the administration and collection of VAT on imports. The tax is collected on behalf of the government by businesses and organisations registered with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) – Integrated Tax Offices for VAT purposes.

VAT exempted goods • All medical and pharmaceutical products.

• Basic food items • Baby Products • Educational materials: Book etc • Fertiliser, agricultural and veterinary medicine, agricultural machinery, including associated transportation equipment • All exports (Products), excluding non-oil exports, which enjoy zero-rated status.

• Plant and machinery for use in the gas utilisation, Downstream operations in the petroleum Industry • Plants and machinery imported for use by cmpanies in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) or Free Trade Zone, provided that 100% production of such companies are for export, otherwise tax shall accrue proportionately on the profits of the companies.

• Commercial vehicles and associated spare parts.

• Non-Oil exports • Goods purchased by diplomats • Goods purchased for use in Humanitarian Donor Funded Projects.

“Humanitarian donor funded Projects” include projects undertaken by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), religious and social clubs or societies recognised by law, whose activities are not for profit, and are in the public interest VAT Returns All registered VAT able entities have to make regular VAT returns and either pay to, or receive from the FIRS, the difference between the Input Tax and the Output tax.

This effectively means that every registered business organisation is obliged to maintain records and accounts of all VAT able transactions. Records of supplies made and received include tax invoices, Cash Books, Sales and Purchase Day Books, Ledger Accounts, particularly VAT Accounts etc.

Note To claim credit for Input tax, a registered person must produce a ‘Tax Invoice’. A Tax Invoice contains the following information: •Taxpayer’s name, address and VAT registration number and TIN number.

•Customer’s name and address.

•Nature and date of supply – description of goods or services supplied • Gross amount of transactions.

•Rate of any cash discount offered.

•Rate of VAT •Total Vat payable.

Note A Tax Invoice shall be issued on supply, whether or not payment is made at the time of supply.

Remittance of VAT • All VAT able persons are to remit to their Local VAT Offices, the Net VAT payable (Excess of Output Tax over Input Tax) at the time of filing their VAT returns, which must be within 21 days of each transaction period.

• Monthly remittances are to be made through the FIRS designated Banks to the Local VAT offices, which will thereafter issue receipts on confirmation of such payments.

• With effect from May 25, 2007 however, all Vat able Persons Tax and other Tax collecting agents shall pay remittances direct into designated Federal Inland Rev-

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed

Mashi

enue Service Accounts. All Bank Account holders shall have a unique Tax Payer Identification Number (TIN) to be provided by the Federal Inland Revenue service.

VAT sharing ratio In sharing the revenue derived from VAT to the three tiers of government, the Federal Government through its Revenue Allocation Commission applies the following sharing formula: • Federal Government

15%

• State Governments & FCT Abuja

50%

35% 100% Remittance of VAT and VAT Sharing ratio Offences and penalties • Failure to make attribution •Payment of N 5,000 • Failure to notify change of address within a month of change •Payment of N 5,000 • Failure to keep Records and Accounts •Payment of N2, 000 for every month the failure continues • Failure to collect tax •Payment of 150% of Tax not collected plus interest of 20% flat.

• Failure to submit Returns •Payment of N5, 000 for every month the failure continues • Failure to issue Tax Invoice for goods sold/services rendered •Fine of 50% of cost of goods/services for which no Invoice was issued, on conviction • Evasion of VAT On conviction, a fine of N 30,000 or twice the amount of tax evaded- whichever is greater, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

• Local Governments

‘Every contractor hoping to transact any business with any ministry, statutory body and other agencies of any of the three tiers of government, shall be expected to show evidence of VAT registration with the FIRS as a pre-condition for obtaining a contract’

43

MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

PLATEAU POLITICS As Plateau State prepares for next year’s general elections, zonal and ethnic politics are on the front burner.

Ethnic groups are in hot competion for power and politicians are wiping up primordial sentiments. Who succeeds Governor Jonah Jang? Correspondent YUSUFU IDEGU writes on the succession battle.

• Jang

P

LATEAU State politics is usually volatile. This is due to the activities of many gladiators. Some of them are kingmakers and godfathers. Some have vested interests to protest. Others are veteran politicians eyeing elective offices.

Across the three senatorial zones, the race to next year’s election is gathering momentum.

However, there are indications that zoning will shape the governorship poll.

Thus, the ethnic groups are leaving no stone unturned to get the ticket. Although the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the ruling party, the opposition parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), cannot be ignored. Although speculations are rife that Governor Jonah Jang has an anointed candidate, he has not let the cat out of the bag.

Aspirants have been consulting with stakeholders. They are projecting themselves as candidates of the competing ethnic groups. For example, the Angas tribe, which is the major tribe in Plateau Central Zone, has three aspirants. They are Nde Hezekiah Dimka, Col. Bala Danbaba (rtd) and Dr. Haruna Dabin.

From Plateau South, the aspirants are seven. They are Senator Victor Lar, Prof.

Longmas Sambo Wapmuk, Prof. Sonny Tyoden, Ambassador Ignatius Longjan, Sir Fidelis Tapgun, John Alkali, an architect, and Senator Cosmos Niagwan.

There is no aspirant yet from Plateau North where Jang hails from. But, prominent politicians from the zone, including Edward Pwajok, a lawyer, Mr. Istifanus Gyang and Senator Gyang Pwajok are believed to be making underground moves.

There is an intense agitation for power shift. The South and the Central zones are of the view that the North should concede the slot to them . The two zones believe strongly that the Berom ethnic group, which has enjoyed the slot since 2007, has no moral justification to contest the governorship election.

However, Berom people are scheming to retain power. Less than two months to the primaries, indications are that the ethnic group is not ready to relinquish power to

• Tapgun

• Dariye

Who succeeds Jang?

ASPIRANTS Nde Dimka Bala Dambaba Haruna Dabin Victor Lar Longmas Wapmuk Sonny Tyoden Ignatius Longjan

Fedelis Tapgun John Alkali Cosmos Niagwan Edward Pwajok Istifanus Gyang Gyang Pwajok

other groups on a platter of gold. If anything, they have made their intention crystal clear that they will contest the number one seat, like every other zone. They believe that, for democracy to take its full course, indigenes should be free to contest, irrespective of tribe or zone. They also believe that it would be undemocratic to exclude certain zones or tribes under the guise of zoning.

Sources said that prominent Beroms, including Senator Gyang Pwajok, who represents the zone in the Senate, Edward Pwajok, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Mr. I.D Gyang, who is a Permanent Secretary, are warming up for the race. Also, despite the fact that no notable politician from Plateau North has indicated interest, some young politicians under the aegies of the Plateau North Political Front (PNPF) are clamouring for the retention of the slot.

The group has invited some gladiators from the zone to declare their interest, as-

suring them of a bloc support. PNPF Chairman Daniel Izang said: “It is on record that the three zones in Plateau State have produced a governor in turn. But, the performance of the North Zone is outstanding. Plateau in the last seven years under Governor David Jonah Jang from Plateau North has witnessed massive infrastructural development. What has been achieved under the Jang Administration far outweighed that of governors from the South and Central zones.

Which is why we believe that, at this point of our democratic journey, we should rather chose the next governor from the zone that has produced the best governor.

“The North, having analysed our political journey so far, do hereby resolves that the zone reserves the right to retain power in 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Power (PDP). Nobody can intimidate us or force us out of the contest under any guise of zoning.

We know no zoning formula in Plateau State” He added: “If seeking election into the number one seat is for development, then, other zones should give way to aspirants from Plateau North to continue to build on the foundation laid by Jang. There are more credible candidates in the North who have the potentials to drive the development of the state to the next level. That is the kind of democracy we want. Any attempt by any one to exclude a particular zone from fielding a governorship candidate will not be in the interest of the state.”

Also, a partisan group, the Redemption Integrity Group, which is made up of

‘If an unpopular candidate is foisted on the people, the ruling party may lose the seat to an opposition candidate. He said, although money plays a significant role in politics, Plateau is an exceptional case, adding that, in the past, voters collected money from unpopular candidates and still voted for their preferred candidate. Gagara said that history can still repeat itself in Plateau State next year’

• Mrs Tallen

former commissioners, legislators and local government chairmen has lent a voice to the succession battle. Its spokesman, Comrade Nuhu Gagara, former Commissioner for Information and Communication, told reporters in Jos, the state capital, that the group is committed to the emergence of a worthy successor to Jang.

Gagara, who is also the former PDP Publicity Secretary, said, since Jang will vacate office next year, power should shift to either the Central or South zones. He said what gave Jang the chance in 2007 was the public goodwill and not financial muscle. He added that , if the governor, who is the party leader, picks a sellable material for the governorship, he will win the election.

He said, if an unpopular candidate is foisted on the people, the ruling party may lose the seat to an opposition candidate. He said, although money plays a significant role in politics, Plateau is an exceptional case, adding that, in the past, voters collected money from unpopular candidates and still voted for their preferred candidate. Gagara said that history can still repeat itself in Plateau State next year.

The former commissioner added: “What must be pursued with vigour by any government is fairness and justice to all segments of the society. If there is injustice in the handling of the affairs, there will be mistrust.”

In Gagara’s reckoning, Jang has recorded many achievements in the last seven years. He said it is important that this tempo of achievement should be sustained beyond his tenure. He said his successor should be somebody who can defend the legacies and break new grounds.

According to him, the people of Plateau will decide at the appropriate time who will succeed the governor, either in the PDP or the APC. He said: “The choice lies squarely with voters on the Plateau, and not any godfather.”

The debate and political horse trading continue. The three zones are intensifying their agitations for power. Which zone produces the governor? Time will tell.

44

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

POLITICS Akinwumi Ambode, a Chartered Accountant, who retired as the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary from the Lagos State Ministry of Finance, is a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Lagos State. He spoke with reporters in Lagos on partisan issues. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

‘Nigeria ‘ll be better under APC govt’ C

OULD you give an insight into your childhood, parentage and upbringing?

I was born in Epe 51 years ago to the family of Festus Akinwale and Christiana Ambode.

I am the sixth of 10 children made up of four girls and six boys. I actually grew up in Epe for four years before coming to Lagos in 1967 and since then, I’ve been in Lagos. I come from a Christian family. My parents were hardworking people. My father was a teacher and my mother was a sewing mistress. I’ve had all my education in different parts of Nigeria. I am also married with children. My father was a natural disciplinarian and you would see that as the reflection of my character today. All the virtues you could have in the son of a teacher are what reflect in my life today.

What events shaped your childhood and ultimately your adult life?

I think it was when I went to Federal Government College, Warri, at the age of 11. You can imagine how it was for me at that age leaving my parents and going far away to school. It was interesting and my leadership role started to take shape from my childhood, which I spent in Warri.

Apart from the fact that we had a close knit family, I was one of the first among the children that actually left our parents to go as far as the former Bendel State in Warri to start an educational life.

I spent seven years in Warri away from my parents and that in itself has been a turning point for me and has molded me into the character that I am today.

What factors aided your choice of career?

My father’s friend made me who I am today because, at age 12 or there about, one of my father’s friends came to the house and he just jokingly asked what I would like to become and I said I would like to be an accountant. He looked at me with some mocking disdain and said “you, can you become an accountant?” That was my turning point. I believed that I was being challenged at such a young age and I told myself that, whatever it will take to become the best of accountants in this country, I was going to do it.

I was actually in Form Two, but from then on, I decided to take accounting as a subject in Form Three. I decided to pursue Accounting as a career in the university. I also went on to become a Chartered Accountant at the age of 24. So, it was that challenge that drove me and propelled me on. That is how I decided to be the best I could be in my chosen profession. Later, I realised that he himself was not a chartered accountant, but a book-keeper.

Who were your role models?

My father will obviously come in place as my role model. I saw him as someone that had the best of all the virtues and he kept on telling me each time I came back from school that my results were not so good and that I was playful and that he saw that God has given me a talent and I should not let that talent be taken away from me

by God. And, if I focused on my studies, eventually, every other thing would be added on to me until he died when I was 18. Ever since, I have held on to that message as someone who had become my hero in life.

When did you earn your first pay?

My first salary would have been in 1985. I actually, finished youth service in June of 1985 and having come back from the Central Bank, Sokoto, I was at home for three months without a job. It was difficult getting a job then. The first job that came my way was a civil service job at the Lagos State Waste Disposal Board. I remember my first salary was N324 per month and that was so exciting for me. Today, a fresh graduate could get as much as N100,000, but that is an issue of inflation.

I wanted to go back to the man that said I couldn’t become an accountant. I looked into the future and I felt that the money was not going to be enough to take care of the life that I wanted to live. Hence, I decided I was going to pursue additional degrees and professional qualifications to enhance my income, which is what I have been doing in the last 30 years.

Could you reflect on your life as a civil servant?

I joined the Lagos civil service in 1985 as an accountant with the then Lagos State Waste Disposal Board. So, I joined the civil service and became a chartered accountant within a year after joining and, with that additional qualification, I applied to the Lagos State Civil Service and joined the Local Government Service Commission where I was deployed to Badagry Local Government. I could say that I’ve had a peculiar career in the civil service. Apart from the fact

• Ambode

that my additional qualifications were giving me a sort of an advantage towards an accelerated career path because I had moved from Level eight to level 10. Then, from Level 10 to Level 12 and with additional qualifications, I became a substantive Council Treasurer when I was just 29. I had a rewarding career in the Lagos State Civil Service. I actually became the AuditorGeneral for Local Government at the age of 37 based on merit. I was confirmed by the House of Assembly as the substantive Auditor-General for local government in the year 2000. My career has been so peculiar in a manner that I feel that God has actually been the major runner of my destiny. I became the Accountant-General of Lagos State at the age of 43, having served almost 10 years in different local governments as Council Treasurer. I also served as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance in 2005 and then, I became the Auditor General in 2006. A job that I did for over six years and voluntarily retired in August 2012 because I felt that there is so much to conquer in the world and to allow other people to get a chance to move up in their careers. I am happy I retired meritoriously.

You served as treasurer, Auditor-General and Accountant-General. What was the experience like?

The major focal point for governance is security and welfare of the people. However, there are many projects and ideas that are competing for the scarce resources of the state. No matter how much we say that this is the future of what we want Lagos State to be, the dream can’t materialise without sufficient and adequate financial planning. So, for one to have had that opportunity to have contributed in almost three decades to the financial machinery of different arms of government, it’s something very fulfilling for me. I want to put on record that the last 13 years of my career, I was able to experience democratic governance and I have been able to add to the achievements of the various governments I have had the opportunity to work with. Everything is about the present and future growth and development of Lagos State that is driven by a common denominator, which is finance. And for one to have had that chance to contribute quietly and now openly seen by others, it has been a fulfilling and rewarding career.

What were your most challenging moments in the civil service?

The most challenging part was always at that point that government was not able to execute projects because it lacked the finance and, worse still, I remember the years the federal Obasanjo Administration seized local government fund.

It meant that the local government could have

• Ambode

been crippled and actually not existed. For one to have been one of the major contributors to finding that creative finance arrangement that allowed that level of government to survive without any hitch and up till today, they still exist. One has to be grateful to God for giving me that opportunity to do it for Lagos State.

OW did you manage to run the state at a time local government funds were seized without defaulting on payments obligations?

It is really not as difficult as one would have imagined. The truth is that then, we had a governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who actually believed that the civil servants and Exco members had the essential dexterity to assist in letting the system work. He was not overbearing on suggestions brought by civil servants or public servants and that gave us a platform to allow creativity to thrive. Whenever suggestions were made, he was very receptive to ideas and innovations that would work. We all worked as a team and we shared our successes together.

What did you miss in the civil service?

What I miss most is not being able to continue my act of selflessness in the ambit of governance. Even though, I try as much as possible to interact with my community and my family and all that. But, quietly you always miss that moment you were in a position to be part of governance and problem solving situtation for common good. I just miss that.

What was the most difficult decision you made as the Auditor-General and later, Accountant General?

There were particularly moments where I happened to be the chairman of disciplinary board meetings and you had fraudulent cases being brought up. Apart from the fact that you always want to be good to people, but sometimes, when you are chairman and, as the leader, you need to take decisions. There were sometimes that those decisions were very difficult but those decisions need to be taken. The difficult, moments were always when you had to take disciplinary actions against colleagues and subordinates. Sometimes, you’ll feel sorry, but again, as a leader, you have to be strong enough to take the right decisions at the right time for the sake of the system.

The succession battle is gathering momentum in Lagos. As a chieftain of the APC, are you running for governor?

I am seriously thinking about it and I have been consulting in the last eight months.And the consultation is still on-going Your response looks like that of a politician...

I have always been a politician like everyone.

H

‘The future of Lagos is about who will take it to the next level. The present governor is wearing very big shoes.

The party is interested in who will be able to fit into those shoes in order for the party to continue to remain that symbol of positive change’

We are all political animals. In every home and community, politics is a daily occcurence. As far as I know, there is no official school of politics anywhere in Nigeria. You can emerge or put on the toga of a politician at any time based on your interest and passion or consciousness.

What is your assessment of the Fashola Administration?

I will say fantastic. You know, when we look at the last 15 years. I just want to state that we started with the Asiwaju government and the Asiwaju government could be described as a government that has laid that irreversible foundation for growth and development in Lagos State. What we’ve witnessed right now with the present governor is that he’s been able to consolidate and actualise the dream of the foundation of that growth and development. He has not faltered or waivered. He has been someone focused on the goals of the party and he has delivered. No matter what anybody has to say, he has performed.

YOU have been holding consultations with stakeholders on the governorship. What is their response?

I must tell you that my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has actually given every person who is interested in any political office to go to the field and I have been so excited that, in the last eight months, we have been engaging and consulting with the party leadership, party members and even citizens of Lagos.

The excitement is more about these stakeholders asking for positive change, which the APC stands for. I always try to tell all the people I’ve been consulting with that we are in for a progressive movement in Lagos and it is only the APC that creates that platform for us to be able to continue to move Lagos to that next level. I’ve been receiving positive responses from people. A whole lot of professionals who have always been indifferent are becoming a lot more interested in politics and they believe that the future of a better Nigeria is in the APC. It is only the APC that can create a new generation of progressive leaders of which a whole lot of us are more interested in.

When you launched your book in Lagos, the Olowo-Eko said that on behalf of Obas that you are the preferred candidate. What is your reaction to the endorsement?

Believe me, if there is anything I want to take away from the book launch, it is what the Oba of Lagos said and I would forever cherish it. Because this was not something planned or programmed and, coming from such an elderly and revered king, of course, I would take it. There is nothing as good as elderly people coming to say this is our son and this is what they wished and the wish of the people, they say is the wish of God. If that is the way it is, then, I will be very grateful to God. I don’t see anything negative towards my person, personality or aspirations when people openly associate with me and what I stand for.

How did the endorsement change the calculus?

Nothing has really changed because I am still consulting people and the truth is that there are other aspirants that are still consulting. The party is open to anyone of us. The future of Lagos is about who will take it to the next level. The present governor is wearing very big shoes. The party is interested in who will be able to fit into those shoes in order for the party to continue to remain that symbol of positive change. So, everybody continues to move around and consult.

We know that at the end of the day, the party primaries will throw up one person who will carry the flag of the party to the election.

Some aspirants and members of the APC are opposed to your aspiration. What is your feeling?

It is natural that every participant will always want to win any competition. Infact, I will feel odd, if everybody supports me. The ultimate task of the party is to create an enabling platform for the emergence of a legitimate candidate of the party. Each aspirant is at liberty to test his or her popularity at the forthcoming primaries of the party.I have grown up to understand that I should never burn my bridges rather I am a bridge builder. All the aspirants are members of the same party. In the cause of this process, whoever wins the primary should have the support of all the aspirants in order for our party to win at the general elections.That is why I will never gang-up or attack any of the aspirants. It is •Continued on page 45

45

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

POLITICS

‘If given opportunity, I ‘ll be worthy successor to Fashola’ •Continued from page 44

about issues and our people.

The challenges of governance are enormous. What makes you think that you can be a worthy successor to Fashola?

My belief is that, before our party can decide on a person that will carry the flag of the APC, it would have been unanimously agreed that such a person is sound and competent enough to be the candidate. Beyond that, I bring cognate experience that is not shared by any other aspirant in Lagos. I believe strongly that the years that I have worked and the experiences that I have shared with previous governors, almost like seven governors, working closely with them at the highest levels, give me that competitive edge to be able to continue to drive the vision of Lagos State. If it is in terms of character, if it is in terms of capability, I possess all the good qualities that you can find in anybody that will want to become the governor of Lagos State. It’s more about the people and it has to be a people’s person. I know that’s where my strength is. A people’s person is one that can be a good caretaker of the resources of the people. That’s why I see myself as the best aspirant that you can muster right now.

F you could change anything about yourself as a person, not an aspirant, what would that be?

Maybe, to be an extreme extrovert because you know politics is about being an extrovert. Obviously, my consultations are making me look more like an extrovert, but I am going to mix the two together. I love my calmness, which is all about the strength of leadership.

Is that the hallmark of your character?

Not necessarily, but it’s one of them.

But, obviously, I am a people’s person What do you value most in friends?

Loyalty.

And your greatest fear?

Fear? No. I have since conquered the fear of failure, which is the most common for most people. Only those who dare, stand the chance of climbing the ladder of success. I am not afraid of failure because I have used the strength of courage to succeed thus far and, in this new calling, we are going to succeed.

Could you give insight into your real life heroes?

If you go through my book, I gave you an accounting book and also a biography of me in the ‘art of selfless service, which is dedicated to Nelson Mandela. I love selfless people. That is my mission in life; to help as many people as possible. That is what humanity is all about. Nelson Mandela comes to me as someone I need to look up to as hero.

What have you been doing in retirement?

In the last two years I have been running a public finance managementconsulting firm where we deal on issues that relate to public finance and try to help different arms of government in the international public accounting standards set for the public sector. Beyond that, I engage myself in community work. In the last two years, with my friend I have written two books; one on public sector accounting and the other on the ‘art of selfless service’. I love to engage in community service. I actually also run a foundation called La Roche Foundation where we focus primarily on leadership and education because we believe strongly that leadership is something that should be activated from a younger age not necessarily when someone wants to become a councillor or a minister. We need to start to groom young leaders who will take over from this generation and we’ve already started doing that in different places.

After retiring, I made up my mind that I was going back to school and

I

start to do some academics again. So, I actually found myself doing a bouquet of business schooling where I tried as much as possible to realign myself to the private sector life. I went to Harvard and I did a course on public finance management. I attended Wharton Business School to do an advanced management programme. I went to INSEAD in Singapore and I also attended IMD Business School in Switzerland to do some work on corporate directorship. All combined together this was for like one year and came back in February 2013 to continue working in my private firm.

What did that exposure give you?

One year in the business school is a totally different thing from 27 years in the civil service because you are able to meet the likes of yourself coming from different industries and professional backgrounds from different parts of the world. What most business schools try to teach you is to have some kind of potpourri of achievers talking to each other and that was a very good takeaway for me. It is actually up to me to move on with my post retirement life.

So ,what sport do you like?

I am a football fanatic, but when I was in secondary school, I used to play cricket. I actually played for Bendel State at a time. But, I follow football like food.

Then again I am compelled to love all sports right now.

When last did you play to try your fitness out?

Well, it has been over a year now. I play on astro turf when I have the chance, but not playing like J.J. Okocha Why do you think the APC is the best platform to pursue an ambition?

You know the All Progressives Congress is a new party for a better Nigeria. Yes, we have all sorts of parties in Nigeria and people have always said there is no difference between the APC and the PDP, but that’s not true because the APC stands for progressivism. The APC is about positive change and it is about the common coalition of all Nigerians coming together for progress.

The APC stands for reforms. We are reformers; progressives and we are receptive to change. We are responsive people. We look into the future. The future of all Nigerians can be brought under that banner that is called the APC and we start to pursue it. The APC is the best platform for anybody that has the future of Nigeria at heart. Why I am saying this is that the other major party, the PDP, represents conservatism.

What is the difference, judging by by the gale of defections?

It is not about the individuals who are defecting, but it is about the ideology. What the PDP characterises in the last 15 years, which has been their major message, is transformation. But, believe me, is there a transformation agenda without parameters? You must transform from a particular place to another point. There must be KPI’s.

What are the ‘Key Performance Indicators’ for this transformation? In the last 15 years they’ve been telling us they’ve been transforming, but they’ve not been able to have a bench mark for this transformation because it is all about conservatism. There are have been enormous motion without movement. It is steering every Nigerian in the face embarrassingly. We need pragmatism, we need to start to talk about issues where would be able to say we

are reforming the society, to create inclusive governance which, the PDP doesn’t do. You cannot have people like us who are interested in talking about issues and who are interested in moving the daily life of the common people forward to go and join the PDP. It is not going to happen.

You go and ask them where are they transforming to? No where. That is the difference. So, anybody that has the future of Nigeria at heart and thinks about the common identity that brings all of us together as a united Nigeria must think about progress, must think about change, must think about the APC and that’s why I am in the APC. OME politicians say it is the candidate, and not the party, that wins elections. What’s your view?

That’s a fallacy. I believe that competent and experienced candidates should emerge through a democratic process. However, there’s no way a child can be born and grow outside of copulation and parental care. Don’t forget, we do not have independent candidacy in Nigeria yet. For me, I submit myself totally to the party structure and discipline. If anybody thinks he or she can win elections without the party, then, that’s a recipe for personal disaster. Will such a person have respect for the party, its ideals and programmes when he or she gets there? Is any politician bigger than his community? Absolutely not.

The National Conference recommended the scrapping of the local governments. Do you agree with this position?

I completely disagree with that notion. Local governments are the closest contact of the government with the people. Rather than scrap local governments, we should improve on their capacity and make them more effective. For instance, look at the recent Ebola outbreak. Where are the community health workers? The people do not know who they are. It is the community health workers who should be going round explaining to people the dangers of the disease and how to protect themselves. The community health workers are the people who should be handling the orientation of their neighbourhood, not the state or Federal Governments.

Governance is about the people. The present message should be about giving governance back to the communities. Local governments must remain the administrative linkage between the communities and the State Government. That is when we are able to practice inclusive governance.

What is your understanding of good governance and how can this be achieved?

We must start to redefine what governance is if we want to ever achieve good governance.

The whole idea that those in government are different or special than the people they govern must be jettisoned with forever. It is the people that decide to elect whoever they so wish by way of voting. In essence, the elected government is like a caretaker for the rest of the people, overseeing their resources on their behalf.

The citizens remain the landlord while the elected officials are only caretakers.

S

‘The APC stands for progressivism. APC is about positive change and is about the common coalition of all Nigerians coming together for progress. APC stands for reforms. We are reformers; progressives and we are receptive to change. We are responsive people. We look into the future. The future of all Nigerians can be brought under that banner that is called the APC and we start to pursue it. The APC is the best platform for anybody that has the future of Nigeria at heart. Why I am saying this is that the other major party, the PDP, represents conservatism’

Group hails Aregbesola, INEC

By Amidu Arije

A

•Ambode

Arising from this, good governance can only thrive where the resources of the people are judiciously distributed to various sectors/needs in the society in a just and equitable manner that makes life easier for every citizen.

Good Governance is about legitimacy and participation. There must be consensus and inclusion. Good Governance is about performance, responsiveness and getting needed results at cheaper costs always. It is about accountability and fairness.

Where the rule of law reigns and there is justice; then we can all pride ourselves to have achieved good governance.

Why did you opt for the APC? Is it because Lagos State is governed by the APC? The All Progressives Congress is a new party for a better Nigeria. The party is group of like-minds who have come together to change the society, proffer new solutions to the problems of the society and improve the lives of the people. The APC seeks to challenge the status quo, reform the way things are done and promote good governance for the benefit of the general public. The APC is a libertarian party focused on the improvement of the human condition using economic development and social cohesion.

I joined the party because one of its primary focuses is on the youths of this country. The APC is the only party which will give the youth a chance at participating in governance. When you look at the states where the party is in control, you can see the progress recorded. Typical examples are Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Kwara. There was no other party for me other than the APC. Do you have time for your family now that you have ventured into politics?

If there is any time I’ve stayed with my family mostly, it is in the last two years of my retirement. The mere fact that I was the AccountantGeneral of Lagos State with such enormous responsibility, took most part of my time. So I’ve spent the last two years as the most momentous period for me and I am enjoying every bit of it. I’ve had enough time with my family all this while.

Tell me how is your wife taking your political foray?

We’ve been very challenged about it because if you’ve spent the last 15 years being in a chaotic situation and now you are spending so much quality time with family, of course they believe a whole lot of that time will be taken away but she is also someone that believes in touching humanity. If this is our destiny to touch as many people as possible as we have always done together, then let God’s will be done. It’s a lot of sacrifice and a lot of things we’ll be transiting into, and God will help us. But I tell you, she is in total support.

What is your dislike?

Let me put it this way. It is being in a situation or location to help someone and I am incapacitated.

GROUP, the APC Initiative Group, has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the recent Osun State governorship election.

The group congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola over his victory at the polls.

The group’s leader, Hon. Olayemi Nimotallahi Odugbemi, said the victory of the APC is victory for democracy. He said INEC’s performance is worth praising.

She spoke in Lagos at a victory party organised under the tutelage of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ganiyu Johnson, who is also the leader of the group.

Odugbemi said the essence of the victory party is to appreciate the people of Osun and celebrate Aregbesola’s victory.

“Why we have gathered here today is to celebrate the victory of our able leader, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who won the Osun State election. We are celebrating him because he is an humble leader, who personifies excellence in his activities,” she said.

Odugbemi described the governor as a gifted and naturally endowed person, who performed excellently when he was a commissioner in Lagos State.

“He is a gifted person. He is naturally endowed; he did well in Lagos State when he was Commissioner. So, am not surprised that he is doing excellently in Osun State and I believe he will continue on that note hard working and passion for the people,” she said.

Also speaking a member of the AIG State Coordinators, Hon Ishola Laguda, said the occasion was worth celebrating, considering the landmark victory the APC made in the election against all odds.

“We are here to celebrate democracy, we are celebrating the victory of democracy which we believe start from Osun State from the last election; we are using this opportunity to give thanks to the people of Osun for standing behind Aregbesoloa, despite the plots of the opposition parties Aregbesola still won, “ he said.

Laguda described the election as successful. He said the reason for their celebration was because of the good work of the governor, which he said they hope he will continue on the mandate and work to transcend it.

•Aregbesola

46

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

POLITICS Prof. Chidi Odinkalu is the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). In this interview with RAYMOND MORDI, LEKE SALAUDEEN and MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he speaks on the commission’s role in curbing human rights abuses and other issues.

‘Nigerian politicians don’t value human life’ W

HAT is your assessment of human rights activism in Nigeria, since the return to democracy?

It has been challenging. This is about the longest period that we have practiced democracy in Nigeria, when you consider the fact that the longest we had before now was 1960 to 1966. This is just about five years or so. Thereafter, we had democracy from 1979 to 1983 which was barely four years. So, the country has managed to keep the process of democracy going. The right to elect those who rule the country is a fundamental human right. That again takes us to the credibility of our election, which has not often been credible as expected. So, we still have problems of election in Nigeria. The number of those who turn out for elections has equally not been too impressive. We also have the insurgency problem to tackle which came up basically because of the abuses of certain rights or privileges. Lots of Nigerians have died from the menace of insurgency.

Corruption continues to be a major problem in this part of the world.

There are cases of impunity in all levels of government. The judiciary is having its share of the trouble. There is crisis of credibility. The police is facing a credibility problem. Political office holders have crisis of credibility to confront. The public administrators have crisis of credibility to struggle with. So, Nigeria has not really been where it should be.

Court orders or pronouncements have not been obeyed in many. How can we halt this trend?

Disobedience of court orders in Nigeria dates back to the First Republic, in the case involving Adegbenro versus Akintiola. Looking back to the Adegbenro versus Akintola matter, the government at the centre lost its case at the Privy Council. But, instead of obeying the order at the Privy Council, they decided to create the Supreme Court in order undermine the Privy Council, which was then the court of last resort. The precedence of not obeying court order came back from that background. Disobeying the court of last resort showed we were not serious. Over time the military government abolished the power of the Supreme Court and established the Federal Military Government and Supremacy of Power Decree of 1970.

Systematically, the courts have been rendered inactive since then, and it goes into the mindset of those who dispense justice. So, it’s a long journey to the bad situation we found ourselves. As long as these shortcomings exist, we are not going to make progress. Until we get to a situation, where everybody would recognize the imperative of defending their rights, we will not forge ahead. This can only happen if you are doing your job in accordance with the law, and not because you want to get somebody’s attention or favour. It is easier to do that, if you know your rights.

This you can also achieve when you are not living above your means. If you are living above your means, it means that you are in trouble. If you are collecting money to do your job, it means people will further corrupt you.

How many petitions on human rights have been submitted to your office and how has your commission handled them?

Every day we get petitions submitted to our office. As at the last count, we have received about 26,000 petitions. The petitions range from family disputes, domestic violence, and abuse by the police, military, and paramilitary forces. Petition on outright dismissals, petition on remuneration for work done and other labour-related matters. These are the major cat-

egories of domestic violence which we have received petitions. Presently, a good number of them are being resolved through mediation and reconciliation. We are doing our best to minimize the number of cases that are pending on our table. We are expediting action on them.

How can people access justice through your office?

If I have a poor woman or widow who cannot afford the school fees of his children, his inability to hire a lawyer in case of any litigation will be impaired. When I look at access to justice in the court, I laugh. Because I don’t think we are prepared for the problem of the average Nigerian. For me, there are two sides to the problem.

Right now, if you go to court, you are very likely going to bribe your way through the case. You have to sort the man handing the file and doing the documentation and so on. This has taken its toll on all aspect of justice administration. So, if you not in a position of affluence, you will spend up to 15 years or more on a case. If we cannot find a way out of these problems facing the administration of justice, we cannot be talking of access to justice in the country. We must look at the problem of the administration of justice to be able solve the issue of justice.

What is your office doing to enhance the administration of justice in the country?

If you look at the federal budget this year, 46 per cent is spent on overhead cost. So, if you are spending 46 per cent on overhead cost, there will not be money left to do other major projects like investigation and other developments at the end of the day. It is as a result of this that people suffer abuses of their human rights. We are in a country in which we are borrowing, I am sure we are all aware of the President’s letter to the National Assembly to borrow money which amounts to N150 billion to fight insurgency. Now, if he had borrowed on the account of insurgency that is fast affecting our growth. You can equally imagine other sectors that required attention in order to perform its statutory obligation. Right now, we are supposed to have about 36 states offices in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which will have to contend with taxation, investigation of cases and taking care of overhead costs. We equally want to be able to provide for projects that would enhance our performance. We want a situation where we are able to provide good services to the population. We must be in a position to establish partnership with community

•Odinkalu

groups, student’s unions, labour unions. We have a responsibility to defend the people when their rights are violated. We have to work with the law enforcement agents to make sure the country is in peace. Above all, we should advocate basic human rights and ensure that government provides the enabling ground for the realization of those rights.

Does your commission handle violations allegedly committed by government?

We handle any case that involves the violation of rights. For instance, when there is any case in court concerning human rights, NHRC will ensure that all the angles to the dispensation of justice are exhausted. There is no sacred cow in the dispensation of our duty, but we ensure that due process and the law are adhered to. Nigerians get stuck in the mentality of this is a big man, and that is a small man. We are all children of the Almighty God; we are all children of one almighty Nigerian constitution. We are all equal citizens; we don’t care how big or small you are. If you are citizen, resident in Nigeria, and you fall within the rules of our visibility, we treat your case, whether in government or private capacity.

Does government forward its case to you on human rights abuse?

The President has forwarded a case to us. The governor of Rivers State has also sent a case to our commission.

We are doing our job and a commission I think it is a good thing. We don’t claim perfection and until the cases are trashed out. We don’t do things that are not supposed to be done be-

‘When your voters are being wiped out, then the country is in trouble. Our politicians don’t see it this way because they don’t need our votes to get to power. We have to train up our law enforcement agents to be able to handle the situation’ cause people think that NHRC is supposed to be the agent of government.

Anywhere I go, I hold my head up high. I will not carry a party card; I will not support any politician or political party. I will only support the United Democratic Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I will apply the rule without fear or favour as far as human rights is concerned.

The spate political assassination has been on the rise. What is the commission doing about it?

When your voters are being wiped out, then the country is in trouble. Our politicians don’t see it this way because they don’t need our votes to get to power. We have to train up our law enforcement agents to be able to handle the situation. We have to give the people some form of security. For instance, the way the Okada-rider rides his motor cycle is fearsome. You begin to think whether the man has value for life and when our young people think their lives are worthless, there is a problem for everybody. All of us have to play a role and recognize that the right to life is something. Nobody has the right to take anybody’s life.

Government must provide the enabling environment for that.

The impeached Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, said genocide was being carried out against the North. How is your commission looking at this?

I don’t know about that. He is the person who made the statement. I am not in support of the use of language that does not particularly promote peaceful co-existence. I think it is proper not to politicise the issues on

ground. I think the language of former Governor Nyako was uncalled for. No responsible Nigerian will support such remarks, if for instance, you are a party official and you play politics with the insurgency matter, through statement made, you either back it up with evidence or you are fired. Until we do that we are not going to demonstrate to the world that we are responsible leaders.

There are some people who have been condemned for offences they believe they are innocent about. What is the commission’s position?

That takes me to the case of Kunle Fadipe who was killed in his house.

The man who killed him was caught red handed with a knife and his blood was in man’s hands. He did not just kill Kunle, but he also stabbed Kunle’s mother-in-law, son and sister-in-law.

I equally understand efforts to make his killer culpable and the problems they face. I believe we need to reform our criminal justice system. The police do not need to beat up some persons to get information. You can actually investigate and get the real information you need without dehumanizing the person. The prison system equally needs reforms. The population in the prison is quite high. Compared to other advanced countries, Nigeria has high prison population because of faulty criminal justice system. I don’t think you are doing the right thing putting people on death roll in sub human conditions in the prisons. The criminal justice system needs reform. What we are doing or trying to do at the NHRC is to continue to advocate for good condition in prisons and outside prisons. Most people who go to prisons in Nigeria, on the average will spend two years above the years they would have spent when convicted. We have about 79 per cent of the prison population awaiting trial. That means we are only able to convict about 20 per cent or thereabout. Now, how do we address that problem? There are different institutions involved in the criminal justice system. The system is fraught with challenges; they are not well harmonized. The investigation of a case is handled by the police, which is a federal institution. Evidence is handled by the investigator, and most of the crimes are state crimes, handled by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the state level. After prosecution, they are taken to court and criminal justice begins at the Magistrate Court which belonged to the state or High Courts which most of them are states courts. When they are committed to custody, this is a federal institution.

Akwa Ibom 2015: Youths endorse Emmanuel for governor

•Emmanuel

S

TUDENTS of tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS)/ Joint Campus Committee (JCC) have endorsed the Secretary to Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel,

as for the governorship election.

The students explained that they endorsed him because of his achievements in the private sector and government. The sudents, who visited Emmanuel in his office, were led by the asssociation’s National Vice President, Comrade Ubon Marcus, and the chapter’s chairperson, Comrade Aquila Akpan.

They came from tertiary intitution, including the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State University, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osura, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, College of Education, Afaha Nsit; School of Health Science, Uyo and City Polytechnic, among others.

Marcus said Emmanuel is fit to rule the state because he has experinece, pasion and commitment to the “uncommon transformation agenda.’

He stressed the need to sustain the lagacies of Governor Godswill

Akpabio in the interest of the state.

He said: “Udom Emmanuel is the choice of the students of Akwa Ibom State.”

Akpan, said the students were impressed with Emmanuel’s sense of mission and service, stresing that he has added value to governance in the last one year.

She added: “We are impresed by the doctrine that leadership is measured in deeds than in days. Having followed with keen interest and reexamined your impaccable credentials and capacity, the entire Akwa Ibom students want you as the successor to the uncommon transformation icon, Chief Godswill Akpabio, in 2015 “The Akwa Ibom State students hereby give you an Order of Mandamus to consider the clarion call and declare your intension to contest for governorship in 2015 within the shortest possible time. If you don’t declare your interest, we the Nige-

rian students will declare for you.”

Akpan listed Emmanuel’s achievements, which she said, placed him above other aspirants. These include his managerial progress, strategic thinking and expertise in corporate governance.

Responding, the SSG, who described the governor as a man of immense merit, charged the students to be good ambassadors of the state and strive for excellence in their chosen disciplines He urged them to support the Akpabio Administration and shun cultism. Emmanuel said: “The state government has committed more resources to the education sector more than any previous administration.”

The SSG, who donated a brand new Hiace bus to the association, charged the students to justify the enornous investment in education by coming out in flying colours. He said: “The Akwa Ibom State of your dream lies in your hands.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

47

48

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

49

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

BUSINESS EXTRA

Stakeholders urge regulators to protect consumers’ rights R

ISING cases of unethical marketing practices in the alcoholic beverages industry have prompted stakeholders to demand that regulators take urgent steps to protect consumers’ rights in the interest of the economy.

An executive of Consumer Rights Advocacy Network of Nigeria (CRANN) Shina Loremikan advised the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria (CPC) and the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (NCCN) to protect consumers and economy from unfair marketing practices.

The seasoned human and workers’ rights activist said regulatory inaction at ensuring that consumers get what they deserve will spell doom for the economy. He expressed concerns over ongoing pirate marketing involving two key operators in the alcoholic beverage industry, one seeking an edge over the other using unfair marketing practices.

“Although we cannot rule out competition among those offering similar products and services but one should not seek to gain advantage over another through underhand tactics,” Loremikan, who for decades, has struggled on socialbased issues, including democratic and constitutional processes said.

Doing so, he added, violates codes, principles and legislation that protect the marketing of goods and

Stories by Collins Nweze

services in the country.

“All cannot be said to be fair in war, as even the Geneva Convention has clauses that seek to protect groups like prisoners and the weak during the physical acts of combat between nations.

That is basically our concern,” he said.

He condemned a situation where an operator is allegedly carrying out deliberate programme of de-marketing on a competing brand in the alcoholic beverages sector.

The activist said his findings showed the aggressor brewery, allegedly goes into meeting with major retailers across the country, advising them not to stock, display or sell products of the assaulted brewery.

“We reliably gathered that some of the incentives offered include branded promotional materials like refrigerators, coolers, seating sets, larger discounts on sales and regular supply of crates of free products.

This remains a concern because consumers are being manipulated and coerced into switching allegiance, out of necessity or availability. They are also made to patronise brands of beer and malt drinks that might not have ordinarily been their first choice. This is an unfair creation of artificial scarcity,” he disclosed.

The Consumer Rights Advocacy Network of Nigeria

(CRANN) also frowned at regulatory gaps that allow operators to cut corners. A number of complaints on unethical marketing practices in the alcoholic beverages sector emanating from different parts of the country were reported to CRANN by its members.

A member of CRANN, Abiodun Adekunle, explained that consumers’ right to choose from a range or variety of products is usually guaranteed and protected by legislation.

“The consumers’ space for choice should ordinarily be expansive and protected, and most organisations offering goods and services are generally aware of this, which is why we have fair competition and anti-competitiveness laws,” he said.

He called for an improved marketing strategy that promotes products, brand identity, and ensures success within a context of fairness.

“I believe that fairness must prevail even where marketers have targets to meet.

Anything outside this is unethical,” he said.

For CRANN, he added, unethical marketing practice

leaves the consumer unsatisfied and short-changed. It is also a corporate crime that needs to be addressed in very strong terms. “It must be stopped to ensure growth and development of the alcoholic beverages sector and the Nigerian economy in general.

It will also ensure that investor confidence in our country is restored,” he said.

Continuing, he said anticompetitive marketing is damaging to national economic growth and development. For him, such act jeopardises livelihoods, incomes and tax-paying capacities of people within the incomechain of affected firms and therefore, needed to be addressed by regulators.

“I am an advocate for fairness in marketing practices.

Operators should be free to function on same rules provided by regulators. Every consumer has the right to choose a preferred brand of beverage, according to his or her taste and inclination.

Every brand has the right to be available to its consumers and compete within the same space, as far as appropriate regulations allow,” he demanded.

• Loremikan

The CPC said its mission is to be a dynamic, effective and responsible apex consumer protection agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, championing the cause of fully sensitised consumers to achieve a caring and consumer-friendly community.

The body said it is committed to protecting and enhancing consumers’ interest

through information, education and enforcement of appropriate standards for goods and services and to promote an environment of fair and ethical trade practices.

Analysts said regulators have to take the role of consumers’ protection seriously by tackling the ongoing unethical practices in the alcoholic beverages subsector.

Bank of England sets out rules for foreign bank branches

T

HE Bank of England (BoE) at the weekend introduced a rule requiring foreign banks to ensure their ability to resolve UK branches in an orderly way or risk being barred from operating in the country.

The new rule is the centrepiece of the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) – a BoE subsidiary and microprudential regulator – framework for supervising UK branches of banks based outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

According to Central Banking report, unlike a subsidiary, which is a separate legal entity from its parent bank and therefore has to meet the same capital and liquidity requirements as UK lenders, a branch lacks its own capital base or board.

Foreign bank branches account for 31 per cent of UK banking assets, worth $4 trillion, almost two-thirds of which belongs to branches with parent banks outside the EEA. Subsidiaries account for 14 per cent.

The BoE’s supervisory framework for branches centres on three main pillars: whether a branch offers wholesale or retail services,

whether the home country supervision is equivalent to the PRA’s, and whether the home state supervisor (HSS) can ensure the credibility of a bank’s resolution plan “in a way that reduces the impact on financial stability in the UK”.

In addition, the PRA is calling for a “clear and agreed split” of supervisory responsibilities with the home state authorities. “Where the PRA is not content, it will consider the most appropriate course of action, which could include refusing authorisation of a new branch or cancelling an authorisation of an existing branch,” it added.

Assessments will be made on a case-by-case basis and will range from receiving the appropriate assurances from the HSS, to seeking to understand the bank’s group resolution plan in detail, according to the BoE. “In forming its views the PRA will take into account international standards [agreed by the Financial Stability Board],” the BoE said. “As international standards come into force the PRA expects the level of assurance on resolution it will require from home country supervisors to increase over time.”

• From left: Group Head, Public Sector & Specialised Products, Unified Payments, Olukayode Maiyegun; Divisional President, Sub-Saharan Africa, MasterCard, Daniel Monehin, and Director Operations, Unified Payments, Sina Joseph at the launch of the National eID cards in Abuja.

Alibaba Group to raise $21.1b in US IPO LIBABA Group Holding Ltd., the e-commerce company whose fortunes surged along with China’s economy, plans a historic U.S. initial public offering that may also claim the global record.

Alibaba is seeking a valuation of as much as $162.7 billion, larger than 95 percent of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, as it enters the IPO’s final stages.

Bloomberg report said that at the high end of the proposed price range, Alibaba would be the third most valuable Internet company traded in the U.S. after Google Inc. and Facebook Inc. The offering could raise as much as $21.1 billion, according to a

A

September 5 regulatory filing.

Even at the high end, the valuation falls below more optimistic estimates of Alibaba’s worth- analysts surveyed in July put its value at $187 billion, on average.

That will give China’s largest e-commerce company room to raise the IPO price as it builds demand during meetings with fund managers, said Henry Guo, an analyst at JG Capital.

“This is below Wall Street’s expectations,” said Guo, who is based in San Francisco.

“They prefer a smoother start so that they can push up the prices.”

Alibaba may temper its valuation, some analysts said

in July, which could help it avoid the listing flop of Facebook. Those analysts forecast that Alibaba would value itself at about $154 billion, after applying a discount.

Facebook had a price tag of $104 billion at the time of its IPO in May 2012 and went on to lose half its market value as investors worried about slowing growth and the company’s mobile strategy. The stock has since recovered.

While Alibaba’s IPO is coming amid growth in China’s e-commerce market, investors now must weigh the risks of buying shares in the Hangzhou-based company.

The Internet behemoth, whose marketplaces are

comparable to those of EBay Inc. (EBAY) and Amazon.com Inc., has a governance arrangement that keeps insiders in control as well as an ownership structure that could face objections from the Chinese government.

Alibaba and selling stockholders — including Yahoo!

Inc. (YHOO), which owns more than 22 per cent of the company, Chairman Jack Ma and Vice Chairman Joe Tsai — plan to sell 320.1 million American depositary shares for $60 to $66 apiece, the filing shows. Those shares are equivalent to a 13 percent stake. The stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BABA.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

50

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

165FT KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

T

he second coming of His Excellency Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso FNSE is indeed a giant milestone in the history of Kano, North and indeed to Nigeria as a whole. This is so, because since inception of the administration, tremendous projects that relate to healthcare,

social, economic empowerment and various training programmes were introduced for the first time in history which are all aimed at reducing the suffering and yearnings of the masses to enable them become self-reliant and less dependent on Government. Indeed, this laudable policies and programmes have helped in shaping the social and mental well being of the citizenry.

In line with the foregoing, the administration has also made a giant stride by establishing twenty three (24) institutes i.e. Fisheries, Livestock and Poultry ,sports, hospitality and tourism etc in the state all with a view at empowering the Youths.

In continuation with the delivery of services inherent in the execution of qualitative projects/programmes/policies across all sectors of Kano State, the Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and sixty fifth (165th) sitting today Wednesday 3rd September, 2014 (9th Shawwal, 1435 AH) under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Sixty one (61) memoranda were submitted from thirteen (13) MDAs for deliberation of which Council approved twenty four (24) for execution with an expenditure of Four Hundred and Twenty Two Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty One Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventeen Naira, Sixty Kobo (N422,961,617.60). Thus; 1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT a) Request for Funds for Five (5) Months Extension of Scholarship in Respect of Thirteen (13) Students Relocated to Malaya University, Malaysia:The content of this memorandum is from the State Scholarship Board requesting for five (5) Months Extension of Scholarship (accommodation and feeding) in respect of thirteen (13) Students earlier relocated to Malaya University, Malaysia which was endorsed to council by the office of the secretary to the state government.

Council noted the request in view of the fact that the thirteen (13) Postgraduate Students under 501 have started their programmes in the new Institution for the period of February, 2013 to February, 2015 in the sum of $26,594.75.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of $26,594.75 for the commitment. b) Request for Funds for the Sponsorship of Three (3) Indigenous Students to Pursue Post Graduate Programme in Geology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria:The Special Adviser on Solid Minerals to the Governor submitted a request through the Ministry for Higher Education for the sponsorship of three (3) Indigenous students who will study Post - Graduate in Geology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for two (2) years, to fill the needed manpower in Geology field for the exploration of the State abundant untappedmineral resources as another source of National income which was endorsed to council by the office of the secretary to the state government Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N1,302,000.00 for the two (2) years sponsorship of the three (3) post graduate students. d) Request for Funds for the Logistics Requirements in Respect of the Fifty (50) Government Sponsored Students Undergoing Nursing Education Programme at Al - Mansoura University, Egypt:Following the Government commitment towards providing adequate manpower in the Health Sector across the State led to the sponsorship of fifty (50) State owned Nurses for Advanced Nursing Education Programme at Al - Mansoura University, Egypt.

The Ministry of Health in conjunction with the State Scholarship Board submitted a request to Council for the settlement of some logistics requirement of the fifty (50) Nursing Students studying in Al - Mansoura University, Egypt pertaining to utility bills, books and medical allowances as earlier received by the University authorities amounting to the tune of $175,000.00.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. e) Request for Funds to Facilitate the Acquisition of a Container of New Primary School Books Donated by IUEA from USA:Further commitments of the present administration towards upliftment of Educational standard prompted a prominent Vice Chancellor of the International University of East Africa (IUEA), Uganda in person of Prof. Olubayi to pledge a container of new Primary Schools Books from the United States of America valued at $500,000.00 to Kano State Government at no cost, but only to pay for packaging and shipping to Lagos at the cost of $6,000.00.

Having noted the significance of Education at all levels the Ministry of Science and Technology submitted a request to Council so as to facilitate the acquisition of the container donated by the IUEA from the USA at the total sum of $6,000.00.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the requested amount for the purpose. f) Presentation of a Committee to Inspect and Collect Data on all Obsolete Equipment, Machineries and Other Items Located in MDAs for Boarding:In its tireless effort to sanitize the surroundings of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) Council earlier constituted a Committee and directed it to inspect and collect Data on all obsolete equipment, machineries and other items located in MDAs for boarding.

Consequent upon this development, the Committee under the chairmanship of Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Head of Civil Service and four (4) other seasoned civil servants from relevant MDAs has completed its assignment and submitted a report to Council with the following observations; o That the obsolete equipments found have occupied significant spaces within the premises of the MDAs and therefore became worrisome to their efficient operations.

o That most of the disposable items have taken along period un - utilized and are parked in open spaces within the MDAs which could lead to their complete damages. o That the continued retention of the obsolete equipments within the MDAs renders them vulnerable to environmental hazard and security risk, especially taking into cognizance the prevailing security challenges in the Country and the rainy season.

Council considered the report and directed the Boarding committee under Ministry of finance to take further action. g) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Spon-

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

sorship of Some Kannywood Actors and Other Associates who Secured Admission into the International Film and Broadcast Academy Lagos:It could be recalled that, the main policy focus of the present administration is improvement of socio economic well - being of its citizenry through provision of infrastructure, empowerment, sponsoring of teeming youth to further their education both within and outside the Country.

In this regard,the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture recommended the ten (10No.) State Indigenes who gain admission into International Film and Broadcast Academy Lagos for Government sponsorship in the sum of N7,000,000.00 which was endorsed to Council by the Secretary to the State Government for consideration.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved a trimmed of N6,000,000.00 as financial support to the ten (10No.) Indigenousstudents who gained admission at International Film and Broadcast Academy. h) Memorandum on Request for Electrical Works, Boreholes Repairs and Supply of Diesel in Respect of the Newly Established School of Nursing Madobi and Post Basic School of Midwifery Gezawa:The Ministry of Health informed Council that, the National Council of Nursing and Midwifery have approved the commencement of the full pledged academic programmes on general Nursing and Post Basic Midwifery Education in the two (2) newly established Health Institutions.

In this regard, the Ministry is requesting for monthly overhead, electrical works at the two (2) students hostels at School of Nursing Madobi, boreholes repairs and supply of diesel for the full take - off of the programme at the Institutions which was endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government for Council consideration.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved as follows; i. The release of N200,000.00 as monthly overhead of School of Nursing Madobi effective from September, 2014. ii. Directed the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to undertake the electrical works of the two (2) students hostels at the School of Nursing Madobi. iii. Directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to include the two (2) Institutions in the Central Diesel Supply. iv. Directed the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to undertake the repairs of the existing boreholes 2. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Request for Funds to Settle Feedings of Mal. Shehu Minjibir Boarding Primary School:You may recall the present administration's keen interest for re - introducing and sustaining Boarding Primary School where it had established and commissioned Mal. Shehu Minjibir Boarding Primary School on Tuesday 28th January, 2014 with the aim of enhancing qualitative education from the grassroot .

In this respect, the Ministry of Education submitted a request to Council for the settlement of the feeding at the School conducted per session covering the period 2013/2014 in the sum of N4,650,000.00.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested.

3. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES a) Request for Funds for the Commencement of Fifth (5th) Batch of Trainees at Kano Fisheries Institute, Bagauda:The contents of this memorandum informed council that so far, the fisheries institute at Bagauda has successfully completed the fourth(4th) batch programme recently.the institute has graduated to date one thousand six hundred (1600) trainees who were fully equipped with knowledge of fish pond management.

In line with this approach, a proposal to start the fifth (5th) Batch of training was recommended by the ministry for the training of four hundred (400) trainees in the sum of N66,343,900.00 as cost of the training and post training packages.

Accordingly, council considered and approved as requested. b) Request for Funds for the Training of Four Hundred (400) Youth on Contract Spraying Man Entrepreneurship:In consideration of the present administration's drive towards promoting Agricultural Production and Skills Acquisition for the teaming youth of the State, the Ministry proposes to embark on a Special training i.e. spraying man entrepreneurship training for extension services for four hundred (400) youth to be conducted by the State Farm Mechanization Institute.

The aim of this programme in the State is to reduce the level of joblessness among teaming youth. The acquisition of this skill will enable the trained youth to be able to formulate the designed chemical to

51

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 arrest insect(s) infestation on farms/storages.

Council acknowledged the request and approved for the release of the sum of N33,475,907.60 for the conduct of the training programme. c) Request for Funds to Undertake Eighth (8th) Batch Training as well as Post Training Package at Livestock Institute, Bagauda:The laudable initiative being pursued by the present administration towards empowering both young men and women in various skills, particularly in agricultural occupations, that include livestock, poultry, fisheries, farm mechanization, irrigation and horticulture activities.

The Livestock Institute commenced training on the 22nd October, 2012 and had already graduated seven (7) batches of its students. in line with this, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources presented another proposal for the training of one hundred and thirty two (132No.) trainees as the eighth (8th) batch of the institutes programme.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N20,702,200.00 as cost of the training and post training packages. d) Request for Funds for the Training of Twelfth (12th) Batch of Trainees in Kano State Poultry Institute (Tukwui), Makoda Local Government:-.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a request to Council for the conduct of training at the state poultry institute, tukui , the participants are selected youths across the 44 local government area councils. the sum of N66,883,000.00 was recommended by the ministry as cost of training and post training packages.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested.

4. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFIARS, YOUTH, SPORT AND CULTURE a) Request for Funds for the Sponsorship to Participate in International Championship Kano State Teakwood Team - Scheduled on 11th - 15th September, 2014:In furtherance of the objectives of the present administration in the area of developing talent in sporting activities and providing meaningful engagement for the teeming youth in the State.

The ministry of information youth, sports and culture in consultation with the State Sports Council has proposed a request for the sponsorship of the state Teakwood Team to participate in the international Championship scheduled on 11th -15th september'2014.

Council acknowledged the request, considered and approved the release of the sum of N800,000.00 for the stated purpose. b) Update on Broadcast of His Excellency's Official Engagements on Sunnah TV and Request for Renewal of the Quarterly Retainer-ship:Council noted the existing quarterly agreement with Sunnah TV through its Agent "Aerialview Concept Communications and Business Partners for the weekly broadcast of His Excellency's official engagement which commenced from 15th June and will end on 7th September, 2014, and that during the period His Excellency's Official engagement were selected, packaged and aired on the Station every Sunday at 10:00 - 11:00PM will repeat broadcast every Monday at 7:00 - 8:00AM. In view of the above, the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture is requesting for the renewal of the Retainer-ship with Sunnah TV for the production and airing of Historic and Landmark Official engagements of His Excellency, the Governor for 60 Minutes duration every week for three (3) months (13 episodes) from Sunday 14th September, 2014 - 7th December, 2014.

Accordingly, Council noted, considered and approved the release of N15,600,000.00 to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture . c) Request for Funds for Publication of a Book Titled "On the Marble Volume II":The Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sport and Culture submitted a request to Council requesting for approval for the printing of 5,000 copies of selected speeches (quotation) of His Excellency, the Governor titled "on the Marble, Volume II aimed at re - echoing, documenting and preserving the politics, policies, principles, practices and philosophies of His Excellency the Governor to serve as motivation for future generations.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of N2,175,000.00 to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture for the undertaking. d) Request for Funds for the Production of Fifty Six (56) Roller Banners:The Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sport and Culture submitted to Council a request for the production of fifty six (56) Roller Banners which will enlighten the public on the numerous policies, programmes and achievements of the present administration. The roller banners will also be used to depict the names of the Principal Actors of the State Executive Council who have contributed immensely in the implementation of numerous policies, projects, programmes and milestones achievements of the present administration.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved for the release of N3,080,000.00 to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture for the said commitment.

5. MINISTRY OF FINANCE Memorandum on Request for the Selection of Financial Adviser that will File Complaints with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Respect of the Merger Between Dala Building Society Plc. And Suntrust Savings and Loans Limited:The Ministry of Finance submitted a request to Council for the approval/selection of Financial Adviser that will process all legal complaints on behalf of the State Government against observed infractions and post merger agreement violations from Suntrust Savings and Loans Limited.

In view of the foregoing, the Ministry of Finance in consultation with Ministry of Justice and Dala Building Society Plc. Recommended Messrs. Lead Capital Plc to serve as the Financial Adviser.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N16,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Finance for the processing of the complaint with SEC and CBN as well as other related Expenses.

6. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE a) Memorandum on Request for Financial Assistance from Nigerian Union of Teachers Kano State Wing:It is quite aware that, the existing relationship between the State Workers and the present administration is very much cordial. In that respect, the State Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers through the Office of the Head of Civil Service requested for financial assistance in the sum of N2,962,500.00 to enable its members attend eighth (8th) Education International Conference (EIRAF) scheduled between 15th - 20th September, 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved a trimmed figure of N1,000,000.00 as financial assistance to the Unions for the stated commitments. b) Request for Funds for the Participation of Four (4) Directors of the State Civil Service to Attend a 3 - Day Seminar at Abuja:In an effort to enhance capacity building through training and retraining of the State Civil Service, the

Office of the Head of Civil Service submitted to Council an invitation received from Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) academy requesting relevant Government Officials to attend a workshop titled "Anti - Corruption, Fiscal (responsibility and Governance for State Government Officials in Nigeria".

Accordingly, four (4) Directors were recommended from the Manpower Directorate to attend the workshop.

Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N480,000.00 to facilitate the participation of the four (4) Directors.

7. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING a) Request for Funds for the Clearance/Approval to Utilize Forestry Department Annex of the Ministry of Environment Situated Along State Road as Parking Space for the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning:As a result of previous exco sitting held on 13th, 20thand 27th August, 2014 were a memorandum was forwarded by the State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning over a request to utilize the Ministry of Environment's Forestry Department Annex as Parking Space.

Accordingly, the Ministry was requested to provide BEME for undertaking the project where three (3) BEMEs representing various works of literate and kerbs were provided and deliberated and further directed, the BEME be reviewed and resubmitted with a view to facilitating further action on the matter.

In light of the above, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning reviewed the BEME scope of the work carefully and the cost was trimmed down to the sum of N13,097,000.00.

Council acknowledged the request and approved the release of the sum of N13,097,000.00 for the execution of the stated project. b) Progress Report/Request for Funds for the Continuation of Interlocking Work within Kano Metropolitan:It is important to note that, the interlocking tiles works covers ninety one (91) Roads on which various extracts mandating the Ministry and the executing agency to handle as appropriate.

Considering the importance and beatification of this project along the walkways which serves as a median of increasing the lifespan of our roads .

In line with the above, the Ministry further requested for an extension continuation of the interlocking work with a view to cover all urban metropolitan roads.

Council considered the request and approved the release of the sum of N120,000,000.00 to settle the outstanding payments of N70,376,119.53 and N49,623,880.47 for the continuation of the work. c) Request for Funds for the Payment of Compensation of Properties Affected by the Road Adjustment at Kwankwaso Town:The request was forwarded by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning citing properties to be affected by the adjustment of roads at Kwankwaso Town.

Consequent upon the foregoing, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning carried out the compensation valuation exercise of the affected structures which covered identified items.

Council noted, considered and approved for the released sum of N11,426,430.00 for the above stated purpose. d) Memorandum on Request for Funds for Payment to the Owner of Property Covered by Plot No. 78 Plan No. TP/UDB/128 Affected by the Construction of Lawan Dambazau - Trade Fair Complex:The content of this memorandum is notifying the Council on the structure that was demolished during the re - alignment/reconstruction of Lawan Dambazau - Trade Fair Complex Road that the structure covered by Plot No. 78 on TP/UDB/128 is owned by Muhammad Hambali and it was not listed among the item assessed for compensation at the earlier stage.

The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning has assessed and valued the structure in the sum of N5,659,200.00 being compensation for the property.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N5,659,200.00 as compensation of property covered by Plot No. 78 on TP/UDB/128 owned by Muhammad Hambali.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 165TH EXCO SETTING 1. ENTERPENEURSHIP AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR SIR. AHMADU BELLO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION Council noted the conduct of an entrepreneurship training programme which was organized by Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, the ceremony was declared open by the Head of Civil Service Alh. Umar Shehu Minjibir (Garkuwan Minjibir) who ably represented His Excellency the Governor.

During the occasion he thanked, the organizers of the programme which is in tandem with the empowerment initiative being pursued by this administration and also called on participants to take full advantage of the opportunity giving to them.

2. REPORT ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF LAPTOP COMPUTERS TO UNDERGRADUATE KANO STATE SPONSORED STUDENTS OF ALKALAM UNIVERSITY, KATSINA Council noted the successful distribution of 338 Laptop computers that was purchased by the State Government to Kano State sponsored students who are undergoing various degree programme at Alkalam University in Katsina State. Furthermore Council noted the level of progress made in the construction of a hostel block for the Kano State indigenes on the University initiated by Kano State Government.

3. INUGURATION OF KANO STATE MICRO- FINANCE AGENCY COMMITTEE Council Witnessed the inauguration of the Kano State Micro Finance Agency Banks by His Excellency the Executive Governor. The agency is saddle with the responsibility to ensure prudent Management in running the affairs of established 37 Micro Finance Banks across the Local Governments Areas in the State.

4. CONDOLENCE MESSAGES Council noted with sadness the demise of the former Deputy Governor of Kano State during the Second Republic Alh. Ibrahim B.B. Faruk and an elder statesman Alh. Magaji Dambatta OFR. Before his death Magaji Danbatta was member Constitutional conference Committee who represented Kano state Government. Council wishes to condole with the families and entire people of the State on the irreparable loss.

Council also prayed to the Almighty to grant the deceased Jannatul Firdausi and their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture www.kn.gov.ng/new

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

52

SHOWBIZ

Star The Winner Is: Roxy Oni close to N10m

A

S the maiden edition of Nigerian version of Star The Winner Is game show enters Episode 7, the show offers a unique experience, as contestants bring invincible vocal skills to the table.

Expectedly, the ‘battle’ is getting keener, as contestants make attempts to move closer to the lifechanging grand prize of N10million and a brand new car.

Kelvin James, Blessing James, Damilare Anifowoshe, Roxy Oni, Ifu Ennada and Dehinde Okubajo, who made it to the Top 6 in that episode, rendered fascinating mixture of musical genres and exciting performances that initially appeared to give the jury a tough time.

However, after putting the six contestants to test,

By Dupe AyinlaOlasunkanmi

Roxy Oni came tops, placing her a few steps closer to the grand prize.

The 23-year-old contestant

proved her mentle in the game show by defeating Fuji music contestant, Damilare Anifowoshe, to get to the final round of the episode, with a 95-6 votes from the

101- jury members.

With a mesmerising performance of ‘I will survive’

by Gloria Gaynor, Roxy, as he is fondly called, stole the show by beating her opponent, Dehinde Okubajo, in the final round, the latter going home emptyhanded.

The highlight of the night was an unusual performance from Fuji contestant, Damilare, who delivered a remix of Gongo Aso by 9ce to the utmost delight of the audience.

The exciting thrill and suspense from Episode 7 continues, as the highly anticipated semifinal rounds draws close.

Winning the episode makes Roxy Oni the 7th contestant to qualify for the semifinal round, joining Philip, Brenda, Happiness, Naomi, Rhema and Jahtell in the grand finale.

Gulder Ultimate Search increases contestants

T

WO more entries have been added to this year’s contestants of the popular adventure reality show called Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS). This came as a surprise to two of the hopefuls, who had earlier been eliminated at the selection party at the weekend.

The 18 contestants, who were lined up at the Ocean View ground, venue of the selection party, looked forward to 12 of them being selected, as it was the case last year. But there was excitement as two more aspirants were added to the selection, making 14 the number of the jungle-bound candidates.

One of the additions, Samantha Appi, who was in tears, recounted how joyous she became, when the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Nicholaas Vervelde, delivered the final message from the council of elders, saying: “Let all 14 go to the jungle.”

“I was so sad initially. I thought it was over. I almost didn’t hear my name because my heart was pounding. I know that every year, it has always been 12 people, so when I didn’t

hear my name, I thought it was over for me,” she said.

The show begins in a couple of weeks at the Aguleri forest, in Anambra State, where in the end the last man or woman standing will get a cash prize of N10million and a brand new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

A spectacular aspect of Saturday’s night event was the presence of the10 past winners of the show: Ezugo Egwuagwu, Lucan

Chambliss, Hector Jobarteh, Dominic Mudabai, Michael Nwachukwu, Uche Nwaezeapu, Oyekunle Oluwaremi, Christopher Okagbue, Paschal Eronmose and Dennis Okike, who ushered in the symbol of the 11th edition of the show, called The Cube.

The final selection party was followed by the popular mobile club initiative called Gulder Club Ultimate

(GCU), at the same venue.

Adding glamour to the show was host Darey ArtAlade, comedian Gordons and music artiste Burna Boy. Tagged The Mission, organisers revealed that the second, third and fourth runners-up get N3 million, N2.5 million and N1.5 million respectively. Also, when evicted, each of the contestants will receive monies ranging from N1million to N1.5 million.

Why I quit Kennis Music, by Jaywon

C

ONTRARY to speculations that Iledare Oluwajuwanlo, aka Jaywon, had left Kennis Music, owing to a disagreement with the label owners, the singer has said that there was no such thing, as his contract with the label merely expired. “I have moved on. My contract with Kennis Music has expired. My exit from Kennis Music was not on an ill note. I have moved on but we are cool.”

When the rumour of his exit first broke, the This Year

By Mercy Michael

crooner denied the reports, including the one saying he had established his own label.

The singer, who has just completed works on his latest single, also confirmed that he now owns a record label called Next World Music. “Currently, I’m the only music act on my label; but with time, we will sign others on,” he said.

It will be recalled that Kennis Music introduced Jaywon to the music space

few years back with the hit single, Filebe, which took the music industry by storm.

Since then, the music act has grown to become one of the trending music acts. His last single, This Year, was equally successful.

Organisers acquire new venue for BBA

T

HERE appears to be leeway for this year’s edition of the popular Big Brother Africa (BBA) show called the Hotshots edition, following the suspension of the programme, due to a fire incident on the property last Tuesday.

In a statement made avail-

By Medeme Ovwe

able yesterday, producers of the reality show, M-Net and Endemol, assured fans that the event would return soon, as a new venue had been acquired.

“Following the devastating fire on September 2, at the Big Brother house in

Johannesburg, M-Net and Endemol SA had spent the last 48 hours searching both locally and internationally for a venue in which to produce Season 9 of the highly popular Big Brother Africa reality show. After exploring all possible options, the team is delighted to announce that the show will go on as a venue has been found to get the show on air within the next month,” the statement read.

This year’s show was meant to start penultimate Sunday, until the fire incident, which was said to have gutted about 56 cameras, the special onesided glass panels and other state-of-the-art equipment.

M-Net and Endemol said the sophistication of these equipment, coupled with logistics, were reasons for the slight delay in resuming the show.

“A multitude of factors have had to be considered, including the complex technical requirements, logistics, technical crews and satellite link facilities, which have all formed part of the challenge.

However, M-Net is delighted to assure all its Big Brother fans that their favourite reality show will launch soon and thanks to fans from across the continent for their support during the last few days,” the organisers explained.

Banned Singaporean filmmaker takes world premiere to Toronto

P

ROVOCATIVE Singaporean filmmaker Ken Kwek, whose last film project was banned in his homeland, staged a world premiere of his first feature film, Unlucky Plaza, at the opening of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), yesterday.

Unlucky Plaza is a black comedy about a down-onhis-luck Filipino immigrant who takes a group of prominent Singaporeans hostage in an upscale home after being scammed by a mysterious femme fatale.

The crime caper is Kwek’s follow-up to his acclaimed but controversial 2013 satirical anthology Sex. Violence. Family Values. The collection was featured at several international film festivals, but was banned by Singapore’s Board of Film Censors and by the Malaysian government.

However, public outrage, along with worldwide news attention forced Singapore’s censors to reverse their decision, but only after compelling the filmmaker to edit parts of the film.

Unlucky Plaza stars acclaimed Filipino actor Epy Quizon (Pinoy Sunday),

Singapore’s Adrian Pang (The Blue Mansion) and stage and TV actress Judee Tan, here making her feature film debut. The film was written and directed by Kwek, who also served as a producer along with Leon Tong and Kat Goh. “After the ban on Sex.Violence.FamilyValues, I’m naturally diffident about the film being passed – or passed clean – by Singapore’s censors,” Kwek said, adding that, “There’s every chance the film will not be screened in my own country, which makes the screenings in Toronto even more special and encouraging. TIFF has gifted to me a sense of freedom as an artiste that I don’t enjoy back home.”

Unlucky Plaza premiered at Scotiabank Theatre 13, and although no entry from Nigeria at the festival this year, additional screenings have been scheduled as part of the festival’s “Discovery” programme, which spotlights new and upcoming directors in world cinema.

The film, along with 38 others will compete for The Discovery Award, chosen by members of the International Federation of Film Critics.

Abuja Film Festival unveils nominees •To premiere Jackie Chan’s Chinese Zodiac, Imasuen’s Invasion 1897

O

RGANISERS have announced preparation for the 11th edition of Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) scheduled for September 23, at the Silverbird Cinemas, Abuja.

Unveiling movie nominations in 13 categories of the festival’s award night in Lagos recently, acting Festival Director, Fred Amata, said the the 13 categories were exclusive of animation and the viewers’ choice segments, which will be decided by the audience at the event.

He noted that two new categories, Outstanding Music Score and Best Student Film, had been added to the list to reward excellence in these often neglected areas.

“Interestingly, the film festival attracted over 145 entries from around the world with entries from Nigeria, attracting over 60% of the total entries,” Amata revealed.

According to him, the festival will open on the September 23, with the highly anticipated Nigerian film, Invasion 1897, produced by Lancelot Imaseun and the closing on November 26, with Jackie Chan’s 3D film, Chinese Zodiac, a purported last act i o n thriller

by the 60-year-old Hong kong filmmaker. “Chinese Zodiac is an entry of the Chinese government to the 11th Abuja International Film Festival,” Amata further revealed.

“Also, the festival will, as part of its honours list, bestow on President Goodluck Jonathan the highest honour of the festival. Other distinguished Nigerians to be honoured include the Governor of Benue State, Hon. Gabriel Suswan; Mr. Ben Murray Bruce of Silverbird Group; Prince Chris Nnebe of Pharmatex; Mr. Andy Boyo of Diamond Pictures; Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe and High Chief Edem Duke at the closing ceremony.”

Other attractions of this year’s festival, according to its media manager, Loius Okpoto, will be the public presentation of four Nigerian films centered on agriculture and health. The project, which focuses on the benefits of cassava, is being funded by Harvestplus International, a Washington-based organisation. Expected at the screening of these movies are the Minister of Heath Dr. Onyebuchi Chukwu and his counterpart in the Agriculture Ministry, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina.

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

53

NEWS Boko Haram: ‘Probe Sheriff, Ihejirika’

T

HE Council of Babalawos in Northern Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to probe the claim that former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Azubike Ihejirika are sponsors of Boko Haram.

In a statement by its Chairman, Fabunmi Aiyesoro, and ViceChairman Ogunwale Ogunshola, the group said the matter must not be swept under the carpet.

Rising from a meeting in Bauchi State at the weekend, the group said if no probe was conducted after 40 days; it would “pursue legal action against Sheriff and Ihejerika for the destruction of our shrines in three states and claim monetary compensation for the destruction of forests which serve as a source of livelihood for our members. From 2011 to date, 48 members have lost their lives in the hands of Boko Haram members and their families are suffering untold hardship due to the loss of their breadwinners”.

It added: “The Council of Babalawos in Northern Nigeria has suffered unquantifiable human and material loss as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency like other Nigerians and feel deeply pained that Boko Haram is gradually forming another country within the Nigerian state.

“Our members source herbs from forests like Sambisa, Biu, Gwoza and Hong and the taking over of these areas by this retrogressive group has denied us the opportunity of treating our clients.

“We call on the Federal Government to dislodge Boko Haram members from all towns and forests in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. This will restore our member’s right to freedom of worship as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. Babalawos are Nigerians and deserve the same recognition accorded imams and pastors by the government. Many churches and mosque have received compensation from state governments for the destruction of their place of worship, but not one Babalawo has received a condolence message or any form of monetary compensation since the Boko Haram problem started three years ago.”

N6.113b ‘fraud’: Aspirant, banker wanted From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared a governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, Abdulahi Usman Adamu (alias Dan China) and a banker, Godswill Oyegwa Oyoyou, wanted for alleged N6.113 billion fraud.

Adamu is wanted for “obtaining” $500,000 USD (N85 million) from a Chinese Company, Shengjia International (HK) Limited “under false pretence”.

Oyoyou was allegedly involved in a N6.28 billion fraud.

In a statement yesterday, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “The politician cum miner is wanted by the anti-graft agency for allegedly obtaining $500,000 USD from a Chinese company, Shengjia International (HK) Limited, under false pretence. He allegedly obtained the sum from the firm as part payment for the supply of 3000MT of lead ore, a contract he failed to execute.

“Following a petition by the Economic and Commercial Counsellor’s Office of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the EFCC invited the suspect for questioning, but he failed to honour the invitation. The suspect is currently on the run, as efforts to track him, including several visits to his home in Narabi, Bauchi, proved futile.

“Consequently, the commission enjoins any one with useful information on his whereabouts to contact its head office in Wuse 2, Abuja, or zonal offices in Gombe, Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Lagos, or the nearest police station. His last known address is No. 1, Sabon Gari, Narabi, in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.”

EFCC said Oyoyou allegedly hacked into the database of his bank and stole N6.28 billion.

It said: “In the same vein, a banker, Godswill Oyegwa Oyoyou, an Information Technology staff of a new generation bank, is wanted by the EFCC in a case of fraud involving N6.28 billion.

“Oyoyou allegedly conspired with some scammers and obtained N6.28 billion from his bank after hacking into the bank’s database. The 38-year-old is from Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.”

Six die of food poisoning

S

IX members of a family have died of food poisoning in Awilkiti, Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the victims include two women and four children.

They have been buried according to Islamic rites.

A delegation of the state government, led by the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Nasiru Dantsoho, paid a condolence visit to the family.

The Caretaker Chairman of the council, Alhaji Musa Bachaka, donated N20,000 and two bags of rice and millet to them.

Chief Imam of Kutufare in the same local government Alhaji Muhammadu Nadande drowned in a river last Thursday.

He has been buried according to Islamic rites.

Dantsoho and Bachaka commiserated with his family.

337 killed on Kaduna road From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

T

HREE hundred and thirty seven people have died in road crashes in Kaduna State this year. About 1,528 were injured.

The Kaduna Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Olu Mike Olagunju, spoke at the weekend at the launch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers’ (NURTW’s) membership identity in Kaduna.

Olagunju said although the figure reduced compared to that of last year within the same period, it was still unacceptable.

Fintiri wins PDP governorship primary

A

DAMAWA State Acting Governor Ahmadu Fintiri at the weekend won the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship primary election.

Announcing the result yesterday, Chairman of the Election Committee and former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole said Fintiri scored 624 votes.

Former Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) boss Dr Ahmed Modibbo scored 197 votes; former Lagos State Military Administrator Gen. Buba Marwa, 54 votes; Dr Umar Ardo, nine votes; and Mr. Jerry Kundisi, four votes.

Bankole said there were 25 invalid votes.

He hailed the “orderly conduct” of the delegates.

Fintiri said he was overwhelmed by the “support and mandate” given to him and urged the other contestants to support him.

Marwa said he was satisfied with the conduct of the primary. He congratulated Fintiri and pledged his support for him.

Adamawa poll: Atiku calls for stakeholders’ meeting

F

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an urgent meeting of stakeholders in Adamawa State to ensure a free and fair governorship election on October 11.

In a statement yesterday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain said the meeting was necessary in view of the need to maintain security and the fear that the emergency rule in the state could disenfranchise the people.

Stakeholders expected to meet include political parties, security agencies, the state government, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society groups, election observers, religious and traditional rulers.

Atiku said a report by NOI Polls revealed that 55 per cent of adult Nigerians and 72 per cent of those surveyed in the Northeast want the emergency rule imposed on three states in the region lifted during the 2015 elections.

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

Ardo said: “I feel disappointed, but I will abide by it. I even sent Fintiri a congratulatory message, though he did not reply me.”

He complained that many

Atiku said the proposed meeting would come up with modalities for ensuring a free and fair election under emergency rule in Adamawa State, adding that Adamawa could be used as a fore runner of the 2015 polls.

Stressing the need for tight security in the state, he, however, said emergency rule may make it impossible for residents to vote.

The Turaki Adamawa said it would hinder free movement and association, such as political rallies.

He said the emergency rule in Adamawa calls to question the level playing ground the government is supposed to provide for parties participating in the election, since the Federal Government is also an interested party in through the participation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Atiku stressed the need to address these issues before the October 11 election in the interest of democracy, justice and fairplay.

people, who were not supposed to be delegates, voted at the primaries.

Ardo said local government chairmen and their deputies, who recently defected from the All Progressives Party (APC) to the PDP, participated in the poll, adding: “We also have

some House of Assembly and House of Representatives’ members that just joined PDP, who ought not to participate by virtue of Section 9 of the party’s constitution, but it was overlooked. We raised the point and submitted a petition to the panel.”

First Lady commiserates with Wada

F

IRST Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has described the late Pa Haleel Ejega Wada, father of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada, as an advocate of qualitative education.

She spoke during her condolence visit, on behalf of Nigerian women, to the governor and his family at his Abuja home.

Dame Jonathan said: “He not only advocated for qualitative education, he demonstrated it by training all his children. He has left a good legacy. That legacy should continue and be emulated.”

She thanked God that the governor lived to bury his father and prayed to God to console the family.

Wada thanked her for the visit and described his father’s death as “a heavy blow”, adding that he left “a big shoe that will be difficult to fill”.

He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for sending a delegation led by Vice-President Namadi Sambo to commiserate with him in his village, add-

•Wada greeting Dame Jonathan...at the weekend.

ing: “I have been a pilot for 33 years but my people never saw an helicopter until my father died and the vice-president

came visiting.”

Wada prayed for good health for the first family.

The wife of the Minister of

Transport, Hajia Hauwa Idris, prayed for the dead.

Pa Wada died on July 13 at 100.

APC kicks as PDP wins Niger East by-election

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Niger East Senatorial by-election.

He defeated Mr David Umaru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 92,056 votes.

Umaru had 87,405 votes.

The by-election was first held on August 30 but was declared inconclusive, following irregularities in 21 polling stations across six of the nine local government areas in the district. A supplementary election was held last Saturday.

The Returning Officer, Professor Wole Morenikeji, said the APC recorded 2,716 votes and the PDP 2,416 in the supplementary poll, but the PDP won the total number of votes.

Morenikeji said Nuhu had 4,951 votes more than Umaru, adding that 8,042 votes were invalid.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu hailed the conduct of the election. Aliyu said the result was a reflection of the people’s confidence in the PDP. However, the APC rejected the result.

Its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, said the party was studying the result.

Vatsa said: “Though the party is yet to take a decision on the outcome of the by-election, I know that the result announced by INEC is not acceptable and in due course, the

APC’s official position will be announced. The next line of action on the by-election will be taken after consultations at the state level. We are also in touch with the national headquarters of the party and our position will be made known.”

The APC spokesman querried Aliyu’s statement that the people had confidence in the PDP. Vatsa said: “It is a known fact that the by-election was rigged by the PDP and INEC. It took a party that has been in power for over 15 years to use

money to induce voters, use fake security agents to intimidate them and INEC to doctor the results.

“It is sad that our governor, who presides over failed 10-kilometre road projects in each of the 25 local government areas and many other failed, inflated and abandoned projects, could say that the PDP is popular. The governor has no moral right to speak because he lost the last by-election in his unit, ward and local government. In fact, the governor has never won any election in his local government, ward and unit.”

NSCDC uncovers illegal refinery in Kogi

T

THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, at the weekend, uncovered an illegal refinery in Achuze, a border community between Kogi and Edo states.

From James Azania, Lokoja

NSCDC said the refinery, which had an administrative building, a restaurant and a 150,000 litre-capacity petrol reservoir, was burnt.

The State Commandant, Dayo Adesuyi, who led the

operation at the weekend, said about 80 drums of crude oil were also burnt.

He said the operators of the refinery engaged his team in a gun battle. One of the suspects was arrested but the others escaped.

54

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

55

FOREIGN NEWS Monsoon floods kill nearly 300 in India, Pakistan

L

ANDSLIDES and flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains have killed nearly 300 people in large swaths of northern India and Pakistan, officials said Sunday.

Five days of incessant rains in Indian-controlled Kashmir have left at least 120 people dead in the region’s worst flooding in more than five decades, submerging hundreds of villages and triggering landslides, officials said. In neighboring Pakistan, more than 160 people have died and thousands of homes have collapsed, with an official saying the situation was becoming a “national emergency.”

Rescuers in both countries were using helicopters and boats to try to reach tens of thousands of people stranded in their homes as floodwaters rose and submerged many villages.

Rescue efforts in Srinagar, the main city in Indian Kashmir, were hampered by fastmoving floodwaters that submerged large parts of the city.

The rains had stopped on Sunday, but officials said the spreading water from the overflowed Jhelum River was moving too fast to allow boats to reach many people stranded in Srinagar. By evening, several boats had been deployed to start rescue efforts, said Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir state’s top elected official.

In many of Srinagar’s neighborhoods, the water was about 4 meters (12 feet) deep, submerging entire houses. Stranded residents left their homes to move in with friends or relatives in safer areas.

New al-Shabab leader announced

S

OMALIA’s Islamist group al-Shabab has named Ahmad Umar as successor to former leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, who was killed in a US air strike.

The group announced the move in an online statement, vowing to take revenge for Godane’s death.

Somalia’s authorities earlier put the country on alert for possible retaliatory attacks by al-Shabab.

The alert came as the US confirmed the death of Godane in air strikes south of Mogadishu on Monday night.

Little is known about Ahmad Umar, who is also known as Abu Ubaidah.

Abu Mohammed, one of al-Shabab’s commanders,

A

indicating that al-Shabab is now planning to carry out desperate attacks against medical facilities, education centres and other government facilities.”

Mr Ereg “congratulated the Somali people” on Godane’s death, adding: “The security forces are ready to counter their attacks and we call on people to help the security forces in standing against violent acts.”

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud issued a statement on Friday urging militants to embrace peace after the death of their leader.

He announced a 45-day amnesty for militants who were willing to renounce the group.

Godane was one of the US state department’s most wanted men.

It had placed a bounty of $7m (£4.2m) on his head.

The US has supported the African Union (AU) force that has driven al-Shabab out of the capital Mogadishu and other towns since 2011.

The al-Qaeda-linked fighters want to overthrow the UN-backed Somali government and frequently attack government targets as well as neighbouring countries that provide troops to the AU force.

The al-Shabab leader had publicly claimed the group’s responsibility for the deadly Westgate shopping centre attack in Kenya in September last year.

British Prime Minister David Cameron greets German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the 2014 NATO summit in Newport, Wales.

On the opening day, Western leaders criticised Russia for its "destabilising" influence on the crisis in eastern Ukraine

Iraq crisis: Obama sets out ‘US offensive against IS’

Ebola haunts Liberians T the gravesite in a northern Liberia village, there are no religious or traditional burial rites. No ceremony, no mourning, no family members, and no final goodbyes.

Nothing but a group of men dressed in space-suitlike outfits, cautiously throwing the dead body into the grave, they pause only to toss in anything else they are wearing that came into contact with the deceased.

These men are part of the country’s Ebola response team, specifically tasked with burying anyone suspected to have died of the Ebola virus.

The virus is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of people infected with Ebola, and it is still transferable even from a dead body.

To help combat the spread of the disease, the Liberian government has directed that its citizens should not bury anyone who dies of, or is suspected of having been infected with, Ebola.

After an Ebola case was confirmed in Senegal, people load cars with household items as they prepare to cross into Guinea from the border town of Diaobe, Senegal, on Wednesday, September 3.

Senegal has since closed its borders.

said the decision to appoint him was unanimous.

In a statement, al-Shabab also warned: “Avenging the death of our scholars and leaders is a binding obligation on our shoulders that we will never relinquish nor forget no matter how long it takes.”

“By the permission of Allah, you will surely taste the bitter consequences of your actions.”

The announcement of the new leader came just minutes after al-Shabab themselves confirmed the death of Godane.

Earlier on Saturday, Somali National Security Minister Kalif Ahmed Ereg told reporters: “Security agencies have obtained information

U

.S President Barack Obama has said the U.S. would degrade IS, shrink its territory and “defeat them”.

He was criticised last month for saying “we don’t have a strategy yet” when asked about IS during a briefing.

The US expanded its operations on Sunday, carrying out air strikes on IS for the first time in western Iraq, to defend Iraqi troops at Haditha dam.

Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Mr Obama said: “I’m preparing the country to make sure that we deal with a threat from Isil.”

IS, also often referred to as Isil or Isis, has taken over large

A

swathes of Iraq and Syria in recent months, declaring the land it holds a “caliphate”.

Mr Obama went on: “On Wednesday, I’ll make a speech and describe what our game plan’s going to be going forward.”

IS fighters in Raqqa, Syria, June IS fighters have taken large swathes of Iraq and Syria. Here they parade in Raqqa, Syria He said he would “start going on some offense” against IS. But the strategy was “not going to be an announcement about US ground troops”, he added.

He said: “This is not the equivalent of the Iraq war.

What this is, is similar to the kinds of counterterrorism campaigns that we’ve been engaging in consistently over the last five, six, seven years.

“I just want the American people to understand the nature of the threat and how we’re going to deal with it and to have confidence that we’ll be able to deal with it.”

Mr Obama said the strategy would not involve the US alone but would be one pursued by an international coalition.

Iraqi forces near Amerli, 5 Sept Iraqi forces have gained ground in the north with the help of US air strikes He said: “We are going to be able to not just blunt the

•Obama

momentum of Isil. We are going to systematically degrade their capabilities. We’re going to shrink the territory that they control. And ultimately we’re going to defeat them.”

The interview was conducted on Saturday, shortly after Mr Obama returned from the Nato summit in Wales, where the grouping agreed to take on IS.

Houses razed as Ukraine shelling claims lives

T least two houses blazed in the rural village of Spartak, which lies just north of Donetsk and adjacent to the airport, after they were hit by fire. A man whose house was struck by a shell said rebels had fired from a spot nearby, which appeared to have provoked a retaliatory attack from Ukrainian government troops. This pattern has been regularly observed in the nearly five-month-long military confrontation.

The fighter, who provided only the nom de guerre Khokhol, freely acknowledged that the cease-fire was

not being respected by either side.

“There was mortar shelling around 20 minutes ago here in Spartak,” he said.

“There is no cease-fire for anyone.”

The truce signed on Friday appeared to be holding for much of the following day, but was shattered late Saturday by shelling on the outskirts of the southeastern port town of Mariupol, where Ukrainian troops retain defensive lines against the rebels. The city council said Sunday that one civilian was killed there and a serviceman wounded.

The volunteer pro-government Azov Battalion said on Facebook that their positions were also hit by Grad rockets, but did not give details.

Mariupol is located on the coast of the Sea of Azov, 115 kilometers (70 miles) south of Donetsk. Rebels recently opened a new front on the coast, leading to fears that they were trying to secure a land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in March.

Amnesty International on Sunday condemned all those engaged in the grind-

ing conflict that according to U.N. estimates has claimed at least 2,600 civilian lives and forced hundreds of thousands out of their homes.

“All sides in this conflict have shown disregard for civilian lives and are blatantly violating their international obligations,” Amnesty International Secretary General Salil Shetty said in a statement.

Blasts powerful enough to be heard in downtown Donetsk could be heard coming from the direction of the airport early Sunday morning.

Twelve killed in Tripoli clashes

A

ROUND twelve people have been killed and ten wounded in a flare-up of clashes between rival armed groups near the Libyan capital Tripoli, a doctor said on Sunday.

The North African country is in turmoil as former rebels who helped oust Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising three years ago have turned their guns on each other in a bid to dominate politics and get a share of the country’s oil reserves.

An alliance of armed groups called Operation Dawn, mainly from the western city of Misrata, seized the capital Tripoli last month after expelling a rival group from Zintan.

Tripoli has been largely quiet since then but fighters from the Operation Dawn have been trying to capture the tribal Warshefana area southwest of the city, residents said.

The Warshefana are allied to the Zintani forces.

Residents reported heavy shelling in the city on Saturday, which was confirmed by British Ambassador Michael Aron.

“City is quiet. Families out on seafront last night. But shelling of Warshefana areas clearly heard,” Aron tweeted during a visit to Tripoli on Saturday.

A hospital doctor said around twelve people were killed and ten wounded in the shelling of Warshefana residential areas. He said gunfire could still be heard on Sunday, although it was not as heavy as the day before.

Western diplomats and the United Nations have pulled out of Libya to escape the violence. The weak central government and the country’s elected parliament have moved to Tobruk in the remote east.

Libya’s neighbors and Western powers worry the oil producer will turn into a failed state as the government has no real army or police to tackle dozens of armed groups roaming around the country unchallenged.

Greece tomb may be linked to Alexander the Great

A

RCHAEOLOGISTS excavating a burial mound in northern Greece have found two marble sculptures of female figures and a large, colored marble panel in what appears to be the antechamber of the main room.

The tomb, in the town of Amphipolis, dates between 325 B.C. - two years before Alexander the Great’s death - and 300 B.C. There is some speculation that one of his relatives or generals might be buried there. Alexander was buried in Egypt.

The 60-centimeter (2foot) female figurines are on a wall leading to the yet unexplored main room.

The marble panel, 4.2 meters (14 feet) long by 1 meter (3.3 feet) wide, is carved with geometric shapes and painted dark red and yellow. It is located up a wall in the 6.5meter (21.3-feet) high antechamber.

56

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

NEWS ‘Insurgency has crippled Borno State’ Continued from page 4

the leaders and stakeholders of Borno State, regardless of political, religious and ethnic differences, to come together to address the challenge posed by insecurity in the state. “ It is a well-known fact that all over the world, when societies are challenged by a consuming crises or epidemic, citizens unite, putting aside partisan and personal differences, to solve problems that threaten the existence of the entire society. It will suffice to mention here the example of the proactive approach adopted by the Federal Government against the spread of the Ebola Virus, which has received national and international commendation. If similar proactive ap-

proach had been applied to the insurgency at inception, I strongly believe the escalation of the insurgency would have been curtailed.

“In the light of this grim scenario, it is absolutely essential for all patriotic citizens of Borno State to rise up in a united spirit to focus and solve the challenges posed by insecurity, which is a real threat to our collective survival. In this regard, it is hereby proposed, first, that a meeting of all stakeholders, elders and statesmen from Borno State, irrespective of sectarian, ethnic and political persuasions, should be convened to review the state of affairs in Borno State. “ Second, this group should seek audience with the President

of the Federal Republic to present collectively the unbearable conditions imposed on the people of Borno State by these crises, including the agony and pains of the abducted Chibok girls and their parents.

“Such an approach is expected to specifically open gates for decisively tackling insecurity and its attendant economic and social burdens on our Borno State, the Northeast Zone and Nigeria as a whole. This approach is envisaged to rescue Borno State and return peace to create the essential environment for normal life and politics.

The SSG also urged INEC to shelve the proposed bye-election for Jere Local Government House of Assembly Constituency.

He said: “Finally, related to this, is the proposed bye-election for Jere Local Government House of Assembly Constituency. It is imperative to appeal to INEC to postpone forthwith, this bye-election slated for 3rd October 2014. This fervent call is necessary because the environment is not conducive for conducting elections.

“At the moment, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government are full of refugees from Marte, Gwoza, Ngala, Bama and other parts of the state.

“Once again, I wish to stress that in Borno State today, restoration of peace and normal life should be the essential and urgent concern. Pursuit of personal or partisan interests can wait till peace, law and order are fully obtained.”

‘Two ‘large banks’ record zero liquidity ratio’ Continued from page 4

December 2013 call reports indicated that the banking industry is stable and resilient. The key challenges in the industry, however, remain corporate governance and risk management practices.

The test assumed a gradual average outflow of 3.8, five and 1.5 per cent of total deposits, short-term and long-term funding, during a five-day assessment.

The test also showed a cumulative average outflow of 22, 11 and 1.5 per cent of total deposits, short-term and longterm funding, on a 30-day balance.

The test revealed that, after the five-day and cumulative 30-day shocks were applied, the industry liquidity ratio declined to 12.2 and 10.4 per cent,

from 50.53 per cent. Most banks’ liquidity ratios were also below the 30 per cent threshold after the two scenarios.

The worst-hit were the three unnamed lenders that recorded a negative liquidity ratio, following a cumulative 30-day shock. Two of these banks were among the categorised “large banks”.

However, the report said the banking industry was resilient to liquidity stress, although the test results indicated deterio-

ration in the banks’ resilience, compared with the position in the preceding period.

The CBN also conducted a solvency stress test on the industry to assess the stability of the sector under various hypothetically strained macroeconomic conditions.

The pre-shock Capital Adequacy Ratios (CAR) for the entire banking industry, large, medium and small banks stood at 17.20, 16.24, 18.05 and 18.33 per cent. These, the report said, reflected decreases

of 1.49, 2.62, 0.2 and 0.5 percentage points over the June 2013 positions.

The CBN said its actions were focused on ensuring that the banks maintain healthy loan portfolios by creating high quality assets that will ensure sustainable growth.

The regulator added that the proactive actions taken to resolve the distress situation in the system had achieved the desired results and contributed to the overall stability of the financial system.

Jonathan in Chad for insurgency talks Continued from page 4

rity Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,

Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed and the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Professor Sheidu Mohammed.

Before returning to Abuja to-

morrow, President Jonathan will also be a Special Guest of Honour at an international conference on Information Technology and Communication holding in Ndjamena.

Hope rises for Ebola vaccine Continued from page 4

trials of the vaccine against just the Zaire Ebola species.

These will take place in the US, the University of Oxford in the UK as well as in Mali and Gambia.

The WHO said safety data would be ready by November 2014 and, if the vaccine proved safe, it would be used in West Africa immediately.

Healthcare workers and other frontline staff would be prioritised for vaccination.

The number of doses currently available is between 400 - if a lot of vaccine is needed for immunity - and 4,000 if smaller amounts are sufficient.

As with all experimental therapies, the WHO has warned hopes of a vaccine must not detract from the

proven methods of infection control which have defeated all previous outbreaks.

Prof Jonathan Ball, a virologist at the University of Nottingham, said: “This is really encouraging data.

“The degree of protection seen with the chimpanzee adenovirus alone - which will be used in one of the human clinical trials planned for the UK, Mali and the Gambia - was still pretty impressive, especially when the animals received Ebola virus within a few weeks of vaccination.

“This is important as it would keep the dosing regimen simple and could still provide good protection in the sort of outbreak that we are seeing in Western Africa at the moment.”

Borno coalition seeks Sheriff’s probe

A

NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation, the Borno Coalition for Good Governance, has called for an Independent Investigation into the alleged role by Senator Ali ModuSheriff in the sponsorship of Boko Haram.

The group spokes in a statement yesterday by its Project Manager Modu Wulgo and Secretary John Ndirbula, in reaction to the claim by Australian negotiator Stephen Davis that the ex—Borno State governor was a sponsor of the sect.

Asking the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene, the group raised some posers: “Why did Buji Foi, the late commissioner for religions

affair seek to have audience with Governor Sheriff before was he executed in 2009.The soldiers honoured of Buji Foi’s wish , but on hearing that the late commissioner wanted to see him, Sheriff quickly drove out of Government House, Maiduguri on that fateful day. When the soldiers brought Buji Foi in a Toyota Hilux van in handcuff twenty minutes later, Sheirff was nowhere to be found.

“Why did late Mohammed Yusuf throughout his preaching in 2009 and after his arrest continue to accuse Sheriff of betraying him. “Why Sheriff did quickly ask the police to execute Mohammed Yusuf?”

It insisted that the ICC must be involved

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

57

58

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

59

60

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

61

62

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 8, 2014

63

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

SPORT EXTRA Nigeria, Congo fallout: ‘Eagles lost midfield battle’

SEPTEMBER ITTF RANKING:

Quadri jumps from 111 to 73

F

ROM being ranked 257 in February this year, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri became the biggest mover in September’s International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) ranking as the African champion is now rated 73rd in the world.

In August, Quadri was listed as one of the active players by the ITTF and, as if that was not enough, the Oyo Stateborn player ranked 111, caused two major upsets at the last Czech Open when he defeated the world’s number 24 and 38 to make it to the last eight of the championship.

Quadri, the first Nigerian to achieve such feat in an ITTF Pro Tour, moved from 111 to be rated 73rd in the world following the release of the September ranking by the world’s table tennis ruling body.

For this feat, Quadri is now the second highly rated African player in the world behind Egypt’s Omar Assar, who is in the top 70. At the Czech Open, Assar failed to make it beyond the second round (round of 32) while Quadri made it to the quarterfinal of the competition where he was edged out by the eventual runner up of the tournament, Germany’s Patrick Baum.

According to ITTF Publication Director, Ian Marshall, Frenchman Simon Gauzy, Spain’s He Zhiwen, Russia’s Kirill Skachkov and the Slovak Republic’s Wang Yang made progress in the September ranking following their Czech Republic excursion but none can match Nigeria’s Quadri.

“Kirill Skachkov moves from no.73 to no.63 and Simon Gauzy from no.88 to no.65; whilst He Zhiwen advances from no.92 to no.79 and Wang Yang from no.108 to no.93.

However, compared with Quadri they are minor moves; the 26-year-old Nigerian advances from a previous best

of number 111 to 73, following his Men’s Singles quarter-final appearance,” Marshall said.

For the president, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, Quadri’s recent performances did not come on a platter, as he remains one of the of most disciplined and hard-working players that the country has had in recent times.

“I am not surprised that Quadri is doing well in recent times, he has always been a very disciplined and hardworking player who just needs to be supported.

“For us, it is a good one for the country, as the federation would continue to support the players in their quest to progress in their career. We are proud of what Quadri has done and will still do and we hope sponsors will avail themselves the opportunity to support the player in his quest to make it to the zenith of the game in the world,” Oshodi said.

F

ORMER Ajax Amsterdam winger and Taraba United Chairman, Tijani Babangida, has expressed displeasure at the 2-3 loss suffered by Nigeria against ‘Diables Rouges’ in Calabar on Saturday evening.

The retired Super Eagle was not the only Nigerian unhappy with the outcome of the encounter at the U.J. Esuene Stadium. Even the supporters felt that they have had enough and started booing the home team late in the second half. ''It wasn't a good performance by the Super Eagles.

Congo punished the Super Eagles by taking control of the

•Tijani

midfield, Nigeria made a lot of mistakes in midfield,'' Tijani Babangida said to SL10.ng. ''I'll rate the defenders, attackers and goalkeeper as average. The team played an average game.''

Heading into the intriguing clash against Group A pacesetters, South Africa, Babangida

advised the Nigeria squad to buckle up or they might be playing catch-up after just two rounds. ''Well, everything is possible in football. I don't see us losing in South Africa. When they were defeated in the past in similar conditions, they come out stronger in their next match.

''Stephen Keshi should talk to his boys, and the team will perform,'' the ex-Nigeria number 13 concluded.

Ex VVV Venlo striker Uche Nwofor netted a brace for the African champions in their last clash with South Africa, but he huffed and puffed against Congo, until he was replaced in the second half.

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 9 NO 2,965

‘The issue that has been brought to the fore by all these is the kind of resistance that now confronts efforts to stem the spread of the Ebola disease. If we pander to all these dissenting views, we may find ourselves in a situation where the Ebola virus may soon overwhelm us all’ EMEKA OMEIHE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

S

HE is regal in a self-effacing way. But she is audacious in a plebian way. She lived the glorious contradiction well when Oby Ezekwesili paid a visit to The Nation last week.

Her royalty is unofficial, but it is borne not from being a mainstay on some eastern throne.

It is out of her personal idiosyncrasy: her carriage, suavity, diction, the sublime simplicity of her sartorial being, a sort of intangible air of audacity that emanates from one accustomed to standing in the high places of the world.

Her biography in international finance and the vault of government affirm this fact.

But her plebian bona fides come from her ability to stoop, to take on causes often associated with what we can call “radical,” an antiestablishment persona that sees her taking on the Jonathan government with as much vigour as she exercised when she stunned an APC gathering with a piece of her mind. And when she is at work, her big, bold eyes convey a daring that can shoot down an elite quarry. It can also soften in the lofty way of the same corridor of power.

So that was what I observed in close quarters during her visit. She came with a train of the Bringbackthegirls devotees. Her case was clear. We should not forget the over 200 girls that some miscreants whisked away in the name of God. With some of my colleagues like Soji Omotunde, Tunji Adegboyega, Lekan Otunfodunrin, Dele Adeosun present, Ezekwesili took us through the story of the kidnap and all the drama that we have witnessed since. She spoke with deep feeling. But what came out of the meeting was that she and her group felt the media had moved to other things. The story of the helpless girls has retreated into a footnote with occasional flashes. Revealing her plebian side, she wondered if the government would be so nonchalant if one of the girls was a daughter from the tony class.

It was a good meeting, and I had to do some personal reflections myself, and I could not but agree that we in the media have not been fair enough to the girls. Stephen Davis, the Australian political geographer, as part of his earthquake ‘revelations’ about Boko Haram, said that the girls are subjected to molestation, and that they are raped at will. I think Davis is in a position to know. He is a negotiator on behalf of the federal government. The Jonathan government, in spite of its volubility, has not unveiled any statement on Davis as yet, except the lickspittle comments from Marilyn Ogar of the DSS. Do we remember the girls whose crime was that they became boarding students in a school in Chibok to write an exam? Do we remember that these girls were surrounded and the kid-

RIPPLES NIGERIA BECOMES THE LARGEST IMPORTER OF GENERATORS-News

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) Twitter: @samomatseye

Do we remember?

•Ezekwesili

nappers took all of them in buses on roads that ran through Borno State where a state of emergency was reportedly in place? Do we remember that the spokespersons of the military gleefully flattered our relief when they said they had rescued them? Later it turned to be an apocryphal effusion, and that the only girls who ran to safety did it on their own heroism?

No one should forget that the president, in his ritual media chat, virtually denied that the girls were missing, and asked the parents to provide proof with the list? There was also an inversion of culture when the first lady, the dame and mistress of the English Language, asked the mourners to visit her. We know that the bereaved stay at home, and condolences pour in from high and low. They were asked to come from faraway to visit the mistress of English who wanted to know if “na only you waka come?” Do we remember the cry to heaven that “there is God o,” and those who kignap should not embarrass her husband’s

A cold and wicked death

O

N Saturday afternoon the news came, and shattered my weekend. I am in shock even as I write. Dimgba Igwe died early on Saturday when a vehicle ran into him jogging.

I have known Dimgba as an elder brother and colleague since our Concord days. He was a meticulous, imaginative and dedicated journalist. He was one of the best of his generation, and along with his twin brother, Mike Awoyinfa, revolutionised tabloid journalism.

When I sent a column I ran in the paper to Mike, he handed it to Dimgba. He paid attention to details and did not allow prejudice to becloud his judgment. He never stood in anyone’s way.

I also owe a personal debt to him. When a certain column I wrote a few years ago created a storm of hate for me, he stuck his neck out for me. In a winter of professional cowardice, Dimgba was the only colleague who stood behind my right to have an opinion and express it.

He expressed it in a bold column. In a mournful conversation on Saturday, Eric Osagie, the Managing Director of the Daily Telegraph, reminded me that he often fondly called me “the legendary Sam”. I can still hear his voice. In his novel, Les Miserables, Victor Hugo noted, “to die is nothing, but it is terrible not to live”. Though Dimgba has left an enduring legacy, he had so much to still live for at 58. That was why he was jogging.

HARDBALL

I

Who says this is not ‘TRANSFORMATION AGENDA IN PROGRESS’?

government? She was particular about those “sharing blood.”

We also remember that the commander-inchief left the Chibok people to their calamity when he cut off a visit to the place and up till now, he has not visited Borno State, in spite of calls for the commander-in-chief to take command.

Shall we forget that Shekau appeared on a video and mocked our government? No one will forget that Hilary Clinton and John McCain made contemptuous remarks about our government.

The story of the Chibok girls is a metaphor of the collapse of the war on terror. BH is running rampant about the Northeast. The Jonathan administration has spent a trillion naira a year on defence. Yet, as Borno Governor Kashim Shettima noted, they have superior firepower over the Nigerian army.

The first job of a government is security. If that government fails on that score it has failed everywhere else. What the Jonathan government is feeding on is a cynical psychology.

His government believes that it is a victim.

F there was any doubt about the circle of sycophancy that surrounds President Goodluck Jonathan, which may eventually strangulate him like a noose, the reported secret remarks by Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (popularly abbreviated as Alams), a former governor of Bayelsa State, present sufficient evidence that he lives in a gilded cage. The background is this: Alams, in an interview with New Telegraph, spoke about the discord between Jonathan and Rotimi Amaechi, the Rivers State governor, which culminated in Amaechi’s exit from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Alams, ostensibly playing the role of peacemaker, came up with his own solution to the problem, saying that Amaechi who is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should “retrace his steps, beg President Goodluck Jonathan and return to PDP.” Alamieyeseigha’s words: “I think there is no problem between Amaechi and Jonathan. I think Amaechi should be humble enough to go to the President and say ‘I am sorry’, because he has no place to go. A child that is not respectful will also not deserve respect from anyone. I have spoken to both of them.”

His supporters are hyping this morose psyche by saying the northerners want Jonathan to fail. Who in the North, I sometimes wonder!

Is it the emirs, who are under attack? Is it the top politicians who have been victims? Is it their economy that is going to shreds? Is it the mosques or their top clerics who are hiding? If these people are really behind it, then they must be really suicidal and cynical as well.

Some elements in the North say the Jonathan administration is allowing it in order to achieve a goal: keep the Northeast paralysed and consequently deadlocked for 2015 election. That view is being bandied about. But we have no proof of that.

Yet what is clear is that the Jonathan administration has proved itself incapable of fighting down the insurgents.

Our soldiers are good men. They cannot, however, do beyond their training, command and equipment. We have not seen the evidence of the huge money expended on them. Is it corruption? If it is, why has the president not asked his men, the ministers and the contractors, to account for what happened to the money? If he has, why is the situation still dire in the North?

If the Jonathan administration does not handle the insurgency, it has no right or moral ground to parade the clowns of TAN who want him to impose another four years of imbecility on us.

The other point I noted with Ezekwesili is the failure of Nigerian youths. In my days at Ife, the universities of the country would be shut down indefinitely until the girls are brought back. Rather some moral impostors in the name of NANS gave the president an award. Not long ago, they also gave Bode George. Our youths are a failure. My generation is no better. At least we began well. They are a group of never-do-wells who spoil the few good youths around doing good things.

But as a generation, it is tragic. However, I was glad to see a few of them with Ezekwesili in their visit to The Nation. It is a thing of cheer. -

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Truth Jonathan’s fans won’t tell him He continued: “Jonathan has no issues. The President of Nigeria is very powerful. I even told Amaechi that the first entity you cannot fight is Almighty God and the second entity is the government (President Jonathan). No matter how you interpret it, nobody can fight the government (Jonathan) successfully…Rivers State will never be surrendered to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

It is easy to see that his choice of words reflects nauseating obsequiousness, which he is perfectly entitled to; and this is understandable given that he owes Jonathan, who was his deputy in his gubernatorial years, a huge debt of gratitude for his rehabilitation. Hardball remembers that Alams was convicted of money laundering and corruption and got a two-year jail sentence, but was later pardoned

by Jonathan who controversially used his presidential powers to apparently wash him clean. Against this backdrop, Alams may be pardoned for imagining that Jonathan is invincible; but that is exactly what it is - imagined invincibility. Furthermore, it was the

height of childishness for Alams to liken Amaechi to a child. Now, listen to Amaechi’s reply through his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor: “It is true that Amaechi does not have any personal issue with the President. And yes, when Alamieyeseigha came to the governor to discuss this issue, he said there was not much problem between the president and the governor, but he was not bold enough to say in that interview what he told the governor the problem was.”

So, what was the problem as Alams saw it? Iyofor’s statement said: “He told Amaechi that he cannot understand why Mr. President cannot rein in, control or manage his wife. For him to say something else is, indeed, most cowardly and timid.”

It should be considered charitable that Alams was described as “cowardly and timid”. Perhaps it would be useful to do a word search for a less generous description for a man who exhibits such two-faced and double—tongued character. With creatures like Alams around Jonathan, who will speak truth to power?

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos.

Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:08099365644, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790 WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO