September 15, 2014 by The Nation

PDP governors push for Jonathan consensus NEWS Page 4

Newspaper of the Year

News Lagos schools back Sept. 22 P3 Sports Martins seeks Eagles recall P41 Business Govt plans $80b trade with Asia P5

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2972 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Synagogue death toll hits 44 Fashola calls for inquiry NAMA probes mystery aircraft Joshua shows ‘video’

•Fashola (right) and Ayinde (second right) discussing at the site of the collapsed building...yesterday.

ESCUERS were still busy yesterday at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Ikotun on the outskirts of Lagos where a building collapsed, killing 44 persons — as of yesterday. When the incident happened on Friday, 17 were said to have died.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Many are believed to be trapped underneath the sixstorey building. The church has declined comments on the number of persons in the building when it collapsed. Besides, it insists that nobody died in the incident.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola was at the scene yesterday. He called for an inquiry. Government officials have said there was no approval for the erection of additional floors. Commissioner for Physical Planning Olutoyin Ayinde, who was on Fashola’s entou-

Air Force loses jet in Boko Haram battle T HE wreckage of a military jet which went missing on Friday may have been found. Villagers in Lala State Development Area in Adamawa State claimed yesterday to have seen the wreckage. An administrative WHEN WILL officer in Gombi LoTHE CHIBOK cal Government Area GIRLS of Adamawa State KIDNAPPED said villagers assistON APRIL 15 ed a military search BE FREED?

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Barnabas Manyam, Yola

team in an effort to locate the plane after rumours that it crashed between Ngalga and Barda in Gabun ward. The official said after an intensive search without a clue, soldiers who were more than 100, attempted to move to the Borno side of the boundary to continue the search but were blocked by the Gabun River, which has overflown its banks.

rage, said the church’s engineers were yet to present their permit to make such modifications. Ayinde said: “Our meeting with the prophet was a closeddoor meeting but it surrounds the collapsed building. It is a sad situation; lives have been lost and many others have been rescued.

“We use this opportunity to express our sympathy to the affected people. “We have no proof that the church had permit to add to the existing structure. We have asked the engineering team to meet us and for about two hours now, no member of the team has come. “We also have questions for

them. Even if the building does not have approval, it ought to be built professionally. We have asked for their team and we hope in the course of the week, they would get to us. “It is necessary to take the final inventory before we can say the number of peoContinued on page 4

•Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote addressing the staff of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Washington, USA, where he and Bill Gates (listening) discussed their Foundation’s joint efforts to improve the livelihood of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The official said vilagers from Hawul Continued on page 4

•SPORTS P24 •JOBS P35 •CEO P37 •MOTORING P39 •POLITICS P53 •FOREIGN P56

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS

$62million war ch

•From left: Nigerian Ambassador to India, Ndubuisi Amaku; Indian Trade Minister Nirmala Sitharaman; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Olusegun Aganga; and Permanent Secretary, Abdulkadir Musa after a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the MITI-Ambassadors Roundtable in New Delhi, India.

Microsoft founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen have donated over $60 million to contain Ebola in West Africa. Allen is donating $9 million, in addition to the earlier $2.8 million to the American Red Cross for its work on the outbreak. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $50 million to the United Nations.

•Intending pilgrims being screened for potential Ebola in Bauchi...at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN

M • Chairman, Afromedia Plc, Mr Idowu Iluyomade (middle) speaking at the company’s 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos… With him are: Group Managing Director, Mr Akinlola Irewunmi Olopade, and Company Secretary, Mrs Ifetola Fadeyibi.

•Authorised Representative, Gulfstream, Mr. Bruce Fullerton (left)greeting Media Consultant, Mr. Ariyo Akinfenwa during the display of Gulfstream 280 aircraft at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos...at the weekend. With them is PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE. Gulfstream’s Senior Technical Specialist, Mr. Travis Karp.

•From left: National Secretary, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria (AMLSN), Robert Dehi; the association’s National President, Dr. Godswill Okara and National 1st Vice President, Alhaji Toyosi Raheem during the association’s conference on Ebola Virus in Abuja...at the weekend. PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

ICROSOFT Corp cofounder, Paul Allen, is donating $9 million to support the fight against the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, just a month after donating $2.8 million to the American Red Cross for its work on the outbreak.He joins the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has pledged $50 million to United Nations agencies and other international groups to purchase supplies, such as protective gear for healthcare workers treating Ebola patients, and to expand the emergency response. Allen’s gift to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention comes at a time when international groups, including Doctors Without Borders and the World Health Organisation, have said resources to contain the epidemic and treat those affected are falling tragically short. “The tragedy of Ebola is that we know how to tackle the disease, but the governments in West Africa are in dire need of more resources and solutions,’ Allen said in a statement. ‘The developed world needs to step up now with resources and solutions.” Allen said the donation from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation will help CDC establish emergency operations centers in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where the worst Ebola outbreak on record has killed about 2,300 people and shows no sign of slowing six months after it began. U.S. President Barack Obama asked Congress for $88 million in new Ebola funding, including $25 million for CDC, but this week congressional leaders said they would provide no more than $40 million. Allen said his foundation’s gift would help CDC establish and equip emergency operations centers in the three most-affected countries, focusing on public health, not patient care. The centers will use ‘data management and communication systems for disease and patient contact tracing, to detect and stop the disease from spreading,’ Allen said. They will also expand lab testing to identify new outbreaks, and disseminate information about the epidemic to the public. ‘A winnable battle should never be lost,’ Allen said. CDC has just more than 100 public health experts in the Ebola zone, and plans to send more. ‘Ebola is raging through parts of West Africa like an out-of-control forest fire but it can be controlled if

•Allen

the world comes together,’ CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said in a statement. The CDC Foundation, which was established by Congress in 1994 to raise funding to augment what CDC gets from Congress, recently committed $1 million to the Ebola response, including money for computers, personal protective equipment and thermal scanning thermometers for airport screeners, and training for healthcare workers. Since resigning from Microsoft in 1983, Allen has become a prominent philanthropist, supporting scientific research through the Allen Institute for Brain Science and the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence. He also owns the Seattle Seahawks football team and the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team. The donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will also support emergency response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa — and represents the charity’s largest donation to a humanitarian effort. ‘It became clear to us over the last

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS

ar chest against Ebola in Nigeria, others

Lagos okays September 22 for schools’ resumption

HE Lagos State government says all is set for schools’ resumption on September 22. The government, in a statement issued yesterday, explained its support for the date announced by the Federal Government. The statement reads: “Concerning the resumption of all public and private nursery, primary and secondary schools for the 2014/ 2015 session, Lagos State Government supports the September 22, 2014 date, which was announced by the Federal Government after a national consultation on efforts to contain the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria. “Although this resumption date is advisory, as education is a concurrent matter to be regulated by the respective Federal and States Authorities, Lagos State Government considers it eminently justifiable, in view of the fact that there is currently no known carrier of EVD in our State at the moment. Furthermore, the last individual suspected to seven to 10 days that the pace and scope of the epidemic was increasing significantly,’ said Chris Elias, president of global development for the world’s largest charitable foundation. The Seattle-based foundation said the money will go to the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the CDC and international organizations involved in fighting transmission of the virus. The money will be used to purchase supplies and to develop vac-

have been exposed to the virus will be discharged from observation on September 18, 2014, if he tests negative for the virus. All public and private educational institutions in the State are therefore directed to schedule their resumption accordingly. “Considering the current situation report, it is clear that the risk of infection with EVD in Lagos State has been significantly reduced. Health professionals working on the outbreak are also in agreement that there is no reason why schools should remain closed beyond the 22nd of September, 2014. “ In spite of the foregoing, the State Government has now developed and will deploy all resources necessary to sustain the capacity to promptly take into custody any person suspected to be infected with EVD, as well as safely test, monitor and isolate such a person for treatment as may be found necessary without endangering other members of the public.

cines, therapies and better diagnostic tools. ‘By fighting Ebola now, we can make sure it doesn’t become an endemic in (West) Africa,’ Gates tweeted on Wednesday. The foundation wants to help stop the outbreak as well as accelerate development of treatments and improve prevention. Elias said foundation officials have been talking to its partners around the world to assess the best use of its dollars and could not say yet how

“We also acknowledge the need for everyone to remain very vigilant, as the disease still remains in other countries within the sub-region. The following steps will therefore be taken in all schools, whether public or private, before and after resumption of schools: *Training and sensitization of students, vendors, teachers and non academic staff on EVD and how to avoid it; * Identification of EVD Focal Persons in schools who would be responsible for surveillance and health monitoring; *Provision of adequate environmental sanitation, including clean toilets and premises; * Provision of running water and soap and encouragement of frequent hand washing; *Sensitisation of students on other personal hygiene habits, like the use of handkerchiefs when sneezing or coughing; and

much would be spent on the emergency response and how much on research and development. ‘One of our key advantages is flexibility,’ he said. Global health and development dominate the work of the foundation, which has given away $30 billion since 1997. The foundation formed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife reported an endowment worth $40billion as of March 2014. The foundation was particularly

*Arrangement for prompt referral of any sick person to the nearest health institution for treatment. “In spite of the foregoing, the State Government reiterates that the health of all its residents is a matter of utmost importance and, if any reasons emerge for a reconsideration of the school resumption date, a well-considered decision will be taken and the general public will be informed accordingly. “The state government salutes the health personnel and health institutions that have done their best to ensure the containment of EVD. Government officials will meet presently with those health institutions, which might have suffered adverse economic consequences as a result, and will find ways of assisting them to mitigate their loses and safely reopen for business as soon as possible.”

influenced by the request on Friday by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon for $600million to fight the Ebola outbreak. Ban said efforts in the next few weeks would be essential to stopping the virus that has killed more than 2,000 people in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The $50million includes $10million the foundation previously committed for emergency operations, treatment and research. Of that money, $5million went to the

World Health Organization for emergency operations and research and development. Another $5million went to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea to purchase medical supplies, coordinate response efforts and spread information. Some of the $50million will support strengthening existing health care systems in the countries affected by the outbreak, the foundation said.

Schools’ resumption tops agenda as Senators, Reps resume

HE contention over resumption of primary and secondary schools from the long vacation next week because of the Ebola outbreak and the controversy over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s creation of 30,000 new polling units will top the agenda as the National Assembly returns after over two months recess. The two chambers are expected back in plenary tomorrow. Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs Mohammed Zakari, confirmed tomorrow’s resumption. His deputy, Victor Ogene, said one of first assignments the House

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

would be a briefing for the House Committee on Electoral Matters by INEC over the creation of 30,000 polling units. Leaders of the South have stated their opposition to the plan. According to Ogene, who spoke from his Constituency in Anambra state, the House Committee on Electoral Matters would interface with aggrieved interest groups with the view to averting a crisis ahead of the general elections. “The Committee on Electoral Matters will also interface with various INEC and other stakeholders on electoral issues that came up

including the by-elections held in some states. “It will create an opportunity for them to brief the House appropriately and for us to take informed decision on resumption.” He said in spite of the break, many of the House’s standing committees including Education and Health had interacted with stakeholders in order to resolve some national issues. According to him, the Committee on Education will meet with stakeholders including Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, Minister of Health, Onyebuchi

Chukwu, and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu today, to discuss the resumption of schools. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) among others are also expected at the meeting. In this final lap of the Seventh Assembly, the lawmakers are expected to put finishing touches to pending bills like Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB); Cybercrime Bill; Tobacco Bill; anti-Terrorism Bill and Asset forfeiture Bill, Constitution review, among others.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

Suntai returns from U.K.

Air Force loses jet in battle Continued from page 1

ARABA State Governor Danbaba Suntai is back in the country after months of medical trip to the United Kingdom. He returned to Abuja on Saturday night after which he spoke to reporters at Gen. Theophilus Danjuma’ s guest house in Asokoro in the Federal Capital Territory. He said: “I just arrived in Nigeria after my treatment abroad at Whalton Hospital in London. “I thank God l’m getting better. l am happy to be back home and you all are here to receive me. Thank you all for your prayers and support.’’ Sources said acting Governor Garba Umar was prevented from seeing Suntai. Suntai was received by Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs Darius Ishaku, who hails from the state, former Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, among others. Ishaku told reporters that the governor was in good health, adding that he could now take over the responsibility of governing the state. “Taraba State will heave a sigh of relief following the return of the governor. “I am excited; he just addressed us and expressed his joy to be back home. I will like to add that his health is a miracle,’’ Ishaku said. Nyame said Suntai’s mental alertness indicated that he was capable of taking over the affairs of the state. “It is obvious that the governor can recognise everyone here, which shows that he is mentally alert and lucid. “He just addressed the press, but the last time he didn’t, which shows that he can take over as

•Suntai with his wife, Auwa on arrival in Abuja... at the weekend. (Down) Suntai

the governor,’’ Nyame said. The plane Suntai piloted crashed on October 25, 2012 near Yola, the Adamawa State capital. He was transferred from a hospital in Yola to the National Hospital, Abuja, on October 26, 2012, and later flown to Germany and the United States for treatment. He returned to the country on August 23, 2013 after 10 months of medical treatment overseas. After some controversies on the status of his health, he was flown to London for further

medical treatment. President Goodluck Jonathan visited him about one hour after the governor was admitted into the intensive care unit of the National Hospital. Jonathan had said that Suntai’s condition was stable, and urged Nigerians to pray for his speedy recovery. His return is already causing ripples in the political set-up of the state. Last week, the state executive council meeting presided over by acting Governor Garba Umar, voted to authorise the

House of Assembly to raise a medical team that would include Suntai’s doctors to medically examine him and declare his true state of health. This is with a view to determining whether he is fit to return to office. While the move has been applauded by Umar’s supporters, the governor’s supporters see it as a way to get rid of him so that Umar could become the substantive governor and thereby influence the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to his advantage.

Presidential primaries: PDP governors push for consensus

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governors are to push for a consensus candidate for the 2015 presidential poll, The Nation learnt. The governors may adopt President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s candidate. It was also learnt that there is pressure on Jonathan by various groups to declare his re-election bid. But the president’s camp remains silent on when he will declare his plan to run, although

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

October has been fixed. It was gathered that the PDP Governors Forum, led by its chairman, Chief Godswill Akpabio, had been trying to persuade their colleagues and party leaders towards a consensus candidate. Their main motive, according to sources, is to keep the “PDP united to confront the opposition in 2015”. It was gathered that the same

“idea” is being sold to all the structures of the party. The zonal rallies of Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) is allegedly being used by the governors to gauge the consensus option. A source said: “With the exception of Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, all the PDP governors are really working towards automatic adoption of the President for second term as PDP’s consensus candidate. “They want to make the pres-

idential primaries mere formality at the National Convention of the party. “In fact, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Chief Godswill Akpabio, is the main driver of the consensus option. “And if you look at the trend, most PDP governors have stayed away from presidential ambition. Instead, some of them are only having aspiration for the Office of Vice-President.” Continued on page 57

village on the Borno side of the border informed him that a plane-like object was sighted in the mountainous area. “Some villagers have just called to tell me that an object they believed to be an aircraft was discovered in the bush,” he said. He said a search party by the villagers will comb the area this morning. The plane, one of those deployed against Boko Haram insurgents in Konduga, Borno State, on Friday is an Alpha jet. It got missing in Adamawa State. More than 200 insurgents were killed in the operation and four soldiers were injured. The Defence Headquarters yesterday said a search team had been deployed in the state to find the Alpha Jet (NAF 466). But the incident has not stopped air strikes in Bama, Gwoza and Madagali. A statement by the Director, Defence Information, MajorGeneral Chris Olukolade, said: “An Alpha Jet (NAF 466) belonging to the Nigerian Air Force is missing around Adamawa State. “The aircraft, with two pilots onboard, left Yola at about 10:45am on 12 September 2014 on a routine operational mission and was expected back by 12:00 noon. “Since then all efforts to establish contact with the aircraft have not yielded any positive result. Meanwhile, search and rescue effort is ongoing to establish contact with the crew.”

The likelihood of the aircraft being brought down by Boko Haram was considered remote by a military source. The source said: “A sad moment after the euphoria of joy and excitement of military victory in Konduga. The jet did much of the bombardments of the insurgents, got missing in Adamawa axis. “We are definitely searching for the jet; it is too early to either talk of a crash or attack by the insurgents. “Some members of the search team have been in and around Michika town in Adamawa but we have not found the jet.” The source claimed that the incident had not stopped ongoing operations in Borno and Adamawa states. “Troops are still going ahead with air strikes in Bama, Gwoza and Madagali areas against the insurgents,” he said, adding: “We are determined to consolidate on the gains recorded against the insurgents on Friday. In fact, intelligence report indicated that Boko Haram is getting war-weary.” Adamawa State Acting Governor Umaru Fintiri yesterday commiserated with the Nigeria Air Force over the loss of its fighter Jet. Fintiri said the prayers of the people were with the aircraft pilots and for their safe return to their families. The Acting Governor’s position was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Solomon Kumangar. Fintiri saluted the resilience of Continued on page 57

NNPC targets 250,000 bpd, says GMD

HE Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is targeting the production cut of 250,000 barrels per day, its Group Managing Director Dr. Joseph Dawha said at the weekend. The GMD said under his watch, the oil giant would in the short term concentrate on three key areas of ramping up production by its upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to 250,000 barrels of crude oil per day. He said the corporation would also focus on boosting gas supply and expanding gas infrastructure to enhance availability of gas for power generation and feedstock for gas-based industries; and driving performance management and improving core processes to instill a culture of performance and boost productivity. Dawha urged Information

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Technology Division on Innovative Strategies to Support ThreePoint Agenda He challenged the Information Technology Division of the Corporation to evolve innovative ideas and strategies to support management’s three-point agenda. Dawha gave the charge at the 2014 NNPC IT Knowledge Sharing and Direction Setting Workshop in Abuja, according to the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe in a statement yesterday. The GMD who was represented by the Group Executive Director, Business Development, Dr. Attahiru Yussuf, urged the Division to be strategic and proactive in generating ideas and deploying cutting-edge technologies that could promote the efContinued on page 57

Synagogue building collapse death toll hits 44 as Fashola seeks inquiry Continued from page 1

ple affected. Right now, we do not know how many people are involved. When a final inventory has been taken, the ministry of special duties will take a decision as regards relieve,” he added. On whether the ýgovernment plans to seal the premises, Ayinde said: “There are no plans for that yet until investigation as to the cause of the collapse has been concluded. “I have said I have no proof of a permit. Maybe they have one and are yet to show us. We will give them the opportunity to defend themselves and action can only be taken after investigation has been concluded.” But the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun, affirmed that the church had no approval. She said: “We have investigated and found that they had no approval for the additional structures. Even the main church, which they have added about three floors on, was sealed

The ‘evil one’ did it, says Joshua as congregation views video

ESPITE Friday’s calamity at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), service were held yesterday. Prophet Temitope Joshua’s sermon was, however, unusual. He attributed the incident to the work of “the evil one”. Prophet Joshua had earlier said an aircraft flew over the building just before it collapsed. A CCTV footage showing the “strange aircraft” overflying the building four times before it collapsed was shown to the congregation. In the security camera footage, apparently from opposite the vast church compound, an aircraft is seen over the building four times at 11:30 am (1030 GMT), 11:43 am, 11:45 and 11:54 am. two days ago, but it is now open. ”You cannot have an existing building and start putting up more buildings on it. Before you can do anything like that, you must confirm that the structure is still stable and can stand additional buildings.” The Nation gathered that the collapsed building, which was a three-storey that had another

The uncompleted building, five floors of which are visible above a high wall, is then seen to collapse at 12:44 pm, throwing up huge clouds of dust into the air. “After the incident, the “strange aircraft” does not return,” a commentary accompanying the images adds. There was no independent verification of the authenticity of the footage but Joshua said he would make it available to Nigeria’s security agencies. Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam said the matter is being investigated. He said Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka had not directed him to comment on the matter. He said details would

three added to it, had been vibrating for sometime before it collapsed. It was also gathered that over 200 people were in the building, most of them having lunch at the basement, while the construction workers were on the sixth floor. There were many foreigners, according to sources.

emerge shortly. Joshua brought out a white sheet of paper which had an email sent by a convert who he said was a Boko Haram member. “I did not bring this out before now because I did not want people with little faith to be scared and stop coming to church. “Even my wife did not know of the existence of this mail. Only the people at the email department and myself knew of it and I told them not to disclose it to anyone.” He said the picture on the mail is that of a man from Kogi State, residing in Jos with his soldier parent. “He was a Boko Haram member as you

Mattresses, clothes and other household items, including airconditionersý, were seen lying in the rubble of the building. Besides, a foul odour oozed out of the site. Fumigants were being distributed to the workers. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management

Continued on page 57

Agency (LASEMA), Red Cross, medical personnel from the state and federal governments and Lagos State Building Inspection Agency personnel were all at the site as excavation continued. The workers were on the sixth floor, cutting the rods to create an opening to into other floors. The Nation gathered that all the 130 people rescued alive and

the 44 dead were removed from the sixth floor and the basement, which are the only areas the workers have been able to access. It was also observed that most of the pillars of the collapsed building were still standing. Confirming the death toll, NEMA’s Southwest spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the cause of the collpase was still being investigated. “We were able to work overnight and so, as at now (6pm), we have 130 rescued alive and 44 dead. Nobody can say what caused the collapse. But from the footage shown to me, where all the foundation of the building was shaking before it caved in, it could have been caused by the additional structure. “Investigations will confirm what really happened. You can see that some of the beams and

Continued on page 57

ADVERT HOTLINES 08023006969, 08052592524

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS

Pro-Jonathan TAN rallies indecent, says APC

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has insisted that the rallies held across the country by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) represent an assault on the intelligence and sensibilities of Nigerians, at a time of insecurity and health challenges. Responding to the defence of the rallies, the party said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Lagos yesterday that no amount of inversion of reasoning by the TAN foot soldiers could wash them (the rallies) clean of shame and disgust. It said only those described as ‘morons and sycophants’ by Prof. Wole Soyinka could engage in celebratory rallies when soldiers were dying on the Boko Haram battle front, when citizens were daily being sent to their graves by insurgents and when the country was still reeling from the challenge of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which had killed many people. APC wondered how the inauguration of its regional executives in Sokoto could be equated with the rallies being held across the country by TAN, which was another name for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), another name for shame, incompetence, cluelessness, cruelty, insincerity and insensitivity. The party said if President Goodluck Jonathan had not been

‘PDP officials should not be part of rallies’

HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given a directive to those organising rallies in support of individuals ahead of the 2015 general elections. It said yesterday in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh: “While we recognise the inalienable right of citizens under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to freely associate and publicly express their support for persons of their choice, we, however, wish to restate that no official of the PDP at any level should for any reason whatsoever be involved in such events until after the primaries. “In this regard, all support groups struggling for

running a government hallmarked by impunity, there was no way any party would have begun campaign under the guise of a non-government organisation (NGO) coordinated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, governors and other public officials. “The PDP-led Federal Government and its ‘NGO’ called TAN are barefaced liars and cheats. They have seized an undue advantage over every other party by defying the nation’s laws to start an early campaign, and no one, not even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dares call them to order! Little wonder, their podiums are collapsing under the weight of their lies,” it said. APC slammed TAN’s self-serving

legitimacy, supremacy or recognition should henceforth desist from trying to actualise such by using the names of the officials of the PDP. “PDP issues this as a last warning to all support groups and will not hesitate to take measures against any further infraction on its integrity and that of its officials. “For the avoidance of doubt, the leadership of the PDP recognises that party officials as unbiased umpires have a sacred duty to observe the dictates of internal democracy and as such remain neutral until the emergence of candidates through our primaries in line with the provisions of the PDP constitution.”

Director of Communications, Mr. Udenta Udenta, for attempting to pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians by justifying the rallies. “We have the following posers for the deceptive and pigs-at-the trough TAN organisers: If Mr. Udenta and his co- travellers were parents, relations or friends of any of the over 200 missing Chibok schoolgirls, wouldn’t such TAN rallies offend their sensibilities? If Udenta or any of his co-travellers in TAN had lost a relation or dear one to EVD in Port Harcourt, wouldn’t such a rally in the same city about the same time offend their sensibilities? Can Udenta tell Nigerians the source of funding of TAN? Can Udenta tell Nigerians how much TAN has spent so far in

canvassing Jonathan’s re-election or for that matter how much it spends daily on radio jingles, television and newspapers adverts, billboards, etc? Can Udenta tender to the public TAN’s audited account? “We know Udenta has no answers to these posers, but we have no iota of doubt that Nigerians know that TAN is funded and powered by the massive corruption of this government, including but not limited to the missing $20 billion, the over $1trillion fuel subsidy scam, the kerosene subsidy scam, the hundreds of thousands of barrels of our crude oil being stolen daily, the pension scam, the Malibu Oil scandal, etc. We also know through which top functionaries of government funds are funnelled to

•Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi signing the condolence register when he visited the family of The Sun Vice-Chairman, Dimgba Igwe, at the weekend. With him are the deceased’s son Chinaza, wife, Obioma and daughter, Victoria.

Fed Govt, ambassadors meet on investment

HE Federal Government and 14 ambassadors across Asia held a strategic meeting in New Delhi, India, at the weekend on how to improve trade and investment with the 15 countries in the sub-continent. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the ministry and the envoys would work on doubling the volume of trade between Nigeria and Asia to over $80billion (about N13.2trillion) within two years. Trade volume between Nigeria and 15 Asian countries stands in excess of $40billion (N6.62trillion). India is Nigeria’s largest trading partner with about N2.95trillion, followed by China at N2.143trillion. Trade between Nigeria and Australia stands at N534.3billion; Singapore, N293.4billion; Indonesia, N272.8billion; Japan, N263.5billion and Bangladesh, N84.5billion,

•Target $80b trade with Asia By Simeon Ebulu

among others. Nigeria’s ambassadors to India, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, North Korea, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Guangzou and Pakistan, attended the meeting. Key agencies of the ministry, such as the Nigerian Export Processing Zones, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, the National Automotive Council and the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, were also represented. Aganga said the meeting was necessitated by the emergence of Asian countries as Nigeria’s major trading and investment partners, adding that there was need to maintain the country’s position as the preferred investment destination in Africa and globally. The meeting also opened fresh investment commit-

ments by major Indian companies. Aganga explained why India is keen on investing in Nigeria: “The reason is that over the last decade, there has been a shift in the dynamics of how Nigeria does business globally. We have seen our nation move from a nation historically joined at the hip with the western world to one which is more and more eastward facing. “This is evidenced by the fact that Nigeria’s biggest trading partner is now India, with China following closely. Nigeria also sells a large portion of its crude to India, while our traditional major buyer- the United States- has moved to the 10th place. This scenario mirrors the shift in trading patterns.” He said while the Western world has been beset by economic instability, the fastest growing economies have been those in the African and

Asian regions. “We want to arm you with the relevant information to help in your roles as chief marketing officers for Nigeria in your stations. Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Ndubuisi Amaku, said the country would benefit by increasing the current level of economic partnership with Asian countries, adding that Asia had regards for Nigeria and would play a role in the transformation agenda of the government.

TAN,” the party said. APC said it would not stop calling for an end to the TAN rallies until common sense prevailed and the President, who waited for an international condemnation of his #BringBackJonathan hash tag before taking action, was again forced to call his selfish sycophants to order. “Our soldiers are combating Boko Haram literally with their bare hands and under the most intolerable conditions and our government is partying around town. As we write, a war plane has been declared missing in the battle zone and our government is celebrating. Clearly, if a fraction of the funds TAN has been expending in its multi-billion naira adverts on radio, television, newspapers, billboards, online and on London buses, not to talk of the mobilisation for rallies, can be made available to our soldiers, Boko Haram would have long been forgotten. “These times call for deep reflection and not for deep throats. These times call for cool-headed and decent men and women to realise that a nation at war cannot be celebrating, because it sends a wrong message to the men and women deployed in the battle zone to protect our nation. This is not about politics, this is about common sense, sensibilities and decency,” the party said.

Babalakin decries high moral decadence

HE Chairman of BiCourteny, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), has decried the high moral decadence in the society. He spoke yesterday at the Chevron Recreation Club Hall, Gbagada, Lagos, at the launch of a foundation, the Muslim for Education Development and Literacy Advocacy Foundation (MEDLAF). Babalakin, who was the chairman of the event, said government, corporate bodies, groups and individuals should curb moral decadence “to enable our nation regain its lost glory.” He hailed MEDLAF for embarking on a good initiative, which would help the society. The foundation president, Mr. Yunus Adogba, also condemned high moral decadence, attributing it to the lack of a balanced education. Said he: “We are all witnesses to the decadence in our society today. Are Muslims not part of the perpetrators? If truly they are, then why? MEDLAF identifies the lack of balanced education as responsible for more than 50 per cent immoralities among Muslims. “Balanced information/ education is a process where a person acquires the spiritual and conventional education without one hindering the other. Our

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

clamour is that every Muslim child must be educated and the education should not be one sided. “Government alone cannot do this unless we want to deceive ourselves. We must praise the courage of the proprietors/proprietress of Islamic schools and support them. To encourage ‘charge less and give bigger’ operating system among Islamic private schools, training and re-training of their teachers at no cost is MEDLAF’s priority. Providing an opportunity for the rich Muslims to train their children in a status-match environment has also been considered by the foundation. This led to our proposed school.” Adogba said membership of the foundation was open to regular and sponsored members, adding that for as low as N5,000 people could be bona fide members. The President of Islamic Network for Development, Alhaja Amatul-Khaeel Oshodi, hailed Islamic missions, such as Ahmadiyya, Ansar-Ud-Deen, Anwar-UlIslam and others for promoting education and encouraging the teaching of morals in schools. She enjoined groups, organisations and individuals to emulate them.

Amosun mourns Adekunle

GUN State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has mourned one of the nation’s gallant military officers, Brig.-Gen. Benjamin Adekunle. He described him as a civil war hero. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said he

was saddened by the news of the death of the war veteran. He said the incident occurred at a time the wisdom and knowledge of the like of Gen. Adekunle were needed to curb insurgency. “This is so sad. Black Scorpion, as he was fondly called, played a significant role in the unity and search for peace in our country, as he fought gallantly in the civil war to

preserve the country’s sanctity as the leader of the 3rd Marine Commando.” The governor commiserated with the deceased’s family, the Army, as well as his friends and associates, praying that the Almighty God should grant his soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS

Arewa to Jonathan: you’ve failed woefully B

ARELY four days after the apex Northern socio-cultral group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), wrote an openly letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, lamenting the state of insecurity in the region, the forum yesterday held an emergency meeting with non-government organisations from the North, where it accused the President of failing woefully to protect the people of the region. The ACF National Executive Council (NEC) Chairman, Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie, a former Inspector-General of Police, alleged that there is a deliberate plan or attempt to emasculate the North economically and divide them politically. The forum chairman said: “As we gather here today to discuss, let us not lose sight

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

of the fact that there is a Federal Government, whose responsibility it is to protect the lives and safeguard the property of every citizen of this country. “What we are witnessing today is a complete reversal of that role. The government of the day under the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has woefully failed to protect us. “While the North is being battered, the people in government have not made serious effort to end it. For the first time in the history of this great nation, our President is being openly condemned for his ineptitude, immaturity and ineffective-

ness. “Since the advent of the Boko Haram uprising in 2009, the region has witnessed a speedy descent into anarchy. The insurgency and insecurity situation we are faced with in the North is such that we have never imagined would happen to Arewa that we all grew up to know, love and cherish. “The Arewa that was bequeathed to us by our forefathers is no longer the same. Today the entire Northern region is under siege. The North is being attacked from all angles and fields. “Now the general belief is that this government and its leadership do not like us. The current policies and the government attitude towards the insurgency leave us with no

better conclusion than to assume that there is a deliberate plan or attempt to emasculate the North economically, to reduce us numerically, disunite us religiously and divide us politically. “This is the grim situation we are faced with. As leaders of Arewa, it is incumbent upon us to rise up to the occasion. The entire citizenry of the North looks up to us with so much hope. “We must at this point bury our individual differences, come together and critically examine the situation before us. We must come out and speak with one united voice. We cannot afford to be seen to be divided. “This gathering must pose questions whose answers should appraise us with what is happening to the North and why Nigeria is drifting towards anarchy and shamelessness.”

‘Jega still has more answers to give Nigerians’

HE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, still has more answers to give Nigerians on the proposed creation of 30,000 polling units, the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) has said. It noted in a statement by its Coordinating Secretary, Dr. Ayakeme Whisky, that Jega’s explanation did not hold water, as it failed to address the issue of lopsidedness in the planned allocation. SNPA led by former VicePresident Alex Ekwueme, Chief Edwin Clark and Bishop Emmanuel Gbonigi asked the INEC boss to explain why it was the North alone, which deserved the increase, when the purpose of creating additional polling units was to split

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

large polling units. It reiterated its call for the removal of Jega, saying it could no longer trust his actions. The group said: “The Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly wishes to state that Prof. Attahiru Jega’s claims are spurious, hollow and indefensible. They are at best a demonstration of continued affront to the sensibilities of the people of Southern Nigeria. “Jega has to convince the people of Southern Nigeria that it was only the polling units of the North that had registered voters in excess of 500 persons and the region is de-

serving of 21,615 additional polling units to the detriment of the South. He knows he cannot in good conscience deprecate allegations of conspiracy and primordial parochialism. “Contrary to the averment of Prof. Jega that no polling unit has been created and allocated, it was reported in Nigerian Pilot of September 10, page 16 that the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Zamfara State, a state whose registered voters have been grossly depleted by half, following the Automated Fingers Identification System (AFIS), has inaugurated a committee to distribute Jega’s additional 1,163 polling units for the state. “Other states in the North have also reportedly begun the implementation of the additional polling units created and

BENJAMIN ADEKUNLE (1936-2014)

Adekunle: Nigeria has lost a patriot, says Fashola

AGOS State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola joined yesterday other Nigerians to mourn the death of civil war hero, Brig.-Gen. Benjamin Adekunle. He described him as a true patriot, who stood to be counted for the unity of the country.

Fayemi, Adeyeye mourn him

KITI State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, have mourned the death of civil war hero, Brig.Gen. Benjamin Adekunle. They described him as a

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

dedicated officer, who sacrificed a lot for the unity of the country. They prayed for the repose of his soul and the fortitude by his family to bear the huge loss.

Family may announce funeral Wednesday

By Basirat Braimah

HE family of the late Brig.-Gen. Benjamin Adekunle said yesterday that funeral arrangements could be announced on Wednesday. In an interview with The Nation, the deceased’s wife, Mrs. Folake Adekunle, said: “Please, I’m not in the best position to talk, but I promise to address the press on Wednesday.”

IPMAN urges govt on road

From Jeremiah Oke, Abeokuta

HE Ogun State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) urged yesterday the Federal Government to hasten the completion of the Ikorodu-Mosinmi-Sagamu Road, to ease transportation of petroleum products from its Mosinmi depot. The chairman, Alhaji Dele Tajudeen, who spoke with The Nation at Mosinmi in Ogun State, said he was disappointed the way the contractor handled the project.

FRSC to enforce use of speed limiters

•Jega

allocated to them. Was Prof. Jega merely pulling the wool over our eyes, to endorse his make-believe stories and defences when he claimed that it was a ‘framework’ for approval? “We urge security agencies to put a finite halt to this insidious design by Prof. Jega to forestall further provocation and breakdown of law and order in the country.

ROM June 1 next year, motorists are expected to have a maximum speed limiter device in their vehicles, to reduce crashes. Stakeholders spoke at the weekend in Abuja in a communiqué at the end of a one-day forum on the “National Policy on Maximum Road Speed Limiter for Vehicles”. Speaking with reporters,

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said the commission was empowered to apprehend anyone who violated the speed limit.

Supporters seek automatic ticket for Buhari

VEN as the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) insists on adopting what it describes as the modified direct primaries for the selection of candidates for next year’s elections, supporters of the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, may have begun moves to ensure that the party gives automatic ticket to him. The underground move, which is gaining momentum in the party, The Nation learnt, is causing a stir in the camps of other presidential aspirants. At its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting attended by the former Nigerian leader and ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, APC said it would adopt the modified direct primaries for candidates interested in contesting any elective office, a posi-

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

tion that has been widely applauded by members across the country. A source in the party told The Nation that the leadership of the party is worried by feelers from the Buhari camp “that the emergence of Buhari as a candidate is a settled matter.” The source quoted the spokesman for The Buhari Organisation (TBO), Osita Okechuku, as saying: “Given all the indices, APC already has a de facto presidential candidate in Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). “If you go through the constitution of the APC, Article 20 says for the nomination of candidate either for party offices or presidential election, you first explore consensus. If an agreement is reached through consensus, it has to be affirmed. If

we go through that method, although we have a lot of quality people in APC, I do not know of any person the leadership of APC will tell Buhari to step down for.” Another source said disregarding democratic process in the choice of APC’s presidential standard-bearer could drag the party into “a deep and possibly political damage”, adding that the idea of “automatic adoption of Buhari or any other aspirant is undemocratic and will be resisted.” The source said those scheming for “automatic ticket for Buhari are probably Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fifth columnists, who are planning the downfall of APC because of their fear that if allowed to pick its presidential candidate through the modified direct

APC presidential ticket: Kwankwaso woos Okorocha

N a bid to get the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has sought the support of Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. A delegation of the “Nigeria Project 2015” , the campaign organ of Kwankwaso, at the weekend visited

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Okorocha at the Government House in Owerri to get his support. Okorocha, who is also nursing a presidential ambition, was said to have received the delegation warmly, urging members of the APC in the state to support Kwankwaso’s ambition. He was said to have described him as one of the best presidential aspirants.

Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting, the leader of the delegation and Kano State Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Dr. Abubakar Nuhu Danburan, said the meeting was impressive and encouraging. He, however, noted that the governor told them that he was also nursing a presidential ambition, adding that they were impressed with his blunt response.

•Buhari

primaries, it is likely to win the presidential election.” Buhari has reportedly said as a loyal member, he would abide by the decision of the party.

Nurses suspend strike From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

NURSES have suspended their planned strike, following the understanding reached with the Federal Government over unified scheme of service. The General-Secretary of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), W. G. Yusuf-Badmus, said the proposed industrial action was suspended, as the process for the actualisation of the unified scheme of service was on course.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS Osun signs N10b road contract From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

SUN State has inked a N10 billion contract for the rehabilitation and construction of 224.6-kilometre rural roads. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Mr. Kunle Ige, revealed this to reporters in Osogbo at the weekend. He said the project, tagged: Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP), is supported by the World Bank and French Development Project. Ige added that the two foreign organisations have contributed about 75 per cent of the fund while the government paid N2.5 billion counterpart funds, representing 25 per cent. The contract, according to him, has been awarded to Messrs Westmidland Construction Company Limited, Messrs Wetland Construction Nigeria Limited and Messrs Lee Fakino Nigeria Limited. Ige noted that among the participating four states - Adamawa, Osun, Enugu and Niger states - in the RAMP, Osun was the first to meet up with conditions for the signing of the contract, which would enhance access and mobility in the rural areas. The Special Adviser, who noted that the project would boost the state’s economy, said most of the roads to be constructed would lead to farm settlements. He added that the road project would make it convenient to transport agricultural produce to the cities after the completion of the roads. The governor’s aide said the contractors would be monitored to ensure that they carry out the project according to specifications.

Market fire: Ajimobi gives N10m to traders

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has disbursed N10 million to traders of Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan, whose shops were gutted by fire recently. Ajimobi, while presenting the cheques to the traders at the weekend, said the gesture was in fulfillment of his earlier promise to assist the affected traders to cushion the effect of the losses they suffered during the inferno. He praised the traders for their contributions to the state’s socio-economic development, adding that his administration would not relent in its efforts at ensuring people’s improved living condition. The governor said his administration had earmarked N300 million as interest-loans to assist traders, while markets had been provided for the traders who were removed from the streets. He called on politicians to desist from engaging in campaign of calumny, politics of deceit, character assassination and violence. Ajimobi urged the traders to continue to support the urban renewal programme of his administration and to continue to sustain the state’s existing peace, reminding them that meaningful development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.

APC hails Fashola on Lagos debt profile

AGOS State All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) on his explanations about the status of the state’s debt profile. The party also urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government to furnish Nigerians with an account of the status and performance of the financial liabilities it has piled up. Its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, in a statement yesterday, said every Nigerian should be grateful to Fashola and the APC government in Lagos for utilising the state’s resources to better the lives of Nigerians. The APC noted that while the state was alive to its responsibilities, the Federal Government has abandoned its. The party stressed that Nigerians should demand from

•Party urges Fed Govt to explain N8.8tr liability

their leaders at the federal level what it did with the hefty debt it has accumulated in recent times. The statement reads: “We salute Governor Fashola for this brilliant answer to what was obviously a blackmail from the PDP-led Federal Government that has been pilling debts for Nigerians at an alarming rate. “Even with the huge accruals the Federal Government is harnessing, it has once again, ran Nigeria into a tricky debt trap after the controversial exit from the debt trap during the Obasanjo regime. “It must interest Nigerians while the publication was making an issue that a viable state like Lagos is owing N160 billion, it wanted to play down the fact that the Federal Government it works for has

piled up Nigeria’s debt to N8.8 trillion! “Lagos has the fifth largest economy in Africa, catering for over 21 million people with such gigantic projects like the famous light rail project, the several independent power projects, the Eko Atlantic City, ambitious city roads, gigantic municipal water works, etc. “Lagos has a reputation as a solid state that has met all its previous debt obligations. Lagos invests in regenerative projects that have contributed to not only make Lagos productive and viable to all Nigerians, but the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.” The party wondered how an agency of the Federal Government that has nothing to show for the huge tranche of resources it sits on wants to play politics with the debt profile

of Lagos State, “if not for the same arcane politics that the same government has used to wreck the country.” “It may interest Nigerians to know that the Federal Government, which collects 52 per cent of monthly allocations while all the 36 states, including Lagos share 26 per cent, has a debt portfolio that far exceeds the debts owed by all the states in Nigeria. “We want to also let Nigerians know that the same Federal Government is supervising the ruination of the infrastructural base of the nation, pushing Nigerians to flock to Lagos for survival and succour. “We want to challenge the Federal Government to do a detailed explanation of what it does with the huge debt it had piled up for Nigerians, we want them to let Nigeri-

•A masqurade, Danabojura, entertaining guests at the Oranyan Festival ...yesterday.

PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI, IBADAN

Alaafin decries alleged relegation of Yoruba

HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has decried what he described as “relegation of Yoruba to the background in the country’s scheme of things.” The paramount ruler spoke at the “Grand Finale of Oranyan Festival” at the weekend in Oyo town. He said there was no doubt that the Yoruba nation today, was “in dire need of empire builders in the mould and character of the legendary Oranyan.” The monarch noted that despite the tribe’s heroic contributions to the nation, it was almost relegated to the background in the scheme of things. He said it was as if the Federal Government had decided to relegate Yorubaland in

•Grand Finale of Oranyan Festival holds in Oyo Town From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

the allocation of resources and political power sharing. He added that the situation of the Yoruba within the context of the Nigerian state was disturbing, bearing in mind the Yoruba’s resources used to build the Nigerian nation. Oba Adeyemi, however, noted that the life and political career of the legendary founder, Oranyan, would provide a template for effective political system or statecraft, empire building and mass political participation. “Oranyan was an astute political leader, who in spite of all odds, created a most enduring political system in sub-Saharan Africa. The archetypal monarchy embroidered with central authority

was a product of the wizardry of Oranyan, who left the cradle of Yoruba consciousness to create a system of government whose effectiveness, creativity, relevance, suitability and appropriateness is not in doubt even in contemporary Nigeria. “The time is just right for a new Yoruba genius to emerge and provide leadership for the Yoruba nation. Let our aspiring politicians approach the foundation of knowledge, and every pretentions, arrogance and selfishness to embrace the ideals of Oranyan in politics,” he said. Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Moses Adeyemo, praised the monarch for initiating a move to unite the Yoru-

ba nation through the Oranyan festival. “Oyo remains the Pacesetter State. Therefore, the Oyo State government will always play its role in promoting unity among the Yorubas. As such, it is ready to provide the necessary support towards the achievement of this aim and objective.” The former Oyo State governor, Chief Omololu Olunloyo, told the guests the significance of reviving old culture, values and tradition inherent in the ancient city of Oyo. “Oyo has remained the meeting-point in Yoruba history. There’s no way you can talk about Yoruba history without making adequate reference to Oyo, and Alaafin

Adams warns Southwest over insurgency

ans know what it does with the hefty 52 per cent it collects from the Federation Account each month while poverty, unemployment, infrastructural decay, insecurity, etc have all taken over the country. “What is the Federal Government doing with the debt it continues pilling each day? Lagos is doing fantastic developmental and regenerative works with the mere N160 billion debt it had accumulated. It is up to date in its debt settlement profile as the projects it had invested in are high yielding projects that drive not only the economy of Lagos but that of Nigeria. “So, we challenge the Federal Government to come out in equal clarity, as deployed by Governor Fashola to tell Nigerians what they are doing with the huge N8.8 trillion debt it has piled up for Nigeria.”

HE National Coordinator of Oodu’a Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has expressed fear over the likely spill-over of Boko Haram insurgency to the Southwest region, if not properly curtailed. Adams, who spoke to reporters at this year’s Oranyan yearly festival in Oyo, at the weekend, said the revolt was taking serious toll on the people’s lives and property in the Northeast. He noted that indications

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

were rife that Boko Haram had entered the Southwest, saying an instance was the explosion at Apapa, Lagos State, which the sect’s leader, Shekarau, laid claim to. The Oodu’a chief said drastic solution must be taken to curtail the menace of the Islamic sect in the Southwest. Adams said the zone’s governors were showing nonchalant attitude towards the issue, adding that as a leader

of OPC, none of the governors has called him to discuss how to take measures to curtail the threat. “I have been to 51 countries, launching Oodua Progressive Union. I just came back from Europe and what they were asking me was the issue of Boko Haram. “We need to organise a stakeholder meeting on security to chat a way forward on how to secure and sanitise our region from Boko Haram insurgency,” he said.

has, since a very long time, remained a force to reckon with,” he said. Other speakers at the event hailed Oranyan as a brave warrior and leader. They called on all Yorubas to join the Alaafin in his quest to ensure unity among the tribe and bring back the values and cultural heritage of the race. The festival started with a carnival after some royal blessing from the Alaafin to all the participants. The guests at the event included the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu and the National Coordinator of Oodu’a Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, monarchs from Oke-Ogun areas, Lagos, Osun states, Republic of Benin and Togo.

Tribunal on BRT buses’ vandalism holds sitting

By Adebisi Onanuga

HE tribunal of inquiry into the road traffic accident as well as subsequent arson and destruction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses will hold its inaugural sitting today at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ade Ipaye, who disclosed this in a statement at the weekend, stated that the tribunal will commence public hearing as from tomorrow and end sitting on Friday, September 26, 2014 at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, (T Block), Alausa. The panel, which is to be chaired by retired Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, also has Mr. Nurudeen Ogbara, a lawyer, and Mr. Jude Igbanoi, the Deputy Law Editor of Thisday Newspapers as members.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS Sadela for burial Oct 31 By Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

HE Sadela Burial Committee, consisting of the Sadela family and the Gospel Apostolic Church (GAC), has announced the funeral arrangement for the spiritual leader, Rev’d Samuel Akinbode Sadela. The committee Chairman, High Chief Abiola, said Rev Sadela will be laid to rest at the church headquarters on October 31. Abiola said there will be a service of songs at the church auditorium on October 27 to 29 from 5-7 pm daily. On October 30, the lyingin-state will hold at the church headquarters from 10am to 3pm. A wake will be held in the evening of the same day at the same venue. On October 31, another lying-in-state service will be held at the Police College, Ikeja, from 8am to 9pm. There will be a thanksgiving service at the church headquarters on November 2 by 7:30am.

•THE AWARDEES: Standing from left: MI Abaga(musician); Abiodun Akinyemi(tourism entrepreneur); Vincent Adukwu (auditor); Agbo Titus Adekole (youth football coach) and Tolu Ogunlesi(journalist) Sitting: Taiwo Okunoren(fashion), Mrs. Ore Lesi(founder WTEC), Mrs. Omilola Osikoya(public speaker and coach); Ambode , Aekunbi Adeoye(Proprietress, Sesewa) Tosin Taiwo (founder, Street to School Initiative) and Raquel Jacobs(founder, Beyond the Classroom) at the event.

Ambode ‘s foundation honours 11 young achievers in Lagos

N All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, at the weekend, joined the La Roche Leadership Foundation to recognise and cele-

brate some exceptional youths in Lagos. The event, “The Chosen Youth”, held at the Astroturf 2000 in Ikoyi, recognised the efforts of 11 youths who have contributed to the development of their communities in the areas of youth & sports, tourism, social media, entertainment and fashion. In a statement, the aspirant said the selected young people had shown leader-

ship qualities and innovation in their endeavours. He added that their innovations are the product of vibrant young minds who challenge the status quo and chart a course for themselves. Speaking at the event, Ambode, the founder of La Roche, said: “Today we recognise young people who have challenged the status quo and charted a course for themselves.

“Today, we appreciate young men and women who have not let the circumstances in the country put them down but rather used it to motivate themselves. “La Roche salutes your courage. La Roche salutes your passion. La Roche salutes your success. La Roche extends a hand of partnership to you and together we can inspire others to leadership and innovation

and improve lives in Nigeria.” M ost of t he c hosen youths are social entrepreneurs, who are pursuing innovative solutions to social problems and making tremendous contributions to their communities. The selected youths were presented with plaques by La Roche foundation in recognition of their exceptional work.

Customs intercepts 2,000 cartons of frozen goods

HE Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) has intercepted imported poultry products worth over N14million concealed in two trucks at the Bakatari axis of the IbadanAbeokuta Expressway. The Command last Thursday intercepted over 40 vehicles loaded with over 2000 bags of rice at Abaja forest, near Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government of Oyo

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

State. The Deputy Controller, Usman Buwa, said the seizure was made by a task force, led by Assistant Comptroller Mohammed Adamu Ibrahim, on September 11 at 4.30am. The seized products, consisting of frozen turkey and chicken, according to Buwa, were imported from Brazil. He said the importation of

banned poultry products must be discouraged, stating that poultry product remained on the list of contrabands. "As we all know, poultry products are prohibited by the Federal Government. The reason behind the ban is to protect local poultry farmers. "Also, consumption of imported poultry products is injurious to health. This is not only due to period of long

storage, but also the chemical used in its preservation and the long distance it covered before coming into this country. "This seizure is from Brazil, so you can imagine the distance it covered before it got here. "So, we will continue to advise the general public to stop buying imported poultry products, so as to discourage smuggling," Buwa said.

Uduaghan: terrorism taking its toll on our economy

ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said worsening terrorism in the Northeast is taking a toll on the socio-economic life of the country. The governor spoke yesterday at the second plenary session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), hosted by the Warri Diocese of the Catholic Church. Uduaghan said the Boko Haram scourge has gone beyond just a regional problem. The bishops urged the Federal Government to devote the same level of seriousness it employed in curbing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to fighting the spreading terrorism in the North. The governor said the pressure of the activities of the terrorists have continued to force people in the North to flee their homes and communities. “The insecurity in the Northeast is not a northern problem alone; it’s a prob-

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

lem affecting the entire country. The phone calls I receive daily about the movement of people from the North to the South are very scary. “I only hope and pray that something is done as a matter of urgency to restore confidence in the people, but I can tell you that the government is doing its best to ensure that terrorism is destroyed.” The president of the CBCN and Archbishop of Jos, Rev Ignatius Kaigama, urged the Federal Government to find a solution to the worsening terrorism. The clergy also denounced calls by some Nigerians for the dissolution of the country, noting that Nigeria stood a better chance at greatness as one that when fractionalised. “We insist that the government confronts the issue of insurgency with the same seriousness as it is doing with the

ebola problem. It appears that rather than coming to an end, the activities of terrorists, especially in the north-east, are expanding and growing in sophistication and threatening to spread beyond there. “We call on all to genuinely use the powerful weapon of prayers and charity, just as we ask Nigerians to be of good disposition towards one another and our political leaders to have the political will to do only what is noble, honourable and just for our nation. The event, which took off with a special mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Warri, ended up at the Bishop’s Conference Centre in Effurun and was attended, by Deputy Governor Amos Utuama (SAN), the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, senator representing Delta Central District and many others.

Makinde: I’m the candidate to beat

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said he is the candidate to beat during the party’s primaries. Makinde, a 47-year-old engineer, who has operated in the oil and gas sector for 20 years, said he is the best candidate to challenge Governor Abiola Ajimobi from among the 13 aspirants bidding for the PDP ticket. Among the aspirants is

former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, who has launched his campaign bid. The aspirant told reporters that a repeat of the AlaoAkala for PDP, Ajimobi for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja for Accord in a governorship race, would not be in PDP’s favour. “The scenario of these three men gunning for the seat will not be in the interest of the PDP. The PDP

needs a new face and ideas which I represent. “I am the only aspirant, who has not offended anybody,” Makinde said. The aspirant said: “The Ajimobi government has "underachieved" in many areas, including education and in reducing "the crippling poverty among our people." Makinde said if he gets the PDP ticket, his focus would be on education, agriculture, health and building of infrastructure.

To him, there has been nothing to write home about on agriculture in Oyo State "whereas agriculture is Oyo State's black gold." On education, he said pupils still study in poor environment while teachers are not motivated. While acknowledging that the Ajimobi government has built some roads in urban areas, he questioned "the economic benefits of such roads."

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS Ohanaeze women elect officers From Chris Oji, Enugu

HE women’s wing of the Pan-Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at the weekend in Enugu elected a new executive. Mrs. Calista Nkiru Adimachukwu was elected the national woman leader. She got 78 votes to beat her opponent, Mrs. Chika Ibeneme, who got 77 votes. Both hail from Anambra State. Election Committee’s Secretary Loretta Aniagolu said besides the National Women Leader’s office, 16 other positions were unopposed. Aniagolu explained that the women contested for the offices of the national women leader, deputy national women leader, national vice women leader for each state, secretary and treasurer.

Obi: offerings need not be publicised

•Chief Executive Officer Midas Parties Mrs Oluwakemi Alfonso (middle) with kids during the opening of Midas Play House in Magodo, Lagos.

Monarchs seek 65-year age limit for politicians

RADITIONAL rulers in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have suggested that the age for all political aspirants be pegged at 65 years. They said anyone above the age should resign from politics and support younger aspirants. The monarchs were reacting to the senatorial ambition of Governor Martin Elechi and the governorship aspiration of his inlaw, Senator Chris Nwankwo. They noted that there

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

would be purposeful and credible leadership when young persons become involved in politics. The monarchs decried the number of politicians above 65 years and jostling to go to the National Assembly or some other positions. They regretted that the state had not had good representation in the last couple of years. Their spokesperson Igwe Gabriel Ngele, who is the traditional ruler of Oriuzor

autonomous community in the local government, spoke when a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Chief Obinna Ogba, solicited their support for his senatorial ambition. The monarch urged old politicians to stay at home and advise young people. He said: “I advocate that politicians above the age of 65 years should resign from active politics, come back home and advise the younger ones who are more vibrant and have the zeal to

Awgu people of Enugu oppose zoning

HE people of Awgu in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have dissociated themselves from the zoning of the governorship ticket among the three senatorial zones. Rising from their maiden summit, under the aegis of Save Awgu Forum Enugu (SAFE), at the Ofu Obi African Centre in Enugu, they said: “We are ready and prepared to field candidates for all elective positions in Enugu State for the 2015 general elections.” Governor Sullivan Chime, during the Democracy Day celebration last year, announced that the 2015 governorship slot would go to Enugu North, ac-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

cording to a gentleman’s agreement among members of the caucus of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But SAFE, led by Chief Baywood Ibe, a Lagos businessman, said: “The so-called zoning formula/arrangement of rotation of the governorship position in Enugu State is nonexistent and unacceptable to SAFE because it promotes discrimination and marginalisation of Awgu people.” The summit was attended by eminent Awgu indigenes. They included religious leaders, led by Rev, Ejike

Mbaka, traditional rulers, academics, captains of industry and political leaders. It was chaired by the former Imo State Military Administrator, Commodore Anthony Ogugua. In a communiqué read by Baywood Ibe, the Awgu people promised to “...uphold democratic ethics and principles in all our dealings”. They added: “...Unless our grievances are addressed, redressed and the right thing done by the leadership of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we will not hesitate to seek another platform to realise our collective goals and aspirations.”

Ohakim challenges Okorocha to debate

FORMER Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim has challenged Governor Rochas Okorocha to a public debate. The former governor said this would enable him to correct what the alleged lies peddled against his administration. He said he could no longer tolerate the daily tarnishing of his name by his detractors, despite the achievements and transformation of the state when he was governor. Ohakim said: “I hereby ring the bell for the debate to commence, not an attack. No one should attack any person, including the governor. Let us debate issues and policies. Today, we have come to speak. We have come to answer the question: what did Ohakim achieve, on the other hand, and what did Ohakim buy from the market we sent him, on the other? How much did we give him to go to the market? Those things he bought, were they for himself or for the people?” The former governor

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

spoke at the weekend when he gave the scorecard of his administration from 2007 to 2011, titled: Legacies That Speak. Ohakim said his administration always put the masses at heart in the implementation of its programmes, adding that he reduced poverty compared to the present administration. The former governor alleged that Okorocha caused more hardship with the sack of some employees he inherited from the preceding administration. He alleged that the hardship arose from the sack of the Imo Concord Hotel workers, the dissolution of the elected executives of the local government areas his administration put in place and the sack of Imo Transport Company (ITC) workers. Ohakim alleged that the sack of the workers had caused over N1.8 billion monthly to be withdrawn from the state’s economy. He said: “Let me raise the

alarm that child poverty, involving children below 18, has also emerged as a major dimension of poverty in Imo State. Let the debate begin. Let us put our differences away and face the realities staring us in the face.” “I speak for posterity, for unemployed youths, traders and artisans. I speak for our people dying of hunger; our people are perishing and money is not circulating.”

Police warn vehicle owners

HE Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands have warned owners of abandoned and accident vehicles parked at IjebuIgbo and Ikorodu police stations to remove them or lose them to the public through auction, two weeks after this publication. The vehicles are: Honda CRV Jeep CE992FKJ, Toyota Corolla CY547LND and five motorcycles.

make impact. The older politicians still live in the past; they are not in tune with the current realities of life. Their representation at the National Assembly has been a total failure. “What would a 70-yearold man be looking for at the National Assembly? The world is changing and younger persons are now assuming political positions. The future of the country lies in their hands. What we should do is to render fatherly advice to them and not to be jostling for positions with them. At my age, what would I still be looking for at the National Assembly when my children are already men with children?”

ORMER Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has said he believed it is better to make offerings that are not announced in public. But he was pleased to be among the contributors to the building of churches in any part of the world, including his home parish, the Madonna Assumpta in Agulu. The former governor spoke yesterday at the dedication of a church by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor. Obi was announced with the former Information Minister, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, as the biggest donors to the project. The former governor said he was a little uneasy when the parish priest announced his name, adding that he believed that thanksgiving attracted more blessings when not announced. Paraphrasing the Bible, he said: “As a Christian, we should not let our right hand know what our left hand is giving.”

Ebonyi understudies Akwa Ibom plans From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

HE Ebonyi State Government is understudying the development strategies that have led to the development of Akwa Ibom State, particularly Uyo, the state capital. The Chairman and other key officers of Abakiliki Capital City Development Authority (ACCDA) of Ebonyi State at the weekend concluded a two-day visit to their Akwa Ibom counterpart, the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA). The Ebonyi State team, led by its chairman, Mr Edward Nkwegu and General Manger Justin Ogedo, held an interactive session with the UCCDA last Thursday at their conference hall at Esuene Street, Federal Housing Estate, Abak Road, Uyo. They were received by UCCDA Chairman Imo Edet Inyan and his team.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS Community seizes Chevron’s facility

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

OLUAMA community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State barricaded yesterday an oil facility belonging to Chevron. It was gathered that youths and elders relocated to the facility in the morning, demanding compensation for the January 16, 2012 explosion of KS Endeavour, a gas rig operated by Chevron. The incident led to the death of some of the company’s workers and caused gas leak. A member of Chevron cluster group, the KEFFES Board, Seleipre Matthew, said the community took over the facility in the morning. He said the action was taken after the community waited in vain for Chevron to compensate them for the explosion. Seleipre said the facility seized by the protesters is located offshore Koluama, 30 metres from the exploded oil rig.

Rivers: we won’t allow any ‘installation’

HE Rivers State government has condemned reports of the First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan’s alleged plans to instal a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant as governor next year. The government also alleged that the Presidency plans to use Commissioner of Police Dan Bature to destabilise the state. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, David Iyofor,

the government said: “We will strongly, vehemently, valiantly and bravely resist and fight any attempt by anyone, organisation or institution, including The Presidency, to unconstitutionally instal anyone as governor. “There is no provision in the constitution and laws for the ‘installation’ of a preferred aspirant as governor by The Presidency. “What our laws prescribe is a free and fair election that must

be devoid of police and security forces coercion, harassment and intimidation of voters. “Rivers voters must be allowed to and will freely choose and elect their governor next year. It is their inalienable democratic right that they will not and will never surrender to anyone or institution, including the Presidency. “We must warn that the looming danger ahead for our polity and our country is indeed ominous, if this noxious script

is acted out. This is an avoidable crisis that must be avoided by all parties mentioned in the reports. “We congratulate and welcome the commissioner. We expect and hope that he would act professionally and resist any external influences and pressures’’. But efforts to reach the commissioner of pollice on phone were unsuccessful. He did not call back or reply to messages sent to his phone.

Okorodudu declares ambition

N aspirant, Air Vice Marshal Omatsola Terry Okorodudu (rtd), has assured the people of Delta South Senatorial District of development and transformation, if elected. Okorodudu spoke when he visited the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, to intimate him of his senatorial ambition. He said he will contest the seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “My intention is to better the lives of everyone in Delta South Senatorial district through quality and responsive representation at the Senate,” the aspirant said.

‘Stop campaign of calumny’

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant in Delta State, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, yesterday accused politicians of carrying out a campaign of calumny, mudslinging and character assassination against her. Dr. Olejeme, who is aspiring on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged politicians to sell their mani•From left: Oyo State Deputy Governor Otunba Moses Alake-Adeyemo; Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Oyo festos to the people instead. She said: “My mission in Delta State is to run an egalitar- State House of Assembly Speaker, Mrs Monsurat Sunmonu, at the grand finale of Oranmiyan Festival in Oyo Town...atthe PHOTO: NAN ian Delta where every section would have a sense of belong- weekend. ing devoid of oppression or marginalisation if elected. “I remain committed and I hereby assure our people that I will run issues-based campaign that will focus on welfare and development..” He said the N135billion cost money. HE Akwa Ibom State From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo “You don’t build flyovers was grossly inadequate comgovernment has debunked the assertion (FCT) that earns up to one pared to the gargantuan with N1 or N2. You don’t LERICS of the Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Mercy projects embarked upon by build underground tunnels will use this year’s annual convention to pray for the that it is the highest revenue per cent. earner in Nigeria. “I want to say that we the Godswill Akpabio-led ad- with N2; you don’t dualise nation’s peace and stability. federal roads with N2; you The Commissioner for In- earn little or nothing com- ministration. In a statement at the weekend by the conveners and officiatUmanah said the greatest build them with billions, so formation and Communicapared to what we should oring ministers, Pastors Sam Olu Alo, Amos Ojo and Peter Ilesanmi, challenge faced by the admin- you put these monies into in Ado-Ekiti, the clerics urged Nigerians to commit their affairs tions, Aniekan Umanah, said dinarily earn. But having istration is how to source for big projects. So the states no state earns up to one per said that, Akwa Ibom is doin God’s hand to enable the nation surmount its challenges. ing big things; Akwa Ibom money to finance its key you are mentioning, are The convention, with the theme: Anointing for Divine Favour, cent of the revenue. they able to do these types Umanah spoke with reis putting its money into big projects. will begin at Erio Ekiti Mountain of Mercy, on September 17. “When you are talking of projects?” porters yesterday in Uyo, the projects.” Pastor Alo was optimism that God would turn around the The commissioner said the allocationUmanah, who also re- about fortunes of Nigeria and its citizens, “if we rely on Him as the state capital. N135.84billion-it sounds big much-touted N135.84billion He said: “I will like to say acted to last week’s report ruler of all nations”. to you but it is not a lot of was a “drop in the ocean” The cleric said Nigeria would overcome its challenges and that Akwa Ibom State is not by a Federal Government money when you are doing when juxtaposed with the the highest revenue earner agency showing come out stronger as a more united and peaceful country. key projects. When you look over N400billion budget esHe said: “I know that God is the ruler of all nations and this is in Nigeria. And like the gov- N135.84billion allocation at projects like the new inter- timates which provides for 80 ernor would say, no state accrued to Akwa Ibom bethe time for Him to intervene in our affairs, like he did for the national stadium, these are per cent capital expenditure Israelites in the wilderness. But He can only do this if we pray earns up to one per cent of tween January and June, not bread and butter projects. and 20 per cent recurrent exfervently in His name. So, this is a unique opportunity to come the revenue. It is only the said the state is running at a These are quality projects that penditure. Federal Capital Territory deficit. closer to God in prayers.” Pastor Alo said the programme would complement the church’s monthly prayers in Ondo and Ekiti states for sustained peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic groups in the country. “Till now, Bonny people that people are sick. IVERS State Governor Popular gospel singers, including Evangelists David From Bisi Olaniyi, are unable to ply the road. Rotimi Amaechi has “For us as Rivers people Babayomi, Glorious Adebayo, Oluwaseun Ologun and Port Harcourt Rather, Bonny people are con- and for us as a government, kicked against atObagbemisoye Anike, are expected at the event. tinually exposed to danger we want to reiterate our comtempts by the Federal Government to ‘forcibly’ reno- thinks that this is the time to and we have a government mitment to our young vate state secondary schools. get a governorship ticket on that is uncaring, that is not lis- people. We want to continue From Osagie Otabor, Benin Minister of State for Edu- a platter of gold. Of course, tening. to say that we will not play “We do not want to take with education. cation Nyesom Wike said the we want to warn Wike and HE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said Federal Government would his co-travellers to stay away issues. We have been very “We have completed power supply disruption experienced in parts of careful not to take issues in over 350 model primary take over the renovation of from the property of the GovBenin City and environs was because a two meter recent times and we have fo- schools. We are building the state-owned Govern- ernment of Rivers State. snake tripped off transformer T23 at the Benin switchyard. ment Secondary School, “We will not accept. We cused on our job. We will like schools (model primary) It said this put Nekpennekpen, Ikpoba dam and Akoko Ubima in Ikwerre Local will not allow any stranger to request the Federal Govern- that have 20-classroom feeders out of power supply. Government and Birabi Me- deface our property, because ment to focus on its job. blocks and 24 model secondA statement by TCN Public Affairs Manager, Rufus “We have over 200 girls ary schools across the 23 lomorial Grammar School, the Federal Government is Imafidon, said power supply has been restored to the afBori-Ogoni, Khana Local not known to complete missing. Wike should be con- cal governments. fected areas. He apologised for the inconveniences. cerned, as a father and as a Government. “We do not want thirdprojects it started. But the governor said “We have the Bodo minister responsible for those class schools and therefore, Wike and the Federal Gov- (Ogoni)-Bonny Road. We young girls. He has been un- they should please stay ernment should stay away were begging for it to be able to do his job, to make sure away from our premises and From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo that they are back to us. Those under the constitution, they from the schools owned by WO naval ratings have been killed by sea pirates in the government and focus on started. The government re- children disappeared under do not have the right to enfused to start it. As soon as Oron, Akwa Ibom State, it was learnt yesterday. his watch. the rehabilitation of the diter the premises of the GovThe killings were said to have occurred when the lapidated Federal Govern- the Government of Rivers “I am ashamed to say that ernment of Rivers State. State walked into an arsea pirates were operating on the high sea and dispossessing ment Girls’ College (FGGC), rangement with the NLNG he (Wike) is a Rivers man, be“We understand that they passengers coming from Calabar in Cross River State of their Abuloma, Port Harcourt; the (the Nigerian Liquefied cause this is not in the character have been behaving like belongings. Federal Government Col- Natural Gas Company to of Rivers people. Rivers people brigands. We are encouragEyewitnesses said the sea pirates stumbled on the naval lege (FGC), Rumuokoro and construct the road, the Fed- are caring. They have feeling ing them not to be so. They officers, who are members of the Joint Task force, patrolling the University of Port eral Government told and they are nurturing. Rivers should behave like governthe high sea and shot them. Harcourt (UNIPORT). NLNG to stop, claiming that people hate to see death. Riv- ment. Government is usuCommercial activities on the sea route of Oron and the Amaechi said: “Rather it will start and award the ers people hate to see loss. Riv- ally responsible and acts popular international market at the beach were disrupted as ers people do not love to see within the ambits of the law.” than do his job, he (Wike) contract. a result of the incident.

‘Akwa Ibom not the highest revenue earner’

Clerics to hold national peace convention

TCN: snake caused power disruption

Two naval ratings killed

Amaechi to Wike: don’t renovate our schools

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS

•Displaced persons taking refuge at the NYSC orientation camp in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital ...yesterday.

My wife is unhurt, says Aliyu

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu yesterday said his wife was not injured at the pro-Jonathan North Central rally organised by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) last Saturday in Minna. He debunked rumours that some people were killed when the pavilion at the VIP stand collapsed. Aliyu said his wife was among the lucky dignitaries who left the pavilion without a scratch. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, the governor said: “I read in some papers that my wife was ‘badly injured’ and I wonder where that came from. She was not injured. After the rally, we went together to visit the victims at the hospital. “Nobody died in the incident. The worst cases were cuts. Most of the victims have been discharged from hospital and only a few are under observation.” He thanked God that no one died and thanked the people for their concern.

Ex-Kogi Speakers dump PDP for APC

WO former Speakers of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Bello and Asiwaju Clarence Olafemi, and over 1,200 other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members defected yesterday to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both former Speakers, at different times, served as acting governor. They were received into the APC at a stakeholders meeting at the GRA, Lokoja home of former Governor Audu

From James Azania, Lokoja

Abubakar. Abubakar assured them of equal treatment in the APC, saying: “The APC is an egalitarian party and we are all equal here. Soon, you will collect your membership card and have the same right as all of us here. The APC is set to rescue Kogi from sinking and I am confident that with the calibre of people in our party, we shall accomplish this. This is great day for me and all of us.”

‘No zoning in Plateau’

ORMER Plateau State Deputy Governor Chief Jethro Akun has said there is no zoning formula in the state. Akun, who wants to contest next year’s governorship election, said Plateau people elect their governor based on merit, rather than zoning. Speaking with reporters yesterday in Jos, the state capital, he said: “Zoning has never been used in the emergence of civilian governors in the state since 1979. Starting from the election of the first civilian governor, the late Chief Solomon Lar, the three zones always produce their candidates and Plateau people choose the best. “So governorship elections in the state have been on merit and quality candidate. There was never a time any of the zone was deprived of the opportunity to govern the state based on zoning formula. “The 2015 governorship elec-

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

tion, therefore, should not be determined by zoning. I strongly advocate that, in the spirit of true democracy, the three zones should freely make available their candidates for the contest. “I am contesting the governorship from Plateau Central Zone, not because it is our turn but because I am one of the best leaders from the zone and I want the electorate to elect me based on what they know I can do for the state. “Aspirants should drop their belief in the zoning advantage and reach out to other zones because no single tribe can install a governor without the agreement of other tribes.” Akun promised to re-enact the “emancipation agenda” of the late Lar and consolidate on Governor Jonah Jang’s “redemption programme for genuine and inclusive development”.

Chibok elders: bring back our girls ‘ M All we want is to have the girls

EMBERS of the Chibok Community in Abuja have urged President Goodluck Jonathan to negotiate with Boko Haram and bring back the girls kidnapped by the insurgents over 150 days ago. They said they do not mind if the girls are rescued in bits, adding that they were tired of the excuse that the government was waiting until all the girls could be rescued. The community said it was losing hope in the government and would not mind if only one girl is rescued at a time. Chairman of the Abuja Chibok Community Hosea Tsambido spoke yesterday

From Grace Obike, Abuja

during the sit-out by members of the #BringBackOurGirls# advocacy group. He said the government’s refusal to exchange some Boko Haram generals for 30 girls was unnecessary, adding that the community would rather have a few

‘

girls now and the rest later than none. Tsambido said: “I don’t know what the government is planning. We have been advising the government on many issues, but they do not listen. Some of our advice and warnings have come to pass but the government still

20 feared dead in Taraba attack

HERE appears to be no end to ethnic and religious crises in Southern Senatorial District of Taraba State. About 20 people were feared dead yesterday in an attack on Tunari, Wukari. Many were injured and several houses torched. It was learnt that Fulani in-

back, whether in bits or in block. Even in bits, we welcome the idea

refuses to heed to them. “All we want is to have the girls back, whether in bits or in block. Even in bits, we welcome the idea. It will restore hope in us that something is happening. It’s been five months not and not even one has been rescued. All we continue to hear are promises with no visible action. “There is so much doubt in people’s minds right now. Some are asking if there are really girls in there. Are they still alive? If we start to get 30 or 60 back, it will give us hope that the girls are really there. So the government should give them what they want and bring our girls back.”

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

surgents suspected to be from Plateau State attacked the community around 10am and unleashed violence on residents for several hours. President of the Youths of Vision, Wukari branch, TsaAsen Agbu said the attackers struck when majority of the residents – largely Chris-

tians, were in church. Agbu, a lawyer, alleged that the attackers were out to kill and reduce the Christian population in Taraba, adding: “Why Taraba South? Why are the attacks always directed at Jukun and Tiv Christian communities?” He urged President Goodluck Jonathan to declare

a state of emergency in Taraba. Residents said over 20 persons were killed. Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji confirmed the attack but said he did not know the casualty figure. He said policemen had been drafted to the area to restore peace.

Robbers kill bureau de change operator

BUREAU de change operator in Kaduna, Abdullahi Ibrahim (35), popularly called ‘Bayawa’ (no problem), was at the weekend stabbed to death by robbers at a hotel. The hoodlums escaped with N3 million. It was learnt that the late Ibrahim went to the hotel with N3 million last Saturday to meet prospective customers, who invited him for a business. Police spokesman Aminu Lawan said: “Information available to us was that a man lodged in the hotel and the deceased came with a big polythene bag and requested to see a guest. A call was put through to the guest who said the deceased should be allowed to see him.

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

“The guest was later joined by two persons, but the three of them left one after the other, leaving the deceased in the hotel room. Because it was not time to check out, the receptionist did not question them. He checked the room when the deceased did not come out after the check out time,

only to discover that the room was locked. He forced the door open and found the deceased lying lifeless in a pool of blood.” Lawan said the late Ibrahim was taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead. Doctors said he died after he was stabbed in the chest several times. Lawan said the police are

on a hunt for Ibrahim’s killers. Spokesman of the Forex Traders Association in Kaduna Abdul Jalal Usman described the incident as “unfortunate”. Usman warned members against following clients to hidden places. He urged the police to bring Ibrahim’s killers to book.

Belgore: Yemi Afolayan’s death saddening

WARA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Mr Mohammed Belgore has described the death of the All Progressives Congress (APC) General Secretary, Mr Yemi Afolayan, as “sad”. In a statement yesterday, Belgore said: “This is one death too many, given Afolayan’s relatively youthful age. Our differences over the

course of our dear state, notwithstanding, his death is tragic and saddening. “I deeply commiserate with his immediate family, his political associates, particularly in the APC, and the Kwara State government, which is controlled by the party Afolayan served until his death. I pray to the Almighty to grant repose to his soul and comfort the family.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

Four shot dead over politician’s N50,000 gift

OUR persons were reportedly shot dead when hoodlums clashed over a N50,000 cash gift by a politician in Mosafejo, Amukoko in Lagos, at the weekend. Those injured are in hospital. The politician was said to have given the money in appreciation of his constituents’ support. The trouble started when the hoodlums disagreed over how to share the cash. A group threatened to cause trouble when those

‘

If not for poverty, would they have descended so low? If he really wants to assist them he should find other means. He should not allow his gesture to cause death in this community again because it is wrong.

’

By Jude Isiguzo

with the money insisted on taking a larger share. It was gathered that a similar incident occurred last year when one person was killed over a N20,000 cash gift by the politician.

A resident, who pleaded for anonymity, said one of those killed was a member of the vigilant group simply identified as Omoba. The source said Omoba, who resided at Opeleye Street, Ajegunle went to the scene to restore peace

but was caught in the cross fire. The hoodlums, it was learnt trailed another man to an Indian hemp joint on Ogungbe Street and also killed him, the other two were killed at Ajenifuja Street in Amukoko.

at Adeniji Jones, Ikeja, where it was confirmed that she was defiled. She was referred for expert management. Despite the report being sent to the Police by MIRABEL Centre, investigations appear to be stalled as nothing has been heard from the police. MIRABEL facilitated the maid’s second examination at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) where it was reconfirmed that she was raped. National Coordinator of NOPRIN Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the last the NGO heard about the case

from the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) was that investigators went to the suspect’s residence and interviewed his mother. The woman was said to have heard the girl was screaming while she was allegedly being raped. The maid’s aunt said the police took photographs of the scene which she paid for. Copies of the photographs were also given to the police. The police promised to invite her and the suspect’s family for ‘settlement’, but she is yet to hear from them. The family is appealing to the Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti, for justice.

A resident, Tunde Saheed, advised the politician to look for other ways of rehabilitating the hoodlums and stop giving them money. “If not for poverty, would they have descended so low?. If he really wants to assist them he should find other means. He should not allow his gesture to cause death in this community again because it is wrong”, he said. A source at Amukoko Police Station confirmed that the matter was being investigated.

Rape victim family accuses police of cover-up

HE family of a 12-year old rape victim is accusing the police of trying to sweep the case under the carpet. The maid was allegedly raped by Kingsley Anyanwu, 33, the brother of her master, at their Mazamaza Lagos home about three months ago. The maid was hired by Anyanwu’s elder sister, who is a banker to take care of their aged mother. She fled from home to a church in the neighbour after the incident. Investigations started at Satellite Police Station before the case was transferred to the Human Trafficking

By Jude Isiguzo

Section of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, following a petition by NOPRIN, a network of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to the Commissioner of Police. The family is alleging that the police are not sincere in their investigation despite a medical report showing that the maid was sexually assaulted. The suspect’s sister, the family claimed, may have bought the police over to get her brother off the hook. The maid was initially examined at a Health Centre

Embrace cooking gas, residents told

•Aderanti

AGOS State Commissioner for Mineral Resources and Energy Taofiq Tijani has urged residents to embrace the use of cooking gas to curtail health challenges. Tijani, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Iyabode Obasa, spoke during the ‘Eko Gas’ distribution programm at Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The government was desirous of eliminating the dangers posed by the use of kerosene and firewood. Tijani said: “We are distributing the gas to Lagosians free of charge, this is to encourage them to embrace the use of gas instead of firewood. The smoke inhaled from firewood and stove has dire health implication. “It will equally preserve our green pasture, life would be more secured in terms of healthy living. It is even

Security tightened at Palmgroove

By Jude Isiguzo

HE police have stepped up their patrol of Palmgroove in Lagos following a threat letter to the community by robbers. For two weeks, the residents of Oseni, Nkanna, Owodunni and Lisabi streets have been living in fear following the robbers’ threat to invade the area. After a report at the Ilupeju Police Station, the police have embarked on a 24-hour patrol of the area with the cooperation of night guards. “We can heave a sigh of relief to some extent now as the police continue to patrol the area since we reported the matter to them. I have noticed them a couple of times at night. I hope it is sustained,” a resident told The Nation yesterday. The residents’ association, it was also gathered, is taking other steps to strengthen security of lives and property. “Apart from the ongoing efforts by the police, we too are not sleeping, but it is not something we can tell the world because security is a very sensitive issue that must be so handled. The police have responded well and we want the new commissioner of police in the state to use our predicament to prove himself,” another resident, Mrs Bola Alabi, said.

Clerics urge motorists to cooperate with LASTMA

C •Oloro (middle) and Mrs Obasa handing over the cylinder to beneficiaries at the event By Musa Odoshimokhe

cheaper and would enhance their economic position. We have designated depots where they can easily fill their cylinders if they exhaust the ones they have,” she said. The chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Olamuyiwa Oloro, said the council would add to

the number of cylinders received from the state government. He said the council would embark on enlightenment campaign to ensure that precautions on the use of cooking gas are adhered to, saying a team has raised for the task. Oloro said the programme

is aimed at alleviating poverty, adding: “We are sure that it will serve as vehicle through which the people of the council are mobilised.” “The importance of this “Eko Gas” distribution shall be to mobilise people of Lagos State to cultivate the use of cooking gas.

LERICS have appealed to motorists and traders to cooperate with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA). Speaking at a community outreach programme organised by the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) at Mile 12 Market, the clerics said the partnership would lead to less friction between them and LASTMA. The outreach was part of the mentorship session with leaders of market and transport unions, community associations and youth groups. Present were the National Missioner of Ansar-

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

Ud-Deen, Sheikh A b d u l r a h m a n Ahmad, former Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, National Chief Missioner of NASFAT Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode, Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Uche and Senior Apostle Adeniyi Ajibade who represented Pastor Gabriel Olubunmi Fakeye of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ayo-ni-o. Makinde said to foster cordial relationship between the people and law enforcement agents, the public must refrain from unhelpful habits.

Visually impaired, others empowered

ATHER than beg, Clifford Ebo, a visually-impaired, prefers to work. But his challenge is capital. There are hundreds of others like him in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State seeking to turn their handicap into fortune. Last Friday, lukc smiled on them as they received empowerment materials from Agege Local Government Chairman Jubreel Abdulkareem. Items distributed include grinding, vulcanising, welding, sewing, pop corn machines, generating sets, deep freezers, hair dryers and cartoons of soft drinks and coolers. Abdulkareem said the programme was in fulfilment of his administration’s desire to banish poverty in his domain. According to him, in a society

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

where the average standard of living is obviously low, poverty becomes a hydra headed scourge. The resultant effect, he said, is that it takes little financial inducement to lure people into crime. AbdulKareem explained that when job creation and youth empowerment are tackled, a major societal problem would have been dealt with. He recalled how some underage boys and girls have been tormenting people in some areas. These boys and girls formed groups, snatching money, handsets, harassing people, attacking motor bikes, vehicles and passersby. He urged parents to be wary of the friends their children keep.

Abdulkareem enjoined beneficiaries to make good use of the items. The Olu of Agege Oba Kamila Isiba praised the council chairman for identifying with the manifesto of the ruling party in the area of job creation and poverty alleviation. The monarch challenged the beneficiaries to be productive and make life easier for their patronisers. Thanking the chairman on behalf of other recipients, Ebo, who got a grinding machine with the understanding that his wife will be using it to assist him in running the family, said the gesture will save him from a life of embarrassment that comes with begging. Alhaja Fehintola Apampa, who received a sewing machine, said the gesture will definitely save many •Oba Isiba (second left) assisting Abdulkareem (middle) to present the items youth from a life time of idleness. to the beneficiaries

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Cause for alarm?

•Result of CBN’s liquidity stress test on banks is not encouraging

IGERIANS have every reason to be worried at the outcome of the recent liquidity stress test conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on 21 deposit money banks and 14 foreign subsidiaries, published in the CBN Financial Stability Report released last week. Based on findings from a 30-day shock test to assess banks’ resilience to liquidity and funding shocks, the report summarises, to wit: three banks – two of them large – recorded negative liquidity ratio; most banks’ liquidity ratio was found to be below 30 percent threshold based on the same parameters. Overall, the finding was of an industry “resilient to liquidity stress although the test results indicated deterioration in the banks’ resilience compared with the position in the preceding period”. As usual, the report would acknowledge the twin challenges of corporate governance and risk management practices as subsisting. No doubt, the result says a lot about the vast ground still left to be covered before the banking sector can claim to have achieved a reasonable measure of stability. But, as a whole, the findings raise the larger question of whether therapies applied in the last 10 years can be said to have delivered the expected outcome in terms of financial sector stability, given the energy and resources pumped into it. We say this because the challenges facing the sector have remained largely the

same as it was when the nation began the restructuring odyssey 10 years ago. We recall that in July 2004, the then Central Bank Governor Chukwuma Soludo had described the Nigerian banking system as “fragile” and “marginal”. He had specifically diagnosed the sector as suffering persistent illiquidity, weak corporate governance, poor assets quality, insider abuses, weak capital base, and over-dependency on public sector funds, etc. If his 18-month long recapitalisation therapy under which 84 deposit money banks were collapsed to 25 by the end of December 2005 was meant to address these multifarious problems, the fact that variants of the same malignancies requiring even more drastic therapies would manifest barely three years after, obviously says a lot about its efficacy. We refer here to the free-for-all era of banking which followed the consolidation exercise during which operators simply went on to plunder the system. To clean the Augean stable, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Soludo’s successor would sack a generation of top bankers in what is now famously described as sanitisation. Even at that, the challenge has remained one of delivering a banking system that is sound and stable. What the latest findings suggest is that the nation is a long way from that. However, while the suggestion that the sector is far from being out of the woods would seem troubling enough, the grim possibility of the sector being plunged into an-

other round of crisis in the face of continuing deterioration in asset quality and in the atmosphere of weak corporate governance must be seen as portending grave danger for the Nigerian economy. We expect the CBN to treat the report as a wakeup call, and with all the seriousness that it deserves. It goes without saying that the apex bank’s authorities must put necessary strategies in place to avert a systemic distress that the nation can ill-afford; not at this time or even in some distant future. Moreover, if it’s not too late in the day to ask: what has happened to the socalled proactive, risk-based regulatory framework the CBN claimed to have put in place – the early warning signs which it claims to place so much store in? Perhaps the time to activate that is now.

‘We expect the CBN to treat the report as a wakeup call, and with all the seriousness that it deserves. It goes without saying that the apex bank’s authorities must put necessary strategies in place to avert a systemic distress that the nation can ill-afford’

Schools resumption •The Federal Government should have carried the doctors along

N its wisdom or otherwise, the Federal Government, through its Ministry of Education, has fixed resumption date for schools in Nigeria for September 22. The initial postponement to October 13 by the government last month was to prevent the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) from spreading over the country, and especially in the schools where pupils are more prone to catching the disease because of their tender age. For the ministry, it appears that the problem of EVD in Nigeria was over, so that the coast was clear for our children to go back to school. Unfortunately, the Minister of Education could not speak for the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), those to face the fire in case of any emergency arising from Ebola. Expectedly, the NMA, on September 8 faulted the Federal Government’s directive to schools to resume on September 22. The new directive from the Federal

‘At any rate, the advice for resumption date for the schools should not have been that of the education ministries alone, they ought to have carried the doctors along since they are the ones directly in the line of fire should there be problems’

Ministry of Education must have been as a result of its thinking that before that date, Ebola virus would have taken its flight from Nigeria. But this was not the case as the NMA, through its secretary, Dr. Olawunmi Alayaki, had this to say: “All schools ought to remain shut till all those under surveillance for the Ebola Virus Disease in the country had been certified free”. Also, said the NMA, “We are not happy with this decision on the resumption of schools. Schools should be shut till the last suspect is certified free of the virus”. The NMA, therefore, suggested that the resumption date should be shifted till December or early next year, or in the next three months, “to allow the government to have enough time to follow the standard procedure for containing the virus”. Any thought of reopening the schools when the disease is yet to be brought under reasonable control – there are still reported cases of the virus in Lagos and Port Harcourt and, maybe, some other undetected cases in the country – will amount to suicide by taking the avoidable risk of exposing the lives of innocent school children to unnecessary danger and untimely death. We also believe that the Federal Government should have waited till October when the situations in Rivers and Lagos states were expected to be conclusively managed – another safety measure the government should have waited for before the premature opening of schools– for it to act. Also, parents should not be in a hurry to get their children back to school by all means, especially as the case of one

Ebola virus in a school can spread to other schools to the extent that cases of this virus could become so unmanageable for the government. Perhaps, each state government should decide its date of resumption based on its assessment of the situation on ground. Ebola is a serious matter, especially as there is no known cure for it yet. It would be an extreme folly if the government should dance to the tunes of proprietors of private schools to order the hasty resumption of schools. We do not have to wait until Ebola becomes much more serious than it is before taking knee-jerk responses to curb it. We would have thought the December period given by the NMA was rather too far but we believe the doctors are in a better position to know, in view of the “standard procedure for containing the virus” that they mentioned. At any rate, the advice for resumption date for the schools should not have been that of the education ministries alone, they ought to have carried the doctors along since they are the ones directly in the line of fire should there be problems. Because of Nigeria’s population, the consequence would be so severe that no one could predict its negative effects on the West African sub-region in particular, and the African continent in general should we make any mistake on Ebola, especially with our vulnerable ones. As we know, forewarned is forearmed.

#BringBackGoodluck2015# shame

IR: It took the intervention of Washington Post to draw attention of the world and President Goodluck Jonathan to the primitive machinations of the president’s men who tried to use the hash tag, #BringBackOurGirls# to pursue their wicked and narrow agenda for 2015. First, it was the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) going about the zones, staging rallies even when INEC has not blown the whistle for campaign rallies and drumming support for President Jonathan’s 2015 agenda in the face of massive hunger, insecurity, lack of electricity, joblessness, decayed infractstruture, brazen corruption, impunity, threat of insurgency, weak leadership, etc The TAN advocates have been blurring our line of vision and insulting our sensibilities but we have been silent believing that a time will come when a spade will be called a spade. TAN is a resurrection of Abacha’s Youth Earnestly Ask For Abacha (YEA).Their mission and concept are the same and tallies with the decayed politics of our country. How can a people with minds of their own forget that nearly 300 of our young girls have remained in captivity for more than 150 days? How can they ignore the feelings of the parents? Do they know that some of these parents have died of heart break because of the missing girls? Are these people real parents? Why do they have to abuse the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls#? Who is playing politics with the missing girls? Are these people not intelligent enough to find something else to use to sell their candidate than to steal the #BringBackOurGirl# hashtag? How can a people who claim to possess good education indulge in this show of shame in the 21st century? A friend once told me that you cannot lead people if you do not love the people. You cannot save the people if you do not serve the people. Has the PDP led the people of Nigeria? Have these people served the people of Nigeria very well? Another learned friend of mine tells me that it is better to present a weak argument strongly than to present strong argument weakly. The campaigners of President Goodluck Jonathan are presenting a weak argument weakly. In their thinking, Nigerians cannot think or recall otherwise, they would have advised their candidate that he and his government have not done enough to justify the votes they got in 2011. They would have told him that the mounting state of insecurity, the unacceptable level of poverty, the state of unemployment, corruption and infrastructural decay are not testimonials for re-election. Yes, they keep dividing Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines but these are not credible pedestals to power. We live in interesting times in Nigeria where fake drugs are being presented to us as original drugs. They are giving us fake currencies for genuine ones. Their campaign for re-election is structured on weak platforms. They are not structured on credible platforms of performance and integrity. They are not based on stellar performance. They are not based on facts. They are based on phantoms and fantasies. Now can this kite fly? It cannot. • Joe Igbokwe. Lagos.

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

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: I wish to express my views on the abnormalities going on, the descrimination and injustices being meted to officers of the Motor Traffic Department of the Nigeria Police. Much as we salute the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan as visibly seen in his efforts of at alleviating poverty, the Motor Traffic Department has been left behind; indeed, the organisation is in bondage. Officers of the organisation are denied due allowances, motivation and promotion. This continues to dampen their morale. This writer enlisted into the section seven years ago, preciesly in August 2007. Despite serving the organisation dilligently and with humility, I have not enjoyed any promotion.

This is in spite of winning laurels for my command as a member of police football machine during the period. Besides, I have served as a station writer for a year and a traffic control officer for two years. These two are just a few of the duties performed by many a traffic warden without being given the necessary allowances and promotion by the

police authorities. It is like the section does not exist. Police authorities continue to discriminate against traffic wardens, seeing them as lesser police officers or attachees with no legal authority or autonomy to carry out their duties. The result is that they are neither respected by the police nor appreciated by the public. As if the situation was not bad

enough,the police stopped the recruitment of traffic warden officers since 2008 hence reducing the manpower of the section making the workload more tedious. Presently, the traffic warden uniforms can no longer be provided neither can it be found in the market to buy. Recently, the promotion list of men and officers of the force on

injustice by mute impassibility’. The young and active young of societies of the world over are dynamic change agents. They need alternative political platforms provided by mass action to decide their destiny. The stark realities of neo-liberal capitalism have continually denied them the empowerment and a voice in the political space. In the vortex of the current economic order, what the Nigerian youths can do differently is challenge the status quo by taking up leadership positions. The must cue into the wave of change as the baton of leadership changes hand as it is the trend in the world today. Youth as a period of life is not an opportunity to be wasteful, parasitic and unproductive. There are hopes of a lot more for the youths of every nation to advance the cause of change to make it forward to greatness. The Nigerian youths are advised to think literally out of the box. We live in a fast pace and challenging word. We must not be doing things in the old ways and expect positive results. We can make that dream happen if only everyone

goes out to propagate the ideas, values, visions and the desired energy. There is urgent need for the youths to take the National Assembly up on the constitutional impediments culminating in political exclusion. The reality is that those who were active political actors in the Second Republic are still much occupying the political space. This was evident in the low representation of youths in the just concluded National Conference. The youths also affirm that some of them are often used by the po-

litical elites to perpetuate rigging of elections, constitute militants and fundamentalist insurgents. These are systematic regime tendencies designed and stage managed by the status quo which goes beyond protecting votes at the polling centres by voters. The youths are admonished to play the game to rule their destiny. To pay the price for change and stand up to take power as the old will not give up easily without a fight. • Com. Ogbu Alexander Ameh, Abuja

general duties enlisted between 2007 to 2010 was released, but alas, those of the traffic warden fro the same period were not released without any justifiable reason. It is imperative that the police authorities explain to Nigerians why the traffic wardens are denied their rights like hazard and welfare allowances. The traffic wardens are neglected, deprived and marginalised despite the hazards we encounter in the course of performing our duties. A quick way to address these injstices and bring the abnormalities to an end is to grant the organisation total autonomy from the Nigerian police force.This will not only help to boost the morale of the officers and men of the section, it will bring in efficiency, smooth running of the organisation and enhance the nation’s growth. It is to be noted that the men and officers enlisted into the department are talented, able-bodied and educated as well as civilised enough to contribute their quota to the growth of Nigeria and the world at large. Autonomy will also go a long way to create more jobs for the army of unemployed graduates. Above all, autonomy to this organisation is the right thing to do; it will help to write the name of this administration in gold. • Agboola Alabi, Ilorin, Kwara State

Africa; we have several opportunities at our disposal. Universities and colleges taught us to become good employees so that we can have good and secure jobs but nothing is taught on entrepreneurship. Although most universities are trying to bring entrepreneurship courses into our curriculum but they are entirely different from what it is in real sense. Nigerian government has failed to provide employment for its citizens; the rate of unemployment

continues to rise as new entrants graduate from our institutions with no certainty of having employment. No graduate has to die seeking for employment . Let us seek entrepreneurship education so that we can exploit the God-given gifts our dear country is endowed with. The sky should be our beginning towards making our country a better one . • Ahmad Shehu Kano, Kano State

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

Grant autonomy to traffic police

Youths and the change we want

IR: Some believe that the tragedy of Africa and Nigeria in particular is the exclusion of excellence and preference for mediocrity. This school of thought equally believes that the country can be saved by gravitating to the centre and engage issues of institutions by changing the mindset. It argues further that to expect God to do something while we don’t do anything is not a belief but superstition. Mass action by the people brings about change, not by writing commentaries on papers and radio. When truth overtakes falsehood, the people will celebrate. The danger society faces is when good men leave the game of politics for the bad men and society suffers. People stand up for the general good else they bequeath a hopeless legacy for future generations. People learn how to organize and not to agonize in building new political platform. Often times they have to challenge the status quo by pouring into the street and demand for change. For the young ones according to Franz Fanon, ‘that future will not forgive them if they refuse to fight

Entrepreneurship, the missing factor

IR: The grief and fear of low or inconsistency of pension and retirement benefits, the terror of not having steady salary and other domestic challenges mostly lead our retirees to a short life span after retirement. More than 90% of those that tried to start up a business usually fails because of lack of financial literacy. Our country is blessed with variety of natural resources. We are front runners in the continent as an economic power. We are the giant of

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

COMMENTS

HAT does it mean to be characterised as angelic? Illumination came at the solemn Night of Tributes and Service of Songs organised to say a formal and final farewell to the departed Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh who patriotically and heroically gave her life to save the country from a possible viral catastrophe. It was perhaps fitting that a team of ladies screened people with gadgets at the entrance and supplied sanitisers for use as the venue filled up gradually, which were obvious precautionary measures in the face of the ongoing battle with a killer virus. By 6pm on September 11, Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, was ready for a review of the life and times of the doctor who succumbed to the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which she had contracted in the course of treating the country’s first case of the bug, Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian-American who died of EVD on July 25. Tragically, Adadevoh herself passed away on August 19, less than one month after her life-threatening encounter with Sawyer. Adadevoh gazed at the population in the expansive space. She was frozen on a canvass framed with a garland of white, cream and green flowers; she wore a doctor’s white overcoat and a stethoscope was around her neck. Her striking portrait formed the background on the stage which had a table and chairs for three white-robed priests and a green-robed one. An orchestra of violinists and hornsmen performed impressively on the side and a choir in a colour-mix of blue, red and white completed the musical ensemble. Two large screens presented pictorial highlights of Adadevoh’s earthly journey, which were greeted by a gripping contemplative silence from the crowd. Her childhood years, growing up, her graduation from medical school in red gown and cap with scroll in hand, her wedding, motherhood, family life and social life, rolled out in photos before attentive and sorrowful eyes. “There is no doubt that her death is hurtful and painful,” said the priest who delivered the homily.

‘It is impossible to build scenarios or to imagine the scale of the public health crisis that would most likely have developed in the country in the absence of the thorough diagnostic efforts and a firm application of safety measures and standards, without a huge sense of gratitude to Adadevoh and others who worked with her in the management of Sawyer’s case’

HE recent outburst by Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), a phoney pan-Yoruba group, was unfortunate, especially at a time when deep sense of conscience, reasoning and rational thinking are needed to foster unity among Nigerians. ARG, a group specialized in executing the hatchet job of their paymasters under the guise of a larger Yoruba group, lost its cool against the person of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State for calling against the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. Nigeria under the present administration is drifting into frightening abyss. Under this government, systemic corruption and insecurity are fast eroding the fabric that wrapped and hold the nation as one. All good governance indices/tables have placed Jonathan administration at the relegation stage. It’s obvious that there was ulterior motive behind the recently concluded National Conference as it was a plan by the presidency to achieve the selfish agenda of tenure elongation, disunite or even divide the country and further impoverish other parts of the Nigerian nation. Displaying the group’s crass ignorance and weird logic, the Publicity Secretary of ARG, Kunle Famoriyo, blamed Governor Kwankwaso “and other self-seeking Nigerians for endorsing the 1999 Constitution when it suits them and calling for its amendment when it does not.” According to him, “Kwankwanso, one of those who believe the 1999 Constitution is perfect for the country, has had two reasons to call for its amendment. He changed his stance on the agitation for state police when his security aides were withdrawn by ‘order from above’ during the Kano emir-ship commotion.” Now one is compelled to demand answer to this pertinent question: Is there any place in the four corners of the 1999 Constitution where the President got the right to withdraw the security of a serving governor? It is sheer abuse of the Constitution, which the Afenifere group is gleefully glossing over. It’s both saddening and pitiful that a group which should otherwise be seen as a bastion of conscience is now losing its sense of righteousness. There is no any time in the history of Nigeria that the unity of the country is at its lowest ebb than the present administration. No time in the checkered history of Nigeria that security of lives of Nigerians is threatened than now. There is no time in the history of Nigeria that corruption is fully institutionalised and whistle-blowers (rather than being honoured) are seen as enemies. We had expected that in the smuggled constitution, we

Angel Ameyo

“She sacrificed her life,” he stressed, “and saved the country from an uncontrollable disaster”; but, he added, “she was not an accidental heroine.” He pointed out: “Sacrifice was her second nature and character.” In his view, she had “a glorious exit” in the truest sense of the phrase, different from the clichéd use of the expression. The tribute session was revealing. Dr. Bode Karunwi, her mate in primary school and medical college, spoke about their 50-year friendship and called her “a faithful friend” in addition to being “a first-class physician.” It was Dr. Efunbo Dosekun who provided a penetrating glimpse of her final moments as she struggled with EVD while quarantined. Dosekun described their last interaction “before she slipped into coma.” In a moving narration, she painted a picture of how she had to speak to Adadevoh through the window because of quarantine regulations. She said Adadavoh had told Sawyer: “I won’t let you go because you would spread this virus far and wide.” Significantly, a Havard University medical professor whose tribute was read on the occasion touchingly said he hoped “Nigeria will one day reflect on her heroism and sacrifice in containing a deadly epidemic.” So far, figures released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that eight people have died of EVD out of 21 cases. Adadevoh’s death was especially pathetic because she was, ironically, a victim of her professionalism, dedication to work and concern for the sick. A family member was quoted as saying, “She was not on duty on the day Mr. Sawyer was brought to the hospital, but she responded to the emergency. She left what she was doing to save a life.” Her commendably rare demonstration of respect for the Hippocratic Oath of her profession was noted by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris. Following her death, he said of her role: “She it was who took the initiative to intimate the ministry concerning the index

case; and substantially to her credit, the moderate containment achieved we owe to her and her colleagues.” Speaking of containment efforts, it was reported that Adadevoh had to “physically restrain” the infected patient from escaping from the hospital after he had been diagnosed with EVD. It is impossible to build scenarios or to imagine the scale of the public health crisis that would most likely have developed in the country in the absence of the thorough diagnostic efforts and a firm application of safety measures and standards, without a huge sense of gratitude to Adadevoh and others who worked with her in the management of Sawyer’s case. There is no doubt that the professional intervention of Adadevoh and other health workers greatly reduced the high possibility of a widespread dispersal of the virus, which causes a haemorrhagic fever that can kill infected people in a week, although patients reportedly begin to show symptoms within three weeks of infection. “Our tribute to her is our school song,” said an old girl of Queen’s School, Ede/Ibadan, Adadevoh’s alma mater, and the alumnae gave an enthusiastic rendition of the school song to end the chain of tributes. “Pass on the Torch”, they sang, in reference to the school motto. It is heartwarming that Adadevoh’s torch will be kept burning by a newly founded organisation, the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust, which has been set up in honour of “her life of service to profession, community and humanity.” The source of the information announced that “it will be a professionally run charity” dedicated to her ideals; and there was an approving applause at Harbour Point. He gave a contact email address: drasatrust@gmail .com. Before her death, Adadevoh, 57, had worked for 21 years at First Consultants Medical Centre, Obalende, Lagos, and became the Lead Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist. Interestingly, that evening at Habour Point, those who spoke called her Ameyo, which is a Ewe name for girls meaning “Girl born on Saturday.” Also, some of them called her an angel, which suggests a guardian angel. In particular, the representative of the association of endocrinologists said, “Our society will pursue national recognition which she so deserves”; and the people clapped. It is noteworthy that a new petition on Change.org is asking the government to “honour the memory of Adadevoh with a National Posthumous Award”. However, such consideration should apply not only to her. A nurse at the same hospital also died from EVD. Those who paid the ultimate price while carrying out their duties and saved many lives from Ebola even without having contact with them deserve credit. A grateful country should reward their heroic self-sacrifice.

Kwankwaso and Afenifere’s weird logic By Philips Chinwendu shall see a provision that slams capital punishment on corruption or defines clannishness as treason, or demands outright resignation for cluelessness, or gives life sentence to a leader under whose eyes a part of the country is ceded. No! Surprisingly, what we are getting in the new constitution is the extension of the tenure of corrupt and incompetent government. But what are the problems of Nigeria, solution which requires a brand new constitution? Will amending or changing the present constitution to elongate the tenure of an incompetent leader eradicate poverty, or reduce corruption or provide stable electricity across Nigeria? Can anyone show Nigerians where the present 1999 Constitution stops the president from providing security of lives and property, or where the Constitution prevent the President from rescuing the abducted Chibok girls? Any section of the 1999 Constitution that bars the president from fighting corruption? Is there any section of the constitution that allows the president to withdraw the security of a serving governor? What section bars the opposition politicians from attending rallies? The primary responsibility of a government is ensuring the security of lives and property. Any government that fails in achieving this important aspect shouldn’t have the temerity to seek the mandate of Nigerians through whatever means. What is honourably needed for a government that fails it’s primary responsibility is to leave power. The Afenifere group should therefore note that good leadership does not require a new constitution. It only requires commitment, transparency, vision and the willpower. In only two years as a governor, Kwankwaso established 24 new training institutes, established North West University, created 44 Technical Schools across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state. While the federal government is sending a few hundreds of students abroad, Kwankwaso has, so far sponsored over 2,000 students on foreign scholarship to universities across the world. Did he wait for a fresh constitution to do this? While the federal government is helping the spread of Ebola through TAN rallies, Kwankwaso needed no new constitution to take the required measures of checking

the possible outbreak of the disease in the state. In the health sector, the Kwankwaso administration has achieved positive results through building new hospitals and overhauling/upgrading the existing ones. Free medical service to antenatal and emergency services are being offered, while mobile ambulance service tagged ‘Kwankwasiyya Medical Outreach’ was introduced in the state. Modern medical facilities were installed in our major hospital, just as constant supply of electricity to hospitals was made a mandatory task. What section of 1999 Constitution bars the federal government from doing this at, say National Hospital? While the federal government is making frenetic efforts to acquire foreign loan despite squandering trillions on security, Kwankwaso has so far offset about N50 billion from the N70 billion he inherited from his processor. All these were achieved by the special grace of the 1999 Constitution, under which Kwankwaso, Fashola, Akpabio and a few others are wonderfully performing. Of this, Afenifere Renewal Group should know that tenure elongation is tantamount to elongation of incompetent leadership, insecurity, hardship and disunity. • Chinwendu, a public affairs analyst, wrote in from Apapa, Lagos

‘Can anyone show Nigerians where the present 1999 Constitution stops the president from providing security of lives and property, or where the constitution prevents the President from rescuing the abducted Chibok girls? Any section of the 1999 Constitution that bars the president from fighting corruption? Is there any section of the constitution that allows the president to withdraw the security of a serving governor?’

THE NATION MONDAY, -SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

COMMENTS

T is difficult to ignore the widely publicized story on the alleged attack on a United States of America (US) federal air marshal at the Murtala Muhammed International airport Lagos. Not with the dangerous insinuations that have come with it especially in the foreign media. Reports had it that a US federal air marshal was screened and quarantined for Ebola virus in Houston, Texas US after he was injected with a syringe full of unknown substance in an insecure area of the airport. Though the assailant could not be apprehended as he was said to have vanished into the thin air, but other air marshals traveling with the victim were able to secure the needle and bring it on the flight for testing in the US. US law enforcement officers were said to have been alarmed by the bizarre and unprovoked attack because the assailant was able to inject the unknown substance into the back of one of the air marshals who was traveling under cover. The US federal air marshal service is a law enforcement agency under the supervision of the Transportation Security Administration. Sequel to the incident, the US Embassy in Lagos, at its request, met with the airport joint security team and viewed footages of the movements of the said marshal captured in the airports CCTV cameras. “Preliminary observation from the CCTV footages did not show evidence of such occurrence. Relevant security agencies have since commenced investigations into the matter”, the Federal Airport Authority said in a statement denying the alleged attack. The statement further reassured all travelers of the commitment of the authorities of the airport to their safety and security. The alleged attack, as worrisome as it is, raises many questions that hinge on its credibility. Good enough, the airport authorities that viewed footages of the movements of the said air marshal in the presence of the US officials have come out to say no such a thing was evident from the recordings of the CCTV. They have however promised further investigations just as the US authorities are investigating and testing the needle said to have been secured by other air marshals on the traveling

Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

US marshal’s syringe attack team. Without prejudice to whatever may turn out as the final outcome of the inquiry, it is rather curious that such an attack could take place within the vicinity of the airport without the victim or any of his colleagues raising serious alarm. The overall impression that comes to mind from the way the matter has been presented, is that all the air marshals did was to secure the needle only to board their flight and report the matter on arrival at their home country. That does not seem to tally with the high efficiency for which US security operatives are well known. There is also no evidence that the matter was reported either to the airports’ array of security personnel or the police. Matters are not helped by the revelation of the airport police command that the duty officer in charge on the day of the alleged incident did not record any such report. This casts a very big slur on the entire story. This is more so with the expert knowledge, skills and training of the marshals in security matters. The least expectation from such a very knowledgeable group is that they would have raised alarm to alert the airport security and all those within that vicinity. Had they done that, there could have ensured some hot pursuit for the assailant not only from the law enforcement agencies but other sympathizers within that vicinity. Nigerians are good at showing sympathy in such circumstances. Beyond that, the scramble that would have ensued would have left no one in doubt in the CCTV footage that such an

HE recent reversal of resumption date for schools nationwide from October 13 to September 22 by the federal government because of the success recorded in the containment of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease outbreak has elicited mixed reactions from different groups and individuals. The reactions of two groups, namely the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the NUT (Nigerian Union of Teachers) particularly interest me because they are unarguably big players and stakeholders in the health and education sectors of the nation. Their position on any matter within their area of concern should be considered weighty and worthy of consideration. The two bodies are opposed to the new resumption date for schools on the ground that it is too early to guarantee the safety of millions of Nigerian children in schools nationwide. They advised that the reopening should be shifted until theEbola Virus Disease is completely eradicated in the country. The NMA went on to suggest that if possible, schools should remain shut for the rest of the year. The NUT on its part is ready to embark on a nationwide strike to ensure that government heeds its advice. While I appreciate the concern of these two bodies in the complete eradication of this dangerous disease from the country, as a school owner and a member of National Association Of Proprietors Of Private Schools, I strongly disagree with their position that the government reversed its earlier decision because of pressures from some so-called powerful school proprietors and, that the government was wrong to have changed the date. It is quite unfortunate that the NMA and NUT created the impression that some private schools’ proprietors twisted the hands of the federal government to reverse the resumption date earlier fixed for October 13. This to them must have been borne out of the proprietors’ selfish interest rather than the broader public interest for the safety of the Nigerian children. To me this position is unfair and hypocritical. If they have their arguments, lets them go ahead to present them with facts to the government or the court of public opinion without portraying any other group in bad light. Their new self-appointed roles of patriots and defenders of the public good are not supported by events of the recent past and the stark reality on ground. So whatever they say must be taken with a pinch of salt. For the NMA, this is an association that embarked on a strike action early July this year. One would have expected that as patriots, and in line with their professional calling, the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease would have compelled its members to temporarily call off the strike action immediately. But despite appeals from different quarters, they refused to call of the strike until late August, more than

attack took place. It takes some time to administer an injection with a syringe. For, apart from piercing the tissue, the liquid substance will have to be administered into the body. How possible is it to accomplish these without being caught? Again, the information we got was that the other marshals were able to secure the needle. So what happened to the syringe? Or was the assailant also able to unlock the syringe before fleeing? If that was the case, then he must have spent some time with his victim such that the chances of his arrest were quite high. The point being raised by these posers is that there is more to the story than ordinarily meets the eyes. These are the issues to ponder as investigations into the matter progress. The way they are resolved will take us closer to untying the riddle presented by the incident. But we must get out of stereotyping and profiling if we are to get at the veracity or lack of it of the alleged attack. Two speculated motives that have featured in the matter are terrorism and the intent to spread the deadly Ebola virus. The US law enforcement officers feared the injection could contain the Ebola virus. For Jon Adler, national president of the federation law enforcement officers association, it is a “reminder that international cowards will attempt to take sneaky lethal shots at our honorable men and women abroad”. Even as no evidence has been adduced to show that the attack was real, such profiling will do the investigations no good

because it gives the miserable impression of a people working from a predetermined end. But for the Boko Haram insurgency which is a relatively new development within the Nigerian shores, it would have been an exercise in hasty generalization to feature terrorism as a prime motive for the alleged attack. Perhaps, with the exception of the bomb attack at the United Nations building in Abuja, insurgency targets in the country have largely been confined to our local people. Records of attacks on foreigners especially US citizens have been rare if not completely non-existent. Moreover, since the air marshals were traveling under cover, it would have been nigh impossible to detect their citizenship. It would have been safer to suspect that the alleged attack was based on skin pigment. The theory that the attack was targeted at US citizens seems a remote possibility unless the assailant has a working knowledge of the activities and movements of the air marshals. The other scaring dimension is the suspicion that the substance injected on the air marshal contained the Ebola virus. It is true that Nigeria has in the last two months been battling to contain the spread of the Ebola virus. Before then, little or nothing was known of the scourge in the country. Could we have progressed from coming to terms with the reality of the Ebola virus to perfecting the lethal technology for exporting it to other countries through unwholesome means? Or has this profiling got to do with the recurring references to LiberianAmerican, Patrick Sawyer as the sole source of all identified cases of the virus in Nigeria? These are the issues to ponder.

‘Could we have progressed from coming to terms with the reality of the Ebola virus to perfecting the lethal technology for exporting it to other countries through unwholesome means? Or has this profiling got to do with the recurring references to LiberianAmerican, Patrick Sawyer as the sole source of all identified cases of the virus in Nigeria?’

NMA, NUT wrong on schools’ resumption By Bello Stephen Oladele three weeks after the Ebola outbreak. To now turn around and point accusing fingers at another group for allegedly trying to do the same thing (even though there is no evidence to support the claim), smacks off hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Any pressure group can put pressure on the government to pursue its interest in a legitimate way. It is recognized worldwide. The NUT also has no justification for accusing proprietors of private schools of endangering the health of the Nigerian children by pressurizing the government to shift the resumption date forward. The threat of strike is absolutely uncalled for and will not serve any useful purpose. Truly, we know that the NUT has long represented the public sector teachers in Nigeria. It has fought and won many battles for them resulting in better deals for teachers at all levels. However, I completely disagree with the position canvassed by the union officials on the issue of school resumption. Their position portrays the proprietors of private schools as callous, selfish and unpatriotic. Nothing can be further from the truth. Also their position presents the government as incompetent, insensitive and made up of people who are ready to succumb to unreasonable and self-seeking individuals. This is also absolutely untrue. The NUT should know that even though it has been championing the cause of public schools teachers in the country, there are hundreds of thousands of other teachers out there in the private sector schools who do not benefit from the protection enjoyed by the NUT member teachers. Their livelihood and that of their dependants largely depend on fees paid in the private schools. Any threat of long delay in resumption of schools means no school fees to collect by proprietors. Then no salary for staff and no food for them and their dependants. It is that simple and clear. To the teachers and proprietors of private schools, there is no problem as long as schools reopen either in September or October provided the three terms still run for the session. At worst, salaries will be delayed for two months. But to cancel the first term as suggested in some quarters will spell nothing but disaster for private school owners and teachers. That means no salary from September to January 2015. And no arrears because parents will not pay for an empty term. So what happens to owners of private school and their workers? Invariably, they will now be the ones to pay for the sins of Patrick Sawyer!

Will the government compensate them for the loss of a term’s income due to no fault of theirs? After all the owner of the hospital in Lagos that was closed for two weeks because of Ebola was said to have been given or being considered for some reasonable compensation. Will the same gesture be extended to private schools forced to close for the same reason? The point being made here is that the NUT and NMA should thread carefully on this matter. They should endeavor to have all the facts and complete view of the situation before they speak out simply because their words are weighty. Whichever way this thing goes, the NUT in particular has nothing to loose because its members are largely government employees. The truth is that private school owners and indeed NAPPS members are responsible parents and patriotic Nigerians. They do not love family or nation less than their fellow Nigerians in the NMA and NUT. Moreover, they are quite aware that if the government is careless in handling the Ebola virus crisis, they stand to lose more than any other group in the country. They have a great stake in ensuring that the scourge is contained and eradicated. The question now is what has the NUT done to complement government effort by sensitizing its members and preparing them for resumption? It should concern itself more with what it can do to help its members and schools rather than organizing a strike that will only hurt the Nigerian children and parents but not themselves. It is unfair for any group to seek to create the wrong impression that school proprietors are desperate to get schools open. Whatever position that is being canvassed by any proprietor of school is based on the facts already presented to the public by the accredited representatives of the government, namely the ministers of health and education. If the government confirms that the situation is under control based on the array of information at its disposal, what any responsible school owner will be looking forward to is the go ahead for resumption. Parents and all well-meaning Nigerians should also cooperate with the government to ensure adequate preparation for resumption rather than picking holes in the decision. And the truth is, the earlier schools can safely resume the better. Why on earth is the need for further delay if the delay is unnecessary and unjustifiable? • Dr Oladele is an educationist and school proprietor based in Kuje, Abuja.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 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

JOBS

‘Without steady power, manufacturing is gone’ - P. 37

Parks of jobs - P. 35 News Briefing Gas shortage stalls 2000Mw generation THE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has blamed gas supply deficit for the shutin of over 2000 megawatts (Mw) of electricity in the country. –Page 26

Unilever votes 1billion euro for expansion UNILEVER Nigeria plans to invest more than 1billion euro to expand its operations in the country by 2020. –Page 26

IPMAN threatens factional executive members THE national leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at the weekend set up a committee to probe and punish the parallel executive allegedly inaugurated by some members of the association in its Mosinmi, Ogun State chapter. –Page 26

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: Ericsson Country Manager, Nigeria, Mr. Kamar Abass; Chairman, Skye Bank Plc, Dr. Olatunde Ayeni; Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; Ericsson’s Global CEO, Hans Vestberg and CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mike Ikpoki, at a dinner organised by Ericsson for key industry leaders to discuss the future of the telecoms sector at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

Power firms explore technology to tackle power theft, others S

UCCESSOR firms from the privatised Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) are exploring the application of technology to address both technical and commercial challenges besetting the industry. No fewer than seven of the 11 distribution companies (DISCOs) are in talks with Polish software giant, Asseco Group to deploy its range of solutions to address the teething problems of the industry, The Nation gathered at the weekend. Chief Executive Officer, Asseco Nigeria, Simon Melchior said the tech firm’s solutions could drive down technical and commercial losses to as low as less than five per cent from 30 per cent. Melchior, who is also its West African representative, said there was similarity in

By Lucas Ajanaku

terms of the experience of Poland and other countries in Eastern Europe where it has successfully deployed its solutions to that of Nigeria, adding that the power stations too went through the same problem before stabilising. He said: “We are at various stages of discussion with almost all the DISCOs. Already, seven out of the 11 are already looking at deploying our utility management solutions for power distribution in terms of billing application, meter data acquisition, revenue collection management, customer relation management (CRM) and other modules around the core applications. “There is the Asseco Utility

Management Solution (AUS) which deals with inventory management, in terms of workflow management and outage management. These applications will perform when there is power and when there are outages.” He lamented that the DISCOs that had invested substantially to acquire the power firms are not only confronted with the problem of getting power to distribute, they are also bogged down by challenges such as high loss due to energy theft, wild ‘connection’ and duplicated duplication of customer billings. “The tools will reduce their technical and commercial losses on distribution from above 30 per cent to less than five per cent. They DISCOs are

challenged with the problems of high energy theft, wild connection, duplicated customer billings and estimated billings. These issues are also present in Eastern Europe,” he said, adding that in Poland, there are five DISCOs and a total of about 5.3million customers while in Nigeria, there are only about 600,000 customers. He said the firm had grown its global footprints rapidly over the past decade and is now operating in over 40 countries with 17,000 employees worldwide. Its Managing Director, Adefolu Majekodunmi, said the focus of the Nigerian entity will be to build a strong local expertise in four primary sectors - financial services (banking, insurance, capital

markets), fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), utilities (power, water, gas) and public sector (health, defense, and social services). He said: “The Asseco Group has significant experience developing solutions in the sectors we focus on. It has developed complex software solutions for major public and private sector institutions throughout Europe and the Middle East. “Our unique strategy for Nigeria is to combine local software development in addition to providing our established know-how. We are here for the long term and plan to be at the forefront of technology automation in the public sector and emerging private sector. “We will build our growth on local added value in the form of local software development.”

LCCI blames weak institutions for smuggling

HE Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said counterfeit products still come into the country because Nigeria has very weak institutions. Its Director-General, Mr Muda Yusuf, said this was the reason the compliance level of most government’s policies is low He said: “The counterfeited products come in because we have very weak institutions. “That is why the compliance level of most of our policies is very low. If you set a tariff at 100 per cent to protect local industry; or you put total import prohibition that this product must not come in; it

is not the duty of (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) SON to go and man the borders. It is the duty of the Customs. And if you also talk to the Customs, they will say there are over a thousand borders, a thousand routes through which these things come in. “Then, of course, there are some elements of it that has to do with officials of the Customs compromising to allow some of these smugglers. “So, the issue really is multi-dimensional; there is element of corruption and conspiracy among some of these officers. There is also the element of capacity,

By Toba Agboola

given the porosity of the borders. “Another thing that government is doing is the use of protective tariff. If you have a sector and you increase the tariff, it is a kind of bringing some comfort for the local manufacturers. Tariff method is working to some extent. And we also used to have the CBN intervention fund, which are being administered through the Bank of Industry (BoI) to give fund to the manufacturers at a lower interest rate and for a longer tenure.” According to him, the protective effect the trade policy

is supposed to have is not there because most of the products are all over the place. He continued: “If you look at the textile sector for instance, the sector is dominated with 60 to 70 per cent of textile products that are either smuggled or faked; the same thing with leather products, shoe and bags and things like that. “So, all these things happen but what can we do. We can only strengthen our institutions, build their capacity, and to make sure that our operations are more ethical. Then, on the part of the private sector, we also have a role to play to make sure that people also

• Yusuf

do business ethically because the standard of ethics in business generally has been deteriorating. And you find a situation where it is easier for those who are cutting corners to make more money in business than those who are compliant with the rules.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Gas supply shortage stalls 2000Mw generation

HE Nigerian Electricity Regu latory Commission (NERC) has blamed gas supply deficit for the shut-in of over 2000 megawatts (Mw) of electricity in the country. Its Commissioner, Government and Consumer Affairs, Dr Abba Ibrahim, who spoke at a forum in Lagos, said the country was losing over 2000Mw of electricity as a result of lack of gas supply. He noted that insufficient gas supply made some power plants that have the capacity to generate more 2000Mw to be idle. He said the gas supply constraints were pronounced because the energy mix is based on thermal plants that depend on gas for fuel to operate. He noted that over 70 per cent of

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

power generation comes from thermal out of which the assets of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) account for 80 per cent. He said Nigeria flares more gas than what it utilises, adding that the country produces about 8.5 billion cubic feet of gas daily (bcf/d). Of the volume, 2bcf/d is re-injected to boost oil production by oil firms, about 1 bcf/d is supplied to power generating firms, which is far less than required but cannot be improved upon because of lack of infrastructure. What is left of this figure is exported. The World Bank Group had in a report noted that the nation loses about 2000Mw for lack of gas supply while a huge volume of gas is

flared daily. In the report titled: “Global Gas Flaring Reduction, Proposed New Initiative,” the group said Nigeria has about 150 million people with only 6500 Mw power generation capacity of which nearly 2000Mw stands idle due to lack of gas and adequate infrastructure. The group urged government to stop gas flaring by oil producing countries. It said: “Gas flaring: why should it stop? Nigeria 150 million people with only 6500 Mw power generation capacity of which nearly 2000 Mw stands idle for lack of gas and adequate infrastructure. Only half the population has electricity network access and it’s unreliable. As a coping mechanism, 4000 Mw is generated by household size diesel generators while flaring 13 bil-

lion cubic metres of gas as the end of 2013, enough to feed 6500 Mw of power.” Ibrahim said NERC was collaborating with other stakeholders to address the problems in gas supply to power firms, including increasing the domestic supply through stopping flaring of gas. The stakeholders’ collaboration will impose enough penalties on firms that still flare gas heavily. Also, the Commission in partnership with other relevant agencies is exploring how to put in place the appropriate gas pricing regime and cost-effective tariff, among others to boost the power sector. The stakeholders’ collaboration has resulted in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) acceptance to pay gas suppliers’ $283.6 million debt.

• From left: Dr. Ibrahim; Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, Chairman, House Committee on Power (House of Reps); Executive Director (Commercial), Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Mr. Abu Ismail-Ejoor, and Commissioner, Engineering, Standards and Safety, NERC, Mrs. Mary Awolokun, at a power sector forum in Lagos.

Unilever votes 1billion euro for expansion

NILEVER Nigeria plans to invest more than 1billion euro to expand its operations in the country by 2020. Its Global Chief Executive, Mr. Paul Polma, said the planned investment was a reflection of the confidence the firm had in the economy, which has grown to about 6.45 per cent, making it the fastest growing economy in the world. He commended ongoing reforms in several sectors of the economy, especially in the energy and port sectors in addition to the agricultural value chain that has reduced the sourcing of some categories of raw material outside the shores of the country. Polma spoke at an event where the firm unveiled plans to inaugu-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

rate a production line and facility next month valued at over $200 million in addition to the success recorded in attracting major suppliers globally to come and invest locally. He said the five suppliers that had agreed to come and set up factories in the country will not only help to lift the sectoral contribution of manufacturing sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current five per cent but will also address the unemployment situation in the country. On the nature of the suppliers, he said some of them are into packaging while others are into the manufacture of base raw materials needed in their

production process. He said: “The Nigerian market is half of our African and even global business; the huge population is a plus for a discerning investor because of our belief in the current reforms. We have also attracted five of our major suppliers to invest locally. A radical reduction in the cost of energy provision through the unbundling of the sector will make our products more competitive and manufacturing process more efficient. We believe in this country having been here for 91 years and will do our best to help it grow in a sustainable way.” He said the new production lines would upgrade its oral and skin care lines into a more modern facility in addition to the condiment lines to be competitive in the international mar-

ket with robust capacity to employ more youths. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, hailed Unilever for believing in the country and the various reforms going on in the various sectors of the economy despite the apparent challenges. She said the Transformation Agenda of the administration was yielding results as multinationals are making further inroads into the economy with larger investments into the economy while new investors are coming to invest in the economy She said the second quarter report showed a positive report on the economy indicating a growth rate of 6.45 per cent.

IPMAN threatens factional executive members

HE national leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at the weekend set up a committee to probe and punish the parallel executive allegedly inaugurated by some members of the association in its Mosinmi, Ogun State chapter. The association condemned such move, saying it is against its constitution. The parallel executive led by Mr. Bada Adebisi conducted its election in an undisclosed location in Abeokuta, the state capital, to challenge the existing executive which was inaugurated four years ago. While the new Bada-led executive committee inaugurated about a week ago claimed to be the officially recognised one, Alhaji Dele Tajudeen-led group said they remained the authentic exco of IPMAN at Mosinmi. The association, in a communique issued at the end of its general

From Ernest Nwokolo & Jeremiah Oke, Abeokuta

meeting attended by over 500 members of the association and its National Executives held at IPMAN House, Mosinmi Deport, in Ogun State, the association passed a vote of confidence in the existing executive pending the time it will conduct election in October 15, this year. Other resolution was to set up a committee headed by Tunde Adesanya to investigate the allegation against the factional executive and also to address a letter from the national secretariat recognising the existing executive led by Alhaji Dele Tajudeen as the authentic executive. Its National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Hameed Fashola, who led the delegate to the meeting, said he would ensure that the national secretariat took the necessary steps in ensuring that the factional lead-

ers face the consequence of their actions. “This association is a disciplined one and anybody who misbehaves will be dealt with appropriately. Those who did such thing before now were expelled from the association. If the association also finds these people guilty, they must face the wrath of the law,” he noted. Its Zonal Chairman (Southwest), Mr. Olumide Ogunmade, who recalled his efforts to ensure that the rift was settled, said it was high time he dealt with the people parading themselves as leaders of the association in the state. He said it was high level of indiscipline and recklessness to have factionalised IPMAN in a state, adding that the founding fathers of the association was able to curb such in the inception. “We don’t preach peace for anybody again. Henceforth, it is fire-forfire with any member who refuse to comply with directive. IPMAN has a

tradition and the tradition must be follow to the letter. No one is superior to this association, therefore no one can hold us all to ransom.” Its state Chairman, Alhaji Dele Tajudeen said the association was ready to forgive them, provided they showed remorse and return to the fold. He said: “The association is ready to forgive them if they show remorse and return to the fold of the association. However, our constitution has several discipline for such offences. If anybody feels aggrieved, constitution stipulates that internal mechanism should be used rather than going to either press or police. ‘’Meanwhile, some of these people parading themselves as IPMAN executive have not been regularly attending our meetings. You can see the mammoth crowd here today. They are all the bonafide members of this association and you hear when they passed the vote of confidence on us as their bonafide executive.”

Private sector key to fixing economy, says FIIRO chief By Ebunoluwa Oladele

O breathe life into the ailing economy, entrepreneurs must devise new strategies to discover and creatively harness the nation’s abundant endowments, experts have said. Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr Gloria Elemo, who spoke at the induction of new members of the Institute of Entrepreneurs in Lagos, also advised government to take up issues relating to the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) more seriously. Mrs Elemo, who urged the Federal Government to invest in capacity building of entrepreneurs in the country, said there was urgent the need for stakeholders to embrace knowledge-based economy. She said: “Considering the wonders that SMEs have performed in most Asian countries which have made them the most competitive economies in the world, serious and adequate attention must be given to SMEs’ development issues. “Today, we are fond of bemoaning the nation’s bad economy, but the truth is that our problem is over-abundance worsened by mental indolence. We have to be mentally alert and look inwards for solutions to our economic maladies. Our problem lies in our pitiable inability to identify opportunities around us instead of expecting solutions from foreign countries.” Executive Secretary, Institute of Entrepreneurs, Dr Rotimi Oladele, said SMEs are crucial to growing the national economy, urging the Federal Government to take decisive steps to encourage their survival in the country. He said: “The spirit of entrepreneurship in us must be discovered and empowered lest we continue in our futile search for white-collar jobs that are not there. Our government must make sincere and conscious efforts to boost entrepreneurship, while the entrepreneurs amidst us must embrace proactiveness, innovativeness, risk taking, goal getting and rely less on theories.” He advised the new inductees to be committed to adding values in their various endeavours to contribute their quota to efforts aimed at revamping the nation’s ailing economy.

NBCC embarks on export, study tour to UK

HE Nigerian-British Cham ber of Commerce (NBCC) in collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK) Trade and Investment Department (UKTI) will from October 20 to 24 organise an Export Nigeria Study Tour to the UK. The President, NBCC, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, said the Chamber is organising the tour to address the trade imbalance between Nigeria and the UK. “There is an imbalance when it comes to trade between Nigeria and most countries; this tour is just one of many strategies NBCC has lined up to rectify this imbalance in Nigeria’s favour,” he said. The tour comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s inability to generate steady export to the UK due to poor management. Other reasons, according to NBCC chief, are limited understanding of the rules and standard governing exports to the UK, policy inconsistencies and others which he said has made it nearly impossible for about three million Nigerians living in the UK to buy made-in-Nigeria products.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS ICSAN seeks employment for youths

•From left: Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka welcoming Nahco Aviance’s Chairman, Mallam Suleiman, Yahyah and Managing Director, of Nahco Aviance, Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo, during a courtesy visit by the firm’s directors to the Minister’s office in Abuja.

NAHCO partner on agro export, says minister T HE Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka has said the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) will be a partner in the Federal Government’s agro-based export programme. Speaking when the Board of the company led by its Chairman, Mallam Suleiman Yahyah, paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja, Chidoka said with the capacity and efficiency of the cargo handling firm, the government could be rest assured that the expected agricultural output would be well taken care of in terms of export capabilities. Promising to contact his counterpart in the Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, to see how the Ministry and nahco could work, Chidoka pledged to bring the two sides together to facilitate a partnership that

By Kelvin Osa-Okubor

would work well for the development of the country’s economy. He said there was much to be done to improve the cargo industry, commending nahco aviance for leading the way. The minister wondered why the country does not have an air cargo system that moves fresh foodstuffs from one part of the country to the another same day. “Why can’t tomatoes be moved by air from Yola to Lagos,” he asked, adding that these are the kinds of things the aviation sector should be able to accomplish. He envisaged a situation where the agro sector would be join hands with nahco in maximising the opportunities that exist in the implementa-

tion of the company’s Free Trade Zone licence. The way it is being implemented, the NAHCO’s Free Trade Zone allows for importation and exportation of goods in a borderless environment. The FTZ allows Nigeria’s agro-allied products to be exported to Europe and America with Lagos serving as a hub. Chairman, nahco aviance, Yahyah told the Minister that the firm planned to invest over USD500million in the development of its FTZ in five years. He said with the collaboration, employment would be created. He assured the minister that nahco aviance was ready to assist in moving the sector forward.

Restating that the government should not be involved in running businesses, Chidoka assured that the infrastructure and the enabling environment would be provided to afford operators optimise their capabilities and efficiencies. The minister thanked the nahco’s team for coming adding that he hoped this would be the beginning of further engagement in his efforts to move the aviation sector forward. On the nahco aviance team were the Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo; the Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Norbert Bielderman and Director, Usman Arabi Bello. Also on the team were Director, Dr. Umar Faruk; Director, Tijjani Ahmed-Uwais; and the Manager, Governance and Stakeholders Relations, Uche Maurice Maduemesi.

Etisalat announces judges for African innovation prize

TISALAT Nigeria has assembled a strong judging panel for the Pan-African Prize for Innovation. The judges are Founder/CEO of Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori; Managing Director of Kitskoo Limited, Babatunde Fafunwa; Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Rancard Solutions, Ehizogie Binitie; Entrepreneur/Consultant, Henrik Palsson and Chief Information Officer at Etisalat Nigeria, Otuyemi Otule. A board of innovators comprising CEO of Main One telecommunications solutions provider, Funke Opeke; Vice Presi-

AMSUNG Electronics West Africa, in partnership with accredited partners, has stepped up its nationwide market expansion drive in Nigeria with the opening of three stores in Abuja. It said the move would make its leading-edge, world-class consumer electronics and home appliances accessible to more customers in the country. Dubbed Samsung Experience Stores, the retail outlets provide consumers with an exciting platform to interact with Samsung’s full range of audio visual solutions and extensive range of premium household appliances in one easily-accessible location. Besides creating more locations where consumers can experience firsthand Samsung’s exten-

By Lucas Ajanaku

dent Commerce at Etisalat Group, George Held and Chief Executive Officer at Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher has also been established to complement the panel of judges. Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher said: “The thinking behind the ‘Etisalat PanAfrican Prize for Innovation’ is to encourage and celebrate valuable innovation for driving or facilitating mobile broadband use in the Africa market. Having some of these

notable professionals in their different fields as judges and custodians of the prize will further encourage and reward corporate organisations; small and growing businesses as well as individuals who are constantly contributing to the development of mobile broadband solutions and platforms in Africa. Entrants can be assured a critical assessment of their products/ideas, and our winning entries will represent the very best”. Each year, finalists demonstrate fresh thinking and bold technology integration, pushing the boundaries of possibili-

ties in this constantly evolving broadband arena. Finalists will attend the Seventh AfricaCom awards taking place in CapeTown, South Africa in November. Launched in 2012, the Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation is aimed at encouraging and celebrating valuable innovative ideas and products in the African market and drive the use of mobile broadband. The first prize of $25, 000 is for the most innovative product or service launched in the last 12 months and a second prize of $10,000 for the most innovative idea.

HE Federal Government has been told to provide employment for youths to reduce poverty. This would also remove them from the streets, as well as, being used for other negative tendencies, such as insurgency. The President, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, made the call at a briefing in Abuja on the 38th Annual Conference and Dinner of the body billed for next Tuesday and Wednesday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. According to Ndanusa, the conference has three subthemes: “Shareholders activism: Any added value to governance? “Governance and security: the cost of doing business in Nigeria”; and corporate compliance: The role of the chartered secretary”. He said the provision of jobs would also reduce insecurity. He emphasised the need for education and the enunciation of economic policies that

would affect the citizens. The ICSAN boss said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country should put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. He stressed the need for an impact assessment of government’s policies, pointing out that the country did not lack good policies but implementation. On energy, Ndanusa, also Chairman, Securities and Exchange (SEC), praised the Federal Government for taking the bold step in privatising the sector. He expressed confidence that the power sector would improve, adding that privatisation was a process. The ICSAN chief said the level of decay in the sector would take some time to address, urging Nigerians to be patient with the government. He called for the promotion of good Corporate Governance. The conference is expected to attract participants from both the private and public sectors, the academia, as well as, professionals both at home and abroad.

Airline displays GulfStream’s G 280

HE new commercial sales representative of the Gulfstream, Skyjet Aviation Services Limited has displayed one of Gulfstream products, G280 in Lagos. According to the Director of Aircraft Sales, Bruce Fullerton, “we ( Skyjet and Gulfstream ) will be bringing a Gulfstream 280 Lagos. It was displayed at the weekend at the EAN Aviation hangar.

By Kelvin Osa-Okubor

“The Gulfstream G280 has established itself as the supermidsise class leader in performance and economy. According to Gulfstream website, “a newly designed long, sleeking and highthrust engines increase range and speed, yet fuel economy is so well maximised the G280 has earned best-in-class fuel efficiency’’.

Dana Air, Akwa Ibom partner

ANA Air has been designated as the partner airline of the first Akwa Ibom State Tourism Summit, which holds on September 17 and 18 at the Ibom e-library. The Akwa Ibom Tourism Summit, which is first of its kind seeks to develop historic sites within the state as well as showcase the rich cultural and tourism potentials that are located across the state. The partnership is a further re-affirmation of Dana Air’s commitment towards an accelerated tourism development. Speaking on the potential of the event, the Chief Commercial Officer of Dana Air, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo said: “Accessibility and tourism are synonymous and the designation of Dana as the official airline partner of

By Kelvin Osa-Okubor

the maiden edition of the summit will further accelerate pace of growth so far recorded in the state especially the commendable global recognition that some historic sites and monuments have achieved under the current administration”. Mbanuzuo further noted that Akwa Ibom has served as a remarkable symbol of unity and pride and Dana Air will continue to provide reliable and convenient means of transport to guests across its existing route network within Nigeria. The Project Organiser, Mr. Joseph Utin, noted that Uyo was ready to host the tourism world and the appointment of Dana Air is sequel to the interest of the airline to genuinely partner with the authorities to grow domestic tourism potential.

Samsung opens three stores in Abuja

sive product ecosystem, consumers are also assured of personalised service from trained sales consultants. The Abuja brand shops are the latest in the series of experience stores being rolled out all over Nigeria, bringing the total number of such retail outlets to 75, with 12 centres in Abuja. Its Managing Director, Mr. Brovo Kim, described the move as a confirmation of Samsung’s strategic effort to make connected lifestyle products and solutions more accessible, and to offer the most consumer-centric engagement in a retail environment.

He said: “Our vision at Samsung is to improve lives through our products. Nigeria is a very important market with high potential and it is very rewarding to know that people here support our business. Our ongoing expansion drive in the country demonstrates our commitment to delivering excellent products and services to our consumers. We see bright prospects for Nigeria’s future economically, and we expect consumer sentiment to remain positive and indeed move from strength to strength. We believe that this is the right time to expand our footprint across the retail space.”

Kim added that Samsung was focusing on adding more retail hubs to the company’s experience stores to create more convenient shopping experience for consumers. On display at the stores are Samsung’s new ultra-high televisions; the company’s latest range of refrigerators incorporating Space Max technology, which ensures that the products have thinner walls to provide more capacity on the inside while maintaining the same external size; a new Smart digital inverter air conditioner series with a striking triangle body design, as well as a new line-up of premium appliances

for the at-home chef, comprising modern appliances that incorporate insight from some of the world’s top professional chefs, among others. In addition, customer service requirements will be simplified in-store by the company’s highly trained technical representatives. Also, the Director of Consumer Electronics, Mr. Sunil Kumar, described the opening of the new stores as a testament to the growing strength of Samsung as a brand and the customer loyalty that it has built over the years. “At Samsung, our retail strategy is influenced by our broader consumer-focused approach on

providing compelling products and experiences that address consumer needs. We don’t just deliver innovative technology but rather design beautiful products which are smart, easy to use and ecofriendly. We remain committed to maintaining our market leadership by expanding our retail footprint and also providing unprecedented levels of service and education on all of our products,” he said. He urged Nigerians to visit the firm’s brand stores and discover for themselves how Samsung combines simple and elegant design with enhanced user experience.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

BUSINESS

Controversies trail Shell’s ruptured pipelines’ contract Resolving the controversy surrounding the planned replacement of the Trans Niger Pipeline with new pipes and the alleged unwillingness of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to execute the project, may take longer than expected. The host communities and Shell seem not to have reached a mutual understanding to facilitate implementation of the project, reports SIMEON EBULU.

HE speculations that Anglo Dutch oil giant, Shell, is considering cancelling the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in the creeks of Niger Delta is stirring anger in the region. A group, operating as Niger Delta Pollution Vanguards Movement (NDPVM), which is putting pressure to prevent the project’s cancellation, has written to President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to avert the planned cancellation of the contract for the transport of oil and gas through some Niger Delta communities. They insist that the proposed pipeline project will prevent environmental degradation of the communities from oil spills emanating from ruptured pipelines. The project known as Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), transports around 180,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal and is part of the gas liquids evacuation infrastructure, critical for continued domestic power generation (Afam VI power plant) and liquefied gas exports. The proposed pipeline project is meant to replace the old ruptured one that caused repeated damage to the environment and way of life of the people. The desire to replace them has long been on the drawing board. The sudden cold feet developed by Shell has mystified the affected communities who had hoped that the new pipeline project will significantly bring succour to the environment and ease the impact of oil spills resulting from frequent rupture of the current aging pipelines. According to Shell, “the loopline project creates an alternative route to avoid sabotage, by-passing an area where theft and illegal refining have been common. In addition, the project will install monitoring systems to detect any intrusion or leak. The pipeline will not be completely covered to allow security patrol boats to quickly

access all pipeline sections.” The project location is Ogale, Alakiri, Cawthorne Channel and Bonny. Shell said the project aims to secure the evacuation of crude from assets in the eastern part of the Niger Delta, and of natural gas from the Gbaran, Agbada, Okoloma and Alakiri gas plants to the Bonny terminal. After completion, it will also allow for easier access to maintain the infrastructure. The project includes a system that will use fibre-optic sensing technology to detect intrusion into the pipeline right of way and leaks. It can be configured to suit different environments, whether solid ground or swamp. It relays real-time information to a control centre. The project consists of three parts: 1. 12.5 km 30” pipeline from Ogale to Eleme/Ogu Bolo over land terrain; A 25.5 km 30” pipeline from Eleme/Ogu Bolo to the Cawthorne Channel Junction Manifold, and a 2.4 km 8” pipeline from Alakiri to Ojikiri spurline; both over swamp terrain; A 20km 30’’ pipeline and a 20 km 24” loop pipeline leg from Cawthorne Channel Junction Manifold to Bonny Oil & Gas Terminal; both over swamp terrain. According to Shell, “final investment decision was taken on the project on June 14, 2013. The contracts for the first package were signed on July 3, 2013 with the KAZTEC Engineering Limited. The award of packages two and three is awaiting Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Board’s approval.” The company said, Regulatory approval has been granted for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. TNPL is the first project in Nigeria to procure line pipes from a local pipe mill as part of SPDC’s efforts to provide local jobs and business. “The project invested significantly to improve the quality and safety standards of the local mill to meet Shell standards,” they said. Effect on the environment Shell said specialists from the project carried out an EIA

• Sumonu

together with affected communities and regulatory authorities. It said “measures to limit the impact of activities include using a horizontal directional drilling technique that goes below major rivers and roads, rather than dredging the rivers, reducing social-economic impact and disruption to wildlife.” They explained that the project employs local people directly and generates business for local suppliers and contractors. In their opinion, communities are expected to also benefit from investment in programmes that they can choose under a scheme called, the Global Memoranda of Understanding. NDPVM’s stance However, the Niger Delta

Pollution Vanguards Movement (NDPVM), said they are privy to information that SPDC plans to halt the execution of the project. “Our findings revealed that this TNPL project, which is expected to put an end to environment degradation and illegal bunkering, may not see the light of day in view of Shell’s ill conceived plans to cancel the project.” They said the project will enhance the integrity of the environment and restore the livelihood of peasant fishermen and farmers in the right of way of communities, whose farmlands and fishing activities have been adversely affected by oil spillage from ruptured pipes and criminal activities of illegal bunkerers. The project will no doubt create massive employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the communities and assist indigenous contractors to take advantage of local content opportunities, which in turn will aid the development of the host communities, they said, adding that issues of oil spillage and bunkering will be laid to rest. NDPVM said: “The proposed cancellation of the Trans Niger Pipeline Loopline Project on the backdrop of a deteriorating environment, occasioned by crude oil spillages on the ruptured existing pipeline, poses a danger to the health

‘The project will no doubt create massive employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the communities and assist indigenous contractors to take advantage of local content opportunities, which in turn will aid the development of the host communities, they said, adding that issues of oil spillage and bunkering will be laid to rest’

of the host communities and their environment.” The group said the communities on the right of way and impacted communities would now be exposed to danger by the increasing pollution of land and river. In their letter to the President, they said: “We do recall a public commitment by the Managing Director & Chair of SPDC companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, at a forum wherein he expressed SPDC’S commitment to concerned NGOs and affected host communities, particularly Ogale, Ebubu, Ejaka, Ejama, Fibalakiri, Mgbegbeboko, Ichikiri, Alakiri, Ojikiri, Johnsonkiri, Dikibotorusingha, Adamakiri, West Point and Atabakiri and Cawthorne Chanel, Fusokiri, Atabakiri, Ligakiri, Kuruma, Iwoamakuruama, Obonima, Kuruama, Kalaibiama, Iwoma, Ayambo and Bonny, with respect to awarding the contract for the replacement of the ruptured pipelines. “We see the sudden cold- feet developed by SPDC towards the award of this project as a deliberate effort to sabotage the promise Shell made to this government and to the aforementioned communities. “What has changed between when Shell made this commitment and now? they queried, wondering whether the spill and attendant pollution of the affected communities have stopped? They argued that “a ruptured and dilapidated pipeline cannot be abandoned by SPDC in the western world where it has similar operations, and we do believe in the integrity and objective disposition of this government in calling SPDC to order, as the continued delay in kickstarting this TNPL Project is seen as a grand design to undermine the resourceful leadership of this administration.” They alleged that SPDC seeks to abandon the replacement of a ruptured pipeline that has become the hub of illegal bunkering and oil spillages in a once volatile region, that the

Jonathan administration has expended so much money in rehabilitating and integrating its exmilitants. According to them, “The communities are becoming restive by the second, and there is a need to avoid a backlash of violence occasioned by resentment towards SPDC nonchalant attitude to the environment and health of the a f o r e m e n t i o n e d communities.” They appealed to President Jonathan “to call Shell to order to ensure that the TNPL Project is awarded without further delay..” On his part, Priye Okpoma, an indigene of Adamakiri, one of the proposed communities affected by the project, however accused the oil giant of wanting to divert the money meant for the contract abroad. ‘‘They want to take the money abroad to develop their economy instead of ploughing just a little to save our communities. Is that not wickedness?,’’ rhetorically. We are watching and warning them not to cancel the project, because apart from saving our environment, our youths will be employed throughout the duration of the contract,’’ he declared. A Shell source, who spoke to The Nation in confidence on the issue, neither denied nor confirmed the planned cancellation of the pipeline replacement contract. However, the he noted that the claim by NDPVM that replacement of the TNP with new pipes will stop oil spillage and guarantee safe and pollution-free environment is incorrect, because the oil spillage and environmental degradation are caused by oil theft. The source substantiated his claim by citing the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) project. The NCTL pipeline a few years ago, was changed at a cost of $1.1 billion to safeguard the environment and the project, but oil thieves continued to hack the pipeline to steal crude, which consequently resulted in oil spills and damage to the environment.

Guinness: Q4 result signals recovery, optimism

HE audited financial re sults of Guinness Ni geria Plc for the financial year ended June 30, 2014 has been released. Notably, gross revenues stood at N109 billion, while Profit After Tax was N9.6 billion. The company also recommended a dividend of 320 kobo per 50 kobo ordinary share, amounting to a total of N4.82 billion for the approval of its shareholders at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for November, 2014. In addition to a strong quarter four performance, the consistent dividend payout policy of the company has ignited optimism among stakeholders and earned plaudits from leading shareholders. According to Boniface Okezie, President Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria,

By Erekosima Lucy

shareholders are pleased with this, because it retains Guinness among companies with consistent dividend payout policy in Nigeria. Okezie observed that there is renewed hopefulness amongst shareholders because it is noticeable that the strongest showing in the company’s financials came in the last quarter of the year under review. However, while Okezie attributes the recovery to ‘the company’s aggressive marketing strategies that have seen it introduce new brands and rev up advertisement expenses in the bid to win more market share,’ Seni Adetu, Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria says his company had to become innovative in a bid to return the business to profit

levels. ‘The various innovations we launched in recent times especially Orijin Bitters and Orijin Ready to Drink (RTD) have been quite successful,’ Adetu says. Expressing hope that the worst days are over for his company’s stakeholders, the CEO pinpoints ‘we expect to further continue to dial up our play in the value segment with Satzenbrau and Dubic Lager.’ Okezie shares Adetu’s stand that the operating environment was tough, making it more remarkable that the company’s management is able to table returns before shareholders. ‘We must commend the efforts of the management of the company for turning around the fortunes of the company under very difficult economic conditions,’

Okezie says. Adetu fingers pricing disadvantage and aggressive trade practices among the factors that account for the decline in company’s financials in the period under review. Impact of consumer focus on value brands Analysts observe that Guinness’ strong play in the value beer segment left it poorly positioned to increased price sensitivity of the Nigerian beer drinker. This, analysts explained, combined with adverse reaction to the price hikes Guinness undertook in the first half of the 2014 financial year, the shift in consumer preference towards cheaper brands largely accounted for the softness in revenues for the year. The company is addressing this gap in its portfolio with the introduction of new brands in the value seg-

ment as well as the re-launching of others to strengthen them. The Board of the company has expressed confidence that given the quality of its people and the level of innovations deployed in the period under review, the financial results can only get better. Guinness Nigeria Plc, Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Savage, Chairman, said: “Despite the challenges faced in the course of the financial year, we progressed in the key areas of cost containment achieving improved cost efficiencies and the upgrade of our routeto-consumer which is directly linked to the volume growth recorded by brand Guinness in the second half of the financial year. The Board of Guinness

• Adetu

Nigeria is confident that we have the right people and capability to guarantee the delivery of our strategic priorities of driving out cost to invest in growth, turning the business around by strengthening and accelerating our premium core brands while innovating at scale to meet new consumer needs, and extending our route-to-consumer.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

ISSUES

•C

Furore over allocation of land for aircraft hangar The alleged refusal government, through Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to allocate land for the building of aircraft maintenance hangar in some airports, is causing. Some domestic carriers, including Arik Air and start up carrier, Air Peace, allege that FAAN’s refusal to allocate land at the Lagos Airport could stall the growth and development of the sector, writes KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR.

HERE has been persistent clamour for an aircraft maintenance centre for the repair of aircraft in Nigeria. Proponents of the move which has been on for over a decade, believe that Maintenance Repair Overhaul ( MRO) organisations, the industry terminology for aircraft hangars, would save Nigeria huge foreign exchange that goes into fixing airplanes abroad. To them, the millions of dollars spent by domestic airlines to fix their aircraft in Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco, Turkey, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom and the US as well as other parts of Eastern Europe, could be retained at home, if there were state-of-the-art aircraft repair centres. Besides, experts say that the project would generate jobs for thousands of Nigerian aviation professionals, including aircraft engineers and avionics experts. Worried by this trend and determined to reverse same, some indigenous carriers, including Arik Air, Air Peace among others, applied to FAAN for land around airports nationwide for the construction of aircraft hangars.

The operators argued that establishing an aircraft maintenance hangar in Lagos, for instance, could make Nigeria an aviation hub for West and Central Africa. But the request, according to the operators, is yet to be granted. The Deputy Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Ado Sanusi, expressed dismay over FAAN’s refusal to grant the request, saying Arik Air is partnering with Lufthansa Technik of Germany to set up a

major aircraft repair centre that will fix aircraft for domestic and foreign carriers in Nigeria, West and Central Africa. He said the company applied for land at the Lagos Airport three years ago, which the authority is yet to grant. Sanusi said: “There is no doubt that we have the need for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. Arik made a request to FAAN three years ago

‘

There is no doubt that we have the need for maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Nigeria. Arik made a request to FAAN three years ago for a parcel of land at the Lagos International Airport, and went further to sign an agreement with Lufthansa Technik to build the MRO that will cater for Boeing B737-700 and other wide body aircraft, not only for Arik, but for other airlines both in Nigeria and overseas.

’

for a parcel of land at the Lagos International Airport. He said Arik went further to sign an agreement with Lufthansa Technik to build the MRO that will cater for Boeing B737-700 and other wide body aircraft not only for Arik, but for other airlines both in Nigeria and overseas. “Suffice to say that this will even generate revenue for the government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Customs Service and others. However, this has been put on hold until Arik gets final approval for allocation of land at the Lagos airport. Everything has been done; we are just waiting for final approval from FAAN. It has been on hold for the past three years,” Sanusi said. Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, accused officials of FAAN of frustrating efforts by indigenous operators and other investors to set up aircraft maintenance centres around the airport due to non allocation of land. He said: “There are many ways government can assist domestic airlines. If government cannot build an • Continued on page 30

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

ISSUES

Furore over allocation of land for aircraft hangar •Continued from page 29

aircraft maintenance hangar in Nigeria, it should assist any operator willing to invest in that area by securing a large parcel of land around any airport in the country. “Such a project will create more jobs for Nigerians. Civil servants should change their ways and stop frustrating private enterprise through unnecessary bureaucracy. For over one year, Air Peace has applied to FAAN to allocate it land to build an aircraft maintenance facility, but the authority has not granted the allocation. If FAAN has allocated Air Peace land at any airport, the project since the past one year, would have been completed before we start our flight operations. If they have done so, many banks, given my integrity and track record, would have funded the project because they know that I am credit worthy. “If we build an aircraft maintenance centre in Nigeria, our country would become a hub where African countries would fly in their aircraft for repairs. That would generate huge money for Nigeria and Nigerians. People say aviation does not generate enough money, that is not correct, Ethiopia as a country is generating huge foreign exchange from its airline and aircraft maintenance centre in Addis Ababa. Both projects are the mainstay of its economy. Why can’t we replicate the Ethiopian model right away in Nigeria? That would create massive jobs.” Onyema pointed out that having an aircraft maintenance hangar in Nigeria will assure safety while also bringing investment into the country. He said FAAN should help the country, as he is tired of begging for land. “The airport authority should serve the people of Nigeria, and not lord it over the people. You pay FAAN for offices, you cannot get the offices you paid for. The airport authority should create facilities for people. This country belongs to all of us. Some people do not own the country. There is sufficient land around the airports; they do not want to give it to serious people who can invest to develop the industry,” he complained. He, therefore, called on the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, to direct FAAN to allocate land to committed investors in the aviation sector to enable them set up aircraft maintenance facility. “If FAAN is sceptical about our capacity to utilise the land, they should ask for our feasibility and bankable evidence on how we intend to develop the facility,”he said, adding, “We have banks that can finance the projects. The new minister should talk to FAAN to release land and we are ready to give evidence of finance.” Onyema insisted that it is not good for airlines to be carrying out aircraft maintenance at the ramp. He said even the Air Force hangar where some domestic airlines repair their aircraft is not big enough. Besides, there are airlines that want to have their own hangar.

•Nigerian Airforce aircraft maintenance hangar in Lagos

•Chidoka

•Sanusi

•Onyema

•Dunoma

The Nation learnt that more than 13 years ago, efforts by some individuals in partnership with American firms to set up the National Hangar Project christened Aircraft on Ground (AOG), at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, did not materialise. Investigations reveal that FAAN, in the last few years, allocated some parcels of land to some fixed based/charter jet operators, including Executive Jets/ Quints Aviation Centre, Evergreen Apple Nigeria Aviation for aircraft repair centres, which operate at the international wing of the Lagos Airport. Also, rotary wing operator, Caverton Helicopters was recently allocated land at the airside of the Lagos Airport where it is currently building its hangar and simulator centre for West Africa. Former Secretary General of African Airlines Association( AFRAA), Mr. Nick Fadugba disclosed that a study on the con-

struction of maintenance hangar facilities has been in the pipeline for close to 10 years. He wondered what happened to the study. He said Nigeria needs a maintenance facility urgently, as there is no serious aviation nation in the world without a MRO facility. According to him, until Nigeria is able to tap into this, the nation cannot be taken as being serious in the aviation business. An expert who pleaded not to named, called on FAAN to make land available for operators willing to build aircraft hangars. He said: “As a matter of conscious policy, FAAN must give land to the airlines to build maintenance hangar. We should encourage them. You have to provide land for them at their operational base, which is Lagos. When you travel abroad you see maintenance hangars all over the place. But when you want to build one here they say you should pay a lot of money. It is ridiculous. In

America they give land freely to build maintenance hangar. This is because it promotes safety. “The airlines should be given land because that is what it is meant for. And not when you want to give, you give them small land that they cannot expand. I am saying this because for the future of Nigeria that is where we should go. You need to give more land; you must give the land out. It is at the airside that the aeroplane is. FAAN should not say it has a master plan and therefore, will not accommodate maintenance hangar for airlines at the airside of the airport. “What is the master plan for? In the olden days, government gave out a large place for Nigeria Airways to build a maintenance hangar; not that there are many airlines; government should give land to them to build hangar. Building hangar is a massive investment so you have to encourage them to build the facility and

the airlines don’t have to pay anything. To promote safety, the aircraft will come and land there for maintenance. The hangar is very, very important. Without it we will still have safety challenges.” The Executive Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Captain Nogie Meggison, also argued that until Nigeria establishes its own MRO facility, domestic carriers will continue to incur more operational costs to repair their aircraft abroad. Meggison said hangars have the capacity to create jobs and retain money that indigenous carriers spent on the repairs of their aircraft abroad. Capt. Meggisson, who is also President, JedAir, said the setting up of the facility would assist in the training of professionals in the country, including aircraft engineers. But FAAN has denied allegations that it was frustrating efforts by some local carriers to build aircraft maintenance hangers in the country by refusing to allocate land to them. FANN’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said the allegation of non allocation of land to the operators to build aircraft hangars is not true. Dati told The Nation that the authority is not aware of any plan to deny operators land at the airport for the building of aircraft maintenance hangar. He said: “I am not aware that FAAN is not willing to allocate land to operators to build aircraft maintenance hangar at the airport.”

‘

Onyema pointed out that having an aircraft maintenance hangar in Nigeria will assure safety while also bringing investment into the country. He said FAAN should help the country, as he is tired of begging for land. The airport authority should serve the people of Nigeria, and not lord it over the people. You pay FAAN for offices, you cannot get the offices you paid for. The airport authority should create facilities for people. This country belongs to all of us

’

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

MONEYLINK

Listed banks achieve N529b profit before tax

HE banking sector recovery has seen profitability back to above pre-crisis levels, with profit of all banks listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange achieving a combined Profit before Tax (PBT) of N529 billion in 2013, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane has said. In an Economic report released at the weekend, the lenders said aPBT were at N550 billion in 2012 adding that Nigeria banks now export their services outside the country and are the leaders in the African banking sector story. He said these feats were possible because the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) strengthened the Nigerian financial sector, especially the banks,

•CBN reschedules MPC meeting Stories by Collins Nweze

thereby preventing the collapse of the banks. He said the coming of AMCON has also addressed the potential bank runs and the negative implications this would have had on the depositors. The AMCON had at the weekend, announced its operating results, with a loss of N635.88 billion – more than the 2013 fiscal budgets of seven states. It also revealed that it has run up a cumulative negative networth of N3.46 trillion since inception in 2010, about 69.7 per cent of the national budget. These numbers, Rewane said,

will make any rational investor or orthodox analyst stagger and describe it as an unprecedented financial calamity. But these numbers becloud the economic reality of economic success. “The business model of Bad Banks as stabilising institutions is designed for them to be macroeconomic shock absorbers by purchasing toxic assets at a sharp discount to its face value. They then hold the portfolio till when the market conditions improve during which they sell for profit,” he said. He said AMCON has helped create an improved operating environment for Nigerian businesses. This has ensured a less destabilising effect on Nigeria’s financial and non-financial

sectors in contrast to the experience of many other countries in the crisis and post-crisis era. Specifically, he said a number of companies in different sectors have benefited from AMCON’s intervention. The main sectors include the oil and gas, general commerce, capital market, manufacturing, finance and insurance and aviation. Meanwhile, the CBN at the weekend informed all our stakeholders that the 240th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) earlier scheduled to hold on September 22 and 23, 2014, is now to hold on Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 19. CBN Director, Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Mu’azu, all critical stakeholders are to take note of the change in date and adjust

FCMB educates customers on int’l trade

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) at the weekend, organised an International Trade Business under the theme, ‘’Taking Customers Trade Business to the Next Level”. The bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Segun Odusanya, said the forum was meant to connect and engage with customers and other stakeholders involved in international trade business. It also provides a platform for the bank to present and educate the bank’s customers on international trade business initiatives; particularly the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) scheme currently being implemented by the Customs Service at Nigeria’s ports aimed at fast-tracking the clearance of cargo and reduce cost of imported items. “The forum is also meant to intimate customers about some of the initiatives we have put in place to

support your individual and business aspirations. Our alignment with the customs service in organising this customers forum further enhances and solidifies our core values of Professionalism, Sustainability, Customer focus and Excellence as a financial institution,” he said. He listed some of the initiatives developed by the lender to boost international trade business for its customers. The initiatives include automation of entire international trade process, seamless integration with Central Bank of Nigeria electronic single window trade portal and prompt and effective initiation of transactions. These, he said, demonstrate just how much the bank values its customers and its eagerness to contribute positively towards the realisation of customers’ aspirations. He said FCMB is commit-

ted to assisting the government and other stakeholders in reducing challenges that hinder effective international trade business in Nigeria. The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, said the banks and their customers involved in the business of International Trade constitute a major stakeholder in Customs Operations. He said financial institutions are strategically located at the heart of the Buy-Export-Import-DeliveryChain. He explained that the Nigeria Customs Service took over the management of the Destination Inspection Scheme in December 2013, after over 30 years of the operation by some Service Providers. He said NCS has been responsible for processing and issuance of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) which replaced the former Risk Assessment Report (RAR).

Offer Price

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

168.40 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,678.13 1,126.87 120.76 121.16 1,117.51 1.2451 1.2926 0.8892 1.0780

IDELITY Bank Plc is commitmented the retail banking segment, the Executive Director, Corporate Banking Fidelity Bank, John Obi, has said. Speaking with journalists at the presentation of prizes to customers of the bank that emerged winners in its ‘Save 4 Scholarship,’ promo, he said the bank has deepened its position in the retail banking space. According to him, the promo, would enable it attract more customers. “We are very active in the retail banking space and we also want to deepen our hold on that sector and this promo is a stepping stone for that,” he added. Obi said the promo was organised to enable the financial institution reach out to a lot of bank customers as well as the unbanked. He explained: We want members of the public to also know that we

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 27/08/2014 25/08/2014 20/08/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Amount Offered in ($) 350m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 346.43m 398.77m 349.67m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES September 2, 2014

Inflation: July

8.3%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves

GAINERS AS AT 11-09-14

are supporting education. We want to give the Federal Government the necessary support to improve the level of education in this country.” He also said it was part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility, “to make sure that everybody is given the opportunity to win and to be part of this scholarship”. Obi said there had been an upsurge in the number of accounts in the bank. The first N2 million star-prize winner in the promo was Mr. Agozie Nwosu, a customer of the Egbeda branch, Lagos of the bank. In addition, Kikiyi Williams, Umar Aliu, Sharon Sunday Uneke, Vincent Nnabuike, Umar Musa Ahmed and Orumba Gerrard, had all won N1 million each. Also, some customers won N500, 000, N210, generator sets as well as refrigerators.

DATA BANK

Bid Price 168.06 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.68 1.33 1,678.13 1,126.19 119.92 120.30 1,116.70 1.2367 1.2926 0.8721 1.0780

their calendar. The CBN apologised for the inconveniences that may be caused by the change of date.

Fidelity Bank reaffirms commitment to retail banking

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.6b

US Dollar

154.73

155.73

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

256.465

258.1225

VONO

0.96

1.05

9.38

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

IKEJAHOTEL

1.30

1.42

9.23

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

Euro

204.1662

205.4857

18.40

19.32

5.00

PREMBREW

4.02

4.22

4.98

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Swiss Franc

168.8455

169.9367

CHAMPION

7.90

8.29

4.94

Yen

1.4876

1.4975

CFA

0.294

0.314

234.7445

236.2616

Yuan/Renminbi

25.1466

25.31

Riyal

41.2558

41.5225

SDR

235.0039

236.5227

ETI

UBN

9.79

10.27

4.90

225.00

235.60

4.71

INTENEGINS

0.51

0.53

3.92

NAHCO

5.00

5.19

3.80

0.80

0.83

3.75

AIICO

LOSERS AS AT 11-09-14

SYMBOL O/PRICE REDSTAREX 4.79 FTNCOCOA 0.60 UNIONDICON 14.11 ROYALEX 0.61 CAPHOTEL 4.50 CAVERTON 5.14 MAYBAKER 1.45 ABCTRANS 0.73 NEM 0.79 COURTVILLE 0.55 RTBRISCOE 0.92

C/PRICE 4.34 0.57 13.41 0.58 4.28 4.89 1.38 0.70 0.76 0.53 0.89

CHANGE -9.39 -5.00 -4.96 -4.92 -4.89 -4.86 -4.83 -4.11 -3.80 -3.64 -3.26

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Rate3.37

(%) Overnight (O/N)

10.500

12.175

12.101

13.328

13.225

14.296

14.-85

FOREX RATES

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

WAUA

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

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 12-09-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 12-09-14

5, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

EQUITIES

SEC grants waivers to companies over filing defaults

ECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted waivers to public companies on the outstanding penalties over the failure of the affected companies to file their returns to the apex capital market regulators between 2008 and 2013. The waivers followed a dialogue between SEC and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). Specifically, SEC granted 100 per cent waiver of all penalties imposed on public companies from 2008 to 2010 and 40 per cent waiver on outstanding penalties from 2011 to 2013. The engagement between SEC and NECA was sequel to complaints by companies, which had said they were not aware of the provisions on filing of returns. SEC had slammed penalties on the companies that failed to comply with SEC rules on filling requirements as stipulated by the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007. President, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, (NECA),

Mr Larry Ettah said the outcome of this initiative by NECA was another testimony of how private and public sector institutions could work together for the good of the economy. According to him, NECA had to intervene on behalf of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to make a plea to SEC to grant some forbearance in view of the fact that most private sector companies were not aware of the requirement. He said NECA has already communicated the outcome of the engagement to private sector operators, who are expected to take advantage of it within one week of the agreement. NECA is a platform for private sector employers to interact with the government, labour, communities and other relevant institutions in and outside Nigeria for the purpose of promoting harmonious business environment that engenders productivity and prosperity for the country. The waivers came on the heels of efforts by SEC to commence the implementation of the reinvigo-

rated Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies, which was recently upgraded from a moral-suasion based voluntary code to a mandatory code. A reliable source at SEC told The Nation that the approval of the compulsory code of corporate governance by the board of SEC cleared way for implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the code. According to the source, SEC is currently working out an enforcement framework that will allow for smooth but effective transition from the moral-suasion and voluntary regime to compulsory compliance regime. The source said that SEC might consider a three-step framework that includes notification of all stakeholders about the new status of the code, enlightenment of the general investing public on the new status and the implementation timeline and enforcement of compliance. “SEC as a responsible and considerate regulator would engage the stakeholders in the market. The

timeline between the notification and deployment of compliance machinery would be used for stakeholders’ engagement,” the source said. The source added that SEC would also write deficient companies to notify them of areas of deficiency and request for compliance plan. A new provision to the code of corporate governance stipulates that “compliance with the provisions of this code shall be mandatory” while another amendment states that companies will be liable to a fine of N500, 000 at the first instance of notification and subsequently additional fine of N5, 000 for every day that the violation persists. Besides, the stipulated fines, the new provision also give SEC unfettered power to apply “any other sanction” it “may deem fit in the circumstance”. “Any company/entity that violates the provisions of this Code shall be liable to a fine of N500, 000 at the first instance and a further sum of N5, 000 for every day the violation persists and or any other

sanction as the Commission may deem fit in the circumstance,” the amended code stated. The code, according to the amendments, will now be described as a framework that is expected to facilitate sound corporate practices and behavior and it should be seen as a dynamic document defining minimum standards of corporate governance expected particularly of public companies with listed securities. The application of sanctions and penalties would scale up the code to same level of statutory rules being made by SEC under the mandate of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007. Already, publicly quoted companies are required to include in their annual report and accounts a compliance report on codes of corporate governance. The Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies sets the minimum acceptable standards for quoted companies. Launched in 2003, the code of corporate governance was reviewed and re-launched in 2011, with several changes to reflect the current globally acceptable practices.

Akintola Williams urges stock exchange to sustain integrity

HE only surviving founding father of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Doyen of the Accountancy, Mr. Akintola Williams, has urged stakeholders at the stock exchange to sustain the high degree of integrity on which the stock market was founded. Williams, now 95, together with six other eminent Nigerians, had in 1960 signed on the documents that birthed the then Lagos Stock Exchange (LSE), which later changed its name to Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Speaking at a ceremonious ringing of closing bell for the NSE at the weekend, Williams noted that when the Exchange was founded and all through its formative years, frauds and manipulations were unknown at the stock market. The event was held to mark the 95th birthday anniversary of Williams, who clocked 95 on August 9. According to him, the stock market was founded on a high degree of integrity, which must be sustained in order to guarantee the sanctity of the market. “I shall remain eternally proud for being one of the seven founding fathers of the Lagos Stock Exchange late in 1960 subsequently renamed Nigerian Stock Exchange. I was a council member for thirteen years and was pleased to have worked under five Presidents of Council, two of whom were expatriates whilst the rest were Nigerians. I am happy to report that dur-

ing this period of thirteen years and subsequently thereafter frauds and manipulations of prices were unknown and I note with considerable pleasure that this high degree of integrity is still going on. I plead that it should still be maintained and not relaxed,” Williams said. He also noted the need for stockbrokers “to become professionals”, in reference to campaign by stakeholders that stockbrokers should be allowed to trade on their own names as professionals just as lawyers and accountants. Williams said such professional status for stockbrokers will supplement the very high standard of professional ethics on which it already insists. He commended the phenomenal changes at the NSE pointing out that

the Exchange has established 11 well-equipped branches with trading floors in 11 states. “I also notice that your call-over is now being superseded by the introduction of computer-based system – here again I rejoice with the Exchange on this achievement. The Exchange also needs to be congratulated on the substantial increase in the number of its dealing members. The number now exceeds 200,” Williams noted. Established as Lagos Stock Exchange (LSE) in 1960, the stock exchange was conceptualized as a limited by guarantee not-for-profit organisation thriving on the goodwill, reputation and integrity of its members. While Nigeria’s doyen of accounting, Mr. Akintola William, is the only surviving initial

signatory to the founding memorandum of the NSE, the membership list of the NSE has always included “the movers and shakers” of the Nigerian economy. Late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) was a former president of the NSE. Beside stockbroking firms and other capital market operators that are dealing members, members of the NSE included Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Abdul Rasaq (SAN), Chief Ernest Shonekan, Chief Jerome Udoji, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, Chief Bayo Kuku, Dr. Lateef Adegbite, Dr, Chris Abebe, Mr. Gamaliel Onosode, Mr. Isaiah Balat, Alhaji Isyaku Umar, Mr. Oba Otudeko, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, Mr. Pascal Dozie, Mr. Paul

Ogwuma, Chief Phillip Asiodu, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd.), Senator Udo Udoma and Senator David Dafinone among others. Several State Investment Companies are also institutional members of the NSE, giving the States inputs into the operations of the NSE. These included Adamawa Securities Limited, Kaduna Investment Company, Kano State Investment and Properties Limited, Katsina State Investment and Property Development Company Limited, Kwara State Investment Corporation, New Nigerian Development Company Limited, Niger State Development Company Limited, Sokoto Investment Company Limited and Yobe Investment Company Limited among others.

Nigerian equities lose N123b as investors stake N53b

IGERIAN equities lost N123 billion in the first week of September, sustaining a downtrend that characterized the last two months. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) declined from its week’s opening value of N13.714 trillion to close the week at N13.591 trillion, representing a loss of N123 billion. The composite index, the All Share Index (ASI), which tracks prices of all quoted equities, declined week-on-week from

41,532.31 points to close at 41,160.62 points, representing an average decline of 0.89 per cent. Quoted equities had lost N186 billion in August, N58 billion more than N128 billion lost in July. Average loss in August stood at 1.34 per cent compared with average loss of 0.91 per cent recorded in July. The bearishness last week dragged the stock market to the negative with average year-to-date return of -0.41 per cent. Twenty eight equities appreciated as against 54 equities that depreciated. Total turnover last week stood at

3.28 billion shares worth N52.81 billion in 25,592 deals as against a total of 1.34 billion shares valued at N16.09 billion that were traded in 22,481 deals in the previous week. The financial services sector was the most active with 2.74 billion shares valued at N41.89 billion traded in 13,170 deals; representing 83.6 per cent of the total equity turnover volume. Conglomerates sector followed with a turnover of 239.06 million shares worth 1.85 billion in 2,886 deals. Oil and gas sector placed third with a turnover of 98.22 million shares worth

N1.598 billion in 2,997 deals. The trio of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc were the most active with 2.25 billion shares worth N37.82 billion in 3,400 deals, contributing 68.7 per cent to the total equity turnover volume. Also traded during the week were a total of 112,216 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N2.475 million executed in 18 deals compared with a total of 40,845 units valued at N1.15 million traded in 21 deals penultimate week.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

Taxation What constitutes ‘trade’ for tax purpose

OMPANY Income Tax Act (CITA) states that “any trade or business for whatever period of time such trade or business may have been carried on” shall be subject to Companies Income Tax (Sec.9 (1)(a)). The profits of certain institutions are exempt from tax under CITA, but only in so far as such profits are not derived from ‘trade or business’ (Sec. 19(1) (a, b, c, e)). This means that the profits of any organization that are derived from ‘trade’ shall be subject to Companies Income Tax. This raises the question, what exactly constitutes ‘trade’? A definition of the word ‘trade’ cannot be found in Nigerian tax legislation although an attempt was made in Personal Income Tax Act (PITA). The interpretation of a Section of the Fifth Schedule of PITA defines “trade or business” to mean “trade or business or that part of a trade or business the profits of which are assessable under this Act”. However, the issue has been addressed in several legal cases, the rulings of which provide some legal certainty regarding how the courts interpret the word (see Section 2). In line with these rulings, ‘trade’ can be regarded as “the business of buying and selling or bartering goods or services”. Furthermore, the one-off nature of an activity in no way invalidates that activity as constituting trade. This interpretation matches the approach in other jurisdictions, namely the UK and USA (see Section 3). Case Law in Nigeria Although no explicit definition of ‘trade’ exists in the law, the issue has been addressed in several legal cases, the rulings of which provide some legal certainty regarding how the courts interpret the word. The most important case is that of Arbico Ltd v. FBIR, {1996} 2 All NLR 303. The plaintiff in the dispute, Arbico, had acquired a plot of land, erected a building, and sold the property at a profit. The company was subsequently assessed for tax on the proceeds of the sale of property The Company objected to the assessment on the basis that the transaction was a one-off and therefore did not constitute ‘trade’. The case was ultimately settled in the Supreme Court. In the ruling the Court laid down two important axioms:

whether or not the profits of an activity are ultimately used for charitable purposes is not relevant for the determination of whether or not that activity constitutes a trade. In the USA, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employs a similar approach to HMRC. IRS regards ‘trade’ as including “any activity carried on for the production of income from selling goods or performing services”. It is interesting to note how IRS treats the trading activities of an organisation that also carries out tax exempt activities. IRS states that “an activity does not lose its identity as a trade or business merely because it is carried on within a larger group of similar activities that may, or may not be related to the exempt purposes of the organizations. In other words, a single organisation can undertake both exempt activities and trading activities. This implies that an organisation cannot argue that none of its activities constitute ‘trade’ just because it undertakes some exempt activities. Badges of Trade In 1955 in England, the Royal Commission on the Taxation of Profits and Income in reaction to whether a statutory definition of trade was necessary, said that “each case must be decided to its own circumstance (1955 Cmnd.9474 para.116) and suggested badges of trade” which they considered to be the major relevant considerations that will facilitate in determining whether any profit is a taxable trading profit or not. Badges of trade refer to certain indicators that may be used in determining the factual question as whether an activity is trade or not. Case law has expanded it to 9. The badges of trade are: 1. Profit seeking motive. An intention to make a profit supports trading, but by itself is not conclusive. 2. The number of transaction. Systematic and repeated transactions will support ‘trade’. An isolated transaction may also constitute a trade.

• Firstly, that the word ‘trade’ should be interpreted in its widest sense, in accordance with its common everyday meaning; • Secondly, that an isolated one-off transaction can still constitute a “trade”. In line with the ruling of the Supreme Court, the following definition seems to capture the common meaning of the word ‘trade’. Trade is “the business of buying and selling or barter in goods or services”(taken from Black’s Law Dictionary, Eighth Ed. (2004)).

3. The nature of the asset. Is the asset of such a type or amount that

Treatment in Other Tax Jurisdictions In considering what constitutes ‘trade’ for tax purposes it is useful to consider how the issue is addressed in other jurisdictions. In the UK, as in Nigeria, there is no statutory definition of the word ‘trade’. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) relies on case law to formulate a working definition. HMRC states that “Usually, trading involves the provision of goods or services to customers on a commercial basis”. As in Nigerian case law, “Simply because a venture is a one-off or occasional does not mean that it will not be treated as trading for tax purposes”. It is interesting to note that although the HMRC definition employs the notion of ‘commercial basis’, HMRC explicitly states that

5. Changes to the asset. Was the asset repaired, modified or improved to make it more easily saleable or saleable at a greater profit?

‘IRS states that “an activity does not lose its identity as a trade or business merely because it is carried on within a larger group of similar activities that may, or may not be related to the exempt purposes of the organizations. In other words, a single organisation can undertake both exempt activities and trading activities. This implies that an organisation cannot argue that none of its activities constitute ‘trade’ just because it undertakes some exempt activities’

it can only be turned to advantage by a sale? Or did it yield an income or give ‘pride of possession’, for example, a Picture for Personal enjoyment? 4.Existence of similar trading transactions or interests. Transactions that are similar to those of an existing trade may themselves be trading.

6. The way the sale was carried out. Was the asset sold in a way that was typical of trading organisations? Alternatively, did it have to be sold to raise cash for an emergency? 7.The source of finance. Was money borrowed to buy the asset? Could the funds only be repaid by selling the asset? 8.Interval of time between purchase and sale. Assets that are the subject of trade will normally, but not always, be sold quickly. Therefore, an intention to resell an asset shortly after purchase will support trading. However, an asset, which is to be held indefinitely, is much less likely to be a subject of trade. 9.Method of acquisition. An asset that is acquired by inheritance, or as gift, is less likely to be the subject of trade. These ‘badges’ will not be present in every case and of those that are, some may point one way and some the other. The presence or absence of a particular badge is unlikely, by itself, to provide a conclusive answer to the question of whether or not there is a trade. The weight to be attached to each badge will depend on the precise circumstances. FIRS Position A definition of the word ‘trade’ cannot be found in Nigerian tax law. However, the issue has been addressed in several legal cases, the rulings of which provide some legal certainty regarding how the courts interpret the word. In line with these rulings, ‘trade’ can be regarded as “the business of buying and selling or bartering goods or services”. Where one or more of the criteria on the badges of trade apply, FIRS will treat such transaction as trade. Furthermore, the one-off nature of an activity in no way invalidates that activity as constituting a trade. This interpreta-

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Mashi

tion matches the approach in other jurisdictions, namely the UK and USA. The following decided cases are relevant in this regard: i In the case of Marlin Vs Lowry (1955)3 All ER 48; 11 TC 297), a person without previous knowledge of linen trade bought a surplus stock of aeroplane linen from government which he sold to the public in small lots. He engaged employees for the re-packaging and embarked on sales” promotion through extensive adverts and campaigns. It was held that he was trading. ii In Murray Vs I.R. Comrs (1951, 32 TC 238), where a timber merchant who bought standing timbers in two plantations and could not cut them due to labour cost, sold the rights to cut the timbers to meet his indebtedness. He was assessed to tax on the profit from the transaction. He contended that the sale was a capital transaction since it was not in the normal course of his business but it was held that the transaction was part of his normal trading as a timber merchant. iii In Burge Vs Pyne (1969, All ER 467), a club proprietor providing facilities for bar, dancing, cabaret, fruit machines and gambling, appealed against the inclusion of his winnings in his assessment. The appeal was dismissed on the ground that the winnings formed part of his regular income from the trade of running the club. From the foregoing and in accordance with the provisions of CITA, any friendly society, cooperative societies, charitable and ecclesiastical organizations or trade unions that carry out trade as defined and described above would be liable to tax on income derived from such trade.

‘Where one or more of the criteria on the badges of trade apply, FIRS will treat such transaction as trade. Furthermore, the one-off nature of an activity in no way invalidates that activity as constituting a trade. This interpretation matches the approach in other jurisdictions, namely the UK and USA. The following decided cases are relevant in this regard’

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

• An oil and gas park

Parks of jobs

EXT year, Nigeria will join the league of countries that own oil and gas parks to manufacture components of equipment used in the sector. The United States (US), China and United Arab Emirates (UAE), among others, have built such parks to fasttrack the growth of the industrial sector of their economies. According to the Head, Strategy and Policy Development, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Abdulmalik Halilu, no fewer than 50,000 jobs would be created from the initiative. Skilled, unskilled and semi-skilled workers in constructing the factories are expected to benefit. Skilled and unskilled professionals in the build

In line with the local content policy, the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) plans to establish industrial oil and gas parks in Niger Delta, raising hopes of jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE. environmment such as tilers, bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, masons and others would be employed. Also to be hired are supervisors, factory hands, electricians, messengers. In the administration department, human resourse professionals, accountants, clerks, desk top officers, clients’ executives, marketers and others would also be employed.

According to experts, the multiplier effects of this initiative will spiral on the economy as domesticating the production of oil and gas equipment would save further capital flight and boost the gross domestic product (GDP). Halilu said the initiative would open new vistas for skilled workers such as mechnical engineers, electrical/electron-

‘The initiative would open new vistas for skilled workers such as mechnical engineers, electrical/electronics engineers and geologists. Also to be hired are supervisors, factory hands, electricians, messengers. In the administration department, human resourse professionals, accountants, clerks, desk top officers, clients’ executives, marketers’

ics engineers, geologists and others. According to him, the unskilled workers are welders, drivers, and office assitants. While the engineers and geologists would would supervise the operations of the parks, drivers would handle logistics activities at the parks. They would be saddled with the responsibilites of transporting the manufactured equipment to the oil companies that place order for them. The Federal Government plans to build the parks in Ondo, Edo, Imo, Delta, Abia, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states. He said oil and gas industrial parks is an initiative spearheaded by the board to boost local content policy, en•Continued on page 36

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

JOBS

Parks of jobs

•Continued from page 35

hance cost and efficiency of local supply chain without compromisng the standards. It is also designed to attract social and infrastructural facilities to oil producing communities, deepen research, innovation and reduce capital flight by making operators patronise locallymade industrial equipment. Others are technology acquisition, domicilisation of capacity training and creation of employment opportunities. He said oil and gas parks would provide employment opportunities for people in the nine states that are designated for the project. He said: ‘’The parks would be spread across the nine oil-producing states. Each state will provide 3,000 direct and indirect jobs. Based on this, we are expecting 27,000 jobs from the nine states. More jobs are coming. Skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers would be employed in the parks. There would be youth employment, and engagement of community entrepreneurs in oil and gas value chain. Also, wealth distribution arising from park activities will restore peace in the oil producing communities.” He said the parks would help oil and gas operators access equipment, increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP and boost the government’s industrialisation policy. The first phase of the project entails building of primary infrastructure such as shop floors, warehouse and road network before the first quarter of next year. “The infrastructure would support manufacturing of components of equipment the operators needed to stimulate growth. The moment infrastructure is on ground, it would easier for the parks to take-off, and create jobs for people. “There would be

youth employment, engagement of community entrepreneurs in oil and gas value chain and wealth distribution. When this happens, there would be peace in the oil producing areas,’’ he added. Last month, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources unveiled plans to establish oil and gas industrial parks in Niger Delta. Petroleum Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke said $100million would be invested in the project. Construction work would begin before December this year. The minister said the parks would provide 50,000 jobs, increase productivity, and reduce dependence on importation of equipment used by oil producing and services companies in the region. Also, the Executive Director, NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa said job creations is one of the major objectives of the parks. Nwapa said the parks will create jobs for Nigerians, apart from providing inputs to harness hydrocarbon resources in the country. He said more jobs would be created through the local content policy, adding that the Board has initiated projects to build local capacity by ensuring that people get chance to demonstrate their skills for growth. He said the agency has flagged off projects such as construction of shop floors, pipemills and others to boost local participation in the industry, adding that they

• Mrs Alison-Madueke

would generate employment opportunities. Nwakpa said: “Localisation of equipment used in the oil and gas industry will create employment opportunities and reduce capital flight in the country. Given the initiatives in the industry, the prospects of bringing more Nigerians into employment is high. One of the mandates

• Nwapa

given to the Board is to promote local initiatives and make the industry competitive.’’ He said the parks would attract foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to oil producing states and facilitate new business opportunities. This, he said, would create job’ opportunities for the people living in those states. The Chief Executive Officer,

‘The parks would be spread across the nine oil-producing states. Each state will provide 3,000 direct and indirect jobs. Based on this, we are expecting 27,000 jobs from the nine states. More jobs are coming. Skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers would be employed in the parks. There would be youth employment, and engagement of community entrepreneurs in oil and gas value chain’

Frontier Nigeria Limited, Mr Femi Dada said the more indigenous operators participate in the industry, the greater the employment opportunities that would open to Nigerians. Dada said creation of an enabling environment would help in developing the capacity of local operators. He noted that there are a lot of opportunities to be tapped in the industry, adding that the country has vast oil and gas wealth that could create jobs and grow the economy if properly harnessed. He said the government’s decision to encourage local participation in the sector is good and capable of opening up employment avenues for the growing army of the jobless. He urged companies to invest in gas plant to improve power supply, and economic activities.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Seven things-to-do for successful job hunting R EALISING that their job search campaign doesn’t have to be a never-ending struggle, successful job seekers approach the process with patience and persistence. In the job search craze, there are those who land a job right away and those who struggle through the process of finding one for a long time. ‘Luck’ is usually the response one hears from disenfranchised job seekers when they find out that their neighbor down the street was offered a position after only a twoweek search. With many job seekers vying for only a few open positions, the truth is that ‘luck’ rarely has anything to do with it. If you want to be among the highly successful job seekers make it an habit of doing the following seven things outlined below:

Search with purpose

Instead of trying to fit into a mould set by a hiring organisation, target companies that match your goals and career values; doing this will allows you to focus your energy into searching for a position that is a natural fit. After all, you don’t want to find yourself embarking on another search within a year’s time because

By Olu Oyeniran

you made a decision in haste.

Always be prepared

Be ready for your day’s activities by 9 am. Opportunities rarely land on your lap and you have to be prepared for the surprises that may come up during the day. You don’t want to be caught sleeping when someone calls to discuss an employment opportunity. If you find yourself answering the phone like this: “hello? . . . well . . . um . . . well, like I was kinda sleeping. . . how long is this gonna take? . . . who are you again? . . . like I, um, contacted so many places, cuz, you know, like, I can’t like find a job . . .” then it is time to reprioritise your needs. Waiting until things are about to get absolutely out of control before you begin aggressively looking for a position can be a costly mistake. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you are running low on resources and desperation is about to set in. This is when mistakes are made and your job search may begin to suffer.

Develop a job search plan Organise your job search, map

out a strategy, set priorities, and establish goals. The greates source of confidence is knowledge and preparation. Begin your search with a clear focus and a plan. Participate in a number of activities including answering newspaper ads, posting your resume on the Internet, and going on informational interviews.

Bypass human resources

A human resources representative is also known as a “screener.” The screener’s job is to review resumes and match your experience with a checklist of requirements set forth by the hiring manager. If there are enough matches, the human resources representative forwards the resume to the decision maker. Unfortunately, not much is left to the screener’s interpretation. This is why most opportunities are lost – because the screener doesn’t have the luxury of making a decision based on instinct; he or she is instructed to follow the lead of the hiring manager. Since the decision makers (e.g., National Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, or CEO) are the ones who determine who is ultimately hired, it is advisable that you apply directly to them.

Write follow-up letters

Well-written follow up letters can make a difference as to whether you get hired. A follow-up letter is more than a simple note thanking the interviewer for his or her time. It should be a sophisticated letter that either re-affirms your interest in the position, serves as an opportunity to mention an important point you neglected to bring up, and/or provides an opportunity to offer new insight on a topic that was discussed during the interview.

Avoid toxic job seekers

Support systems (even those created by you) are a great way to generate ideas and for networking purposes. However, some are also a breeding ground for negativity. “There is no job in Nigeria now”. ‘Didn’t you hear of so many people who lost their jobs in XY company last month?”, You can’t get a job there unless you know somebody”. Are not what you should surround yourself with. Check those people around you, especially those you involve in your job search endeavors. Do they offer words of encouragement? Are they supportive of

your efforts, or do they feed into your insecurities/negativities? Create a positively supporting system.

Be good to yourself

There are two types of job seekers. One that has a laid back approach, and the other that always feels “there aren’t enough hours in the day” and compulsively searches for a job without taking a breather. Following in the footsteps of the latter is the fastest way to reaching burn out and when careless mistakes are often made. Though your job search should be your primary activity, don’t allow it to consume your every waking moment. Every so often take a mini vacation; spend time with people who support you, listen to music and participate in activities you enjoy. Clearing your mind replenishes your energy and will allow you to continue searching for a job with a fresh outlook.

•Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

THE CEO

• Jaiyeola

The real sector has many challenges- dearth of infrastructure, multiple taxation, and stiff regulation, among others. Added to these is the power challenge, which has rendered the sector prostate, according to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Lanre Jaiyeola. In this interview with COLLINS NWEZE, he says manufacturers will do better if power is stable.

‘Without steady power, manufacturing is gone’ W

HAT is your position on the Fed eral Government’s cassava initiative and how is Honeywell complying with the directive? The cassava initiative is a welcome development and we at Honeywell Flour Mills will constantly support government’s policies that will help grow the economy. In demonstration of this, we have invested almost N1billion in modifying our plants to add high quality cassava flour to the composite flour that we produce today. More than ever before, the Federal Government has created a stronger bonding between players in the flour milling industry and the Ministry of Agriculture. We are working together in ensuring that the policy is properly articulated when it comes into effect and that it can work in the overall interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. We are presently working in a committee

set up by the Ministry of Agriculture to look at the details of the policy and in a couple of weeks, this will be made public. What are the implications of high interest rate on manufacturers’ operations? The interest rate in Nigeria is among the highest in the world. Unlike Europe and America where interest rates hover between one and two per cent, we operate an interest

regime of over 15 per cent. After the recent rebasing, the manufacturing sector accounted for only seven per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The implication is that government needs to focus more on the real sector because that is the heart of the economy; that is where we can generate foreign exchange, bring about food security and generate employment for

‘Taxation in Nigeria has never been better managed as it is now; we are now in a situation whereby the contribution of taxation or the relative relationship of taxation to the GDP is much higher than what used to be obtained but even at that, when you compare the ratio of taxation to GDP, it falls short’

the people. We are very hopeful that the Federal Government can do more to help the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its efforts to bring down the interest rate. How can the tax system be improved? Taxation in Nigeria has never been better managed as it is now; we are now in a situation whereby the contribution of taxation or the relative relationship of taxation to the GDP is much higher than what used to be obtained but even at that, when you compare the ratio of taxation to GDP, it falls short. I think the last tax to GDP ratio was 12 per cent, however before the rebasing, it was 20 per cent. Compared to a tax rate of 30 per cent, which means that tax management system needs to be strengthened. However, in terms of administration, I think the tax authorities are doing well. How has the current tax structure impacted •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

THE CEO •Continued from page 37

on your operations? As good corporate citizens, we are subject to paying tax as established by regulatory authorities. So, its normal for us that there must be taxation in business; the least we can do is to comply and pay whatever tax that is established for us. Inadequate power supply poses great challenge to manufacturers. How has your company been coping? Energy in manufacturing is very critical. Unfortunately, we have not derived much benefit from the national grid. Since we started this business about 19 years ago, we have always run on self-generated power supply. Today, we have a combined 30 megawatts (Mw) of self generated power supply comprising a 15 Mw gas power plant and a back up of another 15Mw diesel power plant. So, you can appreciate the cost implication of running a manufacturing business in our environment. Because of the nature of the processes we run in our business, it is almost impossible for us to depend on power from the national grid. It is a heavy cost, which is avoidable and we are looking forward to that day when manufacturers will have to depend on power from the national grid to run their business. What is your assessment of the capital market so far? It is very unfortunate that we experienced a collapse in the Nigerian capital market about seven years ago, although, it was not only a Nigerian thing but a global phenomenon. That said, the efforts of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at revitalising the market is highly commendable in the sense that investors’ confidence is gradually being boosted again; the apathy to investing in new issues is gradually going off. Soon, investors’ interest will be fully activated and the capital market will boom again. We believe that our share pricing will be better than it is at present. The problem is that most Nigerians want to invest today and get instant returns and when that is not coming, they tend to sell off and create panic in the market. Honeywell is committed to building the wealth of shareholders not only today but for the future. In years to come, all the efforts we are putting in place today will achieve tangible results for our shareholders. So, for an investor who has interest in long term returns on his investment, we believe very strongly that Honeywell Flour Mills is where to focus on What is the way out of the rising cases of unclaimed dividends? This is a worrisome trend in the capital market if you look at the reports of many companies the rate at which the list of unclaimed dividends grows is sometimes alarming. I think the regulatory authorities need to enforce a mandatory awareness campaign by publicly quoted companies on dividend claims, so that shareholders and investors can benefit from their investments. We have also observed that information flow from investors to the companies is sometimes faulty. Therefore, it is pertinent for companies to ensure that from time to time, shareholders addresses are revalidated. Though the trend now is e-dividend, as much as possible companies should encourage payment of dividends into shareholders account. I believe if all of these are put in place the level of unclaimed dividends will drop. How has the unclaimed dividends challenge impacted on your operations? At Honeywell Flour Mills, we strive to ensure that our shareholders are informed periodically on unclaimed dividends; we make

‘Without steady power, manufacturing is gone’

• Jaiyeola

•Jaiyeola

• Jaiyeola

‘Energy in manufacturing is very critical. Unfortunately, we have not derived much benefit from the national grid’ announcements at Annual General Meetings (AGMs). This year, we are going to make a publication listing out names of such shareholders who have their dividends unclaimed. This is part of our contribution towards eradicating the menace of unclaimed dividends. Last year, your firm unveiled a N10 billion investment in flour mills. How has that impacted on your output?

You are right, in 2013, we increased production capacity by adding 1,000 metric tons flour mill, in two tranches of 500 metric tons each. That expansion greatly impacted positively on our brands. Before now, we had attained our peak production capacity for Honeywell Semolina but with that expansion, we were able to churn out more for our consumers. In addition, we were also able to produce more Honeywell Su-

perfine Flour and Honeywell Wheat Meal. The implication of all these is that we were able to satisfy the demand of our consumers and will also be able to grow the business more in years to come. What are your expansion plans? Yes, in fact that is the medium to long term plan of the business, to have a one stop-shop. We are expanding by investing in a 63 hectare land in Shagamu, Ogun State, the implication of that is that we

will be in a position to expand across all the products that we offer the market. We are increasing Pasta and Flour Mill production capacity while also investing in a Feed Mill. How will you assess the performance of your company in the last one year? Given the business environment in which we operated in the past 12 months which ended March 2014, I want to say that it has been very tough. We were confronted with a lot of challenges which are related to heightened competition among players in the industry. There is intense competition in the manufacturing landscape, especially in the sub-sector where we operate, but we are focused, purposeful and with a committed work force, we are equal to the task. Our number one competitive tool is the quality of our products, which we do don’t compromise on, we shall continue to remain number one in terms product quality. It is also important to note that the key drivers of our superlative performance are our people, workers, board and management. We are driven by the vision of the company, which is: To be the Most Admired African Company in Terms of Our People, Practices and Successes. We are driven by our core values of Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Excellence and Respect for people. What is the next big idea expected in Honeywell? The next big idea from Honeywell is that we are presently embarking in a major expansion programme in Sagamu, Ogun State. We are investing in a 63 hectare-land that will enable us expand and increase capacity across all our existing products. At this location, we plan to literally blow up the business. We are increasing our capacity for pasta, flour and investing in a feed mill. We plan to expand our flour milling capacity by another 500 metric tonnes per day, expand pasta by about 150 percent of what is currently in place now. We are investing in feed mill operation in an effort geared towards focusing on locally available raw materials. For us, it is another way of building value for our shareholders. Most of these projects will be in place in another 18 months and commercial production will start which will enable us not only to increase our top line but also increase our bottom line and offer better returns to our shareholders. How will you assess your brand’s performance in the market? We play in five categories; our flagship brand is Honeywell Superfine Flour, it is number two in the market with about 20 to 22 per cent of the market share; Honeywell Semolina – 40 per cent; Honeywell Wheat Meal – 60 per cent; Honeywell Noodles – 12 per cent and Honeywell Pasta; 14 per cent. Sometimes our market share is just a reflection of our limited capacity and not a true reflection of the consumers’ preference for our brands. We have exhausted the current capacity for some of our products and as we build more capacity, we will continue to increase our market share. Your adverts usually run during football matches. Why have you chosen such time? Yes they do. If you look at the profile of our core consumers, they are children, youths and young adults and football is one unifying factor in Nigeria, we believe that football is one platform that can offer the level of awareness that we want to associate our brands with. So, it’s an opportunity for us to connect with all our core consumers not only children, but adults and even the very old ones that enjoy watching football.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

BUSINESS MOTORING

Discovery Sport’s progressive design sets the tone for a new generation of Land Rover Discovery premium SUVs. These vehicles will be positioned in the Leisure family of Land Rover’s three-pillar brand architecture: Luxury (Range Rover), Leisure (Discovery) and Dual-Purpose (Defender), writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

•Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover introduces new compact SUV L

AND Rover has revealed the new Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV, and the first member of the new Discovery family. Uniquely in its segment, Discovery Sport’s dynamic design combines 5+2 seating configurability with design and engineering integrity in a compact footprint. A suite of Land Rover innovations debut, including the next generation multi-link rear axle, an all-new touch screen infotainment system and state-of-the-art highstrength steel and lightweight aluminium body shell for outstanding performance, safety and efficiency. Discovery Sport has been designed to be as environmentally sustainable as it is affordable to run: CO2 emissions as low as 159g/km are comparable to smaller and less versatile family hatchbacks, and buyers can opt for a range of powerful and efficient four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, four-wheel drive, and advanced nine-speed automatic transmission. “The launch of Discovery Sport is a pivotal moment in Land Rover’s 66-year history,” said Phil Popham, Jaguar Land Rover Group Marketing Director. “Not only does it mark the introduction of the first new member of our expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market. “Together with design excellence and engineering integrity, Discovery Sport’s versatility is a key differentiator: its chassis is as competent on-road as off. Discovery Sport is quite simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment.” Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centre in United Kingdom, Discovery Sport will be produced at the company’s award-winning manufacturing fa-

cility in Halewood, Liverpool. It goes on sale in early 2015 alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery in over 170 markets worldwide.

Designed for life

Discovery Sport is clearly identifiable as a Land Rover but introduces a progressive new design approach specifically tailored to create clear differentiation between the other families within the Land Rover brand architecture: Luxury (Range Rover), Leisure (Discovery) and Dual-Purpose (Defender). This beautifully proportioned vehicle brings a new sense of dynamism to the Discovery family and projects an image of confidence with its wheel-at-each-corner stance. The fast bonnet line steps down into a rising belt line, creating a distinctively compact profile that belies significant interior space with 5+2 seating. This streamlined design is complemented by class-leading usability: all-round visibility is excellent, whilst the interior and load space are easily accessible and fully optimised. Discovery Sport’s versatile interior has been designed to be premium, not precious. The centre console forms a strong vertical graphic in the middle of the instrument panel, ensuring key controls are deliberately placed to provide easy access from the Sports Command Driving Position. Simple, clean surfaces and high-quality materials feature throughout.

Lightweight body shell, all-new multi-link axle

Monocoque construction combines a mix of high-strength steel, ultra-high-strength boron steel and lightweight aluminium panels. This ensures a strong, stiff and light base for

•Interior

outstanding dynamic performance and high levels of torsional rigidity. An all-new multi-link rear axle heightens agility, increases axle articulation and – together with lightweight aluminium suspension components and carefully calibrated dampers – enables an unrivalled level of compliance no matter what the surface conditions. The new rear axle also reduces interior noise and minimises intrusion of the rear suspension turrets into the load space; this has proved key in providing excellent load space and 5+2 seating.

Powertrains

At launch, a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and turbo-diesel engines is available. All feature highpressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy. Petrol derivatives use an all-alloy Si4 2.0-litre engine with 177kW and direct fuel injection. This offers six-cylinder levels of performance in a compact package that re• Continue on page 40

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

MOTORING

Land Rover introduces new compact SUV • Continue from page 39

duces weight and cuts CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent, compared to conventional larger capacity engines with a similar power output. 2.2-litre turbo-diesel derivatives are available in either 110kW TD4 or 140kW SD4 specification. With both TD4 and SD4 producing the same 420Nm, drivers can count on exceptional fuel efficiency of up to 5.99 l/100km as well as effortless overtaking ability. All engine derivatives are paired with the advanced ZF 9HP48 ninespeed automatic transmission, for peerless refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability.

Class-leading all-terrain capability

Class-leading off-road capability stands at the core of Land Rover DNA. Naturally, Discovery Sport’s body geometry has been optimised for even the harshest terrain, with excellent ground clearance, approach, departure and breakover angles, and an ability to wade through water to a class-leading depth of 600mm. Land Rover’s Terrain Response system features on all derivatives, allowing drivers to tailor Discovery Sport’s responses to the prevailing conditions. Discovery Sport is equipped with vented 325mm front and 300mm rear disc brakes, providing reassuring stopping power in all conditions, including when towing up to 2.5 tonnes. The front brakes are of a new design, with a stiffer caliper and new-generation pads to enhance retardation. They also offer improved refinement and reduced brake dust. Further enhancing safety, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) automatically increases the amount of brake pressure when the system senses an emergency situation; Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) helps to ensure the perfect braking balance between the front and rear wheels in more extreme situations; and Corner Brake Control (CBC) reduces the likelihood of the driver losing control during heavy braking in a corner. Advanced safety technologies Discovery Sport has been engineered with the latest active and passive safety advances. A comprehensive occupant safety package including driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, and side curtain and thorax airbags has naturally been a priority. Innovations include an Autonomous Emergency Braking to help avoid or mitigate the consequences of collisions below 80km/h. Innovative Autonomous Emer-

gency Braking avoids or minimises the impact of collisions Discovery Sport is the world’s first vehicle to offer an autonomous emergency braking system using an innovative stereo digital camera system. Operational between speeds of 5 and 80km/h, the system helps to avoid collisions below 50km/h, and reduces the severity of an impact at speeds below 80km/h. The system uses stereo cameras mounted next to the rear-view mirror to detect objects that could pose the risk of a collision, such as queuing traffic. If the system deems a collision likely, it will alert the driver with a visual and audible warning. If no action is taken and a collision is judged unavoidable, a further driver warning is triggered while the system applies full braking pressure to bring the vehicle to a stop. “Advanced touchscreen technology and an intuitive interface ensures Discovery Sport’s infotainment system offers all the versatility and connectivity that consumers have come to expect,” said Paul Cleaver, Discovery Sport Vehicle Programme Director. “Every Discovery Sport is fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen, so all buyers can benefit from this latest innovation.” Bluetooth functionality allows one phone to be synced to the infotainment system: to make or receive hands-free phone calls via multi-function steering wheel controls and to play audio. Alternatively, smartphones and portable MP3 players can be synced and charged via USB sockets or auxiliary inputs. A choice of three audio systems, including 17-speaker Meridian option for peerless sound quality A choice of three stereo systems is available: an entry-level system with six speakers; a 10-speaker system with amplifier for enhanced audio quality; and a topof-the-range system with 10 speakers, an amplifier and subwoofer for outstanding sound reproduction. The advanced optional audio system has been developed in partnership with Meridian, a world leader in audio technologies and digital sound processing. The 825W, Meridian Surround Sound 17-speaker system includes a subwoofer for peerless sound quality, and a state-of-the-art amplifier that incorporates the latest digital processing technology to ensure perfectly optimised sound quality for everyone in the vehicle. This system is packaged with a Rear Screen Entertainment option which includes “8 inch screens fitted in the front headrests and two Whitefire headphones.

•Wrangler Sahara

Weststar offers two-door Wrangler

ESTSTAR Associates Limited, an authorised distributor of Chrysler/ Jeep/Dodge and Ram in Nigeria is offering the two-door 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, in addition to the already widely sold 2014 four-door model. Weststar’s decision to bring in the two-door Wrangler to Nigeria was based on its desire to deliver a variety of choices to its customers. The attractive and recent two-door Wrangler Sahara comes with a rugged but refined interior, boasts a five-speed Automatic transmission, and impressively arrives with a black three-piece Removable Hard Top. There is ample storage space, thoughtfully designed ergonomics

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

and improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Protection, comfort and convenience features like: Sahara embroidered front seats, illuminated cup holders, lighting in the foot well and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated LED are part of the attractive package. Also available is the Uconnect System with its entertainment features, phone, web, Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, an Audio Jack Input for mobile devices, plus Remote USB Port. The available wide range of safety and security features still come standard, along with its impressively powerful and efficient 3.6L Pentastar

V6 VVT engine. This 285-horsepower engine is ready to provide you with power, satisfying fuel efficiency with up to 600 km on a tank of fuel, and will deliver up to 260 pound-feet of torque, justifying it being voted as one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 2013. A particular selling point of the two-door Wrangler Sahara is its Short Wheel Base. This makes it lighter, and when fitted with the right kind of modifications, they are the perfect choice for off-roading. Lovers of the model should expect the presence of the CommandTrac 4WD system, which helps deliver more control and more torque at the wheels to enable you go virtually anywhere you point your vehicle.

Volks announces Russian shutdown

HE Russian auto industry is not in a great place right now. A weakened currency, the rouble, is stinging automakers, and in the case of Volkswagen, has prompted a trimming of production. VW lowered production projections at its Kaluga factory from 150,000 units per year to just 120,000. Kaluga, which builds the Tiguan crossover and Polo compact, as well

as the Skoda Fabia and Octavia, kicked off its production reduction last week, with the start of a 10-day furlough. The German manufacturer is not exactly pulling the plug on its Russian operations. VW was quick to point out to Reuters that a new engine production facility and parts depot will go online in Russia next year. Although VW’s trimming of expectations does reflect larger

concerns in the country, the most obvious of which were voiced by Opel. “There is no doubt that the situation in Russia is a concern. The market has shrunk substantially over the past few months and the Ukraine crisis has added to the uncertainty,” Opel spokesman Peter Christian Kuespert told Automobilwoche, according to Reuters.

Kia posts global sales growth

IA Motors Corporation announced its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for August 2014, recording a total of 228,277 units sold. This figure represents a 1.5 per cent yearon-year increase. In August, Kia posted year-onyear sales increases in China and North America of 17.3 per cent

(50,162 units sold) and 3.9 per cent (61,820 units sold), respectively. Cumulatively, through the first eight months of 2014, Kia’s global sales have increased by 3.8 per cent year-on-year, reaching 1,910,969 units. China, North America and General Markets have experienced cumulative gains to date in 2014 of 13.2 per cent (424,302 units sold), 5.7 per cent (454,791 units sold) and 2.0 per cent (347,998 units sold), respectively.

Kia’s bestselling model in overseas markets for the month of August was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 36,565 units sold. The C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ or ‘K3’ in some markets) was the second bestseller with 33,962 units delivered, while the Sportage compact CUV, Optima D-segment sedan and Soul urban crossover followed with 29,287, 25,428 and 19,487 units sold, respectively.

SAFE DRIVING

Road accidents in Nigeria will remain high if……… •Continue from lastweek

• THERE are no standard theory and practical tests for learners before being issued licence. Today in Nigeria, there are officers of the state governments and the Federal Road Safety Commission who have printed driving school certificates in their table drawers or cabinets which they personally issue to learners who did not even attend any driving school thereby making people that go to driving schools look foolish. This destructive selfish habit must be stopped forthwith. It is also time for the Federal Road Safety Commission and the state government agencies

to conclude arrangements on the uniform theory and practical tests to be conducted monthly or quarterly in all the states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (including verbal versions for those who cannot read and write since they cannot be avoided in Nigeria for now). This if done, will promote standards among the driving schools and safety on the roads since the learners will prefer to attend only the schools that will effectively teach them to guarantee their success in the tests and as it happens in the secondary schools preparing students for WAEC Examinations. • Pre – Driver Licence Renewal Refresher Training - Without doubt,

majority of Nigerians driving today did not receive the right training in driving schools and this has been impacting negatively on the driving of some of them. In addition, vehicle technology, driver health and the road environment are dynamic. Hence the need for every driver (including drivers of self – owned vehicles as long as you are holding the driver licence) to undergo a mandatory pre – licence renewal refresher training in driving schools. Driving has to do with human lives and valuable properties and it must be appropriately addressed with a very high degree of seriousness without selfish motives. If other professionals have continu-

ing education programmes and workers undergo different levels of capacity building programmes, why not same in driving, whether you drive daily or occasionally, for a living or for pleasure. • Introduction of licence seizure or driver suspension: It is time for the Federal Road Safety Commission to be more present on the roads and focus more attention on what happens on the roads and not in offices. Any driver who causes an accident or commits dangerous driving offence should have his or her driver licence withdrawn and also banned from driving for a specific period of time depending on the degree or circumstances surrounding the accident

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

caused by him or her. This will make people see safety – consciousness as expedient. • To be continued

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

MONDAY SEPTEM BER 15, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

KANO POLITICS Next year’s governorship election in Kano State may be a tough battle between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). No fewer than 12 aspirants have signified their intention to succeed Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Correspondent KOLADE ADEYEMI examines their chances at the polls.

Gladiators gunning for Kwankwaso’s job K

ANO State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is not eligible for re-election next year because he would have served for two terms. Many politicians in the All Progressives Congress (APC) are already jostling for his seat. Aspirants in other political parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are also ready for the epic battle. Kwankwaso won the governorship in 2011 under the platform of the PDP. But, he dumped the party last year. For this reason, the governorship election is going to be a tough one. Kwankwaso would want to deliver the state for the APC. So, he is likely to anoint a successor. The PDP, on the other hand, would also want to regain the control of the vital Northwest state, as part of the strategy for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid. In the APC, there is a long list of aspirants. Two of the three political parties that merged to form the APC-the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congresss for Progressive Change (CPC)- have a solid root in Kano. Besides, there are also teeming supporters of Kwankwaso, who followed him from the PDP to the APC. So, there is no scarcity of good materials. But, choosing the party’s flag bearer is going to be a herculean task.

• Kwankwaso

• Ganduje

• Gaya

Ahmed Bichi

Ibrahim Gaya

Senator Kabiru Gaya, a former governor of the state in the aborted Third Republic, is a formidable aspirant. He refused to go along with former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau when he dumped the APC for the PDP. When he declared his intension to run, Gaya, who is Chairman Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration, had emphasised that he had a personal conviction to contribute his quota towards the development of the state. Gaya was a chieftain of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Gaya was one of the political gladiators that identified with Kwankwaso’s leadership of the APC after the departure of Shekarau from the APC. He noted that his experience during his first term, which was cut-short by the military in 1993, makes him the best man for the job. His words: “I have done it before as a young man of 38 years, who became the first civilian governor of modern Kano and I will do it again. I remember I attended a function with the late Abubakar Rimi and he introduced himself as the first civilian governor of Kano. When I took over the microphone, I introduced myself as the first civilian governor of modern Kano and people were confused. But, I explained that, while Rimi was the first civilian governor of old Kano, including present day Jigawa, I was the first civilian governor of the present Kano when Jigawa had been carved out.”

ticket to Kwankwaso. That was why Kwankwaso picked him as his running mate again in 2011. Kwankwaso also placed the strategic portfolio of Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in the hands of the loyal deputy, who has continued to stand firm behind the Kwankwasiyya ideology. Ganduje is perhaps counting on the rapport between him and his boss for the APC ticket. When he declarted his interest in the race recently, he said: “If I say I am contesting, it is no news; but, if I say I am not contesting, that is the news.” He said he would rather wait, until the Kwankwasiyya political movement, a bloc within the APC, meets to decide. He acknowledged that it is only the caucus, the Kwankwasiyya movement, that has the final say over his ambition. He added: “Ours is a party that has just been put in place — the APC — it is a merger party. So, I will urge you to wait until the time when there will be news or no news. I am interested, but I have not declared, we are still consulting.” Despite efforts by his detractors to pitch him against his boss, Ganduje has remained calm and loyal to Kwankwaso.

• Sumaila

Abdulrahman Sumaila

The second contender from the camp of the old ANPP is Hon. Abdulralman Sumaila. He the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. To Sumaila, the race is not a door-die affair. While inaugurating a 19-member ad-hoc Coordinating Committees across the 44 local government areas for his campaign, he said: “Our journey started about a year ago and, from all indications, we are making steady progress and as such there is no going back. We are determined to accomplish our mission to salvage Kano from the clutches of PDP misrule. “We have informed our stakeholders and elders of the party of our intention to contest the governorship. From the body language of the people, we have been accepted. What I saw from

• Bichi

the mammoth crowd that witnessed the inauguration is a clear testimony that a political revolution is about to take place in Kano. Those insinuating that Hon. Kawu Sumaila has no interest to contest the governorship race in Kano are jokers.” Sumaila added that only justice and fair play can guarantee the APC’s success in next year’s election. He called for a free and fair primaries, pointing out that, with the prevailing circumstances in Kano the APC, the party must proceed with caution.

Hafiz Abubakar

Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, a former Commissioner of Finance during Kwankwaso’s first term, is also eyeing the seat. Hafiz served as the Chairman, Implementation Committee of the Northwest University. He was said to have rejected an offer to become one

• Abacha

of Kwankwaso’s Special Advisers. He had hoped to be given the position of the Secretary to the government, considering how close he is to the governor. But, that was not to be.

Abdullahi Ganduje

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the deputy governor, is also in the race. Ganduje could aptly be described as the most loyal and obedient servant of Kwankwaso. There are rumours however, that the relationship between both leaders is no longer as cordial as it used to be. In 1999, Ganduje sacrificed his governorship ambition for his boss. He agreed to serve as the deputy governor. Ganduje slugged it out with Kwankwaso and came second in a keenly contested. Political pundits are of the opinion that Ganduje conceded the

‘In the APC, there is a long list of aspirants. Two of the three political parties that merged to form the APC-the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congresss for Progressive Change (CPC)- have a solid root in Kano. Besides, there are also teeming supporters of Kwankwaso, who followed him from the PDP to the APC. So, there is no scarcity of good materials. But, choosing the party’s flag bearer is going to be a herculean task’

Ahmed Bichi is another aspirant with a record of achievement in the APC. Bichi, who was the PDP candidate in 2007 and a former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, is the Secretary to the Government (SSG). He is believed to be very close to Kwankwaso. He lost out to Shekarau in 2007. It was Kwankwaso that nominated him as the PDP flag bearer, after he (Kwankwaso) was disqualified from the contest for undisclosed reasons. Bichi was later given appointment as a Minister through Kwankwaso’s influence. Today, Bichi, an engineer, is seen as one of the think-tanks of the Kwankwaso Administration. It is on record that, after Kwankwaso was defeated by Shekrau in 2003, Bichi invested his time and resources campaigning for the second coming of Kwankwaso. Kwankwaso appointed him the SSG to pay him for a job well-done. As the SSG, he wields an enormous power in the administration.

Abba Yusuf

Alhaji Abba Yusuf, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, is also interested in the race. He is an in-law to Kwankwaso. He was Kwankwaso’s Personal Assistant for many years. Today, he wields enormous powers in the government. Indeed, he is the only commissioner vested with the power to award contracts above N50 million in Kwankwaso’s government. •Continued on page 55

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 15, 2014

POLITICS Adebayo Onanuga, a veteran journalist and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a senatorial aspirant in the Ogun East Senatorial District. In this interview with RAYMOND MORDI and MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, the Ijebu prince explains why he is in the race.

Onanuga: Why I’m running for Senate W

HY are you running for the Senate? I’m in the race because I want to improve the quality of life of my people. Having spent more than 30 years in journalism, I feel that I can devote the remaining years of my life to politics. If I’m given the chance, I would utilise my mandate as a member of the National Assembly to move the country away from the present path of waste, to focus on what we can do to develop the country. Through legislations, I would focus on to how we can alleviate poverty and generally improve the welfare of our people. What most people may not know is that what we call the welfare system in Britain today did not come up until after the Second World War. They did it through sheer legislation and through the sheer political will of those who pioneered the welfare programmes in housing, education and the unemployment benefits that the people are enjoying today. These policies have been institutionalised by the British Parliament. Today, it does not matter whether you are Conservative or Labour, you must continue with the system put in place by parliament. These are things that any serious parliament should be able to do. I keep telling people, the greatest problem I see in our country is that of poverty. Our people are suffering, but government does not seem to appreciate that people are suffering. If you listened to our President some two or three months ago, he said Nigeria is not a poor country. I wonder where he got that from. What it simply means is that he was disconnected. This is because he is a member of the ruling elite that is enjoying everything. He has lost touch with reality because he does not mingle with those that do not have. People are suffering and there is poverty in the land. People cannot afford three square meals a day. They cannot afford medical care because it has been priced beyond the reach of ordinary persons. Look at education; I am a product of free education at all levels. Why must the generation coming today not enjoy it? As a member of the National Assembly I can help to talk to my colleagues, that we must focus our attention on the major problems affecting our country. The problem of poverty manifests in healthcare, education and even in the infrastructure. That is why I am in the race. I am hoping that with my little contribution, we can really do something. I believe that one person can make a difference, by initiating changes that would impact positively on the lives of the people. How will you summarise the yearnings and aspirations of the people of your constituency? What I see when I go round is the problem of unemployment, the problem of poverty. A lot people are already disillusioned by what they see around them. Lots of the parents have informed me that their children came out of school and they can’t get jobs. So, they hope that whoever gets there, either at the executive level or as a member of parliament, should help to solve some of those basic problems they are facing. These are some of the things they expect me to do when I get there. These are some of the problems they complained about during my consultation. When I get there, I will try to make a difference in their life. People say if you are going to politics that you are going to make money. Yes, it is possible to make money, but it depends on those who go there. If they are really genuine, whatever you make belongs to the people. It is about service. That is why I am looking at what I can do at my own level, to help our people. How would you solve some of these problems? I have said it; if you are there and you have ideas, you can move a bill and get colleagues to really buy into the ideas you have. That is why I said one person can build a critical mass. Yes, I can change a lot of things, if I am given the opportunity. Why did you join the APC? Naturally, I’ve looked at all the parties. The Peoples Demo-

• Onanuga

cratic Party (PDP) cannot be an attractive option for me. In fact, I don’t believe that the PDP has any moral right to continue to govern this country. The PDP has been there for the past 15 years and the country has not been making progress under the party. All aspects of our national life are in serious decline. Look at what is happening in the Northeast. When you juxtapose that with the over N4 trillion that has been spent on security in the last three years, and you will wonder whether our country deserves the threat of secession that is going on in that part of the country. For me, the problem we have in the Northeast is a manifestation of the deep-seated corruption in the country. What happens to the money budgeted for defence? They are either not buying the right arms or they are simply pocketing the entire sum. Of course, it is obvious that they are pocketing the money. Solders are not well treated, even when they go to the battle front; they are not well camped. So, how can they fight? They don’t boost their morale. And when provision for their allowances is made, they are not paid. How can such a force go and fight? How can they confront an enemy that is better equipped? To me, the PDP has been a big failure. Have they given us electricity? Certainly not; as an individual, I know how much I commit to generating my own power. They have so mismanaged the country that most of our children now go abroad to study. They even go to countries like Benin Republic and Ghana, to

study. In my own days, at the University of Lagos, from 1977 to 1980, in my class alone, there were five foreign students. The PDP has failed this country. The party does not appeal to me. But the All Progressives Congress (APC) is offering something much better. Even though, it has not come out fully with its manifesto, but what they are offering and promising in terms of welfare is commendable. In my state, for instance, the PDP does not exist. The APC is the ruling party there and most of my friends are in the APC. So, I cannot see myself going to the PDP. I will never do that. I can only join a progressive party. I will never be a member of the PDP; never. But, some of the founding members of the APC, who defected to the PDP, are accusing the opposition party of having no element of internal democracy... How many people really defected? You talk about Tom Ikimi, who wanted to be the party chairman. How do you make a man with an inglorious antecedents a party chairman? The same thing applies to Ali Modu Sheriff; he wanted something from the party which the party said he could not get. So, he left. And is our party not better relieved that he is no longer in the fold with his Boko Haram mess?. I will remain a member of the APC; I will never go and join the PDP, even if I don’t get the APC senatorial ticket. I will remain a member of the party. To me, the APC provides a better alternative to the PDP in terms of programme. It’s a party with a better vision and has the interest of Nigerians at heart. Senator Gbenga Kaka is still interested in race. Are you capable of defeating him in a free and fair primaries? Senator Kaka is my brother; he was my senior in college. But so far, I don’t know whether he is interested in running again. But if he comes out, he will find his brother running against him. If his brother beats him; so be it. I am not for what Chief Olusegun Obasanjo once described as a do-or-die politics. I’m in it as a sports man. So far, I have been doing consultation in all the nine local governments that make up my district. I have been talking to lots of people. I have been doing what the Yorubas would describe as the Omoluabi kind of politics. If he wins, I will support him. I also believe that if I win, he will support me. I am not afraid of my brother. To me, it’s sportsmanship; let the people choose the person they want to represent them. What is your perception of the consensus arrangement often adopted by parties, including your party? Parties sometimes go for consensus to avoid crisis; to avoid acrimony within their fold. You know some politicians see politics as a do-or-die affair. When they don’t get what they want, they start putting up one problem or the other. They introduce a lot of stresses into the system. So, parties resort to consensus to avoid in-fighting. But, again, consensus does not have democratic value in terms of the people’s ability to choose. You may say you want to choose Mr. A and the people outside there may not actually prefer candidate B. So, why don’t you give him the chance to go out there and campaign and let people vote for him. So, that way, such a candidate would not be responsible to any godfather, but the people. I believe democracy is better when the people are allowed to make their choices. How true is the allegation that you are the anointed candidate of the APC leadership? It is not true. Up till now, I have been consulting widely. In fact, today I am supposed to be in Ijebu-Ode. But because of this appointment, I deferred it to later in the day. If I am an anointed candidate, will I still be going through this drill? Will I be talking to people? I will just sit down somewhere because I have been anointed. That is not true. That is the rumour that people carrying around. I believe that everybody in the race has an equal chance. The party has made it clear that there will be primaries.

Suntai’s return stirs controversy From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

•Suntai

HE power struggle in Taraba state between Governor Danbaba Suntai’s men and his deputy, Garba Umar, took another dimension at the weekend. The recuperating governor, who has been in London for medical treatment, returned into

the country. He was accompanied by his doctor. His return stirred generated controversy. At the Nnamidi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Suntai was received by relations, political associates and his loyalists. They said the governor’s health has improved tremendously. However, the acting governor, Umar, was not allowed to see his boss. He was quoted as saying that Suntai is still sick an unfit to resume office. The acting governor said nothing has changed in the last one year. The governor is still in Abuja and it was not clear when he would return to Jalingo, the state capital. Sources said Suntai had returned to take over the affairs of the state. But, Umar and members of the State Executive Council are trying to forestall that move. Last wee, the commissioners and

special advisers, who were instigated by the acting governor, wrote a letter to the House of Assembly on the political situation in Taraba State. They asked the lawmakers to constitute a medical panel to investigate the “true state of health” of the governor. One of the commissioners told reporters that the council wanted “an investigation into the medical condition of Suntai to determine his physical and mental capacity to resume work as governor.” Suntai’s loyalists alleged that the move was another attempt by Umar to declare the governor incapacitated and pave the way for his impeachment. The Speaker, Hon.Josiah Sabo Kente, other legislators and Umar had been in Abuja before Suntai’s arrival. The new development has further divided the state. While supporters of Umar have applauded the move by executive council, others described it as illegal, insisting that the commissioners and special advisers appointed by Umar lacked

the powers to direct the House to investigate Suntai’s health . They pointed out that the constitution of the state executive and the governor’s health are matters of litigation in the court. Suntai was involved in a plane crash in Yola, Adamawa State, on October 25, 2012. He spent about 10 months in Germany and the United States, on admission, following the accident. He returned on August 25 last year and purportedly transmitted a letter to the House of Assembly informing the lawmakers of his intention to resume duty. But, 16 out of 24 legislators disagreed. They said he lacked the capacity withstand the rigours of official duty. They asked Umar to continue as the acting governor. T Besides consolidating his hold on power, Umar has indicated interest in the next governorship election. His posters are already out. Umar has been criticised for undue ambition. Former Defence

Minister General Theophilus Danjuma addresses Umar as “the deputy governor” and not acting governor. Former Governor Jolly Nyame and the senator representing Southern Taraba, Emmanuel Bwacha, and other stakeholders are determined to are opposed to Umar’s ambition. They alleged that Umar, besides stabbing his boss in the back, has not been able to protect lives and property. They said there have been ethnic and religious killings under his interim leadership. Umar seems to be a strategic schemer. He has described Danjuma’s team as a “cabal, trying to hijack the machinery of government from him and rule by proxy, using Suntai’s name. The acting governor argued that he paid the medical bills of the governor, adding he should be the person to determine when his principal would return home. In Jalingo, there are mixed feelings. Suntai’s fans want him back while his deputy’s supporters do not want him to return.

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEM BER 15, 2014

POLITICS The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee for Transportation, Commerce and Industry, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, spoke on federal roads, local government autonomy, modified primaries, and other issues. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN met him.

There’s no imposition in APC, says Lagos lawmaker

S it true you are aspiring to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives? I have never discussed it with anybody. In any political setting, your character, loyalty, honesty and good performance determine where next you go. I am enjoying what I am doing now. If it pleases God to take me elsewhere, then, I will move. It is He who decides. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to wrest power from the ruling party in Lagos State in 2015. What’s your reaction? We are not scared by the PDP. This is not the first time they are making such statement. Before, they said they will capture Lagos. Today, they are talking of wresting power. If you look back at the political history of Lagos, it has always been ruled by the progressives. All those that have governed Lagos were very active. When Tinubu came on board, he redefined governance in Lagos State; the blue print he prepared cannot be exhausted by successive governors in the next 25 years. That explains why Governor Babatunde Fashola has transformed the state beyond peoples expectation. What would make people of Lagos State vote for the PDP? The party capitalises on poverty created by them. Their agenda is to put people in perpetual poverty. They want to use power of money and the federal might to take power from the progressives in Lagos State. It is impossible. They tried it in Osun and failed. We are familiar with their tactics; we are not sleeping. There is no doubt that the PDP has access to funds, but we have the mental capacity to face the party squarely. What developmental projects have you attracted to your constituency? I have attracted so many infrastructural development projects. Among them are the construction of Ayobo-Ipaja road; Meiran road; Ashipa road; Ikola road and Amikanle road. They also include dredging of the canal in Aboru; the

distribution of transformers; vocational training to empower the people; distribution of over 4,000 eye glasses; free medical test and procurement of GCE and JAMB Forms for distribution free. As a former Local Government Chairman, how do you see the call for local government autonomy? It is against the spirit of the constitution to make local government autonomous of the state government. The Constitution recognises the states as federating units. The creation of local councils should be the responsibility of state governments. Every state should be allowed to create the number of local councils it deems necessary. Government gets nearer to the people through local governments. For instance, the population of Alimosho Local Government is equivalent to that of four states elsewhere in the country. What we need is more local governments. Fiftyseven local government councils are not enough in Lagos State. Agbado/ Oke-Odo is more than a state. Yet, we call it Local Council Development Area (LCDA). We are not practising true federalism in this country. The Federal Government’s share of the Federation Account should be reduced. The states and local governments provide the needs of the people. So, they should have the lion share. There should be state police to enhance the security of lives and property. If there is true federalism everything would be alright in this country. Do you support the call for the creation of new states? No. Many of the existing states are not viable; they only depend on federal allocation for survival.There is high level of poverty in many states. A lot of Nigerians are poor and the resources available are not judiciously used by government. What the country needs is a purposeful and sound leadership that would manage its resources effectively. Are you satisfied with the modified primaries adopted by the APC for selection of candidates for elective

• Yusuf

positions in 2015? There is no problem with it. It shows that our leaders are visionary and that they are sure of what they want to achieve. With modified primaries, many people will be involved in the selection of candidates. It shows that politics is dynamic and our party is moving with modern trend. It amuses me when some hypocrites talk of imposition. When the system favours them, they won’t complain. But, when it doesn’t, they cry foul. Is it possible for anyone to become President of the United States without being groomed by the system? Look at the emergence of Fashola as governor. He was the Chief of Staff to the former governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Fashola passed through the mill and was certified fit through his performance before he was assigned higher responsibilities. Tinubu is a democrat. He listens to people; he accepts superior arguments. If not for him, Nigerian politics will not be what it is today. He was the only Alliance for Democracy

(AD) governor that survived the PDP assault in 2003. But for his consistency and doggedness, progressives would have been eliminated from Nigeria’s political space. Who is your political mentor? I have three of them. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the progenitor of my political thought; he influenced my attitude towards education. He made me to realise that when you have education, you have the world in your pocket and that lack of education brings poverty. I met Asiwaju Bola Tinubu through my friend, confidant and mentor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Since the day I met Asiwaju, I said I was blessed that I met him. Given my close relationship with him, I can say Tinubu is another Awo. Aregbesola, who we refer to as Oranmiyan, is taking after them. They have achieved a lot through human development. They don’t believe in doling out money to people, but to empower them. The three of them are phenomenon. Each time I set my eyes on their pictures, the kind of inspiration I draw from them is unbelievable. Are there lessons for the APC to learn from the Osun governorship poll? It was a terrible experience. The lesson for the PDP is that no matter the type of gun, rocket or AK-47 rolled out to intimidate voters, they will not kill their determination to elect leaders of their choice. When leaders perform well and have excellent human relations, people will stand by them. Aregbesola’s performance was excellent and the people paid him back by re-electing him. He created employment opportunities. He transformed Osun State within three and half years. He embarked on massive road construction that cut across the state. He built more classrooms and introduced free school meals in public schools. As Chairman House Committee on Transportation, are you worried with the gridlock on Oshodi-Apapa highway? It is only a blind person that will

be worried over the condition of that road. This is the road leading to the sea ports where the Federal Government generates huge revenue. Apapa Wharf is one of the largest ports in Africa. But, the Federal Government has closed its eyes against the road in the name of politics. The road is a death trap. Workers going to work spend hours on the road; the same thing when returning home. If oil producing states are demanding for derivation, it is also right for Lagos State to demand for certain percentage of the revenue being generated from Apapa Wharf. Oshodi-Apapa Expressway is the economic link to every part of the country. I can’t understand why the Federal Government should kill the hen that lays the golden eggs. The Federal Government has refused to pay Lagos State for repairs carried out on federal roads in the state. What has happened to one of the provisions of the Lagos Traffic law that stipulates that trucks can only be on the road between 10 pm and 6.00 a.m? The law is still in force. But, who owns the tankers and the trucks? They are owned by people in power. If they are impounded today, they are back on the road in the next 12 hours. So, the blame should not be heaped on Lagos State Government, but on the Federal Government that fails to develop rail transport to facilitate the evacuation of goods across the country. Why has the construction of IpajaAyobo road taken so long? The Federal Government is responsible for the delay in completion of the road. The project was stalled from the Abesan Gate point to the entrance into Gowon Estate because of a demand by the Federal Government that the contractor working on the road should pay a sum of N290 million to protect the pipeline in the area. The Federal Government played politics on the road project. However, we thank them for allowing sanity to prevail. Work has resumed. It remains some portions for the first phase to be completed. Very soon, our people will start to enjoy the road.

Gladiators gunning for Kwankwaso’s job •Continued from page 53

Ibrahim El-Amin

Another contender is Alhaji Ibrahim El-Amin (a.k.a. Little). Though he is yet to openly declare his interest, The Nation learnt from the grave-vine that, owing to Little’s unflinching popularity in Kano politics, some elders to be compensated for his ugly experience in 2003 when his ticket under All Peoples Party (APP) was handed over to Malam Shekarau. Little’s recent influence in the APC, it is said, could jeopardize the aspiration of other hopefuls such as Senator Gaya and Hon. Sumaila.

Other APC aspirants

There are other aspirants under the APC. These include the deputy governor under Shekarau and former Interim chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Gwarzo; and Brigadier-General Jaafar Isah, who was the 2011 governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Gwarzo was the flag bearer of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2007. Isah, the former Military Administrator of Kaduna State, is said to be banking on the influence of General Muhammadu Buhari, one of the national leaders of the APC.

Mohammed Abacha

In the PDP, the coast is now clear for the eldest son of the late military Head of State, Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, who recently got a clean bill from the Court over allegations of money laundering. The Nation gathered that he is planning big. His spacious campaign office along Audu Bako Way, Kano metropolis, is now wearing a new look. His political structure is also intact. Abacha appears to be very popular in Kano, particularly among the youths. He is no longer new in Kano politics. He made an inroad when he clinched the governorship ticket of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He very bitter, when he was later denied of that ticket by the party for inexplicable reasons. There are indications that the Presidency may be behind Abacha’s latest declaration because he is perceived as a veritable weapon to smash Kwankwaso’s political dynasty.

Salihu Takai

Alhaji Salihu Sagir Takai is one of those that defected to the PDP from the APC with Shekarau. He is one of the former governor’s political sons. A former Commissioner for Water Resources and Local Gov-

‘Next year’s election is going to be tough. Kwankwaso would want somebody loyal and close to him to take over the mantle of leadership. But, the question is will his political opponents fold their hands and watch him actualise his dream of becoming another Aminu Kano in the ancient commercial city? Time will tell’ • Mohammed

ernment Affairs, Takai was also a three-time Chairman of Takai Local Government Council. He contested the governorship election in 2011 under the platform of the ANPP Kwankwaso defeated him. R isqua Mohammed Also interested in the race is son of the former Head of State, Murtala Ramat Mohammed, Risqua. Risqua. Mohammed. He

is a PDP chieftain. He has begun consultations with immediate family members and political associates. He interest in the contest, he noted, is based on persistent pressure on him from some concerned youths. Mohammed said some youths who have confidence in him have been mounting pressure on him to contest the election. His words: “There has been numerous calls on me by concerned Kano youths to offer myself for the Kano State

governorship contest in the 2015 General elections.” According to him, based on the experience he has acquired from the public and private sectors of the economy, he possesses the wherewithal to replicate the impressive performance of his late father, General Muhammed. He stressed that, during his formative stages in life, his father impacted strict military discipline on him, which he embraced. ‘’If I eventually accept the challenge at the close of the day, my focus would be on how to improve the quality of life of Kano State indigenes and residents, by transforming Kano to a better state than I met it,” said the young politician. Besides, Mohammed that he will be committed to the promotion of the unity and development of Nigeria. With the clock ticking, many aspirants are expected to emerge. With the present political climate in Kano, next year’s election is going to be tough. Kwankwaso would want somebody loyal and close to him to take over the mantle of leadership. But, the question is will his political opponents fold their hands and watch him actualise his dream of becoming another Aminu Kano in the ancient commercial city? Only time will tell.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS

As Scotland seeks for independence this Global Focus week, British aid worker is beheaded DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor

NCE again another Westerner, a British aid worker, David Haines was beheaded yesterday by the Islamic State, (ISIS) the extremist radical elements in Syria and Iraq. It was predicted as their murderous romp is targeted at inflicting as much poisonous venom on the civilized world while they can. The whole world was fixated on this Thursday’s referendum or call it election for the independence of Scotland from United Kingdom and we decided to share this from Tim Ross from The Daily Telegraph. The conventional wisdom and major polls suggest the ayes might triumph for the independence but anything can happen in politics. After all we were just stunned by the differential outcomes of our elections in my own Ekiti State and neighbouring Oshun State. Hey, after Thursday we will reflect on whatever outcome the people of Scotland decide. In the mean time take this from Tim. Once the empty bottles have been cleared away after Alex Salmond’s victory party, attention will move to negotiations with London over the terms on which Scotland will separate from the rest of the UK. Legally, David Cameron is under no obligation to agree to any of Mr Salmond’s specific demands, which will be complex and lengthy, and are expected to involve teams of hundreds of legal advisers and officials on both sides. The Scottish government would also need to enter negotiations with the European Union and the United Nations, among others, as it seeks to carve out a new space for Scotland on the world stage. MPs would be asked to repeal the 1707 Acts of Union before passing a Bill granting Scotland independence from the UK on the terms agreed in the negotiations. Mr Salmond has proposed that Scotland would attain full independence from the UK on March 24, 2016. If he succeeds, the elections for the Scottish parliament on May 5, 2016 would establish the first government of the newly independent country. If the union survives Thursday’s plebiscite, it seems clear that in some important ways it will never be the same again. All three Westminster parties have promised more devolution to Holyrood, including sweeping new powers to set income tax levels, outlined by Gordon Brown. There are many on the pro-union side, however, who fear that the scars of the divisive referendum will take decades to fade. One Conservative MP said the union would be “like a damaged marriage”. If Scotland votes No by a narrow majority, the independence

North Korea jails U.S. man

North Korean court has sentenced an American man to six years of hard labour for “hostile acts”, the state-run KCNA news agency has said. Matthew Miller was arrested in April, shortly after arriving as a tourist. The US accuses North Korea of using Mr Miller and two other detained Americans as pawns in a diplomatic game. The North Korean authorities have not specified the charges against Mr Miller, but they claim he tore up his visa and demanded asylum. During the trial, prosecutors said Mr Miller admitted having a “wild ambition” to spend time in a North Korean prison so he could find out about the country’s human rights situation, the Associated Press (AP) reports. Notes produced in court also suggested he had become a fugitive because he was involved with Wikileaks, the organisation that has leaked US state secrets. Our correspondent in Seoul, Steve Evans, says it is impossible to know how those notes were written - whether under duress or not - and it is not clear whether there is any truth to the allegations. After a 90-minute trial, the sentence was handed down and Mr Miller was handcuffed and led from the room, AP reports. The White House has described securing the release of Mr Miller and the two other American citizens detained in North Korea as a “top priority”.

Ebola outbreak: Liberia ‘sacks absentee officials’

IBERIAN President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sacked 10 government officials who have been “out of the country without an excuse,” amid a national Ebola

crisis. She said the officials had shown “insensitivity to our national tragedy and disregard for authority”. The 10 were given a one-week ultimatum more than a month ago to return home. Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea are the worst-hit countries in an outbreak that has killed more than 2,400. More than half of those killed by the Ebola virus have been in Liberia. More than half of all people killed by the latest Ebola virus outbreak in 2014 have been in Liberia The 10 officials include two commissioners, six assistant ministers and two deputy ministers at the justice ministry, Wheatonia Dixon-Barns and Victoria Sherman-Lang. The BBC’s Jonathan Paye-Layleh says a press release issued from the presidency on Saturday reported that the officials had been fired “with immediate effect”. Eight junior officials have also been warned to return to the country, and will not be paid until they do.

issue is unlikely to recede for long. Mr Salmond may seek a fresh mandate for a new referendum in a few years’ time, the socalled “never-endum” scenario. Major companies and banks – motivated by nothing other than their own business prospects – have drawn up plans to flee Scotland if it votes to leave the UK. Banks, ranging from the Japanese giant Nomura to the Royal Bank of Scotland, have taken steps to insulate themselves from the fall-out from a Yes vote. There are plans to relocate offices and substantial funds are already being moved. The pound slumped on the international markets in the wake of polls showing a surge in support for the Yes campaign and almost £1.24 billion has already been taken out of British equity funds amid the uncertainty over Scotland’s future. These pre-vote jitters – on the strength of a few polls – will pale in comparison with the market mayhem that would be unleashed in the event of a Yes vote. If Scotland is allowed to keep the pound in a currency union, as Mr Salmond believes it will be, major questions will be placed over the UK’s economic outlook. If Scotland is denied a currency union, Mr Salmond has vowed not to pay Scotland’s share of the UK’s debt. This would push the remainder of the UK’s debt up to an estimated 85 per cent of national income. Analysts say this would make it more difficult for the UK to regain its AAA credit rating. It would also make it harder for an independent Scotland to borrow. While many executives will breathe a sigh of relieve, the idea that everything would carry on as before may be optimistic. Much depends on how big a No vote the electorate delivers. A narrow majority against independence of less than five per cent, which seems entirely possible, may not be decisive enough to close down the questions over Scotland’s future for long. Businesses hate uncertainty and some fear that lingering doubts could damage the UK’s recovery. It remains to be seen whether the hundreds of millions of pounds that have flowed out of Scottish investments in recent weeks would return, and how quickly. David Cameron has insisted that while he would be “heartbroken” to preside over the fracture of the 300 year-old union, he would not resign. His colleagues on the Tory benches believe he may have no choice. There is talk of a confidence vote in the Commons to bring down the government, a possible leadership challenge and speculation over ministerial resignations. Even if MPs do not want to knife their leader eight months

sms 08134230367

daborgu@gmail.com before an election, the pressure from market mayhem, and the humiliation of being the man who lost Scotland, could prove too great. There will certainly be consequences for Ed Miliband. If Scotland separates from the rest of the UK, the prospect of Labour ever winning a majority at Westminster again will be severely damaged. They currently hold 40 of the 59 Scottish seats at Westminster, without which some reckon a near permanent Tory majority would result. Some ministers argue that next year’s general election may need to be cancelled, questioning how it would be possible to hold a UK-wide election when Scotland has just voted to separate. Others say a second election excluding Scottish constituencies – perhaps as soon as a year later - would be required once a deal on the terms of Scottish independence had been agreed. Whoever forms the next government of the rest of the UK could face new demands for independence from voters in Northern Ireland and Wales. Arguments in favour of devolution to the English regions have already resurfaced. Again, it’s a question of how big a No vote Scotland delivers. If the majority against independence is handsome, the Prime Minister may be able to claim credit for his passionate last ditch campaigning. If, however, the vote is a close one, as seems likely, Mr Cameron’s position will be weakened even though the worst has not happened. Even loyal Conservatives now talk in disbelief of the referendum as a self-inflicted and frightening “existential threat” to the country, the like of which this generation has never known. Mr Cameron is certain to face a rebellion over his promise to deliver greater devolution to Edinburgh. Tories are angry that they have not been consulted and fear a backlash from English voters who will have to pay the bill. Mr Miliband will also have to face the ire of his own side for the fact that he seems to have failed to persuade many Labour voters to back the union. Douglas Alexander, Labour’s Scottish shadow foreign secretary, who has been influential in the No campaign, may pay the price. His position running Labour’s general election operation is regarded as deeply vulnerable. By Tim Ross, with additional reporting from Dayo Fakuade, The Nations Foreign Editor

Cameron says UK will ‘hunt down’ IS killers

RITAIN will take “whatever steps are necessary” to keep the country safe, following the killing of hostage David Haines by Islamic State militants, the prime minister has said. David Cameron said the UK would “hunt down” the killers of the aid worker, whom he called a “British hero”. He said Britain had to confront and “ultimately destroy” the “menace” of IS in a “calm, deliberate” way. Meanwhile a second UK aid worker being held has been named as Alan Henning. IS has now threatened to kill another hostage, Alan Henning Mr Haines was seized in Syria in 2013. He was being held by Islamic State militants who had already killed two US captives, and a video of his death came shortly after his family appealed to his captors to make contact with them. Born in Holderness, East Yorkshire, Mr Haines went to school in Perth and had been living in Croatia with his second wife, who is Croatian, and their four-year-old daughter. His parents live in Ayr. A video of the 44-year-old’s beheading was released on Saturday night. A masked man who appears to have a British accent was pictured beside Mr Haines holding a knife. The footage also includes a threat by IS, also known as Isil and Isis, to kill a second British hostage. Strip away the ghoulish theatre of this latest behead-

•Obama condemns beheading

RESIDENT Barack Obama on Saturday condemned as a “barbaric murder” the slaying of British aid worker David Haines by Islamic State extremists. Haines was abducted last year in Syria, and extremists released a video on Saturday showing his beheading. In a statement issued Saturday night, Obama said the hearts of Americans go out to Haines’ family and the people of the United Kingdom. “The United States stands shoulder to shoulder tonight with our close friend and ally in grief and resolve,” Obama said. “We will work with the United Kingdom and a broad coalition of nations from the region and around the world to bring the perpetrators of this outrageous act to justice, and to degrade and destroy this threat to the people of our countries, the region and the world,” he said. In his statement, Obama repeated the pledge he made Wednesday night in a nationally televised address in which he laid out a strategy to respond to the threat from the Islamic State group, which is referred to at times as ISIL. “Our objective is clear,” he told the nation earlier this week. “We will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy.” The U.S. began attacking the extremist group with airstrikes in Iraq last month. Since then, the extremists have beheaded two American journalists held captive in Syria, James Foley and Steven Sotloff. As part of the effort against the Islamic State group, Secretary of State John Kerry formally announced Saturday that retired Marine Gen. John Allen was joining the State Department as a special presidential envoy to coordinate the international coalition. Allen worked with international allies as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan from 2011-2013.

ing video from the so-called Islamic State and one thing emerges very clearly. The jihadists of IS are angry and frustrated that their earlier blitzkrieg advance across Iraq has been stopped in its tracks, and even reversed in places, thanks to US air strikes and arms supplies rushed to the Kurds. Incapable to date of shooting down America’s F/A18 jets, this is the group’s way of

hitting back at a distant enemy through the medium of public information. Speaking after a meeting of the UK emergency committee Cobra, Mr Cameron said of IS, “they are not Muslims, they are monsters”. “We will do everything in our power to hunt down these murderers and ensure they face justice, however long it takes.” He also said the country was “sickened” that a Briton could have carried out the “despica-

•Cameron

ble” killing. He said the organisation posed a “massive threat” to the entire Middle East and said it would be defeated through a “comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy”. He added: “This is not about British combat troops on the ground. It is about working with others to extinguish this terrorist threat.” During his statement, Mr Cameron outlined steps that Britain would take against IS: •Work with the Iraqi government to ensure it represents all of its people, and support the Kurdish regional government which has already received British ammunition and training •Work at the United Nations to mobilise the broadest possible support to “bear down” on IS •Support the United States in its direct military action, which is currently air strikes •Continue to use the RAF to supply humanitarian aid to the millions who have fled IS Maintain and continue to reinforce the UK’s counterterrorist effort

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

NEWS

Synagogue building collapse death toll hits 44 Continued from page 4

blocks are still intact. So, some of the permutations cannot be

ruled out. “We are working on worst case scenario that the founda-

tion might have been weakened, which would have led to the collapse.”

Presidential primaries: PDP governors push for consensus Continued from page 4

A PDP governor, who spoke in confidence, simply said: “Unlike other parties, have you heard of other aspirants for President in 2015 other than President Goodluck Jonathan? “I think we have almost agreed that he should continue in 2015; there is no doubt about this.” On what will become of Lamido’s aspiration, the source added: “He is entitled to aspire but the party’s decision is supreme.” The consensus option may be part of the agenda of the PDP governors’ meeting on Wednesday. A terse statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Aniete Ekong, last night, said: “Governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party would have a crucial meeting on Wednesday, Sep-

tember 17, 2014. “The meeting would hold at the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro by 4 pm.” Although the agenda of the meeting was unknown last night, sources said the upcoming PDP primaries and the party’s national convention, among other crucial issues, would feature in their discussion. Some ministers confirmed last night that a consensus option was being built around President Jonathan. A Minister said: “Ideally, even in the US, once a sitting President discloses his intention to run for second term, everyone must fall in line. This thing applies to all the structures in the party.” There has been pressure on the President to declare his re-election bid. All pro-Jonathan groups are expected to converge on Abuja

for a mini-summit tomorrow. Although the session has been designed to “streamline” all the groups by the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Alkali, a source said the mini-summit at the Eagle Square might be used to pressurise the President to lay the controversy on his second term ambition to rest. “We are really looking forward to the President’s declaration. We hope that he will bow to the popular demand, “a top source in Goodluck Support Group (GSG) said. But one of the top organisers of the mini-summit said: “While it is true that the President will declare for second term, he might not attend the mini-summit on Tuesday in Abuja. “I can assure you that he will not even be near the event. At the appropriate time, he will make the declaration.”

NNPC targets 250,000 bpd, says GMD Continued from page 4

ficient and speedy achievement of the three key short-term objectives of Management. “I urge you to re-equip yourselves in order to play a leading role in accelerating change across the entire Corporation. To lead this transformation, our IT Executives must re-imagine their roles by seeing themselves – and encouraging others to see them – as Chief Executives of an Information Business. “Like any chief executive, our IT leadership should bring vision, direction, and organization to NNPC’s big data investment priorities. That means engaging internal customers on their biggest challenges while attracting the best talents and suppliers; most importantly, it means being accountable for execution and results,” the GMD stated. Speaking on his expectation from the workshop, Dr. Dawha

said he anticipates “firm decisions on five levers that are required to step up the impact of IT in NNPC to enable us achieve the above corporate aspirations”. The listed the five levers to include: effective IT governance; availability and stability of connectivity; supportive technology adoption programme; pace of technology assimilation capacity; and consistent use of proven methodology. Group Executive Director in charge of the Engineering & Technology Directorate, Engr. Adebayo Ibirogba, said the main objective of the workshop was to get NNPC to “compare notes with the best in Nigeria on how they think, plan, and organize their IT businesses”. “Today, we are at the eve of an even faster acceleration in the scope, scale and economic impact of technology as it ushers

in a new age of artificial intelligence, consumer gadgetry, instant communication, and boundless information. NNPC simply cannot afford to miss the boat”, Engr. Ibirogba stated. He called on participants to use the workshop as a platform for developing a new mindset to recognize Information Technology not just as a primary tool for cutting costs and boosting productivity but as a big business in itself. The workshop was attended by other members of NNPC Top Management including the Group Executive Director, Refining & Petrochemicals, Engr. Ian Gregory Udoh; Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Dan Efebo; Group Executive Director Commercial & Investment, Hajia Mata Abdurrahman; and Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Oguine.

The ‘evil one’ did it, says Joshua

Continued from page 4

have heard them read it, who came to SCOAN to plant a bomb but could not do it because of our God and got converted and went back to Jos with the explosives. “I am showing members for them to know the God they serve. If I had shown it in the past, faithless people may not want to come to church again. “We have to believe what happened so that our people can learn and be educated to be on alert at all times,” Joshua said, adding: “Boko Haram will not stop here. I have said it before. It won’t stop here but our God will get back at them such that they will know it is because of what they have done in this

church. “Maybe, this one will be the end of the whole thing. I have remained silent because I have to. My life has been like that. People will lie from the beginning and later realise the truth. It is my life and I accept it. It is a good life”. Prophet Joshua saluted the “heroes and God’s generals. It is a security matter and so, I have to allow the security people to do their job,” he said. Immediately Fashola got to the scene, he queried the presence of church members ordering security personnel to send them out in order for rescue agencies to do their jobs. “What are they doing here? This is now a national disaster. Cordon off this area and let anyone who is not a rescue op-

erative be sent out so that professionals can do their jobs. “Anyone obstructing the duties of emergency agencies should be arrested.” To Prophet Joshua who arrived while the governor was issuing the arrest order, Fashola said: “We understand that this is an unfortunate situation but we need your men to understand that it is an emergency situation. “Let them allow those who are trained to do their jobs. We cannot carry out emergency and rescue operations in this situation.” While walking with the Prophet to his office for a meeting, the governor, who observed that construction was ongoing in the main building of the church, queried the leýgality of the action.

menced heavy air bombardment on Michika and Madagali towns that were over ran by Boko Haram militants. The jets were shelling locations believed to have large concentration of in-

surgents. The aerial bombardment, according to sources, left the Boko Haram insurgents suffering extensive losses in men and equipment.

By Wale Adepoju

only one patient, a two year-old, was admitted at the Surgical Emergency Unit. A security official in the unit said the ward received the child last Friday. He said there is the possibility of some victims being admitted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). “But at the moment only a child of about two years was referred to the unit here,” he said.

Air Force loses jet in Boko Haram battle

Continued from page 4

the military and the gains they were making in the war against the insurgents. The military last week com-

Tracing victims of Synagogue building collapse

HERE are the victims of the collapsed Synagogue Church building being treated? These were the questions unanswered last night. There were 130 people rescued from under the rubble as at 7pm yesterday, but our reporter could not trace where they were being treated. Those evacuated on Friday and Saturday were taken to the

Igando General Hospital and the Isolo General Hospital. But by yesterday, no victim of the collapsed building was at any of the hospital. They were said to have been taken to private hospital. Many of those asked in the church declined to give information. At the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

SHOWBIZ

HE Grand Ball Room of Oriental Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday, witnessed an exceptional gathering of personalities, who joined popular TV entrepreneur, Mo Abudu to celebrate her 50 birthday. The presence of these men and women of class gave credence to the popularity of Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife TV, a station touted as Africa’s first global black entertainment and lifestyle network. Some of the guests at the event are, governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, his wife Obioma Imoke and his predecessor, Mr. Donald Duke. Others are, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Chief Dele Momodu, Hon. Abike Dabiri, Genevieve Nnaji, Tiwa Savage, Funke Akindele, Basketmouth, Tonye Cole, Mai Atafo, Julius Agwu, Iyanya, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Joseph Benjamin, Uti Nwachukwu, Bode Pedro, Uche Pedro, Niyola, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Pastor Ituah and Olisa Adibua. Celebrated as a success story of African women in general, Abudu used the occasion to further inspire her folks, whom she said

ARELY two weeks after a fire outbreak was recorded at the venue of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show, the organisers of the show, MNet and Endemol, have confirmed that this year’s edition tagged Big Brother Hotshots will officially be

Mo Abudu celebrates 50 in style

Biyi Samuel releases new album, Finally

•Mo with her children

have got more to offer the society in their personal lives and businesses. Tagged “Mo@ 50...Celebrating Sisterhood”, Abudu, through the black tie event , gave awards to 10 categories of people she described as unsung heroes for their quiet but extraordinary and exemplary achievements. The event also witnessed resounding performances from music artistes such as Tiwa Savage, Chidinma, Seyi Shay, Yinka Davies, Ara,

Waje and Ghanaian singer, Efya among others. No doubt, Abudu has created impact with her channel, which occupies the popular Tinapa Studios in Calabar, airing on DSTV Channel 165, as well as in the UK on the TalkTalk platform. The channel is known for •Chidinma performing at the providing premium home- event grown programmes to its rels, including Forbes viewership. Media’s recognition as the Abudu, for her outstanding first African woman to work in the media and serlaunch a Pan-African TV vice to humanity, has been channel. honoured with many lau-

OSPEL singer, Biyi Samuel, is set to release a 10-track album titled Finally under Adedotun Ajala’s Moyinnet Entertainment Company. The artiste, who described it as a long-awaited album since he gained fame with Igi Aruwe over a decade ago, said: ”It may take a while for God to bless a man or bring breakthrough his way. But that doesn’t imply that God can’t turn around a man’s captivity. This is t h e story of Biyi Samuel because God has turned around m y

captivity, after many years. After many years of challenges and doubts, I am now releasing an album that carries a God’s seal.” He said the title was a child of necessity, adding that “God has finally smiled on me and lifted me beyond doubts. By his grace, I want to take my music to the international stage. My dream is that if God permits me, I want to do a duet with R. Kelly someday. Lucky Dube is another great artiste I would have loved to collaborate with, if he was alive.” Recalling his journey into music, Samuel, who started out as a chorister in his church, said: “I was inspired by my mum who was also in the adult choir. Music is a calling for me. Even if I had studied medicine, my dream profession, I would have still returned to music.” Biyi Samuel is a graduate of International Relations from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

BBA: Organisers find new venue •Announce new launch date launched on Sunday, October 5, having found a new house in Johannesburg, South Africa. The search, according to the M-Net’s management, was

concluded after exploring all possible options, both locally and internationally, for a suitable venue to produce the ninth season of the Africa’s biggest reality show.

It will be recalled that on Tuesday, September 2, the Big Brother house was razed by fire, thereby causing MNet and Endemol SA to postpone its launch, which had earlier been scheduled for Sunday, September 7.

NEWS

Health Trust for Adadevoh

S eminent Nigerians, friends and relations pay tributes to heroic Ebola Victim Disease victim in Lagos, former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN) at the weekend announced the establishment of a Health Trust for the late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, who treated the American-Liberian Ebola Virus Disease patient, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, in a Lagos hospital. Dr. Adadevoh, a Consultant at the First Consultants Hospital, Obalende, attended to Sawyer and later reported the state of health of the patient to the Lagos State Government when she suspected the symptoms being manifested by Sawyer as being those of the dreaded disease. She fell ill a few days later. She died at the Lagos Isolation Centre in Yaba having

tested positive of the virus. Shasore, who was among the many Nigerians who attended the Night of Tribute organised in honour of the late doctor by friends, relations and colleagues, at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, said the Trust, a non-profit organisation, would focus on encouraging and funding research as well as finding cures for infectious diseases in Nigeria. The former Attorney-General, who paid glowing tributes to the late Dr. Adadevoh, who he said he knew personally, stated that the country has lost a brave and dedicated individual, adding that the Health Trust was set up to assist and support healthcare services in the country. Expressing delight that Nigerians have taken the matters into their own hands in a bid to safeguard the overall wellness

•Shasore

of the general public, the former Commissioner who is also Chairman of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme ( Lagos HOMS) Committee, urged members of the public to send their inquiries and concerns via email to: Drasatrust@gmail.com.

Fayemi names transition committee

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has named a 19-member transition committee to organise a hitch-free handing over and inauguration of a new government on October16. The committee comprises of top functionaries of the present administration and nominees of the Governorelect, Ayodele Fayose. The inaugural meeting holds in Ado-Ekiti today. The Secretary to the State Government, Ganiyu Owolabi, is the Chairman;

the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economy Department, Bamidele Agbede, is the Secretary. Other members are: Commissioner for Finance Dapo Kolawole; Head of Service Bunmi Famosaya; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Wale Fapounda; Special Adviser, Legislative and Allied Matters Dapo Karounwi; Commissioner for Environment Eniola Ajayi; Special Adviser, Establishment Matters Dayo Fadipe; Permanent Secretary, General Administra-

tion Department, Alfred Ologuntoye; Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol Akin Oso; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Ayodeji Ajayi. Others are: Director General of the Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation Dipo Anisulowo; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Owoseni Ajayi; Mrs Modupe Alade; Pastor Kola Oluwawole; Kayode Oso; Wale Akomolafe; Biodun Alasoluyi and Alade Sunday Olaseye.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

SPORT EXTRA 2015 AFRICAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Gabon shock Eaglets 2-1 in Libreville

• Coach Amuneke says Nigeria will be better at home

• Eaglets’ captain Kelechi Nwakali during a friendly match

IGERIA'S Under-17 team, Golden Eaglets, were beaten 2-1 by Gabon yesterday in their Final Round, First Leg 2015 African Under-17 Championship qualifier at the Stade Augustin Monedan de Sibang in Libreville. Victor Osimhen gave the Eaglets an early fourth minute goal while the home side levelled up through Moubouhy Ngouba in the 26th minute and Maomikolo Boundembi scored the winner in the 80th minute of an engrossing match that saw Osimhen getting a 'questionable' red card from Central African Repub-

RESULTS England - Premier League Man Utd 4 - 0 QPR England - Championship N’Forest 1 - 1 D. County England - FA Cup Romford 1 - 0 Bury Town Darlington0 - 0 Blyth FC United4 - 1 Prescot Italy - Serie A Sampdoria 2 - 0 Torino Cagliari 1 - 2 Atalanta Fiorentina 0 - 0 Genoa Inter 7 - 0 Sassuolo Lazio 3 - 0 Cesena Napoli 0 - 1 Chievo Italy - Serie B Vicenza 0 - 1 Ternana Spain - Liga BBVA Rayo 2 - 3 Elche Valencia 3 - 1 Espanyol Sevilla 2 - 0 Getafe Germany - Bundesliga E.Frankfurt 0 - 1 Augsburg Hannover 2 - 0 Hamburger France - Ligue 1 Lille 2 - 0 Nantes Guingamp 2 - 1 Bordeaux Netherlands - Eredivisie FC Utrecht 0 - 0ADO Cambuur 3 - 0 Groningen Vitesse 3 -1 Excelsior Dordrecht 0 - 1 NAC Breda Belgium - Jupiler Genk 1 - 1 Club Brugge Gent 1 - 0 Peruwelz

lic referee, Jean Marc Ganamandji in the 70th minute. "The boys gave their best under the circumstances that we found ourselves especially the difficult travel arrangement which caused fatigue especially in the second half," explained Coach Emmanuel Amuneke.

"But with all sense of responsibility, the officiating of this match was poor but we have to put this behind us and focus on the second leg. "From what we have seen, we would have came out with a better result if we had taken our chances in the first half but we can get better at home," he stated.

The Golden Eaglets actually started the game well as Osimhen grabbed the curtain raiser in the fourth minute when he pushed the ball beyond the reach of the Gabonese goalkeeper off a pullout from Kehinde Ayinde. They could have increased the tally thereafter but poor marksmanship in front of the Gabonese goal robbed them of such opportunities. The Gabonese, however, got their equaliser through Moubouhy Ngouba following a free kick in the 26th minute after referee Ganamandji made a foul call on goalkeeper Amos Benjamin. Yet Golden Eaglets' captain Kelechi Nwakali as well as Ayinde and Promise Orji failed to convert the opportunities that came their way as the first half dragged to an end. There were few chances in between in the second half and referee Ganamandji turned out to be a kill joy when he gave Osimhen a red card in the 70th minute for a spurious offence- albeit after a yellow card in the 55th minute. Ten minutes later, Maomikolo Boundembi scored the winner for the Gabonese when he pounced on the ball after a defensive slip up to bury it behind Benjamin yet again. EAGLETS’ LINE UP VS. GABON A. Benjamin, A. Mohammed, D. Ayodeji, H. Zakari, U. Abass, K. Nwakali, E. Agenor (K. Michael), P. Orji (S. Chukwueze), K. Ayinde (E. Osinachi), S. Abdullahi, V. Osimhen.

SEPTEMBER 30 NFF CONGRESS

Aspirants want venue changed

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been advised to reconsider its decision to hold the forthcoming elective congress of the Federation in Warri, Delta State. According to some football stakeholders who spoke to NationSport in Abuja on condition of anonymity, changing the venue would give all the participants a level playing field to contest for the vacant NFF executive board positions. One of the presidential aspirants from the South East said: "Agreed that it is the prerogative powers of the NFF to decide where its congress will hold. Again, we know very well that to decide the venue of the congress, the NFF would also have to consider those state governments that are friendly and ready to accommodate the stakeholders. “We are not ignorant of all these, but the choice of Warri, Delta State now that the chairman of their sports council Amaju Pinnick is contesting for the position of NFF president does not augur well for a level playing field for the all aspirants, especially those contesting for the presidency. “If this election is held in

From Andrew Abah, Abuja the state, there can never be a level playing field for the contestants considering the fact that the (Delta) state governor (Emmanuel Uduaghan) who is hosting the congress has been campaigning for Amaju Pinnick over the television networks. We appeal to the NFF to take a second look at the choice of venue," he said. Continuing, the aspirant, who is a State FA Chairman, said: "In the past all elective congresses were held in Abuja, and contestants had the freedom to canvass for votes without fear of intimidation. But with the way things are now, if the elective congress holds in Delta State, then I wonder if the best candidate would emerge at the end of the day." He called on the NSC to sponsor the congress, and ensure that it holds in Abuja. NationSport further gathered that the NFF elective congress slated for 30th September may see only four candidates contesting for the position of president. The most likely are Dominic Iorfa, Taiwo Ogunjobi both ex-internationals, Mike Umeh and Amaju Pinnick,

while the likes of Amanze Uchegbulam, Shehu Dikko among others may withdraw from the contest.

Obodo sent off in Greece

ORMER Nigeria international Chris Obodo was sent off for Xanthi in a Greek league clash at Pas Giannina yesterday, reports africanfootball.com. Obodo, who joined Xanthi as a free agent in the off-season, was sent off in the 90th minute for his second booking after he was first cautioned in the 84th minute. Xanthi were forced to a 2-2 draw. Concerns over Obodo's attitude were raised before he finally signed a year's deal. Obodo’s club are 12th on the table with two points from three matches. The midfielder has played in Italy and Portugal.

• Obodo

Ogbeche inspires club's win in Holland

E • Ogbeche

X-INTERNATIONAL Bartholomew Ogbeche was one of the goal scorers in Cambuur's 3-0 win over FC Groningen in a Dutch Eredivisie game yesterday. Ogbeche scored in the 72nd minute to give Cambuur a 2-0 lead to take his goal tally to two in five games. He was outstanding during the pre-season where he scored several goals. The 29-year-old striker scored two goals in 10 games last season. He has played for PSG, Cadiz, Alaves, Jazira, Kavalla, Real Valladolid, Xerez and Middlesbrough.

N100m for Kogi Stadium contractors

HE Kogi State government has released the sum of one hundred million Naira (N100m) to its ministry of youth and sport to settle the contractors handling its Olympic-size stadium. The state’s commissioner for youth and sports, Attah Sule, stated this while receiving Kogi commissioner for information, Zainab Suleiman-Okino, who paid him a working visit in his office. Describing Kogi governor Captain Idris Wada as a generous and focused man, Sule stressed that the governor had assisted the ministry in

various ways and thanked Captain Wada for giving him the opportunity to serve the state. Earlier, Hajia SuleimanOkino, who said her visit was in line with the directive of the governor, said it was aimed at ascertaining the level of performance and achievements of each ministry and parastatal in the state with a view to showcasing same to the public. She commended commissioner Sule for his efforts and achievements within his short period in office, and called on staff of the ministry to be more dedicated to their jobs.

• L-R Sir Dr. Molade Okoya Thomas, captain of Greater Tomorrow, Aweda Yusuf, receives a trophy and a cheque from the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire and Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the final closing ceremony of the 4th edition of the U-12/U-15 Boys and Girls’ Muniru Muse Cup 2014, sponsoreed By Senator Tinubu at Campus Mini Stadium, Ajele, Lagos. PHOTO: TAIWO OKANLAWON

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

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.

166TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

he second coming of His Excellency Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to the helm of affairs in Kano has brought a new trend of progressive change and excellent leadership quality which is like a drought in the country. The Government since inception in 2011 has brought a lot of gigantic projects and empowerment packages i.e. building of the First flyoversby the state, one of which is the longest in the country and total overhauling of educational sector among many others i.e. construction of Kwankwasiyya Classroom blocks in over 460 Schools across the 44 Local Government Area Councils in the State, Scholarship to over 3000 Kano Indigenes to pursue various medical, pharmaceutical, post graduate and graduate courses abroad, etc. and many other projects too many to mention. It is worthy to mention, that moral decadence was prevalent in the State, the Government since assumption into Office has ensured the banning of street begging (almajiri) in the State, Constitution of a powerful Taskforce on Drugs which has sanitized the sale and use of drugs.This has greatly helped in reducing access of drugs usage to the drug addicts mostly youth and women. Indeed, various policies and programmes which were seen as a mirage has been effected in Kano State as the saying of one Scholar Arthur C. Clarke that "the only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the somewhat impossible". Indeed, Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE has delivered on issues that seemingly looked impossible to attain and has and is delivering satisfactorily and betterment of Kano and the citizenry. 1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT a) Presentation of Seventh (7th) Periodic Report of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee on Animal Traction Covering Three (3) Local Government Areas (Shanono, Minjibir and Ungogo): The Government of His excellency Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso established 24 skills and acquisition institutes to train our unemployed youth in various skills and trades so as to enable them acquire skills necessary to establish their businesses and become not only self employed but as well employers of labor. Five of these institutes are directly training our youth in Agricultural productions and value chain addition. These include Fisheries, Livestock, Poultry, Irrigation and Animal Traction institutes. They are trained and given empowerment packages during their graduation ceremonies. The graduates of Animal traction institutes were each given 2 bulls, trailer and Plough at a total cost of one hundred and forty thousand (N140,000.00). The Government subsidized this loan by 20%, each beneficiary will therefore pay back 80% over a period of time. A monitoring committee monitors the progress of the program and the repayment by the graduates. The content of this memorandum is a seventh (7th) periodic report from the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee on Animal Traction covering three (3) Local Government Areas of Shanono, Minjibir and Ungogo submitted to Council for noting and further action. In this respect, the Committee observed that a large number of beneficiaries have made tremendous efforts by utilizing their implements and keeping their Animals in good health and also made re payment of substantial amount of the loan provided to them. Council acknowledged the report with appreciation. b) Request for Funds for the Connection of Electricity Power Supply and Maintenance to Gezawa College of Midwifery (temporary Site) and Bichi ITC Line:This too is among the 24 institutes established by this administration. The construction work of the permanent site has reached completion stage. Meanwhile the institute has already admitted students that are now accommodated in a temporary site. Thus the Ministry of Rural and Community Development through SSG's Office submitted a request to Council for the connection of electricity power supply and maintenance to Gezawa College of Midwifery (Temporary Site) and Bichi ITC Line totaling the sum of N3,888,449.00. Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N3,597,285.00 for the projects. c) Request for Counterpart Fund for the Conduct of an Activity in Collaboration with UNICEF "D" Field Officers Bauchi:The content of this memorandum is from the Ministry of Planning and Budget through the SSG's Office submitted a request to Council for the conduct of 2 - Activities on Advocacy and Orientation visit to three (3) selected LGCAs (Gezawa, Gwarzo and Takai) in order to gather information/data on key performance indicators on Education, Health, Water Sanitation and Hygiene at grass - root level in collaboration wit UNICEF to monitor the exercise and assess progress. Accordingly, Council noted the total sum of N1,750,700.00 as UNICEF contribution and approved the release of the sum of N1,218,500.00 as State counterpart contribution. d) Request for Funds to Organize Sallah Party to the Less Privileged Children in the State:You may recall that since the inception of the present administration efforts were given towards empowering women and youths regardless of social inequality. Today, the Special Adviser on Child Welfare through the SSG's Office submitted a request to Council to organize Sallah Party to the less privileged Children in the State which is scheduled for Monday 6th October, 2014 and will cost the sum of N1,503,278.00. Council considered and approved the sum of N1,000,000.00 for the commitment. e) Request for Funds for the Payment of Severance Gratuity to Hon. Khadi Tijjani Yahaya Dukawa:The content of this memorandum is from the State Shariah Court of Appeal through the SSG's Office submitted to Council a request for the payment of Severance Gratuity to retired Hon. Khadi Tijjani Yahaya Dukawa to the tune of N5,008,155.00 as provided in the revised remuneration package for Public, Political and Judicial Office Holders of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (Law 2007). Council considered and approved as requested for the purpose. f) Presentation of Progress Report from Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the Community Reorientation Council (CRC) for the Months of March and April, 2014:The content of this memorandum is from the Community Reorientation Council (CRC) Monitoring Committee through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government where its Monitoring and

Evaluation Unit submitted a progress report for the months of March and April, 2014 to Council following the team's official visit across the 44 Local Government Areas. Accordingly, the CRC decentralize its monitoring team into three (3) zones (Kano Central Zone, Kano South Zone and Kano North Zone) to ease the co - ordinating of various Government programmes such as; i. School feeding to Primary School Pupils. ii. School Uniform Intervention. iii. Butchers Empowerment Scheme. iv. Lafiya Jari Empowerment Scheme. v. Women Empowerment Programme.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

Council acknowledged the report with appreciation. g) Request for Funds for the Procurement and Refurbishing of Vital Office Equipment in the Ministry of Finance:The Ministry of Finance through the SSG's Office submitted to Council a request for the procurement and repairs of some important office equipment to ensure conducive working environment with a view to attaining efficiency in service delivery. In this respect, the items required are three (3) Executive Table, seven (7) Executive Chair, seven (7) Rain Boat, seven (7) Torch Light, Refurbishing of Air Conditions and fridge at the total cost of N464,400.00. Council considered and approved as requested. h) Request for Funds for the Procurement of Five (5) Gully Empire Van for State General Hospitals:The content of this memorandum is from the Ministry of Health through SSG's Office submitted a request to Council for the procurement of five (5) Gully Empire Van for usage at Murtala Muhammad Specialist, Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist, Infectious Disease, Sir Muhammad Sunusi Specialist and Sheikh Muhammad Jiddah General Hospitals. Council noted the request and directed for the supply of one (1) disposal truck for the purpose. i) Request for Funds for the Empowerment Assistance to 132 Graduants of the 3 - Day Workshop on Moringa (Zogale Gandi) Production and Packaging:The Ministry of Commerce through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted a request to Council for disbursement as empowerment package to each of the successful 132 trainees on Moringa production and packaging held from 18th - 20th March, 2014 whom were selected from the 44 Local Government Areas towards meeting an appeal by the State Committee on African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) totaling the sum of N13,530,000.00. Council considered and approved for the release of the sum of N10,000,000.00 for the commitment. 2. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT a) Request for Funds for Monthly Running Costs for Road Traffic Department:Considered the importance of Road Traffic Department activity in the lives of our citizens not only regulating and control traffic movement along our major ways (roads) which serve as traffic regulators. Government has also identified that if the sector could be utilized, the sector would contribute significantly in generating local revenue from road traffic violators. As a result of this, the present administration made a giant stride in rejuvenation of the sector with a view to ensure that all facilities and structures were rehabilitated in addition to procurement of modern facilities. For the structures and facilities to be maintained sustainably, there is need for running costs, which a modest request of N150,000.00 per month was made fir the purpose Council considered and approved the release of N150,000.00 every month as a running costs for the Department. b) Request for Funds for Installation of New Single Arm Street Lighting at Sani Yaro Street and Environs - Off Hadejia Road 2.5KM:In continuation of efforts to ensure that all major roads within and by extension outside metropolis are provided with street and traffic light, the Taskforce Committee on Repairs and Reactivation of Street Lights and Traffic Lights assessed and came up with a Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) for the installation of Street Lights along Sani Yaro Street and Environs Off Hadejia Road (2.5KM) which was vetted by the Ministry in the sum of N59,187,494.50. Accordingly, Council considered and approved as requested. c) Request for Funds for the Installation of New Lighting within Sheka Extension - 3.4KM:Considering that, there is constant appeals/agitation and demands from different Community in the State for the needs to extend the provision and installation of street lighting in all areas yet to benefit, the Ministry of works assessed the extent of work on this important road . Pursuant to this, Taskforce on Repairs and Reactivation of Streets and Traffic Lights has assessed and come up with Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) which was vetted by the Ministry in the sum of N69,085,850.40 within Sheka as an extension work totaling (3.4KM). Council considered and approved as requested for the commitment. d) Request for the Provision of Kwankwasiyya Type Drainage at Yakasai Quarters in the Municipality:The above request emanated from Yakasai Community in Municipal Local Government Area soliciting Government intervention for the repair of drainage at their domain which was channel to Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drainages. In this regard the ministry of Works, Housing and Transport has assessed the extent of the work and came up with an estimated cost in the sum of N17,713,384.88. Accordingly, Council considered and approved for the release of the sum of N17,713,384.88 for the execution of the project on Contract Basis to be supervised by the Ministry of Works, Housing and

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

Transport. e) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Cleaning and RepairWorks of Drainage:It could be recalled that, the present administration has established some Agencies/Boards across the State Civil Service in an effort to enhance the smooth running of the bureaucracy, such agencies includes; KAROTA, KARMA, Islamiyya and Qur'anic Agency, etc. Kano Road Maintenance Agency is an agency under the supervision of Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport saddled with responsibility of repairing metropolitan roads, reconstruction of drainages etc. It is against the background of the above, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport endorsed the recommendation of KARMA for the provision of concrete rings culverts to serve as conduit drainages in selected metropolitan roads i.e. Abduallahi Bayero Road, Ibrahim Dabo Road, Murtala Muhammad Way and Sani ABacha Wayall in the sum of N150,000,000.00. Accordingly, Council noted, considered and approved for the drainage cleaning and repairs at Ibrahim Dabo Road in the sum of N24,462,601.50. f) Memorandum on the Supply and Installation of 1200 Chairs for the 1200 Seater Auditorium at Government House:The content of this memorandum recalled the attention of the Council members to it's earlier approval for the construction of 1200 Seater Auditorium at Government House and notified that the project has reached advanced stage of completion and the need for the supply and installation of the permanent seats with a view to completing the auditorium and be put to use became paramount. Consequent upon this, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport invited Contractors to quote for the project and submitted a quotation in the sum of N93,240,000.00. The Ministry however vetted the quotation to the sum of N84,420,000.00 and recommend to Council for consideration. Council noted, considered and approved as requested.

Students Admitted to Bilingual College Niamey and Girls Bilingual College Zinder Niger Republic:It could be recalled that, the present administration under the able leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE has ventured into partnership with the Government of Niger Republic in the establishment of the two (2) Bilingual Colleges in Niamey and Zinder for the admission of equal number of Primary School Final Year of Niger Republic and Kano State under this agreement, each partner is to admit 100 students making a total of 200 enrolment every session. It is therefore in line with the partnership agreement that on admission every student of the schools is to be provided with a set of free uniform and house wears and for boarding student 2 sets each along with a mattress. It is against the foregoing development that, the Ministry of Education forwarded a recommendation in the sum of N11,980,000.00 to cater for the provision of School Uniforms, Cover Shoes, ECOWAS Travelling Certificates and other logistics to the Students. Council noted, considered and approved as requested.

3. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Request for Funds for Compensation of Properties Affected by the Expansion of School of Islamic Studies (SIS) and Land for Refuse Disposal at Kurna Qtrs:This memo originally came from the Ministry of Education as endorsed and presented by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning with a view to came up wit assessment of structures to be compensated which covers Land for refuse disposal as a result expansion of S. I. S at Kurna Qtrs. Based on this, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning evaluated the total sum of N45,785,390.00 as a compensation proposal on which Council is requested toapprove. Council considered the request and approved the released sum of N45,785,390.00 for the stated purpose.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 166TH EXCO SITTING

4. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNALAFFAIRS, YOUTH, SPORT AND CULTURE Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Participation of Kano Pillars Basketball Team in the 2013/ 2014 DSTV Final - 8 Championship at Burkina Faso:It is a well known fact that, the current administration has made a giant stride in the area of sports ranging from the establishment of Mahaha Sports Zone at Kofar Na'isa, Sports Institute, General Renovation of Sani Abacha Stadium as well as boosting the Sports activities in the State. Consequent upon the above, the State Sports Council recommended the sum of N24,016,010.00 as transport, accommodation, feeding and other logistics for the participating team which was endorsed to Council by Ministry of Information for consideration. Accordingly, Council noted, considered and approved the release of the timed sum of N14,880,221.00 to facilitate the smooth conduct of the exercise. 5. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Procurement of One (1) Toyota Hilux from the Ministry for Local Governments:The content of this memorandum is informing the Council on the enormous responsibilities attached to the Ministry which includes among other things the Inspection of administrative works, and public finances across the 44 Local Governments in the State, and that it lacks good/serviceable vehicles that would cover the Local Government Areas of the State effectively. It is based on this development that, the Ministry recommended for the provision of one (1) Toyota Hilux to Council for consideration. Accordingly, Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the sum of N6,950,000.00 for the provision of one (1) Ford Ranger to the Ministry to cater the official engagement. b) Memorandum on Re - Negotiation of Bids for the Award of Contracts for the Supply and Installation of Digital Broadcast Equipment for Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV) and Radio Kano AM/FM:This memorandum was earlier submitted by Ministry of Information to Council for consideration, while noting the importance of the memo, Council mandated His Excellency the Deputy Governor to re - negotiate the bid of the Contracts with the management of suppliers and report the findings to Council. In this respect the Contract for the supply and installation of digital broadcast equipment for Radio Kano and ARTV digitalization project to meet the National Broadcasting Commission requirement is being reviewed in the sum of N294,262,500.00 and N494,833,500.00 respectively against the earlier quoted sum which is higher than the above. Accordingly, looking into the significance of the project and in order to meet the minimum requirement of the NBC, Council considered and approved for the release of 50% of the requested sum for both Radio and ARTV Stations in the total sum of N394,548,000.00 for the execution of the projects. 7. HEAD OF SERVICE a) Information on Offer of Various Training Courses from Indian High Commission for Participation of the State Civil Service 2014/2015 (ITEC):The Office of the Head of Civil Service submitted an information memorandum to Council of an offer of various Training Courses from Indian High Commission under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) 2014/2015 for participation of the State Civil Servants. Council acknowledged the Information with delight. b) Request for Funds to Facilitate the Conduct of an Induction Training for 1000 Recruited Staff into the State Public Service under 1005:You may recall earlier directives and successful conduct of induction training for 3000 recruited staff into the State Civil Service under batches 1002, 1003 and 1004. Today, the Office of the Head of Civil Service submitted a request to Council to facilitate the induction training of another 1000 newly recruited public servants towards ensuring effective performance of their assigned responsibilities at the cost of N1,575,000.00 . Council considered and approved as requested. 8. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Provision of Students Uniforms, Cover Shoes, ECOWAS Travelling Certificates, Termly Medical Allowances and Logistic for Transportation in Respect of

10. MINISTRY OF HEALTH Request for Funds for the Second Set of Five (5) Egyptian Tutors to Kano State:The Ministry of Health informed Council that the first (1st) set of Egyptian tutors have successfully completed their assignment and have since returned to their Country and that the second (2nd) set of five (5) Egyptian Tutors are preparing to come at anytime for continuation of the assignment. To this end, the Ministry is requesting for the sum of $37,500 and N1,095,000.00 . Accordingly, Council considered and approved as follows; i. Approved the sum of $37,500.00 as three (3) months salary for the five (5) persons. ii. Approved the sum of N1,095,000.00 for settlement of the allowances, fueling/service of generators and other miscellaneous commitment.

1. REPORT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE VISIT BY KANO STATE GOVERNMENT DELEGATION ON FACTORY ACCEPTANCE TESTS FOR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR TIGAAND CHALLAWA HYDRO ELECTRICITY PROJECTS You may recall the terms of agreement reached between Kano State Government and Messrs. Skipper Electricals of India in 2013. Today, Council noted with appreciation on the successful official working visit by the State delegation under the leadership of the Hon. Commissioner for Projects Monitoring to India from 26th of August to 2nd September, 2014 for the purpose of witnessing the Factory Acceptance Tests on some electrical and mechanical equipment manufactured by Messrs. Skipper for the newly established Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams Hydro electricity projects which include; a) 2no. 7.5MBA Generator Transformers and 315KVA Service Station Transformers for Tiga Dam. b) 2no. 500KVA Station Service Transformers and 16/20MBA Generator Transformers for Challawa Gorge Dam. c) 630A, 33KV Isolators (Tiga Dam) and 800A, 33KV Isolators (Challawa Gorge Dam). d) Transformer and Generator Control Panel for Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams. e) Turbine Components for the Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams. 2. TAKE - OFF OF THE STATE PILGRIMS TO PERFOM THIS YEAR'S HAJJ OPERATION Council noted the successful take - off of the State intending Pilgrims on Tuesday night 09/09/2014 from the Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) to Saudi Arabia to perform this year's Hajj exercise 1435AH/2014 the Deputy Governor witness the take-off on behave of the Governor and wish them successful Hajj exercise. 3. KANO STATE MOTHERS ASSOCIATION Council witness a courtesy call to His Excellency the Governor by the newly established Kano State Mothers Forum and show their appreciation of the Government efforts towards the empowerment programme aimed at uplifting the socio-economic well being of women and youth in the State especially the sponsorship of their children to overseas to further their education. Based on their conviction that such concerns for the masses is what every Nigerian needs, they call on the Governor to present himself to contest for the presidency of this great Country Nigeria. 4. COURTESY CALL TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE NATIONAL YOUTH SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT Council witness a courtesy call to His Excellency the Governor by the National Solidarity for Kwankwaso as President of Nigeria 2015. The solidarity Movement came from 36 States of the Federation and FCT and urged the State Governor to contest for the Presidential post 2015. 5. COURTESY CALL TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE APC KWANKWASIYYA BAUCHI STATE CHAPTER Council witness a courtesy call to His Excellency the Governor by the APC Kwankwasiyya Bauchi State Chapter. During the visit, the Association express their support to the State Government for the developmental projects been executed in the State. 6. NIGERIA 7-7-4 ASSOCIATION Council witness a courtesy call by the Nigeria 7-7-4 Association. During the visit they express their support to the present administration and urged His Excellency the Governor to run for the Presidential Post come 2015. 7. REPORT IN RESPECT OF PROJECTS EXECUTED FROM JANUARY 2014 - SEPTEMBER, 2014 BY THE STATE RURAL ELECTRICITY BOARD Council noted the successful completion of some Government committed projects towards development of the rural communities across the State as follows; a) Re-location of PHCN Facilities of Sheikh Jafar Road at Gwale LGA totaling the sum of N6,500,000.00 which has been completed. b) ITC Maintenance at Dawakin Tofa LGA totaling the sum of N5,093,634.00 and is completed. c) 500KVA Transformer at High Court Miller Road in Nassarawa LGA worth the sum of N8,541,617.00 works completed. d) Relocation/Replacement of PHCN poles from Hadejia. 8. REPORT ON KANO STATE GOVERNMENT AND BANK OF INDUSTRY MATCHING FUND Council noted the continued effort by the State Ministry of Commerce on processing interested cooperative societies applications to Bank of Industry. Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture www.kn.gov.ng/new

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 9 NO 2,972

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Could we have progressed from coming to terms with the reality of the Ebola virus to perfecting the lethal technology for exporting it to other countries through unwholesome means? Or has this profiling got to do with the recurring references to Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer as the sole source of all identified cases of the virus in Nigeria?’ EMEKA OMEIHE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

E was one of the most misunderstood persons who ever lived. Throughout his life, he was human, a spirit, a bigot, a murderer, a conqueror, a hero, a pariah, a wretch, a myth, a thief, a buccaneer, an inspiration, a conspirator, a soldier as liberator, a soldier as mercenary, a soldier of destiny. When he died, many shed tears. Many who shed tears were his colleagues who saw the tempest of battle with him. But his plight many years before his death should have drawn tears from the same colleagues now shedding tears. The tears of the big-jawed reptile with intimidating scales. But they scoffed at him. He was poor, lacking meat and succour. But they would not help him. They would not visit him. They would not make a case for him. They waited for the extravagance of death. When death stalked, they balked. At last it came as it must, and it came in its sad plenitude. His colleagues poured out the outrageous liberality of their encomiums. They gave him in death what he wanted in life. Old age does not abide poverty. In Tennessee William’s play about how capitalism destroys family bonds titled Cat on a hot tin roof, a character says one can be young without money but you should not be old without money. That is why Western economies guard social welfare programmes. It informed Governor Kayode Fayemi’s now underappreciated programme. He was a great general, a special talent, a commander of men, they are saying. Not that he had no fault of his own. But he fought that this country may be one. He was in charge of the 3rd Marine Commando, a special name he coined for his division. He was one of the triumvirates that fought the civil war on the Nigerian side. General Murtala Muhammed handled the second division, while Shuwa held the first. It is an irony that the man most vilified by the Igbos of the three was this man who just died. He is thought to be the pre-eminent hater’s hater. He could not stand an Igbo man. He was killing them in droves, the civilians and soldiers. His heart was steeped in ice. Is that not why they called him black scorpion? He preyed on Igbo blood for his breath of life. Yet if you read your history well, you know that this man never fought in Igbo land. He never, in all the 30 months of battle, stepped on Igboland. He launched his battle in the epic Bonny landing, and his division took clan after clan, town after town, creek after creek, city after city, culminating in the fall of Port Harcourt. Irony still, Colonel Benjamin Adekunle spent much of the time in Lagos, seeking men and materiel. When he was in the Niger Delta, he was hardly in the theatre of war. Yet he is more demonised than

RIPPLES

I OFTEN BEAT MY WIFE, BUT SHE’S MY LOVE, man tells Court

Beating your wife? You sound like an OLD STONE AGE MAN

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) Twitter: @samomatseye

Once upon a soldier

‘

Adekunle’s tragedy is that many people failed to see him as human. Yet he died the most human death. The foible of history is that, now that he is dead, he may never be human again. •The late Gen. Adekunle

Muhammed and Shuwa, whose divisions made mincemeat of human dignity in the senseless slaughter of Igbos. Shuwa and Muhammed competed for infamy. Shuwa had no strategy of war. He roamed Biafra like a roaring lion, sacking towns instead of soldiers, his men killed and raped civilians at will. Muhammed’s division conducted rapine and slaughter, not only of Igbos but subjected his own soldiers to savage risks on the River Niger Bridge. The Asaba massacre of Igbos, a veritable war crime, took place on Muhammed’s watch. Shuwa unnecessarily created panic and refugees in Igboland. Adekunle, working with astute men like Alabi Isama and Akinrinade, carried surgical operations. But it was not as if he did not have his flaws. His rhetoric during the war did not help the Black Scorpion. He voiced contemptible language that he would not spare the Igbos, etc. It is the kind of rhetoric called trash talk in American sports. But it was inappropriate in war. One of the paradoxes of modern warfare is that we have instituted urban etiquette in the midst of barbarism. All war is barbarous, yet we

HE face of Professor Seidu Mohammed is a study in institutionalised obduracy. Looking at his photograph as published in a national newspaper recently, his visage could have been a close-to-live sculptural work: impervious, invincible, unmoving and unmovable. Prof. Mohammed is the director-general of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA). Hardball cannot ascertain which party affected the other so irretrievably but here at this agency, obduracy seems to co-habit with space science. Now some back-grounding: sometime about mid-August, there were reports in the media that Nigeria was celebrating three years of satellite launch. If only it had ended at that, but we were further told that NARSDA planned to procure a higher resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite (SARS) in order to consolidate the nation’s ‘in-road into the space world’. SARS, it is said, is the premier sensor for detecting finer details and it is sensitive to smaller surface roughness. Great, but Hardball asks, what really is NARSDA celebrating after three years? It is celebrating the anniversary of the launch of two earth observation satellites – NigeriaSat2 and NigeriaSat-X. To what end? “The satellite will enable the nation read any part of the

’

force some courtesies on ourselves. Civility in barbarism, the Geneva Convention. Adekunle’s lips loosed themselves in filth when he boasted he would deliver OAU to Gowon ahead of the OAU (Organisation of African Unity) summit. The OAU he wanted to deliver were three key Biafran towns. O stood for Owerri, A for Aba and U for Umuahia. Gowon fired him before he ever stepped his boots on Igboland. Yet he should have used civilised language about his intentions. It is on record though that 3rd Marine Commando did not maltreat the Biafrans they captured. From Alabi Isama’s book, The Tragedy of Victory, backed by pictures and documents, we know that captured Igbos were either allowed to return to Igbo land or were absorbed and retrained by the 3rd Marine Commando. So Adekunle was engaged in vaporous rhetoric. His bark sinned against him. It made him a primitive biter. Yet, we know that his successes got into his head. War commanders suffer such vanities. President Truman recalled MacArthur when he would not subject himself to civilian authority. Hitler also dislodged

HARDBALL

Rommel from the North African front for defiance. He was mistaking himself for the war. According to Isama’s book and authenticated by Akinrinade, the black Scorpion plotted an ambush to kill both men near Port Harcourt. Adekunle thought the profiles of both men were getting too big for him. Yet, without a doubt, he was the best leader in the civil war. He fought in the most difficult theatre. And it was his division that ultimately secured the surrender, although Obasanjo took the credit. Yet this man lived most of his life after he left the army in distress. The only time I met him was in the late 1980’s. He still lived in relative comfort. He said good things about Babangida, so I presumed that IBB’s regime was good to him. But subsequently, stories about him showed he suffered, and suffered abjectly. It became worse in the last few years when he needed medical care. In his book launched last year, Isama cried for him, asked for attention to come to him. He never enjoyed it. His fellow officers, some of them who still live in great affluence, distanced themselves from him. He became a pariah. He fought because he was called to service. He was a human who became a fierce man of battle. He was just carrying out his duty as a soldier. When Americans protested against the Vietnam War, the civilians sometimes misdirected their anger at the soldiers who were caught in duty. In their book, We Were Soldiers Once…and Young, Hal Moore and Joe Galloway wrote about their risks and near death experiences in North Vietnam. But he lamented he did not do it because he hated the Vietnamese. He was doing it because he had to as a soldier. It was like the poem of W. B. Yeats, in which a soldier laments that “those that I fight I do not hate/ those that I guard I do not love”. Soldiery by definition has no innocence. Sainthood belongs elsewhere. Maybe Adekunle’s sin was that he was a good soldier. If he was, he was also human. In my childhood days, I heard tales of him making disappearing acts, waving away bullets aimed at him, fighting without a gun, etc. When I presented these tales to him, he laughed and dismissed them. People fill voids with mythologies. That is how many gods are born. Adekunle’s tragedy is that many people failed to see him as human. Yet he died the most human death. The foible of history is that, now that he is dead, he may never be human again. More poignant for me is that this man fought to keep Nigeria one. Today with MEND, BOKO HARAM, OPC, MASSOB, did he fritter away his goodwill, youth and life on a hopeless project? I hope not.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

‘O’ for obduracy and ‘S’ for satellite country at any time, any day with ability to penetrate the weather. You don’t need to wait for weather. It is an earth observation,” says Felix Ale, spokesman of the agency. If you thought Mr. Ale was deliberately playing the obfuscation poker or is being swept away by his agency’s strong tide of obduracy, let us hear it from his boss, the professor: “We are today celebrating the third anniversary of the launching of NigerSat-X, the most complicated and the most advanced engineering project ever done by Nigerian engineers and scientists. “It is something that we are very proud of, and we believe that the ability to create wealth today and all the time depends on the efforts we make here and being home to over 400 engineers and scientists, we remain a major constituency in Nigeria where we can do intervention and the problem of industries in creating solutions to problems and developing national food security and areas of need. “In the last three years, through the two satellites, we have done major interventions. First, we made available images to over 18 universities... That has supported several universities in their research endeavors… our

satellite was part of the efforts to recover the missing Malaysian plane. Our satellite was also part of the mapping in the Amazonia basin and part of the campaign over the desert in Saudi Arabia and several other international disasters across the world.” Wow, what an odyssey of interventions. Hardball was under the delusion that Afghanistanism was the franchise of journalists but these folks at NARSDA have run wild afield with the ball. Of course by now, you must have gone Chiboky like Hardball, isn’t it? So why is this wonder toy not sighting our girls? Professor: “I have said it before and we are still saying it, issues of security are important to us. We are patriotic enough. For most of you who are conversant with the activities of our agency, we have a 25-year strategic roadmap for the development of space science…” You sure must have heard and had enough of this extra-terrestrial mumbo-jumbo to last you a lifetime? We tried to warn you that when obduracy collides with Nigeria’s satellite the result can be harmful to the mind. Accept my sympathy dear reader.

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