September 28, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

Nigeria’s death toll in Saudi hits 56 NEWS

Page 6

•Ex-chair, mum, stepmum, wives dead •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3350 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

INSIDE

Saraki, loyalists lobby emirs NEWS

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•‘Buhari won’t accept deal’

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Sultan, others seek probe of Saudi tragedy From Blessing Olaifa, Kaduna

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HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll, and President General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) yesterday told Saudi authorities to probe the stampede in which 768 pilgrims died in Mina during the stoning of the devil.

Iran, which lost over 100 of its citizens in the stampede and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), also yesterday insisted on a probe of the incident.

The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency confirmed the death of Sheikh Liman Dan-Ata, the Chief Imam of the Sultan Abubakar III Jumaa’at Mosque in Sokoto.

Also dead are the immediate Caretaker Chairman of Illela Local Government Area of the state, Alhaji Bello Gidan-Hamma, his mother, step-mother and two wives.

The Media Assistant to the agency, Alhaji Farouk Umar, said yesterday that many pilgrims from the state were still missing.

Nine other pilgrims from the state were conContinued on page 6

•A RISKY TRIP: Over 140 migrants and refugees, mainly from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Sierra Leone who were transported by the German navy frigate Werra as part of the European external action service EU Navfor Med, wait to disembark at the Augusta harbour in eastern Italy...yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Migrants from Nigeria, others rescued on Europe-bound boat P.8

Buhari: NNPC looters to face trial soon

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

Kachikwu: more heads to roll in oil giant Chinese to increase investment

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sent a notice to corrupt Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) officials - get set for trial.

Buhari, who spoke in the United States; stressed the need to sanitise the oil industry and free it from shady deals.

He said those responsible for the corruption in the oil giant firm will soon

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

be prosecuted.

The President spoke in New York during a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on the sidelines of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).

He said the first step in this direction had already been taken, with the appointment of a new management

for the NNPC and its subsequent reorganisation.

The President did not indicate how soon the prosecution would start but many contracts entered into by the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration have been cancelled for being shady.

Buhari praised President Xi for China’s assistance to Nigeria to curb the theft of crude oil.

He applauded China’s interception

of a shipload of crude oil stolen from Nigeria, which was to be sold and the proceeds paid into private accounts.

“We know your stand on corruption and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated, ” he said.

Buhari told his Chinese counterpart that under his leadership, the military had been re-trained and re-equipped Continued on page 6

•ARMY SEIZES 2.3M LITRES OF DIESEL P5 P511 POPE GETS ROUSING RECEPTION IN PHILADELPHIA P46

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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NEWS

Army seeks citizens’ support in terrorism battle

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HE Army yesterday appealed to Nigerians to support its efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

Making the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, Maj.-Gen. Yushau Abubakar, the Theatre Commander, Operation “Lafiya Dole”, said one of the key roles the people could play was volunteering vital information.

Abubakar explained that the war could not succeed through military operations

alone.

“I want to inform all that this operation should not be seen as purely military; it should be seen as an inclusive peace operation, where everybody has a role to play.

“This battle can best be won at the quickest time with the cooperation of all stakeholders.

“We need information; we need co-operation; we need synergy, we need support, support in the sense that we have lots of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), which I believe, good Nigerians, good organisations, ei-

ther domestically or internationally, can always come to assist.

“While this is being done, the military is faced with the task of degrading, destroying and arresting the terrorists," he said The commander said wealthy individuals and corporate organisations, should also assist by providing logistics to the military to aid its operations.

“In a situation where you find us in more areas than expected, then our attention will be diverted, That is why we

need the co-operation of other stakeholders.

“About two weeks ago, Toyota Nigeria Limited came and made a donation; such support will enhance our efficiency.”

Abubakar said.

He also advised Nigerians to form vigilante groups in their localities and places of work, to prevent terrorists attacks.

“We are appealing to everybody to take charge of security in his or her environment by being vigilant and reporting strange happenings.

“The military will do all it

takes to secure the society, but Nigerians must help out by being vigilant,” he added.

He lamented that spate of explosions in motor parks in spite of the fact that the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), is one of the strongest unions in Nigeria in terms of membership and organisation”.

“Unfortunately, we always have challenges or cases of bomb blasts in motor parks.

“I will appeal to NURTW, market organisations and religious bodies that security should be

our collective responsibilities,” he said.

He, however, commended Nigerian journalists for their support in the anti-terrorism war.

“It is important that we should always be interacting with journalists, so that Nigerians will know what we are doing; so that our efforts will not only be appreciated by the military high command, but also the citizens of the country, who want peace to come back to this part of the country,” Abubakar said.

ACF urges military to expose Boko Haram backers Blessing Olaifa, Assistant Editor, Kaduna

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•From left: Spiritual Director, Knights of St John, Monsignor John Aniagwu; Archbishop of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; Director of Education, Lagos Archdiocese, Monsignor Jerome Odutan and Noble Vice Grand Master, Knights of St. John, Sir Kola Olowu, at the unveiling of the “Alfred Adewale Martins Catholic Faith Competition”, being sponsored and anchored by Knights of St. John International, Lagos.

Terrorists’ bombs don’t discriminate between religions or ethnic origins, says Osinbajo

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ICE PRESIDENT Yemi Osinbajo has said terrorists’ bombs do not discriminate between religions and ethnic origns.

He spoke yesterday at the 55th Independence Anniversary Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

According to him, a house or nation divided against itself cannot stand.

He said: “Our nation is sharply divided for long along religious and tribal line. The moment we are divided against ourselves we can't stand. We must also speak on the unity of the country. It will make a difference in the future of this country.

“Our country’s major problem is that we play politics with everything. We play politics with religion, we play politics with tribe.”

Stressing that when a bomb goes off in Potiskum or Maiduguri, it doesn’t ask questions whether the victim is a Yoruba or Hausa person.

“We have seen Children

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

and adults blown to pieces who are victims of insurgency.

There were Christians, Muslims and those who do not profess any faith.”

According to him, insurgency goes beyond the contest between Christians and Muslims.

He said: “Jesus did not come to this world to celebrate religion, but for redemption. He came to make sacrifice for us.

The message of Jesus Christ transcends religion. No matter what it is that we face, the answer lies in the love of Jesus Christ. That is what we see as Nigeria clocks 55.

“We also expressed our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Mecca.”

He added In his message, titled: ‘Making Nigeria work as a family’, the Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration not to use the institutions of government to revenge and carry out vendetta.

He said: "If you are fighting

corruption for the sake of corruption, Nigeria understands it. If we use EFCC, ICPC, CCB as instruments of revenge and vendatta, sooner or later we will not be able to get the desired peace."

The cleric advised the government to ensure that its policies have human face.

He urged the government not to throw away the National Conference report midwived by the former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

He noted that God has kept Nigeria together despite threats and bobby traps by many people to dismember the country.

According to him, some powerful people and institutions in the country have been promoting sectionalism.

He said the struggle for Nigeria's survival should be uppermost in the hearts of all Nigerians and not the supremacy of one religion above the other or one political party above the other.

“We need Nigeria first before all the other things we are

fighting for,” he said Bagobiri regretted that some Muslims have been using intimidation and violence to attack Christians.

Christians, he said, have held the key to peace in the country as they have remained calm in the face of provocation.

“If there is a Christian militia in Nigeria, it is Christians that will first rise up to condemn it. So we want to ask Muslims to put their house in order.”

He urged for all hands to be on deck to build a nation that is truly a family free from discrimination and marginalisation.

He prayed for a nation where every ethnic group can produce a Supreme court justice without discrimination.

The 1st Scripture Reading was taken from II Chronicles 7:1-14, the 2nd Scripture Reading was taken from I Corinthians 12: 12-30.

Prayers were said for the Nigerian nation, security and economic challenges, peace and development of the country.

Rivers APC to Buhari: halt intimidation of tribunals’ witnesses

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HE Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to halt the alleged intimidation of witnesses who testified before the election petitions tribunals in Abuja.

Rivers APC, through its Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, in a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Chief Eze Chukwue-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

meka Eze, said the witnesses wanted to assist the tribunal to ensure justice.

APC in Rivers said: “Photos of the APC witnesses at the tribunals in Abuja are being posted on Facebook by a group known as The Youth Coalition For Good Governance. They held a demonstration and tagged our witnesses with all sorts of unprintable names and accused them of being saboteurs.

“Today, these men (witness-

es) live in hiding and can no longer do their businesses freely to maintain their families.”

It urged Buhari to institute a probe into the murder of 97 persons during the 2015 polls in Rivers State.

APC said: “We passionately plead with President Buhari to hasten to make good his promise to Rivers people on May 13, 2015 when he vowed to revisit the issue, saying: ‘We will confront them with facts and figures. We will not for-

give and we will not forget those who perpetrated killings and arson in Rivers State during the elections (of March 28 and April 11, 2015).’

“We demand that the Prof.

Chidi Odinkalu Commission of Inquiry report be revisited urgently,” Rivers APC also called on all the security agencies to take necessary preventive measures, to guarantee the safety of the witnesses testifying at the various election petitions tribunals in Abuja.

HE Arewa Consultative Forum has condemned in strong terms those allegedly aiding and abetting the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast and other parts of the country, saying they are enemies of Nigeria.

The northern socio-cultural group was reacting to comments from Army authorities that some prominent politicians, and groups from the Northeast had been meeting marabouts to reverse the gains already recorded in the fight against the insurgents by the military.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman had said among others that “the Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public and send a very strong and serious final warning to some prominent individuals and political groups who hail from Borno state in particular and Northeast generally, that there is information of plans by some highly placed individuals and political groups to undermine and scuttle the fight against terrorism and insurgency in this country. The unscrupulous individuals and their cohorts are determined to reverse the gains made and scuttle our efforts at achieving the Presidential directive to defeat Boko Haram terrorists within three months”.

Speaking against this background, the ACF demanded a thorough investigation into the allegation and asked the military to expose all those behind such acts.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Muhammad Ibrahim, in a statement ,yesterday in Kaduna, noted that the body considered those behind such devilish act as simply “wicked”.

The ACF said the alarm raised by the Army was “grave, disturbing and worrisome, considering the efforts being put by the military and other security agencies to end the insurgency in the Northeast region.”

The statement reads: “It is callous, wicked and unfortunate that some prominent individuals place their personal benefits above national interest, the daily killings of innocent lives and destruction of property as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the last six years.

“ACF urges the military to thoroughly investigate the clandestine activities and other diabolical efforts of these politicians, expose and prosecute them to serve as a deterrent to others.

Nigeria cannot afford to treat such unscrupulous groups or individuals with kid gloves at this material time that all hands are on deck to restore peace and order in the Northeast subregion and the country in general.

“ACF will support and encourage the military to take any lawful action against the so called prominent elders and politicians undermining the effort of the Federal Government to combat terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.”

Unilag, Uniben, ABU students for Shell Eco-marathon

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TUDENTS of three Nigerian universities have built cars that will feature at the Shell Eco-marathon, Africa (SEMA) in South Africa from October 2 to 4. They are sponsored by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Joint Venture.

The students of University of Lagos, University of Benin and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, collectively known as Team Nigeria, will join 40 teams from four countries to test the energy efficiency of their cars at the Zwartkops Raceway, near Pretoria. The event will be hosted by the School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. The Shell Eco-marathon competition challenges students in different continents (America, Europe, Asia and Africa) to build and race energy-efficient cars, and rewards those that travel farthest with the least amount of fuel.

“The sponsorship of the students opens an exciting phase in our long-standing support

for education in Nigeria,” said Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria.

“In addition to awarding scholarships, building schools and donating science equipment, we’re challenging the leaders of tomorrow to begin to think about, and act on the difficult energy choices facing a rapidly increasing world population.”

In 2014, the SPDC JV provided seed funding for the three universities and sponsored them to the European edition of the competition in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. They also participated in the maiden edition of Shell Eco-Marathon Africa which held in South Africa in 2014, with the University of Benin team winning the Best Designed Car award.

SPDC organised a test drive at the Campos Mini stadium in Lagos in March 2015 to test the readiness of the students.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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NEWS

Bauchi’s m •President Muhammadu Buhari (second left); Microsoft Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Bill Gates; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Linus Awute (second right) and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, at a bilateral meeting between President Buhari and Gates during the 70th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, United States (U.S.)...at the weekend.

•Divisional Head, Marketing and Corporate Relations, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr Charles Aigbe (right), receiving the Award of SRI 30 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year on behalf of the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Phillips Oduoza, from CEO, Africa Investor, Mr. Hubert Danso, at the Africa Investor CEO Institutional Investment Summit and Awards in New York, United States (U.S.)...at the weekend.

•From left: Senior Manager, Business Development, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Henry Okoede; Managing Director, NIBSS, Mr. Adebisi Shonubi and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), VAS2Nets Technologies Ltd, Mr. Ayo Stuffman, at the MTN and NIBSS partnership in Lagos.

•Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, flanked by the the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona (right) and founder, First City Monument Bank (FCMB)/ Olori Omo-oba Akile Ijebu, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun, at the Ojude Oba festival at Ijebu Ode in Ogun State...at the weekend.

IT was bought to raise its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base. But since the Bauchi State government acquired the Embraer 145 aircraft, it has been a drain pipe, rather than being a pot of cash, writes AUSTINE TSENZUGHUL.

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HY did the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmadu Mu’azu, acquire an aircraft for Bauchi State in the twilight of his second term as governor in 2006?

Those who know Mu’azu as a business-oriented person felt he bought the aircraft to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the northwestern state. They believed the former governor probably planned to commercialise the plane. Mallam Isa Yuguda, who took the mantle of leadership from him, many thought, would sustain the vision. Others felt the acquisition of a plane was just a misplaced priority.

Bauchi has one of the best international airports in the country. The facility, built by Mu’azu’s successor and inaugurated in February 2015, is wellequipped.

Ironically, the controversial aircraft, bought with the tax payers’ sweat, touched down at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport on September 17 for the first time since the airport was inaugurated.

The Embraer 145 aircraft, marked “5N –BJM”, was bought at $17.5 million and leased to Messrs Donnier (Dana) Aviation Ltd., who doubled as consultant to the airplane at the cost of N4 million weekly. The figure rose to N6 million weekly effective from 2013 after a revaluation.

A source close to the immediate past governor said: “From the beginning of the Governor Yuguda regime in 2007 to April 2015, the aircraft was leased to four operators. First it was IRS in 2007, with an expected monthly income of $115,000 to Bauchi State.”

It was learnt that the airline did not keep its own side of the bargain as it did not remit a dime to the state’s coffer for 17 months after the lease had been signed.

Uncomfortable with the development, Yuguda asked that the aircraft be grounded after series of talks,with IRS, which calimed that it had spent about N125 million on its maintenance.

With the collapse of the agreement with IRS, Messrs HAMSAL Air Ltd took over the plane in August 2009 with an agreement to remit to the state’s account N15 million every month.

Under HAMSAL’s management, the plane was taken to Ogama in Portugal for routine inspection and maintenance. It remained in Portugal till 2011. Strangely, the state government picked the maintenance bill despite the fact that the aircraft was being managed by an airline.

When the plane became operational in 2011, HAMSAL was refunded N128 million for the purported service and maintenance. The company was also paid N45 million

•The controversial aircraft after its retrieval from Morocco

for May, June and July in 2011. The purpose for the payment was not specified.

The payment triggered questions from some members of the Bauchi State Executive Council, who were said not by in Yuguda’s ‘kitchen cabinet’. An unconfirmed report said those who raised questions on the deal were kicked out of the Yuguda administration.

In August 2011, Associated Aviation indicated interest in leasing the aircraft and the plane was leased out with the approval of the state government. In the léase agreement, Associated Aviation accepted to pay a monthly rental fee of N16 million but on quarterly arrangements.

Unlike the previous leasees, Associated paid N50 million, covering the 2011 and January 2012 payments.

Based on the agreement, the leasee was responsible for the maintenance of the plane for as long as the aircraft was in its custody.

The Associated Airline could not underwrite the expenses when the plane was also flown to Ogama, Lisbon, Portugal for ‘A’ Check and the aircraft was still in Portugal when it was due for a ‘C’ Check, thereby incurring more expenses.

Unable to settle the bills, the airline went back to the former administration under Yuguda government for bailout, a request that the government graciously obliged.

When The Nation checked at the airline to find out if an agreement existed between the state government and Associated Airline for such bailout, there was no written agreement that the state would be responsible ‘C’ Check.

A top official of the Associated Airline at its Lagos Office, who refused to disclose his name, wondered what informed media probe into the deal.

The official said: “We’ll deal with you nosey journalist. Go back to your Bauchi and ask the state government for the contract details. And if I see you in this office again, you will end up in the lagoon. Stupid Bauchi journalist ko.”

At the Abuja office of the airline, no member of staff was willing to volunteer information on the “Bauchi bad deal”, as an official described it.

But, one thing that was established in Lagos was that Assoviated Airline had asked the Bauchi government to pick the maintenance bill with a promise to “settle the bill later”.

The airline also asked for a waiver, which the state government approved.

According to a source in Bauchi, “it was when Associated Airlines could neither refund the maintenance and the ‘C’ Check expenses that Overland Airways showed up”.

The source went on: “But Overland noted that our plane was no longer airworthy. Overland claimed the aircraft’s records were not up-to-date.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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NEWS

mystery plane: Tale of a drain pipe

•The Abubakar Tafawa International Airport in Bauchi

‘

“The state government further approved and released $600,000 to Overland in addition to $215,000 for the renewal of the EMB 145,5NBJM’s insurance •Abubakar

•Muazu

So, it demanded that we update the records, return the plane to an airworthy condition. These demands got a speedy approval of the former governor.

“The state government further approved and released $600,000 to Overland in addition to $215,000 for the renewal of the EMB 145,5N-BJM’s insurance.

“Though I was part of the immediate past administration and I am assuring you that, that plane was rather a drain on the state resources because it did not generate even N1000:00 to the state government. Regrettably, up to the time the plane was in Morocco, the state was spending N4 million monthly as salary to its crew”.

The source, who has relocated to Abuja, said it was from the last leasee that the aircraft was taken to Morocco, North Africa, presumably, for a ‘C’ check and that when some of us were disengaged.

Another source, who pleaded for anonymity, told The Nation in Abuja: From the Associated, our aircraft was taken to Atlantic Air Industries, Morocco for maintenance reasons. But, I was made to understand that buyers

•Yuguda

‘

•Gidado

•Tijjani-Baba

•Captain Boyo

were being looked for. When that Information leaked, the government put the deal on hold.

It remained unclear how the state government secured the plane’s release from the Moroccan aviation outfit. But, when Mohammed Abubakar, a former civil servant and one-time Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in the state,

assumed office as governor, he raised an Assets Recovery Committee, under the chairmanship of an Air Force Officer, Air Commodore Ahmed TijjaniBaba )rtd).

It could be recalled that Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State in his 100 days in office broadcast disclosed that his public Property Recovery Committee discovered an aircraft

belonging to the state in Morocco.

Abubakar said that the recovered aircraft would be received by the state government in few days to come at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.

He said that the aircraft was discovered as one of the state’s missing assets by the committee set up by his administration and headed by Air Commodore Ahmed Tijjani-Baba (rtd).

“I wish to announce the fruitful efforts in locating the state-owned “Embraer 145 Aircraft in Morocco and soon it will land at the Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa international Airport in a matter of days,” the governor had announced in his address on the occasion of his 100 days in office.

However, Yuguda said the fuss over the alleged missing aircraft was uncalled for. According to him, a detailed brief on the controversial plane is contained in the handover notes, and that his did not need any assets recovery committee to discover what happened to the aircraft.

He added that he even included a paragraph about the plane in the handover notes’ executive summary

he prepared for Abubakar.

The governor promised that series of meetings were concluded in respect to the retrieval of the plane and assured “the plane would be received at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi in a matter of few days”.

There was jubilation when Capt.

Edwards Boyo, of Overland Airline, landed the 54-seater Embraer 145 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport, Bauchi on September 17. Both Boyo and the Bauchi plane were received by Nuhu Gidado, a civil engineer and Abubakar’s deputy. The governor was away to Abuja.

Although, governor has succeeded in retrieving the aircraft, which is parked on the tarmac at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport but, Abubakar has a long way to go as he has vowed to clear the eight-year rot to justify the overwhelming mandate given to his All Progressive Congress (APC) on April 11.

Deputy Governor Gidado has led other officials to inspect the aircraft where it is parker on the tarmac. In the team of inspectors were: Secretary to the State Government (SSG); Chief of Staff to the Governor special advisers to the governor, chairman of the Assets Recovery Committee and other party chieftains.

At a press briefing, Gidado acknowledged: “Our aircraft has not generated funds to the coffers of the state. Rather, the state has being spending its resources on it. But, we will discuss with the management of Overland on how we can generate funds from it. But for now, we are yet to know what to do with the plane.”

There is sharp disagreement on what the government should do to the recovered plane. Some have advised the state to sell off the plane and use its proceeds for other social amenities.

Others believe the plane should be retained to boost patronage to the Tabaw Balewa International Airport.

They argue that it will attract more tourists to the state, especially the Yankari Game Reserves.

Wammako: Buhari has no hand in Saraki’s ordeal

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has nothing to do with Senate President Bukola Saraki’s ordeal, especially his case before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Senator Aliyu Wamako (APC, Sokoto), said at the weekend.

Wamako, a former Sokoto State governor, was among the group of senators, who accompanied Saraki when he appeared before the CCT last Tuesday.

He said: “I see Mr. President, Saraki and senators holding a meeting very soon on how to salvage democracy, which certain elements have been trying to subvert. They will find time to meet to stop our opponents from progressing with acts to sabotage our democracy.

“Once the President and the Senate leadership

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

sit on a round-table with a resolve to re-oil the wheels of democracy for national progress, the cynics, the political rabble-rousers and those who never mean well for the APC government will go to sleep.”

He noted that Saraki, having submitted himself to the law by appearing before the CCT, has helped the case preferred against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

He urged Nigerians to stop pre-empting the course of justice.

He noted that those hoping to promote discord between Buhari and the Senate President, banking on excuses, would soon realise that democracy has advanced with more senators anxious to make it work.

Wamakko said Saraki’s removal as being canvassed by those he described as “faceless groups outside the National Assembly” would end up as “an ill-wind that will blow no good for the Senate, democracy and Nigeria”.

He said: “Majority of senators weeks ago passed a vote of confidence in Saraki because they were convinced that his style of leadership has been broad and progress-inclined. Nothing has changed. Majority of our colleagues still believe that Saraki remains a stabilising factor in the Senate for now.

“A change of leadership, at this point in time and as being canvassed, will certainly spark some endless sessions of rancour, suspicion, crises and uncertainty among members. When such begin to happen, no one will be able to predict the end.”

According to the former governor, Saraki shares

the same ideology of “change” with President Buhari.

He added that every step so far taken by the Senate had been inclined towards promoting the change mantra, with national progress at the core of all considerations by senators.

Wamakko noted that contrary to reports, there was no plot to replace Saraki on the strength of his case before the CCT. He noted that the reality on the Senate issues never tallied with the reports of a search for Saraki’s replacement.

He insisted that senators were rather meeting to strengthen the Senate under Saraki with a view to recovering the lost grounds on the legislative business under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

NEWS Trial: Saraki, loyalists lobby emirs

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•Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (second right) with (from right) his wife, Dolapo, House of Representative Speaker Yakubu Dogara, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Ex-Interim Head of State Ernest Shonekan and Sen. Philip Aduda during the Independence Anniversary Interdenominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Sultan, others seek probe of Saudi tragedy How stampede happened, by MURIC

Continued from page 1

firmed dead on Saturday by Imam Imam, Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesman.

The Sultan expressed sadness over the number of victims and prayed for the repose of their souls.

“This is one tragedy too many,” the Sultan said in a statement signed on his behalf by the Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, in Kaduna.

The Sultan expressed heartfelt condolences with the families of the victims of the tragedy, calling on the Muslim Ummah never to be deterred but remain steadfast despite the challenges confronting them.

“It was gratifying that the Saudi authorities were doing all they could to make the hajj operation smooth the way it should be,” the JNI noted, adding that “ investigation into what led to the tragedy

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URIC Director Prof. Ishaq Akintola has accused Saudi Arabia’s authority of not doing enough to forestall the stampede.

Akintola, who is also performing the Hajj, decried the loss of lives of highly-placed Nigerians in the stampede.

“We are devastated and we are in a mourning mood with the bereaved families,” he said.

Recounting how the incident occurred, Akintola said: “As eyewitnesses of the gory stampede incident, we testify that it was caused by security breakdown on the part of the Saudi authorities. We left Muzdalifah for Mina around 6am on that fateful day. We branched in the NAHCON camp to drop our personal effects and headed straight to Jamrat which was is necessary”.

He maintained that an investigation into the stampede has become necessary to guard against a reccurrence.

The statement added: “With humility and total submission to Allah the Exalted, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

less than three kilometres away. To our surprise, the road was blocked by Egyptian pilgrims who had cast their own stones and were returning to their camp. Instead of taking the route designated for returning pilgrims, they stubbornly took the route meant for those who were going.

“The road became narrow and movement became difficult. The atmosphere became charged and even breathing and visibility were affected. The few policemen around desperately threw water at us to save us from collapsing. It became glaring to us at that moment that a monumental stampede

His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and the Muslim President-General, condoles with heavy heart with Muslim ummah (Community) over the Jamarat stampede pilgrims while completing the rites of Hajj in one of the tragedy, which led

Continued on page 8

to the loss of several lives of sites of the worship in Saudi Arabia.

“This is one tragedy too many. JNI shares the pains and worries the families of the affected victims are passing through and them to patiently persevere, and put Continued on page 8

Nigeria’s death toll in Saudi stampede hits 56

N

O fewer than 56 Nigerian pilgrims died in the Hajj stampede last

week.

About 77 others were injured.

Many are still missing.

The figures were released last night at a news conference in Makkah by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Mukhtar.

The briefing, which was delayed because of consultations

•North worst-hit•Cross River, Ogun, others affected From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

with the nation's Consular Office in Makkah, marked the first official confirmation of Nigeria's death toll.

The NAHCON chief said most of the victims and the injured came from the North.

Some of the affected states are Bauchi, Borno, Cross River,

Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, Taraba, Zamfara, Ogun Mukhtar said: "42 pilgrims under the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards have been confirmed dead alongside two officials from NAHCON. Also, 12 pilgrims who came in through tour operators died in the

stampede too.

"I think 61 state pilgrims welfare boards and 16 from tour operators (Private Hajj Operators) got injured in the stampede. We will update you as the information comes."

On the missing pilgrims, he said:"We cannot give you the full figure until the ongoing head count is concluded."

ENATE President Dr. Bukola Saraki and some members of the Like Minds in the Senate have reached out to some emirs.

They are trying to explore ways of resolving the crisis of confidence between the Senate President and the Presidency, The Nation has learnt.

Some of them were said to be urging the emirs to prevail on the Federal Government to drop charges against Saraki, who is facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for alleged false declaration of assets.

But President Muhammadu Buhari may not accept under-the-table deal in matters relating to corruption, a source said.

The Senate President’s supporters have been attributing the arraignment to “political vendetta”.

Saraki had audience with some traditional rulers from the North on Saturday.

A highly-placed source said: “Some loyalists of Saraki are really pushing for political option. This is why they have been reaching out to prominent emirs and chiefs in the North.

“I think Saraki is buying into the rapprochement by meeting with some emirs where he explained his own side and how things could be straightened.

“For instance on Saturday, Saraki had audience with some emirs and chiefs from

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

the North in connection with his travails and how to resolve the matter amicably.”

A member of The Like Minds said: “No one is happy the way things are - at a standstill. The Presidency and the Senate leadership are working at cross-purpose.

“If we continue like this, the hostility between the Presidency and the Senate will deepen and it will affect many things.

“We are reaching out to some emirs and Northern leaders to address this problem. We believe we can manage the situation before it gets out of hand.”

A source in the Presidency said: “As far as I know, President Muhammadu Buhari will not accept underthe-table deal on allegations having to do with corruption.

“The Presidency has explained that it has nothing to do with Saraki’s trial.

There is no basis for any lobbying.”

As at last night, Saraki’s supporters were still divided on whether or not to confront the Presidency over his arraignment before the tribunal.

Some Senators are seeking outright condemnation of the trial; others are pushing for a subtle management of the situation.

“We are weighing options ahead of our resumption on tomorrow on how to manage the situation, “a senator said.

Boko Haram kills nine in Borno

N

INE people were killed, 10 others injured in a Boko Haram attack in Borno state yesterday.

This followed the generally peaceful observance of Sallah in Borno and Yobe states.

“Today (Sunday) at about 2:00 am (0100 GMT), suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mailari village, (in) Konduga LGA (local government area),” said Borno state police spokesman Aderemi Opadokun.

“Nine persons were reported killed while 10 were injured. The injured victims are now being treated at UMTH (University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital),” he told reporters.

No further details were immediately available about the attack, which came after nearly 140 people were killed in a series of bombings in the Borno state capital Maiduguri

and Monguno last Sunday.

The military has said Boko Haram is on the run, having destroyed the Islamists’ camps and recaptured territory, as well as rescuing hundreds of women and children thought to have been held hostage.

President Muhammadu Buhari last month set his military commanders a three-month deadline to end the insurgency, which has claimed at least 17,000 lives and left more than two million others homeless.

But sporadic attacks have continued, particularly against civilian “soft” targets such as busy markets, bus stations and places of worship.

This month, 155 people have been killed in Boko Haram attacks, while more than 1,260 have died since Buhari took office on May 29 vowing the crush the rebellion, according to AFP reporting.

Buhari: NNPC looters to face trial soon Continued from page 1

and was making steady gains in the fight against Boko Haram.

President Xi said China was involved in the development of Nigeria in diverse areas, such as construction of railways, airports, agriculture, and the Mambilla Hydro-power project, among others.

He promised that China will increase its investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to boost food security.

Xi also promised that his country will invest in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and assist in the development of human resources.

More heads will roll in the NNPC as part of the ongoing

transformation, Group Managing Director Dr Ibe Kachikwu said at the weekend.

Kachikwu said: “I have introduced the three elements I call the three Ps - people, process and performance. The people aspect is very key. Individuals who are aged or affected in a wrong that impacted the corporation will obviously be let out. There is no business in the world for you to keep doing wrong things and keep progressing. The only way you can do that obviously is that your performance modelling and evaluation must be very strong.

“Right now in the system, I will like to see our human resources department doing a better job of evaluating peo-

ple’s performance every year.

Salary increase will be done for those who scale the hurdle.

One of the things I have started doing is that we will be doing a weekly report card. The report card takes an issue every week and basically televised out to every staff and it runs on their television, which will be the first thing to turn on to see every Monday. It will happen every week from now till December and we are dealing with all manner of issues- from performance to behavioural norms, to where we are headed.”

The NNPC chief said the idea was to carry everybody along because “in doing such a restructuring, you ensure everyone is able to determine

one’s performance, and in doing so, people will know when they lost their tab”.

Kachikwu also stated that as part of the transparency efforts, he would bring back the auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCooper, that just partially audited the NNPC to conduct a full audit. He said: “The other aspect of transparency is how we deal with the accounting issues. We are doing a couple of things in this direction.

First we are bringing back the auditors who gave the partial audit to come and do a full audit.

“The issue is that they didn’t get all the data, and we will give them all the data this time.

I need to know the true state of all the finances of the cor-

poration and statement of funds up to this day. Our accounts and finances were last audited in 2010. They would be audited and drawn currently to 2015, that is something I hope I will achieve before December.

“What we know is that whether the account or performance is good or bad is secondary. But at least we know what the state gets and know what it is you want to work on.

We are doing that and the President is very supportive of that.”

Kachikwu noted that through the contracts that he cancelled and replaced with new models, including the delivery of crude oil to the refineries, the Offshore Processing

•Dr. Kachikwu

Agreements (OPA) and the crude, for - product exchange agreement (SWAP), he has been able to save an average of over $150 million a month for the nation.

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

7

NEWS Dickson lauds Awujale

Adeola hails Ambode’s nominees

B

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has lauded the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, for preserving and propagating the Ijebu culture and tradition.

The governor, a special guest at the Ojude Oba festival, praised the monarch and the people for using their culture as a rallying point and a unifying factor.

Dickson thanked the Awujale for the invitation, noting that the honour would strengthen the bond of unity between the people of Bayelsa and Ogun states as well as the Ijaw and the Yoruba.

Identifying himself with his great maternal root, Dickson said he would identify with the people and continue to play his roles as a bridge builder and source of unity.

Wife pleads for husband’s release From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

HE wife of an Apostolic Faith pastor, who was kidnapped six days ago in Akoko area, Mrs Olu Obafemi, has urged the Ondo State government and security agents to ensure her husband’s quick release.

She said her husband, Pastor Japheth Obafemi, had just been discharged from the hospital before he was abducted.

His kidnappers have reduced the ransom to N16 million from N60 million.

Speaking with reporters at Ikare-Akoko, Mrs Obafemi, a primary school teacher, alleged that the suspected kidnappers asked them to sell their property to raise the money.

A member of the church, Elder Ade Olaseni, said members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are fasting and praying.

The caretaker chairman of Akoko North East Local Government, Abdulazeez Al-Amam, assured the family that security agents were working to secure the cleric’s release.

‘I ran Igbobi well’

•From left: Pastor Felix Orogun; Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the Lagos City Wide Crusade, Pastor Segun Babatope; General Overseer, Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor William Kumuyi; Pastor Roy Jibromah and Pastor Bagbe Jones at the Lagos City-Wide Crusade organised by the DCLM, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian (PFN) at Sports Centre Playground ,Orile-Mile Two Expressway, Iganmu.

Oyo APC members await exco list

M

EMBERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State are “waiting anxiously” for the announcement of executive council members and local government caretaker committee members by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The names, it was gathered, will be announced “any moment from now”.

The announcement will follow payment of salary ar-

A source close to the governor said yesterday that Ajimobi had compiled the list of potential appointees with the party’s inputs.

But the governor has the final say on the portfolios.

The source explained that the appointees were drawn from the 33 local governments but that both the governor and the party agreed to stay action because of the outstanding salaries.

“Both the party and the

governor thought that it would be better to delay the announcement till after salary arrears have been cleared to identify with the plight of the workers.

“But now that workers will be fully paid, the announcement will be made soon.”

The source added that the delay has helped Ajimobi save some funds that would have ordinarily gone into salaries and allowances for the appointees.

‘Ladoja’s petition an exercise in futility’

A

CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Prof Joseph Olowofela, has described as “an exercise in futility” the petition filed by Accord governorship candidate Rashidi Ladoja against the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Olowofela, in an interview yesterday, said the party’s action was a legal exercise.

He opined that Accord could have earned more honour and glory if it had

•Verdict expected next week From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

accepted defeat and congratulated the winner.

The professor of Physics explained that Ladoja was afraid of losing his followers.

He said: “If what is going on in court is something to go by, then I will say that Accord is pursuing an exer-

cise in futility.

“If you accuse someone you have the moral burden to prove or establish your case.

“So that means that the statement of your witnesses must be very solid. Ajimobi will come out victorious.

APC won that election.”

The APC chieftain said the two areas contested in the tribunal are Oke-Ogun and

Ogbomoso.

“In Ogbomoso, there was an election and it was free and fair.

“Labour Party won in the area and yet the party was not joined in the petition.

“When you consider Oke Ogun, the APC won.

“It is general knowledge that the election in Oke Ogun was peaceful, free and fair.

“Nobody has come forward to say there was no election, there was election, it was credible, free and fair.”

Aregbesola praises Fasanmi’s courage at 90 to join us in celebrating the grand old man.”

•Lecture on Wednesday goodwill The Grand Council of

F

ORMER Medical Direc tor, National Ortho paedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, has said he administered the hospital’s affairs with “transparency, accountability and probity”.

Dr Gbolahan Adebule served from 2004 to 2008. His second term attempt was not successful as he was “vacated” from office.

Speaking at a luncheon, Dr Adebule said having joined the hospital in 1978, he applied “faith” in all his dealings.

“I applied the rule of faith in all my dealings. All my actions passed through the portal of truth, transparency, accountability and probity,” he said.

He added that the judgment of a Lagos State High Court, vindicated him of a charge of “creating undue advantage while in office” levelled against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) .

The doctor said he does not own a hospital or clinic.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

rears, which is expected to be completed this week.

The government began payment of the four-month salary arrears last Wednesday.

May salary was paid on Wednesday; June on Thursday.

It is expected that the balance will be cleared this week in line with the agreement reached with labour leaders.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

•Fasanmi

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has described Senator Ayo Fasanmi as an elder statesman and politician, whose high moral and loyalty to the progressive course is worthy of emulation.

In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola congratulated Pa Fasanmi on his

90th birthday.

He said Pa Fasanmi has demonstrated an astounding trait of progressivism for over half a century of his political career.

The governor added that Pa Ayo Fasanmi has been fearless in his fight for a just society and return of the military to the barracks.

He said: "Pa Fasanmi is a role model, his devotion to integrity of character and loyalty to the progressive course are rare in a country, such as Nigeria.

"Senator Ayo Fasanmi at 90 has a fantastic record of not shifting grounds in his loyalty to democratic values, freedom and justice.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has also con-

gratulated Fasanmi.

In a message by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, the party said Pa Fasanmi had faith in the APC political leadership and philosophy.

According to the party, Pa Fasanmi is devoted ethically, morally to progressive politics.

The party said: “Today, Pa Ayo Fasanmi crosses a massive, glorious line from being an octogenarian to becoming a nonagenarian.

“This is a no mean achievement. It is one that most people wish for, but very few ever attain.

“To be one of the few living this long is a testimony to the extraordinary lifestyle that bestows longevity.

“So, we are calling on men and women of honour and

Yoruba Youths, formerly the National Council of Yoruba Youths, will hold a public lecture titled: “Yoruba Nation: The Past, The Present And The Future”, on Wednesday.

It will be delivered by Biyi Durojaiye, Chairman,Yoruba Education Trust Fund under the chairmanship of Pa Fasanmi.

Amb Olu Otunla will assist him. The special guest is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Guests of honour are sons and daughters of past Yoruba leaders.

Father of the day is Chief Bisi Akande. Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor is mother of the day.

The keynote address will be delivered by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The venue is Oranmiyan Hall, Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

THE senator representing Lagos West, Solomon Adeola, has hailed the executive council list submitted to the House of Assembly by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

He said the nominees have the experience and exposure to continue the development of Lagos mega city.

Adeola, who spoke in Lagos, said with a professor, six lawyers, three doctors, two journalists, he had no doubt in Ambode’s ability to take Lagos to new heights.

“I must say I am impressed with the governor’s painstaking efforts in choosing a team that comprise a mixture of technocrats, politicians and strategists.

Adeola said it was a major advantage that most of the nominees have been part of governance and politics in Lagos State since the advent of democracy in 1999.

The senator promised to continue to champion the struggle for a special status/funding for Lagos State as the former federal capital as well as the economic capital of Nigeria.

Audu urges APC members to unite THE All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kogi State , Prince Abubakar Audu, at the weekend, urged other aspirants to cooperate with him to enable the party win the November 21 election.

He said: “The victory is for all the aspirants.”

A statement by his media aide, Suleiman Abdulmalik, quoted Audu as saying the APC family was united and ready for the election.

The APC candidate said the party was posied to win the election.

He hailed the other aspirants for their efforts, adding that they projected the party in a good light.

Audu said: “I am reaching out to all my brothers and sisters. My emergence is indeed a victory for all the aspirants and our great party.

“The onerous task is how to win and rebuild our state, create jobs for our youths and pay salary arrears. There are a lot to achieve.”

A chieftain of the APC, Alhaji Sanusi Omeiza Salami, congratulated Audu on his victory at the primary.

He said it was well deserved.

Salami urged the other aspirants to work with the winner to ensure the party’s victory in the election.

He said: “This victory is for all; hence, the need to build a united party, to uproot the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the league of the progressives.”

8

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

NEWS Council welcomes UN’s adoption of 17 development goals

T

HE African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has welcomed the UN’s adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aim at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2030.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Oseloka Zikora, Head of Communication of (AMCOW) in Abuja yesterday.

The statement, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the council welcomed the good news of all the SDGs, and in particular, Goal six solely dedicated to ``ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. ``One hundred and ninetythree world leaders met at the United Nations General Assembly and approved 17 SDGs to replace the Millennium Development Goals which will expire in December 2015.’’

It congratulated the water and sanitation sector community for celebrating the inclusion of a dedicated water se-

curity and sanitation goal, saying without water, these goals could not be achieved.

It quoted AMCOW President Mr Amadou MansourFaye, as saying that the centrality of sustainable management of water and sanitation in ending global poverty and ensuring sustainable development was not up for further debate. ``The benefits extend well beyond the water and sanitation domain to ensuring increased agriculture and food production, energy security, and better education for our teeming populations,’’ Mansour-Faye, Senegal’s Minister for Hydraulic and Sanitation said.

The statement noted that AMCOW played a significant role in the global advocacy for a distinct Water Security and Sanitation Goal.

Such role, it said, was based on the firm belief that this was primarily essential for ensuring secure, productive and sustainable water for all purposes, sanitation and hygiene interventions.

•From left: Cross River State Governor Prof. Ben Ayade, his Deputy, Professor Ivara Esu and Chief Judge, Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam, at the nation’s 55th Independence interdenominational thanksgiving service at St. Bernards Cathedral. Calabar...yesterday.

STORY ON PAGE 51

Migrants from Nigeria, others rescued on Europe-bound boat

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O fewer than 500 migrants were rescued in seven operations launched at the weekend in the Mediterranean, the Italian coastguard said.

A spokesman told French News Agency (AFP) yesterday that four of the rescue operations had already wound up but the others were ongoing.

“Saturday was quiet on the whole but now there is further movement,” he said.

“We have had several interventions — one by a ship belonging to (medical charity) MSF, two coastguard units as well as an Italian naval ship and a ship belonging to EU Navfor Med,” he said.

The migrants mainly came from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Sierra Leone and left Libya three days earlier. They were rescued about 80 kilometres off the Libyan coast.

The EU Navfor Med is a military operation launched at the end of June to identify,

capture and dispose of vessels and rescue migrants undertaking risky journeys in a desperate bid to try and get to Europe from war-ravaged Syria and other trouble spots.

The mission is equipped with four ships, including an Italian aircraft carrier, and four planes. It is manned by 1,318 troops from 22 European countries.

A German frigate named Werra and an MSF (Doctors Without Borders) ship rescued 140 people from a giant dinghy on Saturday afternoon, according to an AFP photographer.

EU leaders have agreed to boost aid for Syria’s neighbours, including one billion dollars through UN agencies, in a bid to mitigate the refugee influx into Europe.

Some 500,000 people have come to Europe so far this year, the International Organization for Migration says, many of them taking perilous journeys across the Mediter-

ranean on inflatable dinghies.

More than 2,800 people have died or disappeared making the crossing since January.

Up to 20,000 people demonstrated in the Belgian capital yesterday in support of refugees, demanding they be welcomed and treated properly.

The organisers, a collection of local and international rights groups, said there were “20,000 people in Brussels to say welcome to refugees.”

“Thanks for this fantastic effort,” the ‘Citizens Platform for support of refugees in Brussels’ said on Facebook.

“Standing behind us are all the European citizens who are working to help the refugees,” Elodie Francart of the Citizens’ Platform group was quoted as saying by the Belga news agency.

The marchers carried banners reading “Refugees Wel-

come” while many tweeted messages of support and encouragement.

Police said some 15,000 people took part, gathering near the Gare du Nord train station close to what is known as the “Foreigners Office” where migrants must submit their papers and applications for asylum.

In a nearby park, local people have built a tent village in recent weeks to offer food, clothing and shelter for the many migrants fleeing conflict and upheaval in Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Eritrea and Afghanistan.

Belgium has a large immigrant community and the recent influx has largely been tolerated but the centre-right government has faced criticism that it has not done enough.

The authorities say they are doing everything possible given the numbers involved but insist the rules on asylum must be followed.

Sultan, others seek probe of Saudi tragedy Continued from page 6

their trust in Allah.

“Despite this and other painful trials, our faith in Allah is unshaken. Therefore, we call on each and every Muslim to remain focused and firm in his/her belief and engage in acts that will bring them closer to Allah.

“It is indeed gratifying that the Saudi authorities have been doing everything humanly possible to make the Hajj as smooth as it should be, but we still call on them to investigate the Jamarat stampede in order to avert future occurrence.” JNI asserted.

The leader of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Shiekh Ibaheem El-Zakzaky, blamed the tragedy on the Saudi prince’s convoy, which reportedly caused panic among the pilgrims.

He said the prince and oth-

ers fingered in the tragedy should be sentenced to death.

El-Zakzaky, who spoke in Zaria at the weekend, argued that the management of the hajj was not the exclusive preserve of the Al-Saud royal family.

“The Al-Saud family cannot be trusted when its hands are soaked with Muslims’ blood in countries such as Yemen, Bahrain, Iraq and Syria,” El-Zakzaky said.

He insisted that the AlSaud prince be punished by death “as they caused the death of thousands of innocent pilgrims”.

The cleric, who addressed his faithful as part of activities to mark the Sallah, said:”For the government of Saudi Arabia to blame pilgrims for killing themselves is ridiculous and a form of human degradation, which is also criminal.

“They are saying this in or-

der to cover up the real cause of the tragedy. If the Saudi government could describe the crane tragedy at the precincts of the holy Ka’abah as accidental, we wonder why the crane will be left hanging over the heads of millions of pilgrims, and only to crash on them on September 11.

“The Saudi authorities cannot fool the world or exonerate themselves from the heinous crime and monumental tragedy as the world knows who is killing their brethren in Yemen, Bahrain, Iraq and Syria.”

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani yesterday used a speech at the United Nations (UN) to call for an investigation into Thursday’s stampede at the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

The incident is the deadliest to hit the Hajj in 25 years, with 769 people dead, more than 130 of them from Iran.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir accused the Iranians of playing politics with a tragedy.

The country’s most senior cleric defended the authorities, saying the stampede was “beyond human control”.

King Salman has ordered a safety review into the disaster.

Mr Rouhani described the crush as “heart-rending”. As well as the fatalities, 934 people were injured.

But Mr Jubeir, who is also in New York to attend the UN General Assembly, said: “I believe that the Iranians should know better than to play politics with a tragedy that has befallen people who were performing their most sacred religious duty.”

Iran’s outrage also has political motivations, as its battle with Saudi Arabia for regional influence sharpens week by week.

How stampede happened, by MURIC Continued from page 6

was just around the corner “The Saudi authorities therefore lied when they tried to put the blame squarely on African pilgrims. The stampede would not have occurred at all if Saudi security agents had disallowed pilgrims returning from the Jamrat from taking the same

route on their way back.

“The practice over the years has always been to take a detour but this was not enforced last Thursday. The fact that the road to the same Jamrat became very free and safe yesterday and this (Saturday) morning when Saudi security agents strictly enforced the rules by disallowing returning pilgrims to use

the same route as those going proves that our hypothesis is correct.

“This is criminal negligence and the Saudi authorities must be held accountable. We urge the Nigerian government to support NAHCON’s stand on this.

Nigeria must demand compensation from the Saudis for families of the bereaved.

“We should also task the Saudis to involve the world Muslim Ummah in the planning and implementation of the annual Hajj exercise in view of the emerging scenario of complacency on the part of the Saudi authorities.”

MURIC hailed NAHCON for insisting that Nigeria should be part of any investigation of the tragedy.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

10

NEWS Society holds annual conference tomorrow

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•From left: Pastor E. S. A. Ojo, father of the winner; one million naira winner of the Peak Reach for Millions Promo, Mishel Ogar and Area Sales Manager, Abuja, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. Tunde Danjuma Abdulsalam, at the prize presentation in Abuja.

Military can meet Buhari’s deadline in crushing Boko Haram, says APC

By Precious Igbonwelundu

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the military for its string of successes in the battle against Boko Haram, saying the impressive performance has shown that the terror group can indeed be defeated within the time stipulated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the continued push to dislodge the terrorists from their fortress in Sambisa Forest and

elsewhere, the dismantling of their major fuel depot and other logistics and the rescue of many innocent people from the clutches of the terrorists are clear indications that the military has gained the upper hand against Boko Haram.

It said the mere fact that the terrorists are now surrendering in droves to the gallant troops is the clearest indication yet that the bandits are feeling the tremendous heat which has been turned on them.

APC urged the troops to continue with their gallantry and patriotism until they have final-

ly silenced the terror group that has caused the nation so much pain, stressing the need to step up intelligence gathering to stop the lone wolf suicide bombers.

The party also hailed the Service chiefs for their leadership, saying their personal examples - which have seen them on the battle front many times - have made all the difference in motivating their troops. ‘’The bigger picture of the impending Boko Haram defeat is the restoration of the much-vaunted capability of the Nigerian military and its glo-

bally-acclaimed professionalism that have vaulted Nigeria to the elite group of top global peace-keeping nations. ‘’The sharp turnaround in the war against Boko Haram, which had hitherto seen the terrorists gaining territories and striking at times and places of their own choosing, is also an indication of what a nation can achieve under a purposeful, committed, disciplined and sincere leadership,’’ it said.

APC urged Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the troops.

How Nigeria can fund newly adopted development goals, by UN chief

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IGERIA may need to find innovative ways of funding the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it has been learnt. Unlike in the past when the country received international aid to implement the Millennium Development Goals, that the country might have to look inwards to fund the global goals adopted by world leaders on Friday at the United Nations headquarters.

Thomas Gass, an assistant secretary general of the United Nation, who spoke with The Nation at the United Nations Headquarters in New York said it was important for government of developing countries as Nigeria to ensure the flow of funding within the country to support the goals.

“It is very clear that this new agenda cannot be paid for only by Development Corporations. It would be important that the developed countries raise their Official Development Assistance (ODA ) to 0.7 of Gross National Income

From Hannah Ojo, New York

(GNI) and many countries are still far from that. Government needs to ensure that all the flows of funding within the country actually support sustainable development. They need to ensure that all the companies operating are paying their taxes properly and see to it that international companies do not shift their profits to other countries where they don’t have to pay for taxes”, said Gass.

Asked if the United Nations would compel developed countries to pay compensation to African countries hit by the effects of climate change, he affirmed that the organisation was working towards a green climate fund through which countries can be supported in adapting and mitigating the effect of climate change.

“There is work on a green climate fund through which countries could be supported in adapting and mitigating the effects of climate change but compelling countries to do something never works very well.

We have lots of experience of that in the United Nations. It needs to be about convincing them that is in the best interest of the whole community for everyone to be able to shoulder the weight that they can carry, and that weight is heavier for some countries that it is for others. The importance of climate change is that every country participates in a way that is based on the solidarity between people and between nations.

The UN chief also reacted to the insinuation that 17 goals might be a long list for developing countries than are faced with other constraints, stating that although countries may set priorities where they would start, it was important they have a commitment to achieve all the goals as the 169 targets are closely linked and indivisible.

“It is a long list because the needs and aspirations of the people are very complex and diverse. The global goals are a new contract between government and their people and

•Gass

therefore must include all the issues that people need. Of course countries will set priorities where they will start but it is very important that they have the commitment to achieve all the goals at all the time”.

Acknowledging the fact that countries in the Lake Chad basin facing the Boko Haram menace might have more difficulties in achieving the SDGs; he hoped that the conflicts in the region could be resolved using the right approach and strategies, especially as the new goals points to some of the root cause of the crisis, such as poverty and inequality.

‘China's crude oil importation from Nigeria steady’

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HINESE Ambassador to Nigeria Gu Kiaojie has said his country’s crude oil importation from Nigeria has been steady in the last five years.

Gu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that contrary to insinuations, “China’s oil import from

Nigeria remains steady”.

“For the past four to five years China has never reduced the volume of crude oil importation from Nigeria, the volume remains stable,” he stressed.

The Chinese envoy, who described the current trend in the crude oil market as a global phenomenon, said the

global oil market was weak.

He blamed the trend on weak global economy and the market forces of demand and supply, though he admitted that China was not a major crude oil importer in the world.

“China steadly purchases between two to three per cent of total global Nigerian

crude oil export” He advised Nigerians to redouble their efforts in looking inward and see what they can produce locally rather than relying on importation.

Besides crude, Gu also said China imports commodities as iron ore, soya beans from Nigeria on a regular basis.

HE Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN) will hold its 2015 Annual Corporate Governance Conference tomorrow (Tuesday) as part of its commitment to the development of good corporate governance practice in the country.

Its General Manager, Resource Development, Mrs. Chioma Mordi, who said this in a statement, added that the conference will bring together experts from various areas of specialties to discuss the impact of corporate governance practices in Nigeria.

The event, which also marks the 10th anniversary of the society, will be hosted under the chairmanship of Chief Olusegun Osunkeye CON, OFR in Lagos.

Speakers to discuss the topic include: the Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Okwu Joseph Nnnana;

Dean, Lagos Business School Dr. Enase Okonedo and Group Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Mr. Austin Okere.

Explaining the choice of the conference theme: “The Impact of Corporate Governance – the Nigerian Case”, Mrs. Mordi stated that it was necessary given the increased attention to corporate governance practices globally.

She added that “it is important to evaluate the perception, understanding and reception of the practice and how it has affected business in Nigeria, hence the theme of this year’s conference”.

The event is a yearly initiative of the registered notfor-profit organisation, which is committed to the development of corporate governance best practices in the country.

EXMAN holds Trustees’ Night

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HE Experential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), will tomorrow hold a special dinner to fete and unveil its Board of Trustees and formally introduce the association and its newly inaugurated management team to stakeholders within the marketing communications industry at the upscale Federal Palace Hotel.

According to Dr. Rotimi Olaniyan, President, EXMAN, “The Trustees’ Night will avail our new executive team to outline the association’s vision and strategic plan over the next two years in a bid to solicit collaboration and support from other sectoral groups within the marketing communications industry.” A strictly by invitation event, Dr Olaniyan disclosed that other heads of related sectoral groups will be in attendance.

Last July, the EXMAN elected a new executive to steer the course of the two-year old association. The election, which held on the second day of the association’s 2nd Annual General Meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, produced Dr. Olaniyan as the new President while Wole Olagundoye, Kayode Idowu, Abiodun Oshinibosi and Kehinde Salami as Vice President, Financial Secretary, Publicity Secretary and General Secretary respectively.

Olaniyan, who is also the MD/CEO of Advantage, a uniquely African consortium of independently owned marketing and communications services companies, agencies and consultancies, was elected unopposed. In his post-election speech, the newly elected president stressed that the agenda of the new exco is pretty clear-cut; to grow profitability and market size, saying that his projected 25 per cent growth rate is realistic given the six critical goal areas he has set up to drive the process.

“First is basically protecting the industry from non-professionals, and secondly, is about thought leadership, which is putting in place initiatives that would ensure that we maintain cutting edge as a practice,” he said. Dr Olaniyan disclosed that the Trustees’ Night is one of such unique initiatives by the EXMAN leadership to achieve its objectives.

Church holds conference

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AITH Conference 2015 will hold at the indoor sport hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The conference, organized by the Breath of Life Ministry is geared towards intercession, gospel music and the word of God. The host, Pastor Samson Jedafe said the conference would be a gathering for believers to seek God by his word. “It will be a time to teach believers on the practical sight to the bible for them to be able to read the Bible, meditate on it and give it action, because faith without works is death,” he said.

Jedafe said the conference will feature worship, singing and the word, adding that there will be classical hymn, contemporary gospel music and he will bring the word of God to the people.

He added that there would be an hour session of intense prayers which will give an opportunity to individuals

•Pastor Jedafe Olatunde Odebiyi

who will be at the conference to call on God, and tarry for one another. “Those who have been praying for years and trusting God for breakthrough but do not know how to go about it should all come. We will be praying for marriages, relationships, children, business, employment, admission, graduation and we will pray for our destiny,” he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Suspected cultists set house, cars ablaze

Aladelokun’s widow: i learnt a lot from him

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IDOW of the late Dada Aladelokun, The Nation Assistant Editor, Olaoluwayemisi yesterday said she learnt a lot from her late husband.

The news of Aladelokun’s death hit many like a thunderbolt.

Mrs Aladelokun told Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) President, Alhaji AbdulWaheed Odusile, who was on a condolence visit yesterday.

Odusile was accompanied

by The Nation chapel officials – Miss Kemi Ojobo, Chairman and Tajudeen Adebanjo, Treasurer.

Dressed in brown and orange native attire, Mrs Aladelokun looked sad when the team entered the Aladelokuns’ Ilupeju residentce.

She could barely utter words as residents; friends, family members and sympathisers flocked around her.

She said her husband struggled to stay alive but destiny prevailed.

She said: “I’ll really miss him. He loved to assist people. He was also a Godfearing man. He was not quarrelsome and he never got angry. He was contented with what he had. The years we spent together were a lesson for me. I have learnt a lot from him. He was too humble; always caring for others at the expense of himself.

“He gave his last penny to strangers and stayed hungry. He kept telling me only God knows our journey in life. Ahh! My husband was a patient man. As long as I live, I will always miss him.

I pray our children will follow his steps and I pray they excel in life.”

Odusile described the deceased as humble and a com-

•Stop fire fighters from containing outbreak

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•Alhaji Odusile discussing with Mrs Aladelokun (left).

With them is Miss Ojobo

By Basirat Braimah

mitted journalist adding: “The news of his death was a shock. I got to know through the social media. I asked myself why? Because it is almost a year we lost the NUJ chapel chairman, Jude Isiguzo. He was a contributor to the news pages. Dada was very useful to me. He was hardworking and a dedicated journalist.

“Death is a necessary end but his death saddens me.

He was also a pillar in his family.”

Odusile enjoined journalists to always plan ahead for families against situation like this by taking interest in the NUJ insurance scheme.

He said: ”As we live, we should constantly plan ahead because we don’t know who’s next. People should always know destiny will always prevail.”

The Nation Chapel Acting Chairman, Miss Ojobo, described Aladelokun as amiable.

•The late Aladelokun’s kids, Jemima, 5 and Jeremiah, 3

“He brought life and laughter to every situation.

It is unfortunate that it happened. I pray God will uphold his wife and children.

The union will stand by his family and I pray this will be the last kind of incident in this organisation.”

The late Aladelokun, survived by wife and three children, was first admitted in a private hospital in Mushin from where he was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba in Lagos.

He died last Friday at 48.

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By Precious Igbonwelundu and Wale Ajetunmobi

my house when the two gunmen pounced on me.

“One of them approached me, while the other one went to hold my boy. They ordered me to come down from the car. I initially thought they were armed robbers, but when one of them said, ‘Oya come down; you are the one defending Agbede, we shall kill you today’. This was when I knew they had a different mission.”

As he attempted to come down from the car, Taiwo said the gunman shot him below the abdomen at close range.

Taiwo added: “The force of the scattered bullets took me back to the seat. But, I mus-

tered strength to get up again and hit the attacker. Then, I ran away from the scene. As I was running, I saw other three other members of the gang coming out from nowhere, shooting at me. They all left my boy and ran after me. I entered a building and scaled the fence. It was God that saved me.”

The Nation learnt that the gunmen ran away when policemen attached to Ilupeju Division moved to the scene, following a distress call by the residents. The assailants destroyed Taiwo’s Honda car and made away with his two mobile phones and N200,000 cash.

He was injured as some of the bullets penetrated his lower abdomen, hip and

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Fadipe also admitted that the fire service attended to a distress call at the Pan African University.

According to him, the call was received at about 3:40pm, adding that the inferno started at the school’s diesel tank that supplies its generator.

He said the fire destroyed the tank, the generator, as well as a PHCN cable.

While warning Lagos residents to be safety conscious especially as the dry season approaches, Fadipe said the agency attended to six other cases yesterday.

He said: “We attended to a fire call at 11 Ihuntayi Street in Lekki; there was also a fire outbreak which affected two buildings of eight rooms each at Muri Ojora Street, Amukoko.

“Then, a confectionery factory at 5 /6 Peter Olu Ajayi Street, Agbado was gutted by fire, but our quick intervention saved the day; a restaurant at Ijaiye, Ogba also caught fire, thankfully, we were able to contain the fire there so that it does not spread into other shops and a bank beside it.

“There was also a call of a drunk driver who was involved in a lone accident at Ebute Ero. By the time we got there, policemen were already at the scene and the man identified as Kasumu, claimed two of his passengers fell into the river.

“But a search was conducted and no one was found in the river. You can see that most of the cases were caused by carelessness. People have to be careful especially now that the dry season is near,” he said.

Banire, a man of clear vision, says VP •The late Aladelokun PHOTOS: OMOSEHIN MOSES

How I escaped assassination, by NURTW leader D I - O L O W O Ojuwoye Branch A chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Ademola Taiwo has relived how he escaped being killed by unknown gunmen in Ilupeju, Lagos, last Sunday.

“It was God that saved me from the assailants,” Taiwo, who was shot at close range, told The Nation. He ascribed the attack to the internal wrangling in the union, saying some people were after him.

He alleged that some members had been plotting to remove the state NURTW chairman, Comrade Tajudeen Agbede, adding that he formed a coalition to oppose the move.

Taiwo, who is popularly called “Siro” or “Emir of Ilupeju”, said he was returning from a friend’s party at 12:30am when the assailants, armed with locally-made guns stopped his car. He was with two of his aides.

He said: “As I drove back home in the midnight, I spotted some boys at Ilupeju Junction. I initially thought they were street boys, who normally sit at the junction.

After I dropped off one of the boys coming with me in his house, I was driving to

USPECTED cultists yesterday burned down a building and two vehicles at Ogijo, Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb.

The arsonists were said to have attacked the properties belonging to the father of a leader in a rival cult group, located beside Omoleye hospital in Ogijo.

It was learnt that the groups have had several clashes in the neighbourhood, destroying properties and valuables.

The Nation gathered that the attacks forced residents to flee their homes for fear of being hurt by the cultists.

Before the hoodlums set the house ablaze, they damaged two vehicles parked in the compound.

They were said to have poured petrol on the building and lit it, keeping watch to ensure it was completely razed.

Fire fighters at Ikorodu, who got to the scene to quench the fire were obstructed by the cultists, who threatened to also set fire on them and their truck if they do not vacate the premises.

Confirming the development, the state fire service director, Rasaq Fadipe said the arson was reported at about 10:26am.

Fadipe said: “Someone ran to the station to report the outbreak and our men moved to the site to contain it. But some boys came around and halted them from quenching the fire.

They threatened to burn the men and the truck if they don’t leave the site. I do not know why they set the building ablaze but I learnt it belonged to the father of a rival cult member.”

thigh. He was taken to Rally Hospital in Ilupeju by the policemen, where he was stabilised. Afterwards, Taiwo was taken to an undisclosed hospital, where the bullets were removed.

The union leader said: “I suspect the attack may have come from the people that want to destroy the union, because I learnt some people were jubilating in some of the branches after they heard I was shot. I still don’t know my offence, but I know it could have a linkage with my opposition to removal of Comrade Agbede.”

A police source said none of the assailants has been arrested but investigation has begun on the attack.

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ICE President Prof Yemi Osinbajo has described the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) as a man with a clear vision and passion for excellence.

He said Banire was among those who laid the foundation for a new Lagos owing to his uncommon dedication to work as Cabinet member during the tenure of former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Prof Osinbajo spoke at the weekend in Lagos at an event held in honour of Banire who was recently admitted into the league of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

He said it was a proud moment for him as Banire’s colleague in Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and teacher at the University of Lagos.

In his message, Tinubu said the admission of Banire into the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria was well de-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

served.

Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the role of the judiciary is crucial at this moment of the nation’s history.

Speaking on behalf of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) who graced the occasion, Ladi Williams said he was impressed by Banire’s hard work and intellectual capacity.

Senator Ganiyu Solomon who spoke on behalf of his Constituency in Mushin disclosed that he has proved people who believe the area is only famous with violence and criminality wrong.

Responding, the new Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Banire promised to do more in the support to the less privilege in the state.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee conferred the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria on 21 Nigerians on July 10.

Lagos to enforce rules for boat operators

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HE Lagos State Government will embark on aggressive campaign and enforcement of guidelines for commercial boat operators to stem boat accidents.

A statement by Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Managing Director Mrs Abisola Kamson said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode would ensure that water transportation, remained the most efficient and cost effective mode of transportation.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Kamson, who spoke on the backdrop of last weekend’s boat mishap at Oke-Ira Nla, Ajah-Bayeku in Ikorodu, said LASWA was notified of the accident involving a Bayeku Ferry Association commercial boat carrying 20 passengers and two crew members.

She said upon receiving the notification, the Authority’s Water Guards were immediately deployed to assist in rescue operations.

Kamson said she later led a delegation of state officials and the Baale of Baiyeku, Chief Saheed Aleje Ajibode to visit the site of the incident.

She confirmed that all passengers onboard were wearing life jackets, revealing that 17 of them were rescued alive while five who were earlier rushed to the nearest General Hospital, died afterwards.

The LASWA boss said preliminary investigation by the Authority revealed that aside

the mechanical fault that developed when the steering cable connected to the engine propeller cut, the captain of the boat was possibly also over-speeding, adding that he is presently being questioned by the Marine Police.

She said: “The Lagos State Government in its drive to promote a multi-modal transport system, especially the movement of passengers, goods and services on its waterways, will under no circumstances compromise safety standards and the

protection of lives and property. As such we restate our commitment to the promotion of all safety measures and ensure that all operators comply with all safety standards in line with global best practices.

“You will recall that on Wednesday September 23, at Sabokoji Jetty in Amuwo Odofin local government, the Lagos State Waterways Authority commenced the distribution of 2,400 life jackets to students of riverine areas.”

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Time to regulate CSOs

The economy, the economy •Even the CBN has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s receding economy

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T was former United States President Bill Clinton who popularised the famous line: “It’s the economy, stupid,” during his 1992 bid for the White House. Since then, the world has not been able to find a better phrase to alert a government about an impending economic peril. And though it may seem a tad too late in the day to throw in that Clintonian masterpiece, it is better late than never.

The reason is that, even the most important economic manager in the land today - in the absence of a finance minister - the governor of the apex bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, could not help but let out a plaintive cry last week. He warned that Nigeria’s economy was at the risk of slipping into a recession.

And we may as well take a cue from Mr. Emefiele and add that, hey, Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari: It’s the economy, seriously! Yes, we acknowledge all the good tidings that have been ushered in since May 29, but again, the most important question would remain: what’s all the good things got to do with the price of bread, and garri and yam?

Yes the coming of the Buhari era has ushered in a flurry of socio-economic changes but those are at best, symbolic, automatic reflex occurrences. The economy of any nation is a series of carefully planned actions such that all things being equal; would yield a set of desired results.

We note here, just as the CBN has also remarked, that the administration of President Buhari has not initiated any set of carefully planned economic actions so far. Rising from its meeting in Abuja last

Tuesday, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria warned that the country’s economy could easily slip into a recession next year if the Federal Government does not take proactive steps to stimulate key sectors of the economy.

Some of the critical points raised by the MPC, which is also headed by Mr. Emefiele, are first: that the capacity of banks to intermediate in the economy has been critically eroded by factors such as the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy; the extended bailout loan to state governments and poorly serviced loans to the oil and gas sector.

Second, the committee noted the impact of the persistent decline in global crude oil prices on the fiscal position of the Federal Government, which has resulted in rising debts. And third, with slow economic growth recorded in the last two consecutive quarters to June 2015, the MPC posits that the overall macroeconomic environment looks fragile and requires crucial fiscal policies to revive growth in key sectors of the economy.

As the third quarter of the year draws to a close, it is apparent that the economy is in decline for the main reason that the Buhari administration has left it for too long on auto-pilot. As much as no blueprint has been made public yet, no directives were passed either concerning critical sectors like the subsidy question, power and such one-off issues like the nascent automotive policy. Not even the extant budget gets any mention. Economies thrive and fail on mere policy declarations and directions, sometimes.

We urge the president to take cogni-

sance of the fact that even if Nigerians would endure his “slow-and-steady” approach, the wheel of the economy never goes to sleep. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked high against him. In a season of rapidly declining oil revenue and after a gruelling, treasury-depleting general election, the economy needs fresh ideas and nimble feet to tinker it and beat it into new realities.

In summary, while the president must not relent on the fight against endemic graft in the system, we ask that he considers hands-on economic adviser and finance minister as he picks his cabinet.

His focus should be on men and women who can diversify the country’s economic base and achieve results in the shortest possible time.

The winning mindset must be to revive our socio-economic and political institutions and to march forward, brilliant on the basics.

‘While the president must not relent on the fight against endemic graft in the system, we ask that he considers hands-on economic adviser and finance minister as he picks his cabinet. His focus should be on men and women who can diversify the country’s economic base and achieve results in the shortest possible time’

Nigeria’s paper imports •It’s high time the Federal Government reversed the trend to save forex

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HERE can be no better testimonial of the Federal Government’s bungling of the privatisation of its three paper manufacturing companies than the recent report that Nigeria currently spends an annual N500 billion to import paper products. Several years after the privatisation of the companies, it is easily a story of grand betrayal in terms of the expectations of swift turnaround and the grand dream of backward integration said to have supplied rationale to the much hyped process of sale.

With none of the three specialised paper mills anywhere near the dreams as conceived by their founding fathers, not only is the nation served the short end of the stick as far as the expectations of performance go, nearly everything that could go wrong appears to have gone terribly wrong.

We start with the oldest of them all –

‘After investing so much in the entities, Nigeria obviously deserves more than the companies would seem in any position to offer. A good way to start is for the Federal Government to find out what went wrong ... There ought to be something that the Federal Government can do to redress the unacceptable situation. And the time to act is now’

the Nigerian Paper Mill, Jebba, which opened shop in 1969 with an initial production capacity of 12,000 tonnes of apex per annum. Aside its best years of 1985 when it rolled out 40,480 metric tonnes of paper, representing 62.3% of its installed capacity, and 1986 when it took this up to 42,960 tonnes – representing 66.17% capacity utilisation, its story has been one of steady decline until 1996 when it finally shut its gates after output plumbed to 2.5 percent.

Sold to MINL Ltd, an Indian company in June 2006, if we expected the company to take it to a new level, it has confined it to the level of waste paper recycling – a far cry from its initial dream as an integrated paper manufacturing entity drawing strength from backward integration. If the company ever intends to explore the use of primary fibre derived locally in its backward integration drive; that remains to be seen.

But then, the story of Iwopin Pulp and Paper Company Limited, Iwopin, Ogun State, established in 1976 is even more tragic. The company, designed to produce 68,000 metric tonnes of various grades of finished fine writing, printing and cultural papers, was planned to produce fully bleached pulp. Up till the time it was shut down in 1998, the mill never produced up to five percent of its installed capacity. This was despite attaining 85% completion.

First, it was sold to an indigenous company – Noxieme Technologies Ltd – in December 2006; only last year, there were reports that the company has found a new core investor – Beulah Technical

Company Limited. Yet, till date, there has been no tangible activity at the sprawling complex.

The Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company, Oku Iboku, is no different. The mill, with an installed capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes of newsprint per annum took off with a promise to save the nation billions of naira spent to import newsprint – the main raw material used in the newspaper industry.

After turning out 28,927 metric tonnes in 1989 and 37,581 tonnes the following year, the company would suffer precipitous decline in the 90s due to scarcity of funds to refurbish the equipment and purchase raw materials.

In the end, it was sold to Negris Limited.

It has been in coma since.

Presently, the newspaper industry relies almost exclusively on imported newsprint at great costs to the foreign exchange reserves.

After investing so much in the entities, Nigeria obviously deserves more than the companies would seem in any position to offer. A good way to start is for the Federal Government to find out what went wrong. How come none of the companies has been able to affect the fortunes of the entities in any fundamental way? Were there no timelines, no performance clauses in the sales agreements? For how long will the country continue to depend on India and other Asian countries for its paper needs?

There ought to be something that the Federal Government can do to redress the unacceptable situation. And the time to act is now.

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IR: All over the world, the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is essentially in three coordinate parts namely: to facilitate the design of strategies for development; to act as service providers under the aegis of community and national nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); and lastly, to be watchdogs in order to make government accountable for its commitments.

Perhaps the description of Connor is more succinct and explanatory: “Civil society is composed of autonomous associations which develop a dense, diverse and pluralistic network. As it develops, civil society will consist of a range of local groups, specialized organizations and linkages between them to amplify the corrective voices of civil society as a partner in governance and the market” (Connor, 1999).

In effect, CSOs should promote transparency, and sustainable growth of the economy either in partnership with government agencies or as independent groups. In additionto providing leadership in the strategic areas mentioned above, CSOs are key players in the area of poverty reduction, debt relief and, of course, the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in their locations.

The emergence of CSOs in the mid-90s was largely driven by the quest to open up the space for players outside government and other established sectors and at the same time promote efficiency in service delivery and ensure that projects meant for the people have significant bearing on their lives. CSOs also came about in relation to managing the fallouts of the several reforms including the structural adjustment programmes propagated by international funding agencies and development partners.

An upshot of the foregoing is that CSOs are supposed to be the engine rooms for the enthronement of democracy, accountability, personal liberties and good governance. They have been largely successful in other climes because by their enabling nature, they are supposed to be leaner, adjustable, tighter and driven.

How have the CSOs fared in Nigeria? Have their activities touched the lives of the people? Have they been true to their mandate? Have they done justice to their primary objectives? A critical evaluation of their activities will show that at best it’s been a case of mixed blessings. Whilst it is gratifying to note that some of the CSOs may have been people-oriented, progressive in nature and have stuck to their founding mandate, the same cannot be said of others. Rather than see the government as partners in making the country better, the latter group seem to antagonize everything from that direction. Even where there are opportunities to re-create and turn things around for the better, they seem fixated with the ‘business as usual’ approach of the past because of the pecuniary gains to be appropriated by them. Unfortunately, their activities have diminished the good works undertaken by those who have conscientiously pursued the primary objectives of the organizations. Clearly, they have lost track having traded their sacred raison detre for ephemeral things. Like a virus, the level of proliferation of this insidious group have multiplied exponentially and one only hopes that the sector has not been infiltrated by mindless zealots I am therefore asking that for the country to get the best from the sector, it is about time to regulate their activities and in the course of this exercise, the country will be in a position to remove the grain from the chaff.

This is calling on the Buhari administration to sanitize the civil society organizations. The time to act is now.

•Shehu Adamu, Jos, Plateau State.

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

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

•IT/Pre-Press 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

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPRTEMBER 28, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: President Buhari has repeatedly stated that he has security, the fight against corruption and jobs creation through the economy as his top priorities. He has to pay proper attention to the economy.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, the Obasanjo, Yar’ Adua and Jonathan administrations have tried to put Nigeria on the path of prosperity with their different economic plans, initiatives and strategies.

These have failed to achieve the desired outcomes.

Contrary to widespread believe that things will naturally fall into place with the appointment of ministers, our antecedent has shown that these appointments alone do not translate into the desired outcomes except there is a deliberate attempt on the part of members of the administration to work towards the implementation of the economic initiatives and genuinely dedicate time, effort and energies towards its success. Most ministerial appointments have only been consolation prizes while only a handful of past ministers have been able to make their mark. The impact of important ministries such as mines and steel development, science and technology, transportation, power and finance are yet to be felt on the economy. It is for this reason that the Buhari administration needs to

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

It’s the economy, PMB! have an economic development strategy taking into account certain sectors of the economy that are central to rapid economic development.

A World Bank report titled ‘’Doing Business 2015: Going Beyond Efficiency’’ ranked Nigeria 170 among 189 countries on the ease of doing business. One of the reasons for this poor ranking is unreliable power supply. Though some Nigerians have attested to the improvement in power supply since the inauguration of the new administration, President Buhari must as a matter of urgency initiate new power projects as well as review the National Independent Power Project (NIPP) in order to jumpstart the economy and create the avenue for the resuscitation of the manufacturing sector. Our energy potentials also need to be further developed while ensuring environmental protection. Government need to explore natural gas, renewable energy sources and thermal plants in order

Abuse of NYSC uniform

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IR: A man is only called a priest when he wears the priestly garment; same is true for a lawyer – his wig identifies and defines him. Uniforms are of significance much more than we think.

The abuse of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform has sadly been on the increase.

Oftentimes, I see young, out-ofschool children, hawkers, drug addicts, mechanics and other categories of people putting on the NYSC uniform. If the needful is not done in good time to nip this ugly act in the bud, the love enjoyed by genuine youth corps members would grow into hatred especially, in the rural areas where the abuse of the uniform is rampant.

It is a show of faith in a brand that a retired military officer will never contemplate, in the name of demonstration of charity, to give out his military uniform to his brother or any member of the society who has

not passed through military training like it has become the norm in giving out of NYSC uniform to noncorps members by ex-corps members! In the guise of showing benevolence to the needy, ex-corps members give out their used NYSC uniform to non-corps members.

It is absolutely necessary the governing body of the NYSC carry out a sensitization workshop to warn corps members who have a heart or who intend to demonstrate such charity to desist from it and also back up such sensitization with stringent laws to prosecute those found wanting even after the service year.

If the military authorities can prevent civilians from putting on the military camouflage, it won’t be wrong if the NYSC scheme toes the same line.

• Adebote Mayowa, Lagos.

to meet Nigeria’s energy demand.

It is a shame that our economy has been import dependent for so many years that we have to import simple items such as toothpick. We have helped to grow the economies of countries like India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Mexico who were in our league by importing their goods and creating jobs for their citizens. Now is the time to resuscitate the manufacturing sector. President Buhari should begin with the textile and clothing

industry by reviving it and provide players in this industry with tax cuts and incentives.

Nigeria is blessed with mineral resources such as iron ore, coal, limestone, lignite, tin, gold among others. It is high time President Buhari developed this sector. One wonders what the ministry of mines and steel development has been up to since its establishment. It is a good development that China is currently investing in steel production in Nigeria. Other foreign investors should

also be welcomed by the Buhari administration.

Another area of focus for President Buhari is rail transportation. Though the immediate past administration made some investments in this area but this project cannot move us into the future. What is needed at this point in our economic life are high speed trains to connect major cities in Nigeria. Lack of effective rail transport has put a lot of pressure on our roads leading to bad roads and causing numerous accidents with too many lives lost.

The Buhari administration must also reform the aviation sector. Investments in this sector over the years have not translated into improved standards due to massive corruption. The standard and operations of airports across the country is an eyesore.

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•Bolaji Samson Aregbeshola, Lagos.

Give this NNPC team a chance

S

IR: I wish to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari for his choice of Ibe Kachikwu, and his crack team of Executive Directors in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). I refer to Messrs Maikanti Baru, Group Executive Director, Exploration & Production; Isiaka Abdulrazaq, Group Executive Director, Finance & Services; Dennis Nnamdi Ajulu, Group Executive Director, Refining & Technology; and Babatunde Victor Adeniran, Group Executive Director, Commercial & Investment.

I am convinced, as with other well-meaning Nigerians, that on the basis of the antecedents of the entire NNPC team and the undisputable overarching sterling leadership of the present administration, there is no doubt that there are brighter days ahead for the oil sector which, incidentally, is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.

It is important to state that how well the corporation is managed will, to a large extent, contribute significantly to nation’s economy and the well-being of the people generally.

It is often said in Africa that the morning determines the day and this adage has found resonance in the NNPC appointments. From what is published in the media, no

sooner had the team come on board that they hit the ground running.

The new management has drawn up a robust framework to promote the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance in the organization with clear cut achievable milestones. It is heart-warming that the core business of NNPC has been restructured to engender growth, sustainability and profitability and unlike the times past, this is not sacrificed on the altar of waste, nepotism and other such base considerations.

More importantly, one is hardly surprised at the zero tolerance of the new NNPC management for corruption as this is in line with the vision espoused by the management team and this is also in tandem with the marching orders of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Moving forward, the management should be emboldened to rid the organization of the remaining rotten eggs in its different strata in view of the fact that one bad apple may indeed spoil the entire basket. All those with soiled reputation should be shown the way out of the organization as this may perhaps be the last opportunity for the country to get things right in the sector.

The net effect of the on-going reorganization championed by the new NNPC team has been salu-

tary. We have seen steady supply of petroleum products in dispensing stations all over the country since they came on board. It is indeed a new dawn for Nigerians as everyone can, without fear of equivocation, attest to the availability of PMS, diesel and Kerosene and other products in virtually all stations in the entire geo political zones of the country and most significantly, these products are sold at the approved rates.

The government should use the gains from this sector to develop the non-oil sectors like agriculture, smart technologies and areas where the country enjoys comparative advantage over others. The way to go from now is for our country to move from its near total dependence on oil and thereby increase the resource base of the country which will naturally make life better for all.

The new NNPC management team should stay the course and not be distracted by the antics of mushroom and amorphous groups and their disgraced paymasters under the guise of shameless activism and opportunistic watchdog politics.

Nigerians are solidly behind the quiet revolution going on in the new NNPC as they are in full support of their beloved President.

• Musdapher Bello, Kaduna.

17

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

COMMENTS

W

HEN understanding collides with misunderstanding, the collision needs to be understood. Is Senate President Bukola Saraki misunderstood? In other words, is he a victim of misunderstanding? Or is he the one who needs to demonstrate understanding? Does he have the understanding needed to avoid misunderstanding his situation?

Where is this train of thought going? Or where is it coming from? Well, Saraki prompted a contemplation of understanding and misunderstanding by his word choice on September 22 when he was docked by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). In an unexpected and unprocedural seizure of the moment, Saraki reportedly said to Tribunal Chairman Justice Danladi Umar: “Mr. Chairman, I just want to make this point for you to understand that, as a layman, I am puzzled why I should be before the tribunal.” Saraki continued: “We are all before the world and not just before Nigeria and we ought to be seen how we conform to due process.”

It is puzzling that Saraki claimed to be puzzled. Even more puzzling was a statement signed by him after his performance in the dock. He said: “I reiterate my belief that the only reason why I am going through this is because I am Senate President. If I were to be just a Senator, I doubt if anybody will be interested in the assets declaration form I filled over twelve years ago.”

It is not understandable: Saraki doesn’t understand that it is precisely because of his status as Senate President that he deserves whatever he is going through. The country certainly doesn’t deserve a legislative commander that not only emerged controversially, but whose emergence was also coloured by a colourless subversion of his party’s position.

Only a dysfunctional decoding of the concept of party supremacy could have encouraged the circumstances that brought him to the helm of affairs at the Senate, an ascendancy he actualised through an unapologetic defiance of his party’s desire and decision. It is noteworthy that the same warped twist resulted in a queer combination and cohabitation at the helm of the Senate: Saraki of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party elected to power on the premise of progressivism, and Deputy Senate President Ike Enweremadu of the unprogressive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Saraki made matters worse by subsequently rubbishing his party’s list for Senate leadership posts.

It is understandable that a functional interpretation of party supremacy must be informed by the logic of supremacy. Supremacy is supreme. For the purpose of clarification, supremacy doesn’t mean infallibility. So the

T

HE Federal Government’s seeming recharged firing at corruption, without instituting corresponding special court of speedy trial of identified offenders, is unlikely to hit the magnificent bull’s eye. The increasingly multiplying number of pending cases, including cases of corruption, at the law courts makes nonsense of the country’s system of administration of justice. The essence of the law and its administration is to ensure stability, peace and harmony in a society. In today’s Nigeria, however, these advantages of justice have rapidly peeled away in slow dispensation of justice. And Nigerians are fast losing confidence in the judiciary, and growingly resorting to jungle justice – a sure path to anarchy.

A number of cases of corruption against politicians have remained pending ad infinitum at the law courts, or remained untried as long as the relevant politicians remained alive, and Nigerians have learnt to treat such cases as forgotten pieces of history. Extraordinary offences call for extraordinary measures.

Here lies the justification for existence of special courts or tribunals in Nigeria and elsewhere that claim to be governed by the rule of law. Rightly, today’s democratic Nigeria still retains a number of special courts, including the Armed Robbery Tribunal, the Anti-Corruption Commission, established by the corrupt practices and other related offences Act (2000), and Fast Track Courts, established in 2007 to try and conclude commercial cases “within six months of the date of filing the case”. The existence of special courts or tribunals will not be an excrescence on our judiciary system. In addition to armed robbery, mounting illicit wealth of politicians and incidences of Advance Fee Frauds, commonly known as “419”, there are cases of internet frauds and fraudulent property speculators and sellers, and several other cases. Special courts should exist to handle extraordinary offences and ensure speedy justice in such matters.

Contrarily, some argue that the existence of special courts is not the solution to the delayed justice that characterizes ordinary law courts. They point to the dismal, sluggish performance of the election tribunals in the restored democracy.

Delivery of verdicts by the tribunals on a number of petitions was so delayed that certain petitioners who eventually won their cases enjoyed abridged justice, and as a result lost considerable portion of their constitutional tenure. Indeed, almost four years after the 2003 elections, a number of election petitions were not really disposed of. The petitioners had withdrawn from the litigations after calculating that even if they won, there was negligible justice left for them to enjoy.

One sensible argument against the existence of tribunals or special courts is that it is a violation of the rule of law, which demands that the same ordinary court of law that tries a farmer for stealing a hoe should try a tycoon for defrauding a bank or a political leader for looting the public treasury. Again, they say, special courts are not ruled by normal laws, and in some cases, too, the extraordinary laws are not administered by professional judges.

By the way special tribunals were composed, constituted and administered in the stretched military rule, Nigerians are bound to perceive them as all-round evil, intolerable in a democracy.

However, there is hardly anything fundamentally wrong with

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Understanding Saraki’s misunderstandings party can err. It does not guarantee fairness. So the party can be unfair. The essence of party supremacy is its conclusive collective voice.

Saraki is a figure that emerged without an understanding of party supremacy, a development that has helped to fuel a crisis of individualism in the APC. In his rise to the preeminent legislative position, he demonstrated a misunderstanding of the party’s “due process”, and he did so without any care whether a watching world understood his lack of understanding. It is not understandable: Saraki now wants the public to understand so-called conformity to due process only in the context of his ongoing troubles.

Obviously, he brought trouble upon himself and should understand that it may be harvest time for him.

It should be understood that this political drama is taking place on the stage of realpolitik. Saraki’s anti-party manoeuvres that gave him the Senate crown were guided by realpolitik. His defenders and supporters have attributed his tribunal trial to the power and influence of alleged political antagonists, without understanding that Saraki doesn’t have a monopoly on realpolitik.

Perhaps unfortunately for Saraki, there may be evidence of minuses exploitable by the opposing side. Considering the internal logic of party supremacy, it is understandable that internal politicking in a political party may give an advantage to certain interests such that they enjoy leadership influence. But this is no reason for the disadvantaged to bellyache to the point of belligerence and centrifugal conduct as manifested by Saraki in the pursuit of his desperate ambition to lead the Senate.

Clearly, Saraki wants his party to accept his contentious

crowning as a fait accompli, which is not understandable.

In building scenarios following his untidy enthronement, it would appear that Saraki didn’t understand that APC supremos were likely to make moves to save party supremacy, and that they were likely to find their own way of doing so. He probably didn’t understand the consequences of his rebellion and how far the party may be prepared to go in exploring a plurality of possibilities to checkmate him.

Saraki didn’t understand that the early sign of his disruptive behaviour was likely to be seen as a danger to party supremacy by party hierarchs particularly. He didn’t understand that his party would not encourage him to perform even more daring stunts to disgrace party supremacy by allowing him to get away with his initial misbehaviour. It is understandable if the party decides to follow the path that leads to restoration and reinforcement of party supremacy based on party discipline, party cohesion and party integrity.

The conflict is nothing short of a domestic war of sorts. It is not for the faint-hearted. On Saraki’s side in particular, he will need a capacity to endure a war of attrition. Saraki must understand that in attrition warfare, the fundamental strategy is “to win a war by wearing down the enemy to the point of collapse through continuous losses”. He should understand what he is facing, or perhaps more aptly, the force of the forces ranged against him: “one can be said to pursue a strategy of attrition when one makes it the main goal to cause gradual attrition to the opponent eventually amounting to unacceptable or unsustainable levels for the opponent while limiting one’s own gradual losses to acceptable and sustainable levels.”

There is no doubt that Saraki has only himself to blame for being on the receiving end of attritional methods, and not without reasonable justification. When will Saraki understand that he is fighting a losing battle?

‘Saraki’s anti-party manoeuvres that gave him the Senate crown were guided by realpolitik. His defenders and supporters have attributed his tribunal trial to the power and influence of alleged political antagonists, without understanding that Saraki doesn’t have a monopoly on realpolitik.’

Case for special courts for looters

By Ifeanyi Ubabukoh tribunals or special courts, if the laws in the tribunals are administered by professional judges, and persons convicted by tribunals granted the right of appeal. The denial of right of appeal in the initial provisions of the Civil Disturbances (Special Tribunal) Decree 2 of 1987 came under severe criticism in 1995 when nine Ogoni men were executed after their conviction for murder by the tribunal. The decree was amended the following year, 1996, to grant the right of appeal to persons convicted by the tribunal and to remove military personnel from membership of the tribunal.

The right of appeal is sine qua non in dispensation of justice.

As Thomas Jefferson, the great constitutional lawyer and a former US president succinctly put it: “The sword of law should never fall but on those whose guilt is so apparent as to be pronounced by their friends as well as foes.” The removal of armed forces personnel from sitting on the special tribunals is in line with the demand of the rule of law that the laws of the land must be administered by a known and impartial judge.

Let there be special court for looters of public treasury as there is special court for “419” cases. Let there remain special court for bank and other financial offences as there has remained armed robbery tribunal. Let there be miscellaneous offences tribunal to try miscreants who tamper with PHCN and NNPC equipment. Let there be other workable special courts, provided each of them is properly constituted and the laws there administered by competent judges, and the convicted granted right of appeal.

It is always a serious mistake to believe that world democracies, including Britain, regarded as the mother of the rule of law, totally abhor special courts, and are ruled by law alone. It has not been so, not just because of the special courts’ advantages of specialization in cases they handle and their speedy delivery of judgments in such cases. The over-riding point is that certain developments today compel the existence of special courts as part and parcel of modern democratic governance.

It is wrong to assume, as Prof. A.V. Dicey, who propounded the theory of the rule of law, assumed, that Englishmen are ruled by the law and only the law. The conventions play an important part in the British constitution, and many conventions are never enforced by law. Another point is that the British parliament is supreme over the law, in the sense that parliament can over-rule the decision of the judges if it does not agree with it. Besides, the growth of delegated legislation, the right to legislate granted to others by parliament, and administrative jurisdiction undermines the theory of the rule of law. For instance, a Briton who feels wronged by his local council goes to the appropriate ministry, and not to the law court, to seek redress.

However, special courts as they exist in Nigeria today appear

to be restricted to criminal matters, and this gives the false impression that only private citizens commit offences. Special courts should be extended to include administrative courts, which should try public officers for some acts that they have committed in their official capacities against the private citizen.

In essence, Nigeria should adopt a model of the French system of administrative law and the administrative courts. Under the French Legal System since the time of Napoleon 1, a clear distinction exists between administrative law and the general law of the country. Administrative law deals with the state, the public service etc. in their relationship with the ordinary citizen.

If a citizen feels aggrieved as a result of any act of omission or commission by a public authority, he can thus initiate an action in the administrative courts.

If, for instance, such courts exist in Nigeria, citizens whose houses or shops were erected with officially approved plans but were demolished on the orders of a governor, minister or council chairman, will take such public officer to the administrative court. Likewise, a minister who denies a politician or a political party access to a public-owned media like the television, radio or newspaper, or invokes a nonexisting law to shut a media house will equally be taken to the relevant tribunal for trial and sentencing.

If Nigeria has a Federal Character Commission, it should also have a federal character court; if it has unity schools, it should also have unity schools court, and so on. There is a strong case for the adoption of a system of administrative law in Nigeria and other countries, including Britain, which do not have it.

However, one major problem in adapting it in Nigeria is the problem of getting enough judges and lawyers specialized in the relevant laws. Administrative law is a definitely specialized branch of law, and, if judges and lawyers specialize in it, it is reasonable to expect fairer and more enlightened handling of administrative cases while the special powers enjoyed by the administrative courts enable them to act decisively in cases where they find an abuse of power on the part of public authority. The same also goes with other special courts.

• Ubabukoh writes from johnifeanyiu@yahoo.com

‘Nigeria should adopt a model of the French system of administrative law and the administrative courts.

Under the French Legal System since the time of Napoleon 1, a clear distinction exists between administrative law and the general law of the country’

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

18

COMMENTS

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ANY were shocked to the marrows when news filtered last Monday that former Secretary to the Federal Government SGF and elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae had been kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen who invaded his farm. The upset is neither because kidnapping is new in this country nor the first time high profile people will fall prey to the devilish machinations of sundry kidnap rings.

For, hardly does any day pass-by without reports of the malfeasance in one part of the country or the other. In the last three weeks, the crime took a dangerous dimension with the kidnap of two women; a columnist of the Vanguard Newspapers and the wife of the deputy managing director of The Sun newspapers. Both women spent several days in the den of the criminals before they were released. These are just a tip of the iceberg.

However, there is something striking and unusual in the circumstances surrounding the kidnap of Falae from his farm in Ilado village, Akure North, Ondo state allegedly by Fulani herdsmen. The elder statesman was said to have been beaten up by his assailants and dragged to the ground before being whisked away.

Before now, Fulani herdsman were said to be having issues with his workers over the invasion of their farm by grazing cows and the attendant destruction of their crops. Curiously also, the kidnappers contacted the family demanding N100 million ransom before their victim could be released.

By demanding ransom, new complications were added to the episode. The Ondo State Police Command admitted that much when it claimed that a kidnapping ring may have hijacked the process initiated by the herdsmen. This suggestion is seen as a veiled attempt to exculpate the herdsmen from the ransom demand since it has not been in their character to kidnap let alone demand for ransom. But that argument cannot be taken too far without running into more problems. The same police command that admitted from the onset that the attack was perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen is now floating a questionable theory of professional kidnappers hijacking the process to make money. This theory cannot fly for two basic reasons.

First, it is a fact that Falae and his workers were attacked by Fulani herdsmen. This is not in doubt. Secondly, the same assailants also took him away when they were fleeing.

Therefore, if there is any harm that comes the way of their captive, the responsibility for it

Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

One kidnapping, too many squarely rests on the shoulders of his attackers. In this case, the Fulani herdsmen will take responsibility for whatever happens to the old man.

If we admit the theory of a hijack, the hijackers could not have been doing the bidding of any other group than those who whisked Falae away from his own farm. The police may have been forced into this rationalization given that Fulani herdsmen have not been known for kidnapping and demanding for ransom. But it will be naïve to completely rule out this possibility. It could well be a new dimension to the recurring clashes between farmers and the herdsmen in parts of the country. We needed more time to study the new development. The police was therefore in a hurry to have seemingly exculpated the herdsmen from the consequences of an action they planned and effectively executed.

It is not surprising that the people of the South-west did not take the matter lightly.

The Oodua Peoples’ Congress OPC has threatened reprisals while farmers in Ondo State also threatened to wage a war against Fulani herdsmen that will have national impact, if the federal government failed to heed their ultimatum of effecting Falae’s release within one week. Such was the level of emotions and outrage.

It is largely seen as an affront on the people of the South-west for Fulani herdsmen to have attacked and abducted such a personage as Falae in his homeland. If this could happen to him, then all small farmers in the state are at the mercy of the herdsmen. That is why the incident should not be treated lightly by the authorities. It may be for the same reason that President Buhari directed the Inspector General of Police and all security agencies to do

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OR 16 years, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ruled Nigeria like a party that was principally inspired by the ideology of corruption. Like a disaster destined to happen, the party embarked on a ’voyage of no discovery’ and it was as if the gods were angry! Now, the rest as far as the derailed, tired and expired party is concerned, is history!

Everything considered, the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC)’s festival of champagne-popping and glassesclinking is not misplaced even as war on corruption as one of its cardinal promises is not unwelcome. But everything in life has a price attached to it; meaning that for the next four years, APC will be in the eyes of the storm. It also means that the party may choose to make things better or leave the stage even worse. With the former option, President Muhammadu Buhari has got a lot on his plate. He’s got to do a lot within a very short period of four years to bequeath to Nigeria a country that works. So much might have been achieved by the president’s ‘body language’ but, as we know, assumptions don’t count in governance, especially, in a situation where schemers whose corrupted hearts have lost the capacity to cry are not prepared to give up.

In any case, it is music to the ears that the president has promised to wage a real war on corruption that has already driven the country from the position of decency into the abyss of normlessness. But Buhari’s capacity to tame the lion has never been in doubt. He is a man of impressive intellectual gifts, extraordinary moral courage and profound spirituality. As things stand, the president is the symbol of progressive politics in Nigeria. He is the new wine in a change wineskin who comes into presidential office with characteristic modesty, moderation and the primacy of public interest.

In his Goodwill Message to the Second Plenary of the 2015 Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Buhari describes corruption as the ”main reason why a potentially prosperous country struggles to feed itself and provide jobs for millions”. Needless to repeat that corruption is symptomatic of Nigeria’s nationalized malaise and epitomizes with merciless severity, the physical decay and the loss of innocence bedevilling her geo-political, socioeconomic and ethno-religious contiguities. It affects our daily

‘A successful and an effective war on corruption demands sanctions that can serve as deterrents. It demands retraining, retooling and re-kitting of our law officers. It involves a reform and a review of relevant laws which must not see government only barking but also biting’

all within their powers to free the senior citizen. Good thing, Falae has eventually regained freedom after four days in captivity. Whether his release was a consequence of the high interest shown by the president or threats from the South-west, the nation has been saved the trouble of any harm that would have followed his continued incarceration or possible death.

In verity, this is the first time we are hearing of herdsmen kidnapping people for ransom. Yes, Fulani herdsmen have been notorious for attacking, killing and maiming people over disagreements on grazing lands for their cows and cattle rustling. Such incidents have been a recurring decimal. They came to an all time high in the last couple of years especially since the Boko Haram insurgency. The level of havoc wreaked by the herdsmen in parts of the country especially in Benue State was such that generated heated controversy as to whether they had the capacity and sophistication of the unmitigated calamity they wrought on several villages.

In one of such invasions, herdsmen attacked Ise Aekenyi in the Guma local government of Benue State destroying 72 villages even as 25 residents lost their lives with over 50,000 displaced. The governor of the state then, Gabriel Suswam who went to the area to assess the level of damage, escaped by whiskers as his convoy equally came under serious gun attack from the herdsmen.

The destruction was so much so that Senator Barnabas Gemade who then represented the area in the senate, raised alarm on the possible annihilation of the Idoma and Tiv ethnic groups by the herdsmen, warning that

the development could destabilize the country if not checked. He also alleged that the attackers were not herdsmen but hirelings from Chad, Niger and Cameroun with the intent of causing internal crisis or war in the Middle-belt.

The allegation bears some semblance with the suggestion by the police in the case of Falae’s kidnap that those who were demanding N100 million ransom could be professional kidnappers who hijacked the incident for some gain. Whether the hirelings are from neighboring countries or are professional kidnappers make no difference. The key thing is that they were doing the bidding of those who had scores to settle. They are therefore, as culpable as those for whom they were doing their bidding. That is the real issue.

More fundamentally, the predicament of Falae has brought to the fore two serious security concerns which the current regime has to confront. They are the twin issues of clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers over grazing lands and kidnapping. These are extant challenges the attack on Falae has raised for attention.

These two security concerns are loaded with frightening prospects of destabilizing this country. The increasing resort by sundry rings to kidnapping for scores’ settling portends danger for this country. Our security agencies must rise to this challenge and tame the monster. It is equally important to take a serious view of the threat to national security which clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers across the country have become.

It is obvious from these recurring clashes that nomadic rearing of cows can neither endure nor is the suggestion for the mapping out of grazing areas in the six geo-political zones a viable alternative. The solution lies in embracing modern trends in animal husbandry.

‘The predicament of Falae has brought to the fore two serious security concerns which the current regime has to confront. They are the twin issues of clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers over grazing lands and kidnapping’

Anti-graft war: Standing the test of crime

By Abiodun Komolafe lives, lowers compliance, distorts the level-playing field and can affect how we interface with the people. When corruption takes over the affairs of a country, standards get compromised and values become eroded easily; quality of service and infrastructure is reduced and budgetary pressures, both on public and private establishments increase insanely. This monster drains a country’s tank of joy, prevents initiatives, stifles growth, harasses destiny and transports problems to a tomorrow that is even far away.

Corruption is as generic in dimension as it is legion in operations. Civilian sleaze! Spiritual morass! Executive deception! Legislative graft! Electoral treachery! Judicial trickery!

There is geriatric corruption (as in government being piloted by old and tired hands); and there is psychological chicanery (like the providentially endowed Niger Delta region where indigenes produce more but eat little). We have monarchical deceit (as in the case of a former president trying to unconstitutionally perpetuate self in power); and there is ethnocentric speciousness. We have professional corruption and there is public service venality. The list is endless!

We can indeed talk nineteen to the dozen at synonymising, synchronizing, replicating, rationalizing, even politicizing meanings, extra-meanings, anti-meanings, or counter-meanings for this cankerworm. The bottom-line is that it is a global disease which dates back to the Adamic Age. Remember Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Abraham and Hagar the Egyptian, Esau and Jacob, David and Bathsheba, Ananias and Sapphira, Sanballat and Tobiah, and Judas, to name but a few.

In 2002, Germany’’s Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping was replaced for taking payments from a Public Relations “consultant with links to the arms industry. In 2004, Alain Juppe, former French Prime Minister, was barred from holding public office for a decade after he was found guilty of corruption.

Geoffrey Robinson was suspended for three weeks from the British House of Commons over a £200,000 payment from a company owned by Robert Maxwell, a Labour tycoon. Jacob Zuma did not escape the cruel fangs of this heinous crime.

On the home front, Nigeria, as we speak, competes favorably with less-endowed countries like Guinea and Guinea Bissau on the Corruption Perception Index. Incidentally, she also ranks as one of the eight countries in the world with the highest rate of trafficking. That is why former President Olusegun Obasanjo deserves commendation for his achievements in his anti-corruption campaigns, notable among which was the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission, EFCC. But, a more important arm like the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, has been in sleeping mode.

Incidentally, the judiciary has become so bastardized that only the rich and the powerful can access justice. The poor and powerless can go to blazes! Have we for once asked why Obasanjo’s ship of anti-corruption war didn’t get to the dock before berthing? As a matter of fact, it is not that Nigerians are sinners or that civilized countries are saints. The difference however rests with the rewards and sanctions. For instance, the way China deals with corruption leaves nobody in doubt as to where the country stands in its anti-corruption war. But, in Nigeria, it is a different ball-game. In the world we live, when a president told a stunned people that he’d not fight corruption by putting the people behind bars, the people could only marvel at their leader being a poor student of history and International Relations.

The onus therefore lies on APC and President Buhari to learn from history and be methodical in preventing Suharto, Marcos and Sese Seko from resurrecting as Nigerians. And, in doing this, that war must be, and seen to be total, not selective. APC must avoid the corruption of “lopsided” appointments but must courageously and creatively identify solutions that reinforce peace and justice. In particular, President Buhari must neither play politics to the detriment of policies nor consider doing the needful as a crime. He should understand that posterity, not any transient powers, will hold him responsible for the success or otherwise of the enormous responsibilities bestowed on him by providence.

As a ’converted democrat’, Buhari may also need to be reminded that a society without values is a sterile society. Put bluntly, one way of measuring the competence of a progressive party is in its serving as an apostle of laughter where sorrow seems prevalent and succour where soreness appears imminent. Unfortunately, however; and sadly so, majority of Nigeria’s political actors are unfeeling in attitude and perfidious in disposition. They are none but mere jutting men camouflaging as democratic heavyweights. They smile with unequalled certitude but revolt inwardly with unenviable exactitude! That has been our lot in Nigeria! Of course, that is why we always gauge the worth of our religious leaders only by the sonorousness of their voices, the flashiness of their cars and the fatness of their bank accounts.

A successful and an effective war on corruption demands sanctions that can serve as deterrents. It demands retraining, retooling and re-kitting of our law officers. It involves a reform and a review of relevant laws which must not see government only barking but also biting. Where the existing laws are weak, let them be strengthened; and where they are currently inactive, let them be activated.

• Komolafe writes from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.

21

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

For so many years Nigerians have yearned to see Nigeria establish itself as a leader in Africa in concrete terms. We have all been frustrated when the country was unable to rise up. But you will agree with me that in the last few years with the political changes and with the economic advancement of Dangote in African countries and its strong presence, any Nigerian anywhere, can stand up to be counted.

-The Special Adviser to President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Joseph Makoju

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

ISSUES Banks’scramble for agric business

‘Stable power supply will bring better life’

- P. 37

- P. 24

News Brief Impediments to housing finance, by UPDC, others The Managing Director, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, has identified five drawbacks to housing finance in the country. These include cost, character, capacity, collateral and conditions.

–Page 22

Govt to implement fertiliser quality control system THE Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has resolved to develop a regulatory framework for quality checks and enforcement to ensure that farmers access quality fertiliser.

–Page 22

N3.77tr pension funds idle, says PenCom chief D ESPITE the availabil ity of N3.95 trillion pension funds for Nigeria to finance its infrastructure challenges, only N156.3 billion has been utilised, leaving N3.77 trillion untapped, the Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, has said.

She said the Pension Reform Act 2014 introduced Infrastructure Funds and Bonds to bridge the gap in infrastructure and housing the financing.

Mrs. Anohu-Amazu, whose views are contained in a document made available to The

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

Nation, said the Commission has been making efforts to stimulate growth in the economy by introducing new asset classes into the portfolio of the pension funds as provided by the PRA, 2014.

The PenCom chief said the Act has stipulated the allowable instruments for investment of pension funds and assets, stressing that the instruments must be structured and traded on the platform of a Stock Exchange licensed, or

recognised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); and Money Market Platforms approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Mrs. Anohu-Amazu said in exercise of its regulatory responsibility, the Commission has issued regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets to further guide and advance how the pension contributions should be invested.

The pension assets have been largely invested in Federal Government Securities, Equities, Money Market Instru-

ments and Corporate Debt.

The Commission had earlier said it would issue new investment regulation for pension operators before the end of December this year.

The Commission said it recognised that the expansion of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has created a dearth of investment outlets.

It was also observed that there is the risk of concentration of investment portfolio especially in Bonds and Fixed Income Securities.

It was gatherd that the amended regulation is currently undergoing the usual Board approval process and would be issued shortly.

Govt spends N100m to fix vandalised gas pipeline THE Federal Government spends an average of N100milion to fix a vandalised gas pipeline, a Senior Power Consultant, Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NAIF), Dr Frank Edozie, has said.

–Page 23

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil Cocoa

$54/barrel $2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

¢132.70/pound

Cotton

¢95.17pound

Gold

$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

$163/lb RATES

Inflation

8.4%

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

15.87%

Savings rate

3%

91-day NTB

15%

Time Deposit

5.49%

MPR

13%

Foreign Reserve

$34.5b

• From left: Director, Kwara Commercial Micro Finance Bank (KCMB), Alex Okoh; Chairman, Demola Banu; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Director, KCMB Femi Ajibade; Director, Soji Oyawoye and Managing Director, Abayomi Ajayi during the presentation of cheque of last year’s government’s dividends in KCMB to the governor at the Government House, Ilorin, the state capital.

Fed Govt approves release of Q1 capital allocation T HE Federal Govern ment has ordered the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) to release the first quarter capital allocation for the 2015 budget implementation.

With this release, execution of capital projects can now commence and some economic activities can also pick up.

The delay in the release of the allocation has resulted in many workers in the construction industry being laidoff.

The National Assembly had passed the 2015 budget on April 28, with an expenditure outlay of N4.493 trillion, up from the N4.425 trillion proposed by the Executive.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the budget in early May, but politicking and handing over preparations stalled the implementation of the

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

budget before President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office.

When the National Assembly passed the budget, it slightly reduced the N2, 607,601, 000,300 proposed by the Executive to N2.607,132,491,708 as recurrent expenditure and also reduced the capital expenditure from N642,848,999,699 estimated in the proposal to N556,995,465,449.

The budget also put fiscal deficit at N1.075 trillion; N953 billion for debt service and N375.6 billion as statutory transfers.

The 2016 budget, The Nation learnt, would be very tight as there were plans to further reduce recurrent expenditure in one ministry alone, in the coming fiscal year by N50

million.

This planned reduction in the recurrent expenditure, it was gathered, would put a lot of strain on paying workers’ salaries as well as running the offices. Recurrent expenditure is made up of overhead and personnel costs. Personnel cost is for salaries and wages while overhead is for training, running of offices and travelling.

For example, the cost of electricity for one ministry, it was learnt, had gone up from N750,000 per month to over N7 million.

This arbitrary increase in electricity tariff, among other arbitrary increases, have made budget implementation difficult.

The Nation learnt that some ministries have petitioned both the Presidency and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) over the

arbitrary tariff increase as “it messes up our budget.”

If electricity remains largely stable, the ministries would have to grapple with the high tariffs, but if electricity becomes erratic and epileptic, the already cash starved Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) will have to fork out more cash to pay for diesel to power their offices.

Another possible fall out of the planned reduction in recurrent expenditure, is the down-sizing of the work force. A source said the government was caught between reducing its workforce and paying those who survived the cut a little more, or retaining the work force as well as the pay.

The problem with the second option is that going by the agreement reached the between government and the labour unions, public sector workers are already due for an upward review of their salaries.

Why more Nigerians are buying private jets, by NCAA

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

T

HE increase in the number of foreigner registered private/ corporate jets in Nigeria has been attributed to lower insurance cover, convenience to secure crew as well the a ploy to conceal ownership, The Nation has learnt.

Investigations reveal that many influential Nigerians, who have acquired private/ corporate jets in the last few years, have acquired them under foreign registration.

Investigations aslo reveal that foreign registration of private/corporate jets will reduce the insurance cover significantly because Nigeria is considered as a high risk country.

A part of lower insurance cover for aircraft with foreign registration, the owners of the aircraft in a bid not to trace the ownership of such luxury equipment to them request charter companies to manage such aircraft for commercial utilisation, maintenance schedule consistency and other technical considerations.

An industry source hinted that it is commercially convenient to dispose a private jet with foreign registration operating in Nigeria as opposed to an aircraft with Nigerian registration.

He said the second hand value of a private jet with foreign registration is more valuable as opposed to a private jet with Nigerian registration.

Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Captain Mukthar Usman, said there are 146 corporate jets in the country, of which only 46 are registered in Nigeria while 100 has foreign registration.

Confirming the reasons there is an increase in foreign registered private jets, NCAA spokesman, Sam Adurogboye, said the owners of such equipment consider many factors.

He listed the factors to include lower insurance cover as well as how to optimise second value for such equipment.

Adurogboye said: “There is nothing wrong with people giving foreign registration to their aircraft. All that is critical is that they subject the operations of their private jets in Nigeria to the prescribed rules and regulations rolled out for such category of operations by the regulator.

“At the NCAA, we have a list of such aircraft and the conditions of their registration. But, investigations reveal that people give foreign registration to their aircraft because they consider many factors such as country where there is lower insurance cover for taking their action.’’

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

22

BUSINESS NEWS

Impediments to housing finance, by UPDC, others

T

HE Managing Direc tor, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, has identified five drawbacks to housing finance in the country. These include cost, character, capacity, collateral and conditions.

This is coming on the heels of a World Bank report. The findings of Word Bank Group, contained in “Doing Business in Nigeria 2014” under the section “Understanding Regulations for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, revealed that an investor in the country’s real estate sector has to go through 11 procedures of over 78 days, and also pay 15.8 per cent of the value of the property before a transfer of property can be achieved.

This situation has made the country to be rated as

By Muyiwa Lucas

one of the most difficult and expensive places to register property in the world.

Ogunniran said the problem with land registration and titling was much a systemic issue, explaining that the system is peopledriven and not processdriven. He, therefore, suggests that there should be a “one-stop-shop” for perfecting title and should be made business-like.

The report, which is based its submission on findings examined in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), held that the easiest place to register a property is in Zamfara State, where it takes nine procedures, 31 days, and eight per cent of the property value.

In Abia State, it takes 13

procedures, 108 days, and 15.9 per cent of the property value. The report, which blamed the delays recorded while trying to register property on government bureaucracy, said “the time is largely dependent on a single requirement: the state governor’s consent, which accounts for 65 per cent of the total time required, on average. The delay varies from four days in Gombe to six months in Anambra or Keffi.”

As a way forward, the Managing Director, Resort Savings and Loans Plc, Mr. Abimbola Olayinka, said the Land Use Act should be used to empower the people and not as an economic and political tool by state chief executives, adding that the Act should be taken away from the constitution so that it could be easily

tinkered with.

Olayinka said land administrators should adopt what he called “three-onethree strategy” for land registration. This means that land titles should be perfected in three days at one central place, and at the cost of three per cent of the value of the land.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer, Imoleayo Properties, Mr. Kayode Oyedele, explained that eliminating the bottlenecks created by the land and property laws and regulations will go a long way in encouraging mortgages.

He revealed that previously in Ghana, there is a dysfunctional land administration, long and expensive procedures that lasted up to five years and involving six different agencies supervising the process, leading to inefficiency

of the system.

But following the reforms by the Ghanaian government, property registration in the country, Oyedele said, was cut to 34 days and queues at the lands commission disappeared, making it possible for the mortgage sector to thrive.

And following further improvement to the system, today in Ghana, it takes 10 days to register a property.

“A similar experience happened in Egypt, where high fees and inefficient government agencies that hindered the process of real estate was eliminated by reducing property registration fees; simplifying the property registration process thus encouraging citizens and companies to obtain titles,” he submitted.

Govt to implement fertiliser quality control system

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

T

HE Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural D e v e l o p m e n t (FMARD) has resolved to develop a regulatory framework for quality checks and enforcement to ensure that farmers access quality fertiliser.

Its Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono, represented by the Director, Farm Input Support Service Department of the Ministry, Akinbolawa Osho, stated this at the launch of a soil project on the Establishment and Implementation of fertiliser Quality Control System in Nigeria, supported by the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

Echono said the framework for fertiliser quality control would enable the government inspectors to undertake periodic quality control at fertiliser production plants, ports of discharge and market outlets. He said fertiliser samples would be drawn by inspection officials for laboratory analysis.

He said the government has identified some violations in the sub-sector which include plant nutrient deficiencies, misbranding, adulteration, short weight of bags, bagging quality, operating without certificate of registration or with expired certificate of registration.

He condemned the activities of some unscrupulous players who have been ripping off farmers the benefit accruable from their investment in fertiliser.

‘How to create jobs through agric’

T • From left: Head Corporate Communications, Skye Bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa; Relationship Officer Skye Bank, Ila-Orangun branch, Adenike Babalola; the winner of N1 Million category, a lecturer, Mr. Oloyede Abiodun and Head, Small Business Group Skye Bank, Ayo Olojede at the presentation of cheques to winners of the ongoing “Reach For The Skye Millionaire” Reward Scheme held in Lagos...last week.

• From left: Legal Adviser, Alliance Against Monopoly (AAM), Mr Charles Nnorom; President, Mazi Omife I. Omife and PR Consultant, Mr Celestine Achi, during a Special Press Conference to refute allegations against the Alliance in Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON

HE Federal Govern ment has been urged to sufficient and decent employment the major target for revamping the agricultural sector.

The Deputy Director, Department of General Administration, Agricultural and Rural Management Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State, said over the next five years, over 500,000 new young graduates would enter the labour market, which mean new jobs have to be created.

According to him, not only is the creation of new jobs important, the government should determine to make the agriculture sector attractive to encourage more investors to come in so they can work to support the development of jobs-focused agribusiness ventures.

While employment prospect in other sector are shrinking because of massive use of technology, Adeyemo said there were possibilities of increasing the potential of the various value chains by supporting activities in production, processing, storage and marketing of commodities.

The majority of new jobs, which would be created, would increase employment opportunities for young people between 20 and 35.

He called for improved funding to help state governments to increase training of youths on improved techniques for crops and livestock production, processing and marketing and for new and existing entrepreneurs to modernise their businesses.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

23

BUSINESS NEWS

Govt spends N100m to fix AVIATION gas pipeline vandalised

T

HE Federal Government spends an average of N100milion to fix a vandalised gas pipeline, a Senior Power Consultant, Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NAIF), Dr Frank Edozie, has said.

He said the cost of fixing a gas pipeline could be much higher than N100 million depending on the extent of damage done to the pipeline. He said many gas pipelines have been broken in the country, especially in the Niger Delta region, adding that the government has spent billions of naira in maintaining them.

Edozie while speaking on the topic ‘Deregulation: A key to Sustainable Development in Oil and Gas Sector’ at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, said each time a pipeline is ruptured or broken by unscrupulous people, the government spends a lot of money to fix it.

He said over the years, gas pipelines have been vandalised with

By Akinola Ajibade

resultant effects on the power generating plants that use gas as a feedstock or critical production material, noting that huge amount of money that can be channeled into other projects was spent on the maintenance of the pipelines.

He said: “Since the coming of the government of President Muhammad Buhari, the country has recorded few cases of pipeline vandalism and the situation has resulted in improvement in power generation that is currently over 4,500 megawatts (Mw).

According to him, the country has witnessed increase in power generation and distribution since May 2015, adding the development is a good one for Nigeria that has been battling epileptic power supply for decades.

Edozie said the industry is yet to attain the required electricity supply of 10,000Mw or more, stress-

ing that power will be stable once problems relating to destruction of gas pipelines and poor generation output are resolved.

On gas price, he said any further increase in the price of gas from $2 or $3 per 1000 standard cubic feet (scf) depending on the buyers, would lead to increase in tariffs paid by electricity consumers.

He explained that the cost of production of electricity by thermal plant is dependent on the cost of gas, which is a feedstock in the industry, among other variables.

Edozie said power will improve remarkably once problems such as gas pipeline vandalism, and poor accessibility of the product (gas) by the turbines, are removed.

The Managing Director, Frontier Oil Limited, Thomas Dada, said power generation has increased since May this year because there is an improvement gas infrastructure.

Why host communities’, operators’ problems persist

F

AILURE of oil and gas industry operators to identify the immediate needs of the host communities, leverage on the needs to initiate and implement a Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) is the major cause of problems between the host communities and companies operating there, the Country Manager, Entrepreneurial Development, General Electric, Sunny Ojei has said.

He said the need to ensure a peaceful coexistence between General Electric and its host communities, informed the decision of the firm to sign memorandum of understanding with the communities where it operates.

He said GE is working with the communities on how to develop the entrepreneurial skills of the residents of the communities, make them have their own jobs and earn a living.

He said computer training, among others, have been provided to the residents of its host communities in order to ensure that they are self- employed.

He said GE has encouraged its suppliers to provide vocational

By Akinola Ajibade

training to the people, adding that their efforts are yielding fruits as the people are now engaged.

Ojeh said: “People need some measures or levels of assurance that their future is safe. The assurance comes through the employment opportunities, which GE has provided for them and which they are tapping. As many residents, we (GE) can cascade and influence to buy into the jobs’ opportunities around, the better for the communities concerned, the industry and the economy.”

He urged operators in the industry to firm up relationship with their host communities, by creating opportunities for them to secure employment and live better life.

He said once this is done, problems such as low production, destruction of facilities owned by oil and gas companies by vandals, which were mostly aggrieved members of the host communities, would be reduced.

SNEPCo hosts summit

S

• Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Delta State, His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Sideso, unveiling Delta Cruz - an energyefficient car built by students of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State - in readiness for the Shell Eco-marathon competition in South Africa, next month.

Ilaje coastal communities seek compensation from Shell T

HE Ilaje communities in Ondo State have urged Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, (SNEPCO), to compensate them for the Bonga oil Spill of 2011.

They said SNEPCo and the communities reached an agreement for compensation but Shell has not fulfilled its promise.

The General Secretary, Abereke Communities and field coordinator, Communities Environmental Protection Committee of Ilaje land (CEPCOM), Prince Taiwo Aiyedatiwa, said despite that Ilaje coastal communities of Ondo State are host communities to SNEPCo’s Bonga oil facility, which is offshore Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State, Shell has not been carrying out its corporate social responsibilities to the communities.

He said: “In January 2014, we were aware that SNEPCO called about 88 coastal communities in Delta and Bayelsa States to stakeholders’ forum in Abuja through the house of representative committee on environment in which the Minister of Environment, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Nigerian Maritime Admin-

VBy Ambrose Nnaji

istration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other regulatory bodies were in attendance, and Shell agreed to compensate the communities.

“But to our surprise, Ilaje local Government of Ondo State that plays host to SNEPCO, and also affected by the oil spill was left out.

We have written several letters to the company, regulatory bodies and Presidency since the occurrence of the oil spill but our communities have not been invited by Shell.

The oil spill affected five coastal states in the Niger Delta, including Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo and Rivers.”

He appealed to Shell and the Federal Government as well as the spill committees to prevail on SNEPCO to call a stakeholders forum and invite the Ilaje coastal communities that were badly affected by the oil spill and compensate them, clean up and remediate the environment to restore aquatic lives.

“We had planned to take legal action but were stopped by the traditional head of Abereke communities,

Oloja Darosha Oladayo Mesagan. He advised us not to do so now, but the continued failure of SNEPCo to address our issue, will compel us to take action,” he added.

NOSDRA’s Director-General, Sir Peter Idabor, had in a letter to Shell said the agency imposed a sanction on the company for pollution and damage to natural resources and means of livelihood of the affected communities. The Agency had recently threatened to sanction SNEPCo for failing to pay the $3.6 billion fine.

He said: “Despite the fact that the incident was caused by equipment failure and the admission by the then Managing Director that 40,000 barrels of crude oil spilled into the Atlantic Ocean, no attempt was made by the oil company to provide relief materials for the shoreline fishing communities with respect to the acute and chronic impact of the crude oil on the environment.”

NOSDRA directed SNEPCo to pay $3,600,191,206 as compensation and administrative costs for failure to effect clean up on the impacted site within the stipulated period, as provided in the agency’s Act and Regulations.”

Shell declined to comment on the issue when contacted by The Nation.

HELL Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Limited (SNEPCo) hosted a business summit in Aberdeen last week with over 270 personnel representing Nigerian companies within and outside the country in attendance.

They explored opportunities to repatriate skills and experience to the oil and gas industry back home in Nigeria.

The forum titled: ‘The global Nigerian’ is the third in Europe’s oil and gas hub, and had the theme Networking and Collaboration as a tool for national Development and Growth.

SNEPCo Managing Director Tony Attah in his address, said: “When, in 2013, we set out with the initiative for local companies to collaborate with Nigerian experts in Aberdeen on opportunities and challenges in the Nigeria oil and gas industry, we knew this would be a game changer. Today, we can say that the game changer is beginning to take shape as Nigerians have started returning home to set up businesses.”

A representative of the Nigerian High Commission, Mr. Hassan Hassan said: “This is the right time for our experts based abroad to return home to make contribution and be part of the success story.”

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Denzil Kentebe commended Shell

on both The Global Nigerian and Partnership Facilitation Programme and confirmed the board’s continuing support for both initiatives.

In a presentation on procedures for potential contractors in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, the Deputy Manager, Reservoir Management and Evaluation, Joint Venture oil operations, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Investment and Management Services (NAPIMS), Mrs. Martina Atuchi, said: “We are inviting you to be part of the leading economy in Africa with a lot of untapped hydrocarbon resources.”

The General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Shell Nigeria, Chiedu Oba gave a progress report on the decisions of The Global Nigerian since the first business summit in Aberdeen in 2013. He said several Nigerians had returned home to establish businesses in the oil and gas sector, while networking had continued on a collaboration portal which recorded more than 12,000 visitors every month by the 60 registered companies and users.

The participants agreed that the return of a significant number of Nigerian oil and gas professionals could make a ‘game changing’ impact on the efficient delivery of many opportunities that exist in the upstream, mid-stream and downstream sectors. They also suggested the need for low interest rates to boost the growth of the companies.

HarvestPlus chief offers solution to micronutrient deficiencies

T

HE Director, HarvestPlus In ternational , Dr Howarth Bouis, has said developing and delivering crops that carry essential micronutrients required by the body cells to function adequately to target vulnerable population is key to solving the global problem of micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger.

Bouis said this during a lecture he delivered at the Conference Centre, IITA, Ibadan.

He highlighted why mineral and vitamin deficiencies constitute a significant public health problem and efforts by stakeholders to address the problem through dietary diversification, supplementation to children aged zero to 59 months, food fortification, and biofortification.

He described biofortification, which is the breeding of crops to increase their nutritional value, as the most viable and cost-effective strategy in the chain of solutions

By Daniel Essiet

adopted by policy-makers. This is so because 75 percent of target vulnerable population lives in the rural areas where they eat mostly what they plant and making the staple crops carry essential vitamin and minerals provides a great opportunity to reach them in a costeffective and sustainable way.

In the lecture titled: “Biofortification of food staples: progress and future strategy,” Bouis gave account of the progress HarvestPlus made on biofortification project from conceptualisation, breeding of crops, delivering of seeds to farmers for multiplication, production, value addition to selectfood staples, marketing and consumption of food products in over 27 countries where the crops – cassava, maize, cowpea, sorghum, millet, wheat, rice, and orange sweet potato – have been released.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

24

ISSUES The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report that agricultural imports declined by 11 per cent from N738 billion in the first quarter of the year to N664 billion in the second quarter, indicates that farmers are beginning to meet food needs. Banks are exploring ways of funding agric business to create jobs and reduce food importation, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

• Zimbabwean farmers at work in Kwara State.

Banks’ scramble for agric business B

ANKS with eyes on the future know where to put their money. Many of them have identified the agric sector and its value-chain as a key area to play in this period of deposit drought and reduced profitability.

Already, farmers are seeking more credit to expand to meet the increasing needs of local consumers.

For the Chairman, Tractor Owners & Hiring Facilities Association of Nigeria (TOHFAN), Alhaji Danladi Garba, now is the time for banks to grant more credit to farmers and see the impact of improved food production not only on employment market but on the economy.

At a media forum on agriculture financing in Lagos, tagged: “Agric Business: Diversifying the Nigerian Economy,” the farmer said Nigeria could produce food, noting that agric business is profitable.

He is probably right. Gone are the days when borrowers beg banks to lend to the agric sector. Today, the tides have turned.

The buzz for agric financing is on, and no lender wants to be left behind.

Ten years back, no lender would give depositors’ funds to a farmer. Such loans would be considered lost from the date of approval. But today, the lenders have begun to scramble for agric businesses, having seen the potential, and knowing how much a well-priced loan can add to their profitability, many lenders are keying into the agriculture financing scheme.

Sterling Bank Plc has financed the purchase of tractors for members of the TOHFAN. The bank noted that its involvement in the agricultural sector was

based on the need to reposition the sector as the main stay of the economy given the dwindling oil revenue.

The bank’s Managing Director, Yemi Adeola, said it finances the purchase/acquisition of tractors from reputable manufacturers such as Massey Ferguson, Mahindra, New Holland, John Deere and Tak Tractors, who will also provide basic training on utilisation and offer after-sales maintenance services.

The tractors which have been distributed to members of the association following the first disbursement would help in the adoption of mechanized agriculture, leading to additional hectare coverage, higher yields and enhance food security in the country.

"Sterling Bank Plc has continually restated its commitment to the strategic growth of the agricultural sector by providing adequate funding in alignment with the ongoing reforms in the sector aimed at reposi-

tioning it as an attractive business proposition, an input provider for the manufacturing sector and a key foreign exchange earner.

"The best bank in Agric Award was conferred on the Bank in recognition of its critical role in the dispensing of financial services to actors in the Nigerian agricultural value chain. This we have demonstrated again with the financing of the tractors which will add value to the sector," he said.

Also, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Ladi Balogun, assured that the bank will intensify its support to the agricultural sector and its value chain including lending more to the subsector in the interest of the economy.

The bank chief said the lender is focused on being a strategic partner to the government and other stakeholders in the agric sector to ensure food sufficiency, employment and revenue generation.

‘

We note that four basic commodities that are consumed by Nigerians - rice, wheat, fish and sugar " jointly account for a significant amount of the country's annual import bill. We are convinced that the nation has the capacity to produce these consumables in required amounts to meet our domestic consumption needs. With its attendant impact on GDP and job creation, agriculture remains a critical focus sector of the financial system

’

Balogun assured that the lender will continue to provide credit to the sector and its value chain, including small and medium scale businesses. He said the 30 per cent of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) come from the agricultural sector, and was 40 per cent before the economy was rebased last year.

"The agric transformation is real. It is not rhetoric. We built agric business that is at the centre of transforming the economy. If we really want to continue employing the growing population, we need to not only feed Nigeria, but feed the world," he said.

He said the bank realises that there are millions of farmers across the country that need credit at affordable rates, considering the level of attraction the agric sector has garnered. That is why we are increasing our level of support.

Likewise, Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, Phillips Oduoza said the bank has continued to channel resources to the sector, given that it remains the mainstay of most economies in Africa. "UBA has a deliberate policy to continue to fund agriculture. Our lending to the sector is already above the industry average. We are doing about seven per cent of our total portfolio in agriculture," he said.

He praised the fact that lending to agriculture is generally on the upward trend from Nigerian banks, disclosing that banking sector funding to agriculture has moved from just about 0.5 per cent of to• Continued on page 25

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

25

ISSUES

Banks’ scramble for agric business •Continued from page 24

tal industry portfolio prior to 2009 to about 4.9 per cent of banking industry loan book currently.

"Interestingly, the non-performing loans coming from agriculture lending is lower than most people would have thought," he said.

Oduoza also said UBA is expanding its electronic banking products to improve the way it serves its more-than seven million customers. He said the bank has rolled out an array of electronic banking products, from cards to point-of-sale terminals, which is helping to reduce the cost-to-income ratio of the bank while making a positive impact on the bottom line.

Group Managing Director of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc Emeka Emuwa urged Nigeria and other African nations to make agriculture more productive in their fight to end poverty in the continent.

He spoke at the International Conference organised by the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) sponsored by the bank.

In his welcome address to the conference which was themed "propelling Economic Development through Functional Agricultural Value Chain financing models: lessons learnt and emerging opportunities, in Lagos, Emuwa advised the African nations to redouble their efforts to make agriculture more productive.

"If you can get agriculture to become more productive, you will be better positioned to tackle the scourge of poverty in the continent. It is unfortunate that there has been a decline in the sector due to the emergence of other economic sectors in Africa," he said.

CBN’s position Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele said at a workshop on innovative agricultural insurance products, in Lagos that the agricultural sector provides up to 70 per cent of employment in Nigeria and accounts for about 42 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Emefiele, who was represented by the Acting Managing Director of Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Edwin Nzelu, said the large import food products include wheat, rice, flour, fish, tomato paste, textile and sugar.

"We are confronted, as a nation with a wide range of development challenges especially with the dwindling global crude oil prices and the nation's dependence on it as its major source of revenue. There is the need to diversify the mono-cultural tendencies of the economy by developing other sectors of the economy especially agriculture," he said.

He said that Nigeria's formal financial system is lending about four per cent of all formal credit to the agricultural sector compared to three years ago when only about one per cent of all credit went to agriculture. He insisted that lending is still low given the lingering perception by banks that agriculture is highly risky.

Emefiele said development and expansion of the agricultural insurance sub-sector will go a long way in mitigating against natural disasters and eventually encouraging banks to lend to agriculture.

Former Agricultural insurance has been proven to be instrumental in transferring risks and stabilising farmers' income, but in Nigeria, agricultural insurance is one of the less developed line of business. Therefore, there is the need for insurance companies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop innovative products that will cater for the needs of farmers in their provision of agricultural insurance," he said.

He explained that over the years, only the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) was licensed to underwrite agriculture insurance in the country, until two years ago when NAICOM liberalized the insurance subsector for conventional insurers to underwrite.

"I urge private insurance companies to take advantage of this opportunity and consider extending insurance cover to the agricultural sector to create a competitive market which will eventually increase insurance penetration to rural areas," he said.

Emefiele said expansion of agricultural in-

surance products has become imperative especially now that climatic reports have it that Nigerian farmers are prone to risks from natural disaster such as flood, draught as well as different crop and livestock diseases.

He said that NIRSAL was established to tackle both the financial and commodity agricultural value chains and that its Insurance pillar was created to facilitate the expansion of the agricultural insurance products for lending by encouraging the introduction of new products such as weather index insurance, yield index insurance, multi-peril among others.

He said the workshop was organized in collaboration with Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) which has garnered experience over time in introducing various insurance products in some African countries and was one of the major stakeholders in designing NIRSAL.

• CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

•Balogun

•Oduoza

•Adeola

For the apex bank, government needed to pay more attention to agriculture, which still has one of the greatest potentials in growing the economy.

CBN Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Dr. Sarah Alade said that one way of achieving this, is by collaborating with the banking system to fix the value-chain problems in the agricultural sector. She said economic development was about enhancing the productive capacity of an economy by using available resources to reduce risks, remove impediments, which otherwise could hinder investment.

Speaking at an international conference on agricultural value-chain financing held in Lagos, she said the CBN has so far committed about N1.169 trillion to different intervention schemes being promoted by the Federal Government.

Alade said the funds were committed by the CBN in collaboration with the Federal Government into key economic schemes for economic development.

She listed the schemes as the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (N69 billion); Commercial Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (N200 billion); the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (N200 billion); Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (N200 billion).

Others are the SMEs Restructuring and Refinancing Scheme (N200 billion) and Power and Airlines Intervention Fund (N300 billion). Alade, who was represented by CBN Director of Research, Charles Mordi said schemes were meant to address the challenges confronting agriculture and agric business in the country.

She said the Federal Government and CBN instituted the intervention programmes to enable key players in the economy have access to finance adding that access to credit

remains important to agricultural valuechain.

Speaking further, she said the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme was introduced in 1978 to encourage lending to the agric sector. Alade said the scheme has up to date, supported the sector by guarantying loans to over 800,000 beneficiaries.

Bankers’ Committee The CBN and deposit money banks, under the aegis of the Bankers' Committee also restated its commitment to expanding bank lending in agro-business in order to discourage importation of goods can be produced locally.

The bankers also stated their resolve to explore large corporates as anchors to lend to participants across the value chain to improve the capacity of Nigeria's agro-businesses so as to create sustainable jobs and inclusive growth.

The bankers also affirmed their commitment to financial deepening of the economy, improving financial access to key sectors of the economy, innovative solutions for the critical finance of generation, provide finance for small and medium enterprises, among others.

"We note that four basic commodities that are consumed by Nigerians - rice, wheat, fish and sugar jointly account for a significant amount of the country's annual import bill.

We are convinced that the nation has the capacity to produce these consumables in required amounts to meet our domestic consumption needs. With its attendant impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation, agriculture remains a critical focus sector of the financial system," it added.

CBN’s roles The CBN set the tone when it introduced Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) to the banks.

By that single policy, banks can lend to agricultural sector and its value chains without fear of losing such funds. The NIRSAL is already being implemented by the banks and is expected to drive agricultural revolution in the country.

The CBN explained that NIRSAL, unlike previous schemes which encouraged banks to lend without clear strategy to the entire spectrum of the agricultural value chain, emphasises lending to the value chain and to all sizes of producers.

The Federal Government also plans to double agriculture's share of banks' credit to 10 per cent in two years. The loans to agriculture as a share of total credit rose to N320 billion, or five per cent, at the end of last year from less than one per cent in 2011.

Agriculture Minister Akinwunmi Adesina said the Federal Government has made a fundamental shift that agriculture is not a developmental activity, but a business. "The CBN has shifted the mind-set of the banks.

It's a new agriculture sector in which they can actually invest money and make money," Adesina said.

Agric potential Already, banks and the CBN are discussing how to increase lending to the sector.

‘

"

The agric transformation is real. It is not rhetoric. We built agric business that is at the centre of transforming the economy. If we really want to continue employing the growing population, we need to not only feed Nigeria, but feed the world

’

NIRSAL performance According to the CBN, NIRSAL is also expected to be a catalyst for innovative risk management strategies, long-term financing for agribusiness and significant job creation by new entrepreneurs.

“The mandate of NIRSAL is to act as the custodian of all credit guarantee schemes, interest draw back schemes, and commercialisation initiatives related to an integrated value chain approach to agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria,'' the CBN said. Under NIRSAL, there are five pillars to be addressed by an estimated $500 million that will be invested by the CBN, according to the programme document.

There is also a Risk-sharing Facility of $300 million, planned to address banks' perception of high-risks in the sector by sharing losses on agricultural loans. There is equally an insurance Facility of $30 million intended to expand insurance products for agricultural lending from the current coverage to new products, such as weather index insurance, new variants of pest and disease insurance. Besides, there is also a Technical Assistance Facility amounting of $60 million meant to equip banks to lend sustainably to agriculture, producers to borrow and use loans more effectively and increase output of better quality agricultural products, among others.

The improvement in the sector was linked to access to credit through the new policy on increasing private sector participation, emphasis on the entire agriculture value chain, and using agriculture to boost employment, wealth creation and food security.

Analysts have commended the performance by the banks as a demonstrating of their belief in the ability of agriculture to transform the economy. The CBN said with the credit trend in the banks, Nigeria may be close to realising its economic diversification objectives that will lead to less dependence on oil.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

26

DISCOURSE

So, you want to export? A question for SMEs In this piece Chief Executive, Multimix Academy, Obiora Madu, writes on how to make it in international trade but you can do so by having agents or brokers. Additionally you have to do a lot of traveling because the truth is that you may not be able to do big time import and export business without the ability to travel occasionally.

However, this is not to scare the small ones because there are ways to solve the problem.

This is where the use of consultants and confirming houses come into play. We shall discuss this in greater detail later.

Training and development One big problem with us is that we always believe we know enough and, therefore, do not require attending seminars, workshops and short courses. The complaint is always that these programmes are expensive but as the saying goes, “If you think education is too expensive then try ignorance”. Some people can bear witness to this and have said that only a statement in a seminar changed their lives. You may attend a five-day seminar but just one statement will give you the push and I trust you will have that before the end of this article.

There are conditions that can wipe so many companies out of business. What you don’t know can really hurt you

• Madu

• Continued from last next Wednesday

Maintaining Foreign Presence Whether you are an exporter or importer, you need a foreign presence one way or the other to compete effectively. If you look at the foreigners in this country who import, the foreign presence give them a lot of advantage. For example if he notices a gap or scarcity of a product in the market, while you are still trying to open an LC he will call his home office to send the goods immediately. In three weeks the goods are in Nigeria and before your own arrives in maybe eight weeks or so, the market is already saturated.

Maintaining an office abroad is expensive,

Using the services of competent consultants The issue of training and development brings us to the issue of services of consultants. Unfortunately the attitude of the average Nigerian to a consultant is that of “what has he done that I have to pay him so much”. We do not value information. Training and development fall under the functions of consultants. People say that there are too many pretenders around and so many circumstantial consultants. Yes! But the key word is COMPETENT. How do you identify one? The taste of the pudding is in the eating. A good consultant will give you a money back guarantee because he knows

that he will perform.

Whether you are an importer or an exporter, there are several facilities and incentives available. To take advantage of these facilities within Nigeria and from international agencies eg. BoI SME Loans, facilities etc, you need the guidance of a competent consultant to access these facilities.

There are good basic training programmes a competent consultant will offer new comers to prepare them for task ahead. For example as a new comer, you must understand among other things, terms of trade and methods of payment, incoterms, policies, politics, principles of negotiation, basic documentations requirements etc. Without a good background, you may make mistakes that will expose your ignorance. For example, an exporter signs a contract with the term of CIF and he submits documents that read freight payable at destination. This is just a simple example. But in my 32 years in the export industry I have seen so many unpardonable errors.

Learn to be patient (Exporting is a process not a transaction) To succeed in import and export business, you need a lot of patience. A lot of people have failed because of their misplaced desire for immediate gratification. “In every business, you must pay your dues”. A few people may succeed the first time but that is not applicable to every businessman. Import and export business has its ups and downs and you must be consistent. Stay there, make your mistakes, learn your lessons and push on and on you will get there.

So many people actually have withdrawn a few feet from gold. One big problem of business in Nigeria is the ‘Bandwagon’ attitude; if you are selling cosmetics for example, and you hear that there is so much margin in tin tomatoes, you abandon your area where you have spent a considerable time and acquired useful experience. The tendency is to con-

tinue jumping from pillar to post and becoming a jack of all trades and master of none. There is nothing like experience in business.

My advice here is that you should, after careful study, choose a line and for those who have chosen, stick to it because every business is profitable, it’s all in the mind, and a matter of attitude.

Always be on the right side of the law This will either sound strange or outright stupid in a lawless society. For purposes of emphasis, the import and export we are discussing in this paper is the genuine and legal one and not smuggling. If you are engaged in illegal business, you are like a thief; many days are for you but one day you will lose all that you thought you had gained.

For example the government has been sounding it that exporters should use NXP form for their export and that export proceeds must be repatriated. If you fall foul of that, the consequences are heavy, e.g. you could be barred from foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria.

The lesson here is that you may think you are smart and that you have escaped, but one day, the long arm of the law will catch up with you.Therefore, obey the laws of the land if you wish to prosper in your import/ export business.

Honesty International business is all about confidence and credibility. The day your associate loses confidence in you, that’s the end.

You show transparent honesty in your dealings. You can make mistakes, after all pencils have erasers because everyone makes mistakes but by all means, let it be an honest mistake that can be explained.

• Continued on page 27

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC

Reinforcing your CV with a persuasive cover letter

B

EYOND packaging a great curriculum vitae (CV), you also need the reinforcement of a persuasive cover or application letter to boost your chances of being invited for a job interview. A cover letter, variedly called letter of application, letter of introduction, transmittal letter and broadcast letter is a letter that no wise job-seeker should send his or her CV without.

A cover letter is an important job search tool. Its purpose is to attract attention to you and prove your suitability for a job. The cover letter is also where you state why you are interested in the job or the company. Findings show that only few employers seriously consider a CV that is not accompanied by a cover letter; thus, a dynamically persuasive cover letter needs to be part of your job-search strategy.

ICT-induced competition It is a known fact that the world is now a global village occasioned by the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) explosion. The implication of the ICT explosion is that there is now increased competition in business, job-search, etc., as more awareness is created. Also, as opposed to what obtained in those days in Nigeria when jobs were waiting for applicants, applicants now go through a rigorous process to get jobs.

The import of this is that the era of packaging a chronological CV or writing a passive and informative cover or application letter is gone and you now need the creativity of persuasive communication to write your letter and stand out from the crowd. Even business people need to write a

By Goke Ilesanmi

persuasive proposal to stand out and win business.

I deployed this skill to write proposals to MTN and Union Bank in 2011 and the corporate communications managers then were so impressed that they called and commended me.

Persuasion If we now need persuasive communication in job search and business transactions, what then is persuasion? Persuasion can be variedly defined. At one level of definition, it is conceived as the process by which a communicator tries to influence the attitudes, values, belief system or action of his or her listener(s) or audience.

Simply put, it is about convincing people. It is noteworthy that the beginning of successful persuasion is to build trust and credibility so that you can be accorded attention by your audience or recipient(s). That is, you need to quickly include information about them to show you have knowledge of their operations.

As an applicant, for example, you need to quickly show some knowledge about the company you are applying to by including something like, “It is impressive that since you started operation in Nigeria on 15th May, 1990….”; “It is commendable that you made a profit after tax of N- million in your last financial year….”, etc.

Another thing you do in persuasion is to concentrate on issues that are important to your audience.

For instance, focus on how you will contribute to the productivity and profitability of the organisation not on benefits you hope to get upon

employment.

Note: We will X-ray components of a persuasive cover letter later in this discourse.

Benefits A cover letter is so important because a CV is useless to an employer if he or she does not know the kind of job you are seeking, especially if you do not have a (combined chronological) functional CV that shows the kind of job you like in the objective section. A persuasive cover letter tells the prospective employer the type of position you are seeking and how you are qualified for that position.

It highlights the aspects of your experience that are most useful to the prospective employer, and you can earn points for knowing what those aspects are. There is no disputing the fact that prospective employers receive a lot of CVs, especially when they advertise a (vacant) position. These employers are also very busy.

Often the person screening CVs skims through each for just a few seconds. Your cover letter can draw attention to the skills, talents and experience the prospective employer is looking for. Your letter can explain things that your CV cannot. If you have large gaps in your employment history or you are re-entering the job market or changing the focus of your career, a cover letter can explain these circumstances in a positive way.

Comparison of function A cover letter can serve the same function as the Objective part of your CV, and expatiate on it. Some applicants are reluctant to “limit” themselves by putting an Objective

in their CV. It is better for a jobseeker to target the type of job being specifically looked for and you may be open to more than one option. As I said during the CV discourse, you can have different CVs targeting different jobs.

You can simply have your CV on the computer and just adapt it to fit the requirements of each job you are applying for. Note that your CV is not a record of your life history that is already fixed, so you can adapt it (CV) as you like. A cover letter is a little window into your personality. A well-composed cover letter can suggest to a prospective employer that you are just the right type of dynamic person the company is looking for.

Cover letter contents A typical cover letter contains address(es), salutation, etc.

Addresses: You will write two addresses. That is, your personal address and that of the recipient.

Salutation: Here, guard against the error that may manifest as a result of jumping into conclusion about the recipient’s sex based on the name. Try to confirm the sex of whoever you are asked to direct your letter to in the advert, especially if you are only given the designation. However, experts suggest that in the event of not being able to confirm the sex, or get the real name of the recipient, use Dear Sir/ Madam. If it is a female real name that is involved and you are not sure of the marital status, use Dear Ms. You can also use Dear Madam for the unknown female recipient.

You will also include the heading or title, introduction, body contain-

•GOKE ILESANMI ing paragraphs as well as the conclusion. We will continue with this discourse next week.

PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated here for details.

GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Professional Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach.

He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

27

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

MONEYLINK

Nigeria, Kenya battle currency risks, recession threat

T

HE threat of recession in Nigeria and weaker growth in Kenya prompted policy makers in the two countries to keep interest rates unchanged despite pressure on their currencies to weaken.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) kept its policy rate at a record 13 per cent last Tuesday, while the Central Bank of Kenya left its benchmark rate at 11.5 per cent, matching the forecasts of most of the economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Nigeria and Kenya are among African nations that have tightened monetary policy since last year to bol-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ster their currencies, bucking a global trend of lower interest rates. A plunge in commodity prices and weaker global demand, particularly from China, are putting the brakes on Africa’s growth boom, giving policy makers on the continent reason to pause.

Kenya’s rate decision “has the impact of stabilising the market and does not curtail expansion of the economy because banks will not punish borrowers,” Fred Moturi, head of fixed income trading at Sterling Capital Ltd., told Bloomberg. “It also shows that

the need for growth won over the need to stabilise the currency.”

Kenya’s shilling has weakened 14 per cent against the dollar this year, prompting the central bank to raise borrowing costs by 300 basis points since June. Economic growth has come under pressure following a collapse in tourism and lower tea output, the nation’s biggest foreigncurrency earners.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele has turned to foreign-exchange controls this year to stabilise the naira after the currency fell almost 10 percent against the dollar in the first two months of the

Sterling Bank’s MSME Academy begins

S

TERLING Bank’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Academy is billed for Wednesday, this week. It is part of the lender’s valueadded offering for its SUPA Business Account holders.

The academy, which will commence with a pilot session in Lagos, is a product of the bank’s partnership with BusinessDay. This is in furtherance of the bank’s commitment to enrich lives by focusing on the unique needs of its entrepreneurial customers, and giving teeth to private sector involvement in the development of small businesses and the economy at large.

Managing Director, MarkGeorge Consultants, Olugbolahan Mark-George, will train SMEs during the programme in which opera-

tors will be engaged one-onone on their business challenges and offered advisory services.

According to the bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Shina Atilola, “the Sterling MSME Academy is aimed at capacity building for existing and emerging Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises to enable them build viable businesses and position them to access funds for expansion. MSMEs would also enjoy access to relevant and reliable business intelligence and information that would help them to navigate the challenging operating environment.”

The academy will also be facilitated by International Finance Corporation and Enterprise Development Centre certified and sea-

soned MSME trainers and will run from September 30 to October 21. Registration started on August 17, this year and is to last for three weeks.

Business owners/ MSME operators interested in participation are expected to fill in their details and get the necessary information on the registration portal.

The bank had last June partnered with LEAP Africa on the 10th edition of the Annual Africa CEO Forum.

The forum with the theme: ‘Staying Ahead: Maximising Profit and Mitigating Risk’, was an avenue for the CEOs to understand how to ensure proper risk identification, assessment and analysis.

These factors were identified as key to minimising revenue loss and ensuring continued business survival.

year. The economy of Africa’s biggest oil producer is struggling after crude prices more than halved since June last year.

Emefiele said that the economy is at risk of falling into recession next year if “proactive steps” are not taken to support key industries. Gross domestic product rose at the slowest pace in at least five years in the second quarter, expanding 2.4 percent from a year earlier.

The governor’s signaling of a recession is “a clear indication that the growth story has

got to be a big focus going forward,” Manji Cheto, vice president of Teneo Intelligence in London, said by phone.

Emefiele has resisted pressure to devalue the naira, a policy stance that has undermined confidence in the central bank and may add to growth concerns as foreigncurrency restrictions curb liquidity.

“The strategy seems to keep controls in place until demand adjusts to meet available foreign-exchange supply,” Razia Khan, head of Af-

That Nigeria is rated among the most corrupt nations in the world is because of a few disgruntled elements and these have impacted negatively on the genuine and honest businessmen around. Do business in such a way that your associate will say, ‘I have met one good Nigerian that we can return to the good old days.

You must say yes only when you mean so. You must understand the terms of a contract before you put pen on paper. You have to understand that a contract is a contract and many a time it carries penalty clauses. Your buyer who signs a long term contract with you for the supply of his raw material has factored that into his production line and has at the same time signed contracts with those who buy finished goods from him. So when you want to default on a contract, remember the chain of consequences, the penalties and the multiplier effects.

The summary is, if you are in international business and you wish to remain there, do not sign contracts when you are not sure you will be able to perform. You will be better off signing a small quantity and moving up later than taking a big contract and putting a permanent end to a relationship,

which could make a difference in your business.

Entry points into export trade Export business is a long chain and anybody who is interested can find a point in the chain where he has a competitive edge over others and operate there and make money.

One company is the ultimate exporter but the goods will have to pass farm gate to warehouse before shipping, this applies to commodities.

For manufacturers, the manufacturers may not necessarily be the exporter, in fact for SMEs it’s more advisable to concentrate in production and leave the export responsibilities to someone else. We shall now look at various possible entry points into the export chain. Because of the complexities of export business. It is important to pass through a learning process to avoid losses.

1.Local Trading

Commodity

Exporters of commodities do not get to farm gate to procure their commodities.

There are suppliers who do this. These suppliers relate very closely with farmers and are like go between.

Under this arrangement, you can also act in various capacities.

a. Agent/Broker You can act like an agent to exporters simply by locating commodities and supply to the exporter at a designated warehouse. Most of the time payment is made after delivery. Funding for this type of business is treated later. b. Manufacturing As stated earlier, it’s better for SMEs’ owners who are into manufacturing to concentrate and look for secondary marketing channels like export houses to take responsibilities for their exports.

2. Import/Export Agent This is a very wide subject and cannot be exhausted. It simple means looking for foreign goods and local buyers and local goods for foreign buyers. This is a very lucrative business for a devoted entrepreneur. Because of the depth of this subject, our company has a separate package on how to run an Import/Export Agency: interested readers should contact us. The beauty of this is that you may not need more than a phone/ fax line to start.

3. A Foreign Buying House This is an advanced form of agency. To be a confirming house, you receive an order from a foreign company for

rica economic research at Standard Chartered Plc in London, said in an e-mailed note to clients.

FirstBank unveils Life is a Movie campaign IRST Bank of Nigeria Limited is offering its customers and consumers a unique opportunity to participate in a onetime blockbuster titled: Life is a Movie featuring ‘Customers’ Firsts’.

In a statement, the bank said it is again living up to its brand promise to put customers first, through a series of consumer experience, exploring the concept of ‘First’ from a customer’s perspective.

“Moments in our lives play out like scenes from a movie which could fit into the genres of romance, adventure, comedy and definitely drama.

Whatever this moment is, FirstBank is requesting you to share this moment with us so we can begin to see the world from our customers’ point of view,” it said.

With the ‘Life is a Movie Campaign’, the bank is requesting its customers to share experiences and moments of their ‘First’ activities

F

of interests, such as your first bike ride, first plane ride and other first adventure periods of your lives.

Customers can take on characteristics they want exemplified in a movie and send video recordings of not more than one minute to the bank.

The best entries will be pulled together to make the first ever customer focused television commercial in Nigeria . In a statement by the bank’s spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney, FirstBank has chosen its customers to run its new ‘Your First’ advertising campaign in movie style.

“Having the faces of our customers used as part of our advertising campaign represents not only what we do for our customers, but what our customers do with us. With this campaign, we want our customers assured that even when life feels like a movie, FirstBank will be part of the script with lifestyle-fit products and services you need to

Export options for SMEs • Continued from page 26

•Emefiele

certain goods, you pass the order to a manufacturer adding your confirmation.

What that means is that you have told the manufacturer to forget the foreign buyer and look to you for payment.

As a Foreign Buying House on the other hand, you pay manufacturers and take the goods acting as representative to some foreign companies. You may not get involved in shipping as your principal may arrange that by sending or nominating a vessel.

4. Forwarding Agent A Forwarding Agent is responsible for the loading, supervision, inspection and documentation. He takes responsibility for seeing that goods get on board a nominated vessel. The job of the forwarding agents starts as soon as procurement is completed. This profession has been bastardized but those who are professionals will succeed.

5. Exporter Exporting is simply trading with customers in another country. You buy your goods or commodities by whatever means and arrange your shipment through a forwarding agent.

Details of other issue involved in exporting will be discussed elsewhere in this manual.

make sure your life follows the script you planned,”she stated.

This campaign demonstrates how the bank enables its customers to be first, presenting the different dimensions of Fists and enabling customers claim First in their own lives. Whether it is getting them to do something for the first time, putting them first in line for something special or growing their business to become first in class, customers can show the world what matters to them and FirstBank would work to support them, ensuring that they enjoy the different moments of their lives.

Having been around for over 120 years, FirstBank has become the trusted and dependable partner throughout the journey of life – experiencing many moments right along with its consumers and thus, playing a major role in the movie of their lives.

AfDB gears up for role in post-2015 agenda

• Adesina

A

DELEGATION from the African Develop ment Bank (AfDB) led by its new President, Akinwumi Adesina, would ensure that Africa’s voice is heard at the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Summit holding next week in New York.

During the visit, Adesina and his team are expected to participate in a series of multilateral and bilateral meetings and engagements with partners, civil society, media and many eminent persons, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde and Bill Gates.

AfDB said more than 150 world leaders are expected to attend the summit to adopt an ambitious new sustainable development agenda. This agenda will serve as the launch pad for action by the international community and by national governments to promote shared prosperity and well-being for all over the next 15 years.

Building on Adesina’s fivepoint vision, to “Light up and

Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa, Improve quality of life for the people of Africa, the bank committed to play a catalytic role to mobilise funds for the Social Development Goals (SDGs).

The post-2015 agenda provides a new global framework for countries to better focus, coordinate and integrate their efforts as they work towards sustainable development, while eradicating poverty in all its forms.

The new 17 SDGs are universal set of goals, targets and indicators that UN Member States are expected to use to frame their national development plans and policies over the next 15 years. The SDGs follow, and expand on, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were agreed by governments in 2000, and which are due to expire at the end of this year.

Aligned to the AfDB’s 10-Year Strategy 2013-2022, the SDGs reflect the development aspirations of African countries that emphasise the need for inclusive and green growth in the quest for sustainable development and poverty eradication.

The AfDB said it will along with other development partners, will be providing support to its Regional Member Countries in Africa in implementing the SDGs by mobilising additional resources and providing technical assistance and policy advice.

28

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-09-15

DAILY SUMMARY DAILY SUMMARYASASATAT16-07-15 23-09-15

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

29

EQUITIES

54

Why we need additional capital, by UACN U

AC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc plans to use the net proceeds of its proposed multi-level capital raising programme to finance business expansion and deleverage existing businesses with a view to optimise the conglomerate’s businesses.

Shareholders of UACN last week approved several capital raising proposals proposed by the board, paving the way for the board to engage professional parties and continue the new issue process.

Chairman, UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, told shareholders that the company needed new capital to finance its expansion and reduce indebtedness.

According to him, the group is currently realigning its portfolio and making strategic shifts where necessary while it has also been selectively expanding its capacity to meet customer demand in its logistics operations.

He said the capital raising was in pursuit of plans to improve returns and address the high leverage position in UACN Property Development Company (UPDC), the real estate subsidiary, and Portland Paints as well as to provide capital for expansion in the Feeds and Logistics businesses and other business expansion plans.

He said while the directors of the company recognised that the task ahead may not be easy, the board and management are determined to take advantage of the opportunities in the economy to deliver the corporate goals for 2015.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of UACN for the year ended December 31, 2014 showed that the conglomerate recorded a modest top-line growth of nine per

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

cent from N78.7 billion in 2013 to N85.7 billion in 2014 while profit before taxation was N14.1 billion compared to N13.9 billion of 2013.

Shareholders at the meeting approved the distribution of N3.3 billion as cash dividends for the 2014 business year. Shareholders would receive a dividend per share of N1.75.

He outlined that in order to further consolidate on its technology improvement initiative, capacity and efficiency in operations, three new plants were commissioned including a new Feed mill at the Ikeja plant of Livestock Feeds Plc, an automated Pie line for the Restaurants business and a new processing and packaging technology for Supreme Ice cream.

He noted that in 2014, in line with the company’s vision to be number one in its chosen markets, UACN Group achieved market leadership with its Vital Fish feed brand, which was introduced just three years ago.

He pointed out that as part of the business transformation process, the company has fully implemented both the new SAP enterprise resource software across the group and the Enterprise Risk Management framework to enhance the control environment of its business.

He added that the group has already started seeing value from the outsourcing of its internal audit function and whistle blowing mechanism, key initiatives that have strengthened corporate governance at all levels of the business and in the group’s joint-venture operations.

The Nation’s check indicated that UACN might raise as much as N40 billion in the multi-level capital issue.

Besides, the board of the conglom-

•From left: Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, UACN, Mr. Abdul Bello, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UACN, Mr. Larry Ettah and Chairman UACN, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos

erate is also considering new equity funds through a rights issue to existing shareholders. Shareholders approved several resolutions including one that empowers the board to raise N20 billion through any means of capital raising and another resolution that mandates the board to offer some 160.07 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders on the basis of one new ordinary share for every 12 shares held as at the closure date.

In a major strategic move, the conglomerate is seeking to undertake a private placement of 230 million convertible non-redeemable preference shares of 50 kobo each to pre-identified investors at a price of N45 per share.

In another private placement, the meeting approved a proposed private placement of 100 million con-

vertible non-redeemable preference shares of 50 kobo each to pre-identified investors at a price of N50 per share.

Under the proposed terms of private placement, the preference shares shall be convertible to ordinary shares within five years on terms to be agreed by the directors. The preference shares holders would not be entitled to dividends but they would be entitled to any distribution of assets and they can attend general meeting and vote as well.

According to the proposed terms of the rights issue, rights that were unsubscribed would be allotted and sold to other investors.

To facilitate the new capital issue, shareholders increased the conglomerate’s authorised share capital from N1 billion divided into 2.0 billion ordinary shares of

50 kobo each to N1.7 billion, consisting of 3.0 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each and 400 million preference shares of 50 kobo each.

Nigeria’s oldest surviving business, UACN started business in Nigeria in 1879, well ahead of the 1914 amalgamation that created the current Nigerian nation. A large group of several active companies spreading through manufacturing, services, logistics and real estate sectors of the Nigerian economy, the UACN Group includes four quoted subsidiaries-CAP Plc, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc, Livestock Feeds and Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc; in addition to the parent company, UACN. UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust is a subsidiary of UPDC.

University Press cautious about future Red Star Express mulls outlook T new medium-term strategy HE board of University Press (UP) Plc is cautious but optimistic that the printing and publishing company would surmount industry and macroeconomic challenges to maintain steady profit and returns to shareholders.

Against the background of the dwindling revenues accruing to governments across the tiers and the activities of pirates, the performance of University Press declined in the immediate past year. Turnover dropped by 29 percent while net profit declined by 42 per cent.

In a business review and outlook to be presented to shareholders at the annual general meeting on Wednesday, directors of the company however said expected improvement in the national sphere and current strategies being implemented by the company would lead to improved performance and returns to shareholders.

“We are cautiously positive about the business outlook in 2015 despite the seeming challenges. I have no doubt that the strategies we have put in place after due considerations of our expectations of the market scenarios in the coming year will be adequate to deliver better results,” the board stated in a report signed by chairman, University Press Plc, Dr. Lalekan Are. The report decried the unending piracy militating against the printing and publishing industry, noting that piracy constitutes a major threat to the book business in Nigeria.

According to the board, the battle against piracy can only be won with the support of government and the public, especially the people that patronize the pirated books.

“It is our hope that the wind of change blowing across the country will touch this area (piracy). Our company and other genuine publishers shall continue to deploy appropriate strategies and resources to save the industry from pirates who have continued to short-change in-

vestors, authors, employees and other stakeholders,” the chairman’s report stated.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of University Press for the year ended March 31, 2015 showed that turnover dropped by 29 percent from N2.44 billion in 2014 to N1.73 billion in 2015. Profit before tax declined by 43 percent to N199.2 million in 2015 as against N348.12 billion in 2015. Profit after tax also dropped by 42 percent from N233.93 million to N136.39 million. Total assets dropped margin-

ally by five per cent from N2.97 billion in 2014 to N2.82 billion in 2015. The board said the performance of the company was adversely affected by decline in public sector funding.

The board of directors meanwhile retained the dividend payout of N150.99 million, the same paid for the 2014 business year.

Shareholders would receive a dividend per share of 20 kobo for the year just ended.

Shareholders are expected to consider and approve the dividend recommendation at the yearly general meeting scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State this Wednesday.

Custodian Life Assurance gets A- rating

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USTODIAN Life Assurance Limited has been assigned an A-Rating by Global Credit Rating Co (GCR), an indication of the company’s strong financial security.

In assigning the A-rating to the company, GCR noted that Custodian Life Assurance Limited has evidenced robust capital growth over the review period, underpinned by strong internal capital generation capacity. This is immediately given credence with shareholders’ funds growth of 36 per cent to N4.3 billion in 2014.

GCR stated that it took cognisance of the sound operating performance reflected by the company, with net surpluses recorded throughout the review period.

According to the rating agency, Custodian Life’s earnings capacity has benefitted from the favourable commission recovery rates recorded over the past two years, while increasing cost efficiencies are expected to preserve margin strength over the rating horizon.

“The rating is supported by Cus-

todian Life’s established position in the emerging domestic life assurance market. Further, the insurer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Custodian and Allied Plc, a well-established brand in the Nigerian insurance industry,” GCR stated.

Commenting on the rating, Mr. Larry Ademeso, the Managing Director of Custodian Life Assurance Limited expressed satisfaction that the vision, contributions and commitment running through the Board to the staff and service delivery have started to receive deserved recognition from reputed agencies.

He stated further that the uniqueness of the company’s service delivery is in its ability to provide the market with fast, efficient and highly professional market-driven services, products and operations; adding that the company will continue to aim for higher feats every single day.

The company’s primary activity is the provision of life insurance associated with death, disability and health liability.

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HE board and management of Red Star Express Plc are in the process of developing a new medium-term corporate strategy that will outline key basic corporate activities, objectives and expected results over the next five years.

Chairman, Red Star Express Plc, Dr. Mohammed Koguna, who hinted about the new corporate plan, said the five-year medium term corporate growth plan would significantly drive the growth of the company.

“We are very confident that our efforts and commitments will result to value additions for all stakeholders,” Koguna, who is also the largest single shareholder of the courier and logistics company, said.

Red Star struggled between slow top-line and increasing operating expenses to end the immediate past year with modest decline in the bottom-line. Key extracts of the audited report and accounts for the year ended March 31, 2015 showed that turnover rose marginally by four per cent from N6.42 billion to N6.66 billion. Profit before tax inched up by one per cent from N603.89 million to N611.06 million. Profit after tax however declined by five per cent from N403.63 million in 2014 to N383.64 million in 2015.

While earnings per share dropped from 68 kobo to 65 kobo, the company retained its dividend per share of 35 kobo.

Koguna said the performance of the company was affected by significant drop in government revenue and distortion in foreign exchange market, which led to depreciation in Naira, resulted in higher cost for the company’s in-

ternational operations.

He added that reduction in lending capacity of the banking sector and high cost of funding and the resultant reduction in real sector activities as well as pre and post election uncertainties affected the company’s performance.

“With the establishment of newly elected government in May 2015, there are high expectations for better economic growth that will give room for the actualisation of strategic projects earmarked for the next financial year,” Koguna said.

He expressed optimism that expected improvement in national infrastructure and resolution of the insecurity challenge in the North East of the country would support the company’s performance in the years ahead.

He said the company would continue to maintain high ethical standards as it seeks to build long-term values for all stakeholders.

“Good governance and ethical conduct provide the foundation for everything we do at Red Star Express. They help us earn the trust, manage risks, foster sustainable growth, and build a resilient business,” Koguna said.

He reiterated the commitment of the board and management to creating wealth for the shareholders of the company and all the stakeholders, pointing out that the company, through its Red Star Foundation, gave out 11 additional scholarships to students during the period.

“The success of our business depends on earning the trust of our customers, our partners and our stakeholders. That’s why we place such importance on strong corporate governance and ethical conduct,” Koguna stated.

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BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

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RICSSON has launched the latest edition of the annual Ericsson ConsumerLab TV & Media Report, representative of the views and habits of 680 million consumers making it one of the largest studies of its kind.

A key finding is that Video-onDemand (VOD) services are succeeding in meeting consumer needs, thus allowing consumers to change their viewing habits. Consumers now spend six hours per week watching streamed on-demand TV series, programmes, and movies - this has more than doubled since 2011. With recorded and downloaded content added to the equation, today 35 per cent of all TV and video viewing is watched on-demand.

Further findings highlight the considerable growth in consumers watching video on a mobile device: 61 per cent watch on their smartphones today, an increase of 71 per cent since 2012. When taking tablets, laptops, and smartphones into consideration, nearly two thirds of time spent by teenagers' watching TV and video is on a mobile device.

At the same time, user-generated content (UGC) platforms account for a growing share of consumers' TV and video viewing. Close to one in 10 consumers watch YouTube for more than three hours per day, and one in three now consider it very important to be able to watch UGC on their TV at home. In addition, the study finds that the increasing prominence of UGC-rich platforms, such as YouTube, has resulted in a popularity boost for educational and instructional videos, with consumers watching an average 73 minutes of these videos per week.

Anders Erlandsson, Senior Advisor, Ericsson ConsumerLab, says: "The continued rise of streamed

EMC XtremIO achieves $1b aggregate bookings

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•Ericsson headquarters

Video on demand services meeting consumers’ needs, says Erisson video on demand and UGC services reflects the importance of three specific factors to today's viewers: great content, flexibility, and a high-quality overall experience.

Innovative business models that support these three areas are now crucial to creating TV and video offerings that are both relevant and attractive."

Other significant findings from the report include: Bingeing is changing the game: Watching multiple TV episodes in

a row has rapidly become a key part of the TV and video experience.

This habit is prominent among Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD) users of services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO, of whom 87 percent binge-view at least once a week.

The difficulty of finding content: Half of consumers watching linear TV say they can't find anything to watch on a daily basis. Consumers feel that recommendation features are simply not smart or personal

enough.

Different bundles, different attitudes: 22 per cent of consumers who have never had a pay-TV subscription are already paying for overthe-top (OTT) content services.

Linear TV remains key: The popularity of linear TV remains high, mainly due to the access it gives to premium viewing and live content, such as sports, as well as its social value. In this respect, linear TV often acts as a 'household campfire'.

BlackBerry revenues slump 46.5%

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MARTPHONE maker BlackBerry Ltd reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results at the weekend but forecast higher revenue and said it might replace its operating system with Google Inc's Android platform.

Revenue fell 46.5 per cent to $490 million, well below the analysts' average estimate of $610.6 million.

Net income was $51 million, compared with $68 million in the prior quarter and a year-earlier loss of $207 million.

The Waterloo, Ontario-based company, which is pursuing a turnaround plan based on selling more software, said it expected modest

revenue growth in the remaining two quarters of this fiscal year, after nine quarters of falling sales, and a return to profitability in the fourth quarter.

It also confirmed widely expected plans to launch an Android smartphone later this year. This marked a shift away from its own BlackBerry 10 platform that failed to regain market share ceded to Apple Inc's iPhone and a slew of Android-powered devices.

"This phone is the answer for former BlackBerry users who miss the physical keyboard but also need apps," Chief Executive Officer John Chen said on a conference call.

The company could jettison its

own platform if the Android device gains acceptance with its core base of government and financial industry clients, Chen added.

BlackBerry shares, which fell as much as 8 percent before the morning bell, were down 2.7 per cent at $6.84 in Nasdaq trading.

"What they said on the call, speaking more about the outlook as opposed to the results itself, painted a less bleak picture," said Cormark analyst Richard Tse. BlackBerry, whose smartphone market share has dwindled, said earlier this month that it would buy rival mobile software maker Good Technology for $425 million.

It expects the deal to help win new clients for its services business, a

priority as it shifts its focus to device management software for enterprise customers.

Still, analysts noted revenue growth from the software arm was weak.

"I'm happy to give them credit for patent licensing, but that's not what we're talking about in terms of high-value recurring revenue," said CIBC analyst Todd Coupland.

Excluding restructuring charges, a non-cash credit tied to the value of debentures and other one-time items, the company reported a loss of 13 cents a share for the second quarter ended on Aug. 29.

On that basis, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S had, on average, forecast a loss of nine cents.

Samsung unveils brand theme, Palm Selfie Competition

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AMSUNG Electronics West Africa has announced the launch of a new brand theme, Dream Your Dream, which seeks to nurture the aspiration of young Nigerians who have great dreams with the potential to impact the country positively.

Speaking on the new theme, its Managing Director, Mr. Brovo Kim,

said the company understands that the desire of people to succeed in the pursuit of their dreams is enhanced by their ability to access the needed resources. "Samsung's culture of innovation is reaching beyond products, helping people realize their dreams by drawing on our entrepreneurial spirit to provide our customers a window to the

U.S. services sector’s growth ROWTH in America's serslows down vices sector eased during September to its slowest rate

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at any time during the last three months as new business expansion weakened for a second month, an industry report showed on Friday.

Financial firm Markit said its preliminary, or "flash", reading of its Purchasing Managers Index for the services sector slipped to 55.6 in September from the final 56.1 reading in August. A reading over 50 signals expansion in economic activity.

The data matched the 55.6 level forecast by economists in a Reuters survey.

A subindex measuring new business at service companies declined to 55.3,

its lowest level since January, from the final reading of 55.7 in August.

The employment component slipped in September from August.

"The survey data point to sustained steady expansion of the US economy at the end of the third quarter, but various warning lights are now flashing brighter, meaning growth may continue to weaken in coming months," said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit.

Markit's "flash" composite PMI, a weighted average of its manufacturing and services indexes, was 55.3, down slightly from 55.7 in August.

world. Our commitment to the success of the country has led to the launch of our new theme, Dream Your Dream," Kim said.

Its Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Emmanouil Revmatas said the theme tends to inspire progress and spur dreams to success. Nursing a dream is one thing, seeing it to fruition is another, he said. "Samsung is on a mission to provide the required tools needed to propel the future of our customers by delivering solutions that enrich their lives. We are expanding the boundaries of technology helping our customers succeed in their daily lives, encouraging them to take the required steps to becoming the change the country has been waiting for," he said.

The company stated that it would kick-off the new theme campaign with the launch of the Samsung J7 device, which is being launched with "Picture Your Dream" as its slogan. The slogan will drive a palm selfie competition with one lucky Nigerian having his dream actualised.

The Picture Your Dream campaign is expected to kick off in September. Individuals will be re-

quested to participate in a palm selfie competition where their dreams will be written on their palms, uploaded to www.pictureyourdream.ng. "The idea is to select seven finalists based on internal judges' discretion who will be rewarded a Samsung Galaxy J7 each. The seven finalists will then compete for social media votes in the second and final round. The finalist with the highest number of votes will emerge as the winner," Mr. Kim added.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. Samsung is also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. We employ 307,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of about $196 billion. To discover more, please visit our official website at www.samsung.com and our official blog at global.samsungtomorrow.com.

MC Corporation has announced the EMC XtremIO has achieved $1 billion in aggregate bookings in just over 18 months since its commercial market debut, making it, the fastest-growing product in EMC's 36-year history.

In EMC's second quarter earnings of this year, XtremIO revenue growth exceeded 300 per cent year over year, and remains the all-flash array market segment leader.

The industry's first and only allflash array provides consistent and predictable extreme performance to any application workload over any period of time. EMC's XtremIO features several unique flash innovations such as a scale-out multi-controller architecture with linear scalability; deduplication that is always on, and always inline, and data protection that is six times more efficient and four times faster than traditional redundant array of independent disks(RAID).

XtremIO is integrated within the EMC ecosystem to provide additional capabilities, ease-of-use, compatibility, and simply meets the right market need.

XtremIO enables IT application and storage opportunities for the next decade. Its success is proof of how organisations of all sizes are using XtremIO to achieve data center agility in ways never thought possible before.

MTN Foundation unveils new initiative

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TN Foundation (MTNF) has launched a new initiative tagged "#WhatCanWeDoTogether? on its 10th anniversary celebration in an effort to help more Nigerians live a better life.

With the #WhatCanWeDoTogether? Initiative, the Foundation will implement 200 projects in 200 communities across 200 LGAs in Nigeria.

For a project to be done in a community, people in the community are expected to register the community name and their preferred project, guided by the prompts that follow after dialing the specified code.

The Executive Secretary, MTNF, Nonny Ugboma, at the launch of the initiative over the weekend in Lagos said:?"You can change your community for good with your phone simply by dialing *123*14# or visit http:/ /foundation.mtnonline.com/do-together.

"By partnering with the MTN Foundation, a community of your choice could be a beneficiary of any of 200 projects to be implemented in 200 communities across 200 LGAs in the country. These projects could be any of the following: provision of school furniture, boreholes, transformers or household items for orphanages."

Ugboma said the initiative is a demonstration of the Foundation's commitment to continue to compliment government's efforts in ways that can improve project development in various communities across the country.

Commenting, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN Nigeria, Akinwale Goodluck, based the initiative on the relationship between the company and the country as 'relationship is a core value at MTN as a business'.

He said: "MTN and the MTN Foundation uphold the company's core value of building and sustaining relationships. Looking at what the Foundation has achieved in a decade, relationship plays an integral part in the success story of impact on millions of Nigerians in the areas of Education, Health and Economic Empowerment."

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BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

JPMorgan reaps $150m dividend from Henry Bath

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PMorgan Chase & Co reaped a $150 million dividend from its metals storage business Henry Bath & Son before selling its physical commodities business last October, as the firm reported its first loss in over a decade, a filing at the weekend showed.

A review of filings to the UK business registry revealed the payout to the Wall Street bank and the loss were the first since 2002 when Henry Bath was held by Enron, the failed energy trader and one of its best-known owners in its 200-year history.

JPMorgan officials were not immediately available for comment on the matter.

The payment to JPMorgan included in a filing at the weekend illustrates the big profits made during a period when warehouse owners were under attack for exploiting exchange rules in order to collect

more rent on stockpiled metals.

But the loss also underscores how quickly the lucrative business model has unraveled after the London Metal Exchange cracked down on the practices over the past two years, making it harder for storage firms to capture big profits.

Last year, the company, one of the founding members of the LME, swung to an after-tax loss of $6.5 million as turnover shrank by a third to $84 million and inventories fell for a second year, the filing said.

That compares with a $12 million profit in 2012 and bumper profits of $113 million in 2009, a year before JPMorgan bought the business.

It was also its first year in the red since 2002 when it reported a loss of just under $1 million. In March 2002, Henry Bath paid a $7 million dividend shortly before being sold to Sempra Energy.

Last year’s dividend was the only one returned to JPMorgan, suggesting the sum was an accumulation of profits during its four-year ownership.

The bank sold its physical commodities unit, including Henry Bath, for $800 million last October to energy trader Mercuria, ending a four-year foray into the lucrative business of handling oil, gas and metals amid rising regulatory and political pressure to retreat to the bank’s core business of lending.

Trafigura and JPMorgan’s rival Goldman Sachs, which also got into metals storage in 2010 lured by the fat margins, also exited recently.

Goldman Sachs sold its Metro warehousing last year and in August, Trafigura pulled out altogether.

Last week, China’s CMST Development Co Ltd said it planned to buy a majority stake in Henry Bath from Mercuria for $60 million

Google under U.S. scrutiny over Android

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OOGLE Inc. is back under U.S. antitrust scrutiny as officials ask whether the tech giant stifled competitors' access to its Android mobile-operating system, said two people familiar with the matter.

The Federal Trade Commission reached an agreement with the Justice Department to spearhead an investigation of Google's Android business, the people said. FTC officials have met with technology company representatives who say Google gives priority to its own services on the Android platform, while restricting others, added the people, who asked for anonymity because the matter is confidential.

The Android mobile platform ties together several Google products, including search and maps, into one bundle, echoing the even more dominant Microsoft Windows platforms. square before the information The Android mobile platform ties together several Google products, including search and maps, into one bundle, echoing the even more dominant Microsoft Windows platforms.

The inquiry is in its early stages, and it could end without a case against the company. Regardless, it shows the FTC is again turning its attention to one of America's biggest companies, two years after it closed a separate investigation into Google's Internet search business. The FTC's handling of the earlier probe left some technology companies skeptical of the agency's willingness to bring a case, according to the people.

Spokesmen for the FTC and Google however declined to comment.

The latest FTC scrutiny comes after Europe's antitrust chief challenged Mountain View, California-based Google earlier this year over its dominance of Internet search. The European Union has also started its own investigation into Google's Android platform following complaints, including from a group representing Microsoft Corp., Expedia Inc. and Nokia Oyj. It isn't clear to what extent EU and U.S. antitrust investigators are cooperating.

Glencore moves to sell stake in Grains Unit

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LENCORE Plc hired Citigroup Inc. and Credit Suisse Group AG to sell a minority stake in its agricultural business, a deal that could value the whole division at as much as $12 billion, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The Swiss-based company is in talks with about a dozen sovereign wealth funds and Asia-based trading houses, according to the same person, who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are private.

The sale is part of a debt-cutting program by Glencore's billionaire Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Glasenberg, announced in early September. The plan included selling $2.5 billion of new stock, asset sales, spending cuts and suspending the dividend. Taken together, the measures aim to reduce the company's debt from $30 billion to $20 billion.

Glencore is likely to sell the minority stake to a group of sovereign wealth funds and Asian trading houses, rather than to a single party, the same person said.

A Glencore spokesman declined to comment.

The company estimates the agriculture unit is worth about eight to 11 times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, the person said. Glencore's agricultural business generated Ebitda of $1.21 billion last year and $332 million in the first half of 2015.

Glencore shares briefly reversed earlier declines, which saw the price drop to an all-time low of 95 pence on Friday, and gained as much 8 percent to 106.5 pence. The commodities trading house sold shares in an initial public offering at 530 pence in May 2011.

• People waiting to enter a job fair in New York.

Euro zone’s inflation, U.S. jobs to determine health of major economies

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URO zone inflation and United States (U.S.) jobs data will offer clues to the health of major developed economies in the coming weeks while the malaise gripping emerging markets is expected to prompt India to cut interest rates.

China may release monthly foreign exchange reserve data indicating how much more the central bank has spent on steadying the yuan following August 11's surprise devaluation.

Catalans vote on Sunday in a regional election which separatist parties are framing as a proxy referendum on independence from Spain while polls point to no clear winner in Portugal's October 4 election.

Wednesday's flash reading of September's yearly euro zone inflation is expected at zero, although core inflation, which excludes volatile energy prices, is seen at 0.9 percent for a third consecutive month.

A negative headline inflation reading, which would be the first since March, would fuel speculation about further European Central Bank stimulus, six months after the euro zone's central bank launched a 1 trillion-euro-plus asset-purchase programme.

However, a surprisingly hawkishsounding Mario Draghi said the ECB needed more time to assess whether China's slowdown, particularly its impact on commodity prices, cheap oil and a rising euro, would slow inflation further.

Even if inflation turns negative again, deflation risks remain low, Unicredit analysts said in a note, with a fading of the base effect from 2014's plunge in energy prices likely to push the headline rate higher by year-end.

Friday's non-farm payrolls data is expected to show the U.S. economy added 203,000 jobs in September with

the unemployment rate holding steady after falling in August to 5.1 percent, its lowest since April 2008.

Wage growth, a focus for Federal Reserve policymakers, also accelerated last month.

Buoyant labour market data would revive expectations of a first U.S. interest rate rise in nearly a decade, after a sharp selloff in global financial markets sparked by worries about China's economy prompted the Fed to hold fire this month.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen said on Thursday she expects the U.S. central bank to begin raising rates this year as long as inflation remains stable and the U.S. economy is strong enough to boost employment. Her comments lifted the dollar on Friday.

The Fed has two more chances to hike this year, at meetings in October and December. A Reuters poll this week found 72 of 93 economists

Yellen eases fears of slowing growth

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.S. stocks were higher in late morning trading on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said she expects interest rates to be raised this year, easing concerns about slowing global growth and prompting a rally in bank shares.

Nike's surprisingly strong results in China pushed its shares up nearly 10 percent to a record high, giving the biggest boost to the Dow and the S&P. Data showing that the U.S. economy expanded more than previously estimated in the second quarter added to the positive tone and backed the case for a rate hike before the end of 2015.

Yellen said on Thursday that she and other policymakers do not expect recent global economic and financial market developments to significantly affect the Fed's policy. Nine of the 10 major S&P sectors were higher, led by the financial index's 1.54 percent gain - its biggest in 2-1/2 weeks.

"Yellen's speech gave a little bit of clarity to the markets," said Robert Pavlik, chief market strategist at Boston Private Wealth in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

"That put the market in a slightly better mindset. It understands what the Fed is going to be doing because the last FOMC meeting had left people scratching their heads."

Federal fund futures contracts showed traders were pricing in more than a 50 percent chance of a rate hike by the end of this year.

At 10:57 a.m. ET (1457 GMT) the Dow Jones industrial average was up 202.17 points, or 1.25 percent, at 16,403.49. The S&P 500 was up 16.79 points, or 0.87 percent, at 1,949.03 and the Nasdaq composite was up 32.02 points, or 0.68 percent, at 4,766.50.Markets have been skittish since last Thursday, when Yellen cited concerns about slowing global growth as a key reason for holding off from a much-anticipated hike. Since then, the S&P 500 had fallen about 3 percent through Thursday's close.

Airbus urges A320 suppliers to cut prices by 10%

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UROPEAN plane maker Airbus is pressing suppliers on its A320 jet programme to slash prices by at least 10 percent by 2019 in order to make the company's main cash cow more competitive, three people familiar with the matter said.

The enhanced efficiency plans echo rival Boeing's cost-cutting Partner for Success initiative, which has redrawn the relationship between suppliers and the world's biggest planemaker as the industry gears up for record output.

Airbus' cuts are just one part of an

internal efficiency program called SCOPe+ that also seeks savings through a close look at procurement and the way planes are developed and sold.

Airbus has told suppliers that the prospect of increased volumes and a longer lifespan for its best-selling jet, which has enjoyed a surge in sales due to an important makeover, means it is time to "review all options" in its supply chain.

This includes a fresh look at the company's procurement strategy that could include extra use of twin

sourcing for crucial parts: a strategy designed both to reduce costs and to reduce the risks of shortfalls as production increases.

Airbus is also looking at further shifting its business model to allow airlines less choice over accessories that they previously ordered direct, known as Buyer Furnished Equipment.

Also involved is a longer-term effort to weave manufacturing costs into the design process to prevent unintended overruns in costs on the factory floor, a tool known as "Rede-

sign to Cost.”

SCOPe+ aims to achieve a new baseline for supplier costs in 2019 that is “at least 10 per cent” lower compared with 2015, according to suppliers and an Airbus document seen

by Reuters.

Though Airbus has confirmed the existence of the SCOPe+ initiative, its details have not been publicly disclosed.

The initiative “is part of Airbus” long-term commitment toward boosting competitiveness through operational efficiency and continuous

improvement," a spokeswoman said.

In 2014, Airbus spent about 13 billion euros on parts for its A320 family of jets, which compete with Boeing's 737 in the busiest part of the $120 billion-a-year aircraft market.

Each plane contains three million parts.

The pressure on suppliers for price cuts comes as Airbus and Boeing are raising production of their singleaisle models to around 50 aircraft a month each, up from 42 a month, and pondering a further step-up to 60 a month.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

32

BUSINESS AFRICA

GEI sees increase in jobs, others in Nigeria

T

HE Global Entrepreneur Indicator (GEI) has predicted a favourable outlook for the economy for the next six months in job creation, access to capital, use of debt instrument and increase confidence in the Nigerian business environment, among others.

GEI, which is published by Entrepreneur Organisation (EO), said during a press conference in Lagos at the weekend that there is a positive outlook for the Nigerian entrepreneurship community with 100 per cent respondent hopeful that the economic environment will improve tremendously in the next six months.

In the survey where 3,670 participants shared their feelings various economic activities for the next six months stated that 63.6 per cent of EO members in Nigeria expect an increase in access to capital and no feeling of a decrease in the subject.

The survey stated that 36.4 per cent of respondents feel that access to capital will maintain current level.

EO GEI Survey also revealed that 45 per cent of the respondents see an increase in the use of debt instruments while 18.2 per cent others see a decrease use of same, but 32 per cent see the use of the instrument remain constant in the next six months.

There is also expectation from 72.7 per cent that the number of part-time

By Adedeji Ademigbuji

workers will increase while 9.1 per cent see decrease in the current number but 18.2 per cent stated that the number of part-time workers will remain constant for the next six months.

The economic outlook for the future shows an improvement. The analyses for the last six months showed 63 per cent of the samples increasing their full-time employees, 54.5 per cent showed business revenue increased and 45.5 per cent reported increase in net profit.

About 9.1 per cent, however, indicated that use of debt instrument increased in the previous survey.

On the global scale, the result showed that 81.5 per cent of EO members see business revenue increase while only five per cent thought a decrease is imminent while 13.5 per cent says it will stay the same way.

Net profit on the global level, according to 76.4 per cent of the respondent surveyed, will witness an increase while 6.9 per cent saw a decrease and 16.7 per cent said it will remain same over the next six month.

For Access to capital, only 36.4 per cent of the respondents see an increase in the next six months while 2.9 per cent expect a decrease with 60.7 per ent of the population saying it will maintain the status-quo.

S/Africa’s regulator to probe Volkswagen emissions

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HE South African government will investigate whether Volkswagen AG vehicles in the country are affected by the automaker's admission that it cheated on emissions testing for diesel engines.

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, a unit of the Department of Trade and Industry, will work with the environmental affairs and transport ministries to assess vehicles' compliance with emissions regulations, the NRCS said in an e-mailed statement dated September 23.

The portable emissions testing system (PEMS) is seen attached to the exhaust of a red 2016 Volkswagen AG Golf TDI emissions certification vehicle. The portable emissions testing system (PEMS) is seen attached to the exhaust of a red 2016 Volkswagen AG Golf TDI emissions certification vehicle.

Volkswagen admitted to rigging engines to circumvent pollution controls in the U.S., the country's Environmental Protection Agency said Sept. 19. The crisis wiped about 20 billion euros ($22.4 billion) off VW's market value this week, forcing Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn to step down on Wednesday as the scandal widened and opened the door for the exit of other top executives.

"If vehicles are found to be noncompliant, the NRCS will apply sanctioning process, which will

lead to recall of the relevant vehicles for correction," it said.

The regulator will compare implicated vehicle models against those that were approved in South Africa to determine whether there was any manipulation of pollution data, followed by sampling and testing of emissions requirements against the relevant local standard, it said.

Volkswagen South Africa spokesman Matt Gennrich declined to comment.

There were 8,472 new Volkswagens sold in South Africa in August, second only to Toyota Motor Corp.'s 9,939, according to National Association of Automobile Manufacturers data. Volkswagen sold the most passenger vehicles during the month, at 7,857 units, or 23 percent of the total.

•From left: Service Manager, West Africa, Lenovo Tech, Nkechi Okolo; General Manager; Graham Braum, and Marketing Manager Bolade Oyekanmi during a briefing at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Lenovo launches Phab, other devices ENOVO has unveiled the latest evolution in mobile devices, the Lenovo PHAB Plus, a beautifully designed premium phablet, optimised for single-hand use.

Targeted at today's millennials, the Lenovo PHAB Plus promises to eliminate the dilemma of choosing between costly smartphones with big screens and underwhelming small tablets by offering a sweet-spot 6.8-inch device with best-in-class entertainment, speedy Internet, and allday battery life.

"With today's tech-savvy millennial generation in mind, Lenovo is addressing the popularity of larger-screen personal devices, while acknowledging the portability struggles associated with tablet computers. The new PHAB Plus conquers these boundaries, merging the fun of a tablet with the portability of a smartphone in a stylish metallic uni-body casing. Unlike other phablets on the market, the Lenovo PHAB Plus boasts a full HD display optimized for one-hand usage and provides an unrivaled viewing and sound experience, all within an attainable and very competitive $299 price tag," said General Manager and Vice President, Tablet Business Unit, Lenovo, Jeff Meredith.

Lenovo also announced a broad redesign of its ThinkPad Yoga and ThinkCentre portfolios. A recent Lenovo survey of more than 6,000 businesses suggested that security,

L

S

The new ideacentre AIO 700 desktop delivers up to double the power, screen resolution and memory capacity from its three-year-old previous generation - ideal for watching videos and gaming. In addition to the performance leap, all the new devices boast stateof-the-art Lenovo design, significantly improved portability and the promise of intuitive, new technology like Windows 10 and Intel RealSense Cameras.

The new trio of ideapad MIIX 700 2in-1 tablet, ideacentre AI0 700 desktop and ideapad 500 laptop are all available with optional Intel RealSense Cameras so users can explore, discover and create new and intuitive ways to 3D game, video chat, scan and print through gesture-based computing.

The computing trifecta of Lenovo design, performance and the latest advancements in software and hardware offers consumers a completely refreshed computing experience.

New Lenovo design paired with Intel RealSense Cameras and Windows 10 deliver fresh PC performance.

New ideapad MIIX 700 12-inch 2in-1 tablet is recognizably different with a unique dual watchband hinge kickstand for those who value stylish design.

New ideacentre AIO 700 desktop makes this holiday season twice as nice for music and movie lovers, with up to double the CPU performance, screen resolution and memory capacity than three years ago.

SMEDAN, CU group empower 50

N

O fewer than 50 awaiting trial inmates of the Kirikiri Medium Prison, Lagos have been trained in some trades. They received training in areas, such as soap making, interior decoration, events planning and Psychology.

The training was executed by Prison Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN),with support from Covenant University (CU), Ota, Ogun State, Nigerian Prison Service and Small and Medium Enterprises Develop-

By Joseph Eshanokpe

ment Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

At the Sixth Graduation, a representative of the CU Vice Chancellor, Prof A. M. Gesinde said there could be no peace without justice.

Noting some injustices in the prison system, the don asked: "Who are those perpetrating injustices in our society? If justice is delayed, justice is denied - why is justice delayed unduly in our nation/ Why is it that

Brian Molefe emerges Eskom’s chief OUTH Africa's cabinet has appointed Brian Molefe as chief executive of power utility firm, Eskom, on a permanent basis, the public enterprises minister said at the weekend.

Molefe had been acting chief executive since mid-April when he was drafted in from state rail freight firm Transnet to try to stabilise the troubled power producer, which is battling to keep the lights on in Africa's most industrialised economy. Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown also said in a statement that the cabinet had appointed

mobility and reliability were amongst the top pain points today and more than a quarter plan to introduce convertible devices. The latest generation of thinner and lighter ThinkPad Yoga 260 and 460 convertibles and faster than ever ThinkCentre desktops have been designed to provide customers with solutions to their critical needs.

ThinkPad Yoga 260 is the world's lightest 12.5-inch convertible notebook for ultimate mobility starting at 2.9 pounds ThinkPad Yoga 260 and 460 are world's first convertible notebooks to incorporate an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) wireless WAN option ThinkCentre M900 Tiny proves to be the most powerful desktop per cubic inch2. Lenovo also introduces new OneLink+ Dock and Pro WiDi adapter, designed to reduce or eliminate complex wired connections New ThinkCentre desktops offer purposeful design and performance for end users with simple deployment and management tools The firm also announced seven new desktops, laptops and tablets across its popular ideacentre and ideapad subbrands, giving discerning shoppers multiple reasons to upgrade this holiday season. The fresh portfolio of devices include the new ideapad MIIX 700 2-in-1 tablet, new ideacentre AIO 700 desktop and five new laptops ideapad 300 and 500 and their thinner and lighter cousins ideapad 100S, 300S and 500S.

Ben Ngubane as chairman of Eskom's board and Anoj Singh as chief financial officer of the stateowned company.

"I welcome these appointments and they are part of my ongoing interventions to stabilise Eskom," Brown said.

Singh had also been on secondment from Transnet and Brown said its board would now look to replace him and Molefe, who face a formidable challenge as they try to turn Eskom around.

As well as struggling to supply power, Eskom faces a serious liquid-

ity crunch. It has said it needs R200 billion ($14.5 billion) to plug a funding gap until 2018.

There has been some relief in recent weeks. On September 14, Eskom imposed rolling power cuts for the first time in five weeks, and has not had to resort to them since then.

Earlier this year, South Africa suffered from almost daily blackouts as Eskom struggled to meet demand - a key reason behind the economy's contraction in the second quarter.

But new generation capacity and a warmer than usual winter and spring have helped to stem shortages

the less privileged individuals in our society are the ones prone to unending injustices? and why is justice elusive in our judiciary system?”

Gesinde said there was much to be done to enthrone justice in the country, adding: "A vote for peace and justice in Nigeria is an expensive task that must be executed by all and sundry.”

SMEDAN Director-General, Alhaji Bature Masari, urged the beneficiaries to see the training as a lifechanging programme, make something out of it and be lifted thereby.

He also urged Nigerians to do their best on how to make the society better and avail themselves of the objectives of SMEDAN. In a report, PFN's Project Coordinator Pastor N. O. Sule-Bamigbola said while 42 participated in the Onisemus Project of the PFN, 18 passed out. He thanked its partners for their support. He listed the project's challenges as inadequate funding, mentors, aftercare personnel and equipment.

He described the project as the last hope of the inmates, which can restore them to worthy living after their 'terms'. He said there were reports that many former inmates'

lives had been transformed and made productive to themselves and humanity after receiving the training.

Pastor Sule-Bamigbola said PFN plans to register the Onisemus Project as an entity and open offices in other states.

A beneficiary of the project Emmanuel Daniel praised PFN for the training. Daniel, who was a trader before his ordeal, said among others, that the programme helped to hone his skills in music, adding that he also benefited from its anger management training.

He said though many of his colleagues applied, only 30 were considered. He lamented that while at the 'prison'as an awaiting trial inmate, there were reports that he had lost his accommodation and property and was returning home to start life again, but that with the training he had received, there was hope for him.

Another female beneficiary, who refused to be named, said initially, she was abandoned until Onisemus executives picked her up. She listed the business training as her area of interest, adding: "I did business before and I failed. Now I have realised my mistake.''

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

33

THE CEO Taiwo Adeniyi is the new Group Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc. Prior to his appointment as the Group Managing Director; he was the Group Technical & Development Director. In this interview with Capital Market Editor TAOFIK SALAKO and IBRAHIM YUSUF, Adeniyi speaks on the macroeconomic environment, foreign exchange management and domestic manufacturing, anti-counterfeiting programmes and national economic outlook, among others.

•Adeniyi

‘Stable power supply will bring better life’ H

OW is the foreign exchange (forex) affecting the manufacturing sector?

The policy is taking a toll on us because forex is not available. For us at Vitafoam, 80 per cent of the materials we use are not in this environment because they are by-products of petrochemicals. They are not refined here, neither are they produced here yet. So, they are imported into this country.

We need to establish LCs (Letters of Credit).

As such, we have to source forex outside the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) platform.

And when you’re going to source forex outside the CBN platform that means you have to source it in the parallel market. But, again, the parallel market is also being controlled.

So, having access to forex is tough. In fact, the latest one causing us serious challenge is before you can service an LC, 48 hours before the bank can go and bid, the cash must be available in the bank.

The reverse used to be the case before now. Before now, the bank goes to make a

bid on your behalf based on documents and the CBN gives its authorisation and the bank makes the funds available once your bid is successful.

But right now, the CBN is saying 48 hours before you bid, the funds must be made available and even when that is done, it would not guarantee that you will get what you have ask for. So, it’s a tough one.

But again, as it is with every policy, it might be rough initially, but as we go on, it will get better. I think our policy mak-

ers should always look at the unintended consequences of policies, especially on the Nigerian manufacturing sector, and find ways to alleviate such problems.

Has the sector made representations to the government?

Of course, representation is being made by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to the CBN to say that you can’t shut out industries because the kind •Continued on page 34

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

34

THE CEO

‘Stable power supply will bring better life’ •Continued from page 33

of forex that we require is not the kind you can get from one bureau de change and you think it would be sufficient. But we expect people to come up with better options because if we don’t try you won’t know whether it will work.

The Nigerian manufacturing sector is important to the performance of the national economy and this must reflect in policy formulation.

Power used to be a major cost centre and a drag on profitability. What is your assessment of electricity supply now?

For the first time in six months, we recorded 45 per cent availability of power. It has always been 10-15 per cent because we check availability of supply from PHCN on a monthly basis. For the first time, we recorded about 47 per cent pan Nigeria. That’s a big success by this current government.

It can only get better as we go on in this new regime. Improvement in power supply will no doubt lead to reduction in cost and improvement in operating efficiency, which will all lead to improvement in corporate performance. All these will have positive effects on the average Nigerian as companies can create more jobs, make more money for shareholders and focus more on their corporate long-term investments as the national infrastructure improve.

How is adulteration affecting companies and what are you doing to deal with it at Vitafoam?

Adulteration is a major problem affecting domestic manufacturing. In fact, if I tell you how much we spend fighting adulteration annually, it’s mindboggling. Because again, these things come in through our porous borders and they are not being controlled.

People go outside of this environment to produce mattresses and use the same cloth we use to cover the mattress. And to think that these things pass through the borders, pass through the ports and somebody actually inspects them, is quite disappointing.

It is one thing we have been battling with the support of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other law enforcement agencies. We’re spending massively to address the problem of adulteration. We need government to look at the issue of border and port security and control to deter influx of substandard and adulterated goods. Besides, there is need for more stringent enforcement to send strong signals to counterfeiters and their collaborators.

Can you be specific on the amount you spend on combating counterfeiting?

I really do not want to give figures but it is really massive, I must say. Really we don’t also want them to know that we’re spending as much.

As the helmsman at Vitafoam could you tell us what your management style is?

Let me start by saying that I’m homegrown because I have been the Group Technical and Development Director before now. So, I have been part of the system for the past eight years. What have been driving us over the years are our innovative ability as well as our response time to the need of the general public. For us, innovation is the order of the day. We look at the environment and think of what else can we do. We go out; we interact and do needanalysis before we come out with any innovation.

What is your company’s level of commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

• Adeniyi

• Adeniyi

• Adeniyi

‘For the first time in six months, we recorded 45 per cent availability of power That’s a big success by this current government. It can only get better as we go on in this new regime. Improvement in power supply will no doubt lead to reduction in cost and improvement in operating efficiency, which will all lead to improvement in corporate performance. All these will have positive effects on the average Nigerian as companies can create more jobs, make more money for shareholders and focus more on their corporate long-term investments as the national infrastructure improve’ We always give back to the society. As we prepare our annual budget for the company, we also prepare our annual budget for the CSR activities in the course of the year. We are not only into the production of mattresses but also

involved in the production of baby products. A lot of the reasons why mothers don’t feed their babies are because of the situation they find themselves. You find that when you’re in the public nobody wants to begin to ex-

pose themselves and want to feed a baby in the public.

We have launched a product that we have come up with that allows the mother to be able to feed the baby anywhere.

It is called breastfeeding cover.

We also have a baby that can support anchor where the head of the baby will position well for the milk and also help the mother to lactate properly when feeding the baby. In fact, it is in partnership with the Lagos state government because they have always been there for us. For example every first day of the year we are always at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital to be part of the first baby of the year and we give out gifts to the first baby, mothers and workers, so that the hospital can also know that it is not just about the babies or mothers but also the staff.

How do you motivate your staff?

One of the things you find with the workforce is that as you settle down in office one of the agitations you face is that oga, what is there for us? Currently, we are looking at the structure and obviously we benchmark ourselves according to industrial standards and ensure that even if we are not the first, we are not also the last. From timeto-time we do industrial survey to keep in shape and size and ensure that we can retain the best standard.

You took over as the chief executive in April; where do you see Vitafoam in the next few years under your watch?

Well, let me say this first. The expansion programme of Vitafoam started about five years ago and we came up with a number of subsidiaries to be able to help the growth of the company. So when we came up with those other companies, it is the result of those innovations that we’re seeing today. When we ventured into these other businesses, the intention was to come up with a number of products that can actually help the society because before now, a number of these products were being imported into this country. These products can actually be produced here and today we have them. And that’s where you find Now, we have done expansion.

What we’re currently venturing into now is consolidation. We need to consolidate each of these subsidiaries to be able to have a life of their own. Before now, majority of them had depended on the parent company, which is Vitafoam but now want them to have a life of their own. And that’s the objective of this current management.

For instance, we have Vono, which is into the production of wooden and metal furniture.

Vono is much older than Vitafoam. But we decided to enter into a strategic alliance with Vono in order to be able to complement each other. We have Vitafoam Ghana, where we ship products produced in Nigeria and sell in Ghana. We have Vitafoam Sierra Leone. We have factories in four regions of this country, Kano, Aba, Jos and Lagos.

Besides general board and management strategies, what’s your vision for the company?

For me, as the MD of Vitafoam today and also going into the future, one thing that would drive the organisation to the level we want to take it to, is our integrity and commitment to meeting the needs of our customers. It’s all about your customers. And that’s what I’m for. For example, I could have sent one of my directors or one of my Head of Department to be part of this event, but I have chosen to come because I’m the Chief Marketing Officer of the company. For anywhere a marketing event is going to take place, I have to be there so that we can give credence to what is happening.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS INSURANCE

Better days ahead, say insurance chiefs Stakeholders in the insurance industry met in Ogun State last week. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO, who was at the forum, reports that despite the challenges, they see a bright future in the industry.

T

HE industry has recorded a year-onyear turnover of 18.4 per cent and17.4 per cent compounded average growth (CAGR) between 2007 and 2013.

Its total assets have hit N711.4 billion from about N347.1billion in 2007, indicating an increase of 104 per cent.

This notwithstanding, the industry remains largely underpenetrated with insurance density at 0.225 per cent considering industry premium of $1.5 billion in comparison to other African countries, these were some of the highlights of the performnace of the industry.

But industry chiefs said the gap was as a result of low penetration. Group Managing Director, Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc, Wole Oshin, in a presentation at an insurance forum in Ogun State titled: “Opportunities and returns in the Nigerian business environment”, said regulatory changes in the industry, including No premium, No cover, International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) adoption, enforcement of Market Development Restructuring Initiative (MDRI), among others, have led to growth in the industry.

He however said the challenges, which include the negative perception of the industry, still persist.

According to him, information technology is still below par and wide data gathering and document management is poor.

He said this affected proper product pric-

ing and development, adding that the industry is highly fragmented and competitive, thereby affecting the pace of growth in overall market size.

He identified other challenges such as enforcement of compulsory insurances, scarcity of human capital in certain specialised areas like actuaries and rise in fraudulent claims.

Oshin said the life business contributes 25 per cent and growing with a potential to surpass the general business in 10years.

He said: “A shift in focus to retail business would largely unlock hitherto uninsured risks through product channels, such as mobile phones and retail outlets. The bottom of the pyramid and low income mass market hold a huge potential for the industry, albeit in the medium to long term e.g. agricultural insurance.

“A regulatory environment that is favourably disposed to change and growth and a closer collaboration between government and the industry will help the industry.

“The industry performance is impressive.

The gross premium income growing from N100 billion in 2007 to N302 billion at the end of 2014, an increase of over 200 per cent.

The Insurance sector is dominated by the general insurance sector. This trend is however changing rapidly.”

Oshin said the recent happenings in the industry are pointers to a reinvigorated and competitive industry which includes:

• Oshin

•Musa

He said favourable economic performance, recent policies and government support through various legislations and the repositioning among industry players to harness the huge market potentials through mergers and acquisitions is vital to further growth in the industry.

He however cautioned, saying that the economy had been slow and might be sliding to a recession which could affect insurance business across board.

The sector is going through a process of change and recovery, however with recent developments in the economy, the companies that will stand tall are those who are savvy enough to navigate through the predicted downturn in the economy.

Group Managing Director, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Ganiyu Musa, who spoke on critical success factors for market expansion and penetration strategies, said operators should maintain price discipline to deal with ratecutting issues.

He said there was also greater collaboration between underwriters and brokers, adding that operators should be selfregulated.”There is need for alignment of in-

novative products with the customers’real needs, increase micro-insurance penetration in new segments, such as agriculture, introduce Takaful insurance to rural parts of the country to further deepen insurance penetration.

“We must fully exploit the opportunities offered by the banking distribution platforms, use of technology to improve products distribution and leverage on the 126 million active lines to boost insurance penetration.

“There must be greater collaboration between operators and regulator to expand the market, enforcement of the six classes of compulsory insurance through collaboration with other relevant stakeholders and improved tax environment for operators and policyholders.”

Musa noted that if all of these are done, N1 trillion is achievable by operators in three years.

He said, according to EFInA (2014), 14.3 million adults would like to have insurance products.

He said market discipline, public awareness on products and claims settlement is very crucial.

Standard Alliance shareholders set to approve N2.2b ordinary shares

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HE Board of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc is set to okay the sale of the Treasury Shares amounting to 2, 212, 046, 824 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 25 kobo per share by way of Special Placement to identified Strategic Investor, Gemrock Management Company Limited.

A statement signed by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Nelson Egboboh, explained that this would be done at the organisation’s 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Wednesday, next week in Lagos.

He said at the meeting, the com-

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

pany’s owners would ratify the appointment of the new Group Managing Director/CEO and directors.

He noted that the AGM was coming a bit earlier than others held in the last three years because of the efforts of the new management, noting that it was the desire of the new team to return the company to its first quarter meeting timetable it was known. He said the shareholders would be expected to receive and adopt the audited financial statements and auditor’s report and audit committee’s report for the year

ended December 31, 2014.

He said: “The company has called its shareholders’ attention to the unclaimed share certificates and dividend warrants which were returned by the post office as “unclaimed,” informing that they were with its registrars.

“Some dividend warrants sent to shareholders’ registered addresses or their bankers are yet to be presented for payment or returned to its Registrars of the company for revalidation, advising that affected members should contact First Registrars”, he said.

UK employer pension contributions down by 48%

U

NIKED Kingdom (UK) fears have been raised that employers are slashing the amount they pay into workers’ pensions in an attempt to save money, after official figures revealed a near-50% collapse in contribution rates in 12 months.

The Guardian reported that the average amount being paid into private-sector defined contribution (also known as money purchase) workplace pension schemes plummeted to 4.7% of a worker’s salary in 2014, when a year earlier it stood at 9.1%, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The figure of 4.7% is made up of a typical employee contribution of 1.8% of eligible pay, plus a contribution from their company of 2.9%.

A reduction in the average contribution rate had been viewed by many as an inevitable side-effect of

the government’s “auto-enrolment” regime, which is currently being rolled out and requires all employers to put eligible workers into a pension scheme.

Under auto-enrolment, in order to ease workers into the new system, the total minimum contribution into their workplace pension has started at just 2% of earnings before rising to 5% in October 2017 and then 8% in October 2018.

The ONS said an increase in the number of new members starting on the minimum rates would clearly pull down the average figure, but the scale of the reduction – a 48% fall in 12 months – is likely to alarm some observers.

The ONS said: “The fall in employer contributions may also be due to employers reducing contributions into existing pensions, referred to as ‘levelling down’.”

The ONS acknowledgement that a levelling down of existing schemes may be taking place is significant, because during the runup to the introduction of auto-enrolment, there were warnings from many experts that companies might decide to offset the costs of enrolling new staff by cutting their contributions into existing workers’ pensions.

As far back as 2010, the National Association of Pension Funds was warning there was “a risk … that many employers level down their provision to the minimum to contain their pension costs as membership increases”.

That same year, Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, was quoted as saying: “If some [employers] level down, they will only confirm negative perceptions of pensions.”

Woes persist as Obamacare enters third year

J

UST a few weeks before the third Obamacare enrolment season begins, researchers are pointing out that millions of people are still uninsured, despite the law, and that there are real hurdles to convincing people to sign up.

The first two enrolment seasons made a sizable dent in the U.S. uninsured population, as about 17 million Americans have gained coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s various provisions, the Department of Health and Human Services estimated this week.

But of the millions left who are still uninsured, many haven’t tried to buy Obamacare coverage at all even though they might be eligible for subsidies to help pay for it.

Those who do visit the insurance marketplaces often find it difficult to compare plans.

And just about everyone buying plans faces a steep rise in deductibles, making it harder to afford the care they need throughout the year.

Fewer than half of the Americans who visited healthcare.gov or staterun marketplaces last year actually enrolled in coverage, a Commonwealth Fund survey released Friday found. The survey also found that a majority of those who decided against enrolling said they couldn’t find a plan they could afford, even though 54 percent had incomes making them qualified for federal assistance.

“I think there is a lot of confusion both in terms of people who haven’t gone to the marketplaces at all, and

once they do get there, choosing plans that are affordable for them,” said Sara Collins, Commonwealth’s vice president for healthcare coverage.

One of Obamacare’s major goals was to provide affordable coverage to those without employer-sponsored plans, and the law supplies federal subsidies to those earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. The subsidies help lower the consumer’s cost, much as employer contributions help lower costs for their workers.

Besides uneducated consumers, there is the problem of skyrocketing deductibles, ailing both plans offered in the marketplaces and plans offered by employers.

A survey released earlier this week by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that while premiums are growing at a relatively modest rate, about four percent a year, deductibles have risen almost three times as fast since 2010 for employer-sponsored plans. And one in four covered workers are enrolled in high-deductible plans, compared to 13 percent five years ago.

“Health costs are growing faster than the economy and they’re growing faster than workers’ paychecks,” said Joel White, president of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage. “What we’re looking at in 10 years is where the average family is going to spend half of their income on health coverage. It’s clearly not sustainable.”

•Culled from Washington Examiner

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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MOTORING

‘Volkswagen rigged tests on 2.81m cars in Germany’ V OLKSWAGEN rigged emission tests on about 2.8 million diesel vehicles in Germany, the country’s transport minister said, nearly six times as many as it has admitted to falsifying in the United States.

His comments, pointing to cheating on a bigger scale than previously thought, deepened the crisis at the world’s largest automaker as its supervisory board held a crucial meeting.

The board has named Matthias Mueller, the head of its Porsche sports-car division, as chief executive to replace Martin Winterkorn, who quit on Wednesday, and at least four senior executives are expected to be purged.

Shares in the German company, which had started to steady after sharp falls earlier this week, were down 4.5 percent at 1335 GMT after Bloomberg also reported that executives in Germany controlled aspects of the manipulated U.S. tests, citing three people familiar with the U.S. business.

Volkswagen is under heavy pressure to show it can get to grips with the biggest business-related scandal in its 78-year history.

Mueller, 62, would represent part of the fresh start that Winterkorn said was needed when he stepped down.

The board will also dismiss the head of its U.S. business, the top

engineers of its luxury Audi and Porsche brands and the head of brand development at its VW division, sources added, aiming to show it is acting decisively to end the crisis.

Volkswagen shares have plunged as much as 40 percent, wiping tens of billions of euros off its market value, since U.S. regulators said last Friday it had admitted to programming diesel cars to detect when they were being tested and alter the running of their engines to conceal their true emissions.

The scandal keeps growing.

German transport minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Thursday Volkswagen had also cheated tests in Europe, where its sales are much higher, and on Friday put the number of affected vehicles in Germany at 2.8 million.

Regulators and prosecutors across the world are investigating the scandal.

The wider car market has been rocked, with manufacturers fearing a drop in sales of diesel cars and tighter regulations, while customers and motor dealers are furious that Volkswagen has yet to say whether it will have to recall any cars.

“VW needs to be very open about what has happened, how it was possible that this could happen to make sure that this never

happens again in the future,” said a leading Volkswagen shareholder, underlining the importance of the board meeting.

“These are priorities that should override all other considerations at the moment.”

The task facing Mueller, if his selection is confirmed, is huge.

The company said on Tuesday 11 million vehicles worldwide were fitted with the software that allowed it to cheat U.S. tests, while adding it was not turned on in the bulk of them.

Analysts hope that on Friday it may at last say which models and construction years are affected, and whether cars will need to be refitted.

They also expect it to announce a full investigation of the scandal, with German newspaper Handelsblatt saying it planned to hire U.S. law firm Jones Day to lead a no holds barred inquiry, and to give the outlines of a new management structure likely to be less centralized, but with a clearer system of checks.

Volkswagen has long been seen as a symbol of German industrial prowess and the auto industry is one of the country’s major employers and a key source of export revenue.

Earlier this month, Volkswagen delivered a presentation to investors at the annual Frankfurt mo-

tor show entitled “Stability in Volatile Times”. Now Chancellor Angela Merkel is urging it to act quickly to restore confidence in the Volkswagen name.

Frank Schellenberg, a taxi driver in Wolfsburg where the carmaker employs around 70,000 people, said locals felt betrayed and feared the worst.

“They have lost any contact with the real world, the customers who have been buying their cars in good faith,” he said, pointing to the firm’s 13-storey administrative building. “Everyone in Wolfsburg is expecting tough times and job cuts.”

Half a dozen Greenpeace protesters were outside Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant on Friday, waving banners saying “No more lies!” in front of three diesel-engine VW Golf hatchbacks.

Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said he would welcome the appointment of Mueller, a former head of product strategy and close to the Piech-Porsche family that controls Volkswagen.

But Bernstein’s Max Warburton questioned whether a man who has spent more than three decades at the company was the right man to signal a break with the past. He favors Herbert Diess, a former research and development chief of rival BMW who was hired to run

the VW brand in December.

“VW needs to think big and bold,” Warburton said, urging the new CEO to offer to buy back and scrap almost 500,000 diesel cars sold in the United States, which would cost about $6 billion, as well as suspend the 100 engineers most closely associated with the affected engines and software.

Another top Volkswagen shareholder said it would have been better for Winterkorn to sort out the crisis before handing over to a successor, pointing to how oil company BP managed its recovery from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

“I would have preferred Winterkorn to have stuck around for another month or so, through the worst of the storm, then the company appoint another CEO.” Environmentalists have long complained that carmakers game the vehicle testing regime to exaggerate the fuel-efficiency and emissions readings of their vehicles.

The International Council on Clean Transportation, one of the research groups that helped uncover Volkswagen’s deception, has published new data showing carbon dioxide emissions in European road tests were on average 40 percent higher than the laboratory results advertised in car sales literature.

Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA: Frankfurt motor show concept previews future Mercedes

T

HE Frankfurt motor show is also known as the ‘IAA’ (Internationale AutomobilAusstellung, since you asked), so it was about time someone did a car with the same name.

That someone, perhaps inevitably, is Mercedes-Benz. And in the case of its latest concept, IAA stands for Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile.

It justifies both those elements to its name with a body that extends at higer speeds. Normally, it’s 5040mm long – but above 50mph the rear body extends to a total length of 5430mm.

This helps it slip through the air with a Cd of just 0.19, aided by movable elements in the grille and front bumper which aid airflow around the arches and beneath the car.

Toss in a 275bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain and you’ve got a car which can surge past that 50mph mark with ease – as well as achieving up to 191.6mpg at the pumps.

But the IAA is not just a futuristic concept car. Its styling has more than a touch of the four-door

•Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA

coupe to it – and indeed it’s the broadest hint yet at what the next CLS will look like.

The IAA’s interior also previews the sort of cabin treatment

you can expect when the CLS and next E-Class hit the streets. The concept has a 100mm longer wheelbase than the current version of those two, suggesting that

Mercedes is working towards a major increase in passenger space.

“It shows, in a host of details, what our customers can look forward to in future production mod-

Audi Q1 leads as Volkswagen Group unveils new wave of SUVs

Aston Martin to release electric car in two years

A

T

HE Q1 will be based on the platform that underpins the three-door Audi A3 The new MQB platform from the Volkswagen Group is going to get plenty of iterations in the next year.

It’s going to be underpinning a whole slew of small SUVs from the company. Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen SUVs are all on the way, all aiming for the space below vehicles like the Skoda Yeti and Audi Q3.

There should be considerable savings in both investment and time if they share the common platform, and those benefits should be passed on to consumers.

The first vehicle to emerge in this programme is the Audi Q1, which we should see at the Geneva motor show in March 2016. The Q1 will be

•Audi-Q1

based on the platform that currently underpins the three-door Audi A3.

There should be a range of engines offered by the VW Group, from 1.0litre to 2.0-litre, from petrol to die-

els,” confirmed Mercedes’ marketing boss Ola Källenius. All will be revealed as the Mark III CLS moves towards production in 2017.

sel, and there should be hybrid versions as well. Prices should begin between £14k and £20k for the different brands within the group.

STON Martin are known for making some of the most beautiful and powerful cars around, but they’re not famed for their fuel efficiency.

The company’s looking to change that soon, with plans to release a completely electric car based on the petrol-powered Aston Martin Rapide Sedan at some point in the next two years.

Speaking to Automotive News, Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said that emissions and fuel economy legislation means that the company could soon find itself having to make less powerful cars to meet standards - something Aston and its customers don’t want to see.

However, if they produce a zero-

emissions car, they’ll also be able to work on their traditional offerings. As Palmer says: “If you want to keep making V-12 engines, then you’ve got to do something at the opposite end of the spectrum.”

There’s no specifics yet, but the CEO told Automotive News that the company was looking at an allwheel drive, 800 horsepower car with a 200 mile range.

That’s a challenge to Tesla, who currently lead in the high-end electric car market. However, Aston Martin look likely to go even higher.

Palmer didn’t give anything away about the price when speaking to the publication, but hinted it would be in the $200,000 to $250,000 range (£128,000 to £160,000)

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

40

SHOWBIZ

Ruggedman to release new single on October 1

• Sadiq Daba

• Ruggedman

By Vivian Anaba

A

• Afolayan

How the AMAAs went down

T

HE 2015 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) happened last Saturday at the Broad Walk Centre in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It was a night of the best of African cinema. At the end of the event, Ghana won no award at the 11th edition of the AMAAs, as the country’s only hope, Joselyn Dumas lost her award.

But winners include The Legacies of Rubies Nigeria (Best Animation), Layla Walet and Mehdi A. G. Mohammed - Timbuktu (Best Child Actor), October 1 (Best Nigerian Film), Egypt Modern Pharaohs (Best Documentary), Supremacy - USA (Best Diaspora), Twaga Burkina Faso (Best Short Film), Fevers - Morocco (Best Film By An African Living Abroad), INumber Number (Best Visual Ef-

fect) and Njinga: Queen of Angola - Angola (Winner for Achievement in Make-up).

Others include Lobraz Kaan - Mauritius (Achievement in sound)), Triangle - Ethiopia (Best Achievement in soundtrack), Timbuktu (Achievement in editing), 30 Days in Atlanta - Nigeria (Best Comedy Film), Le President - Cameroun (Achievement in Screenplay), Samson Tadese, Traingle - Ethiopia (Best actor in a Supporting Role), Joint award to Kemi Lala Akindoju (Dazzling Mirage) and Hassan Spike (Boda Boda Thieves), Hilda Dokubo Nigeria (Best Actress in a Supporting Role), Sadiq Daba (Best Actor in a Leading Role) and Destiny (Best First Feature Film by a Director).

CE rapper and fashion entrepreneur, Michael Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has assured his fans that he will drop a new single, 8 figures (TSW Remix), on Thursday, October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day. For a while now, it has been rumoured controversial rapper, fondly called Ruggedy Baba by his fans, is working on an album.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Nation, Ruggedman, who recently celebrated his birthday on 20th of September in a mini concert also marked the day with the re-launch of his clothing line, TSW, and the launch of a new venture, water business.

“It’s a single from the forthcoming Money Making Music 2 album which is a sequel from the first Money Making Music (MMM) album,” he said of the new track, adding that “it is going to be a joint album between my artist Mbryo and myself.”

He said that the song will officially repre-

sent his 8 Figures fashion line.

Guest artistes that feature on the album are Terry G, Olamide, Ice Prince, Patoranking, Victoria Kimani, Korede Bello, Jaywon, and Dammy Krane.

Fans ponder Pat Attah’s fate

O

NE of Nollywood’s lover boys of the 90s and early 2000s, Pat Attah, co-actors with Ramsey Nouah in Mega Fortunes, is presently the centre of concern for some Nigerian movie lovers. Recently, he became a topic of discussion on social networks when some of his fans wondered what would have become of him if he had stayed on with his counterparts who are presently doing well in the industry, bagging ambassadorships.

According to reports, the actor who recently got married and is based abroad, is said to have become born-again and is now in the business of winning souls for Christ; using social networks to deliver his sermon/message to those who log on.

Pat, as recalled, aside acting, was also a fashion model and musician. Though absent from the movie scene, he is said to be making waves in Europe with his career as a musician. Reports have it that he, with his band, performed at several major musical concerts around Europe, between 2008 and 2010.

Pat came into limelight in the early 90s playing the lead character in a popular Nigerian soap opera. He was the star of the critically acclaimed Nollywood movie, Glamour Girls, released in 1994.

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

In 2011, like his colleagues, even after quitting acting, he was a victim of identity theft.

Pat reported that someone was taking advantage of people by soliciting favors in his name from unsuspecting fans, thereby protecting his fans by tracking down one of the impersonator.

Presently nothing has been heard of the actor on what he is doing and his present reside.

• Attah

Femi Jacobs, Hadiza Abubakar excite in Middlemen

A

new television series is set to excite lovers of soap operas across the nation. Titled Middlemen, the series, which is sponsored by Intercontinental Distillers Limited, makers of Veleta fruit wine, features established thespians such as Femi Jacob’s (Arc), Hadiza Abubakar (Pamela), KC Ejelonu (Tap), Chucks Ogene (Tim).

A story of struggle and the thirst for success, Middlemen has Joseph Oamen as its Executive Producer.

The drama series follows the life of Toju Aisha Peters (TAP) and Adeola Remilekun Coker who both come together to start their own advertising agency in a small apartment, after both losing their jobs when they failed to land The Walnut Incorporated account.

By Ovwe Medeme

They start the agency ARC & TAP in Adeola’s small apartment, much to his girlfriend’s dismay, and go through a series of clashing ideas, constant struggle to land accounts (big or small), making a mark in the industry and their never ending story of who actually is boss.

Every year Walnut Incorporation gives AD agencies a chance to pitch to them why they think they should handle their accounts and how they can move the brand forward. Toju and Adeola are determined to get that chance.

They do. And the big question of who becomes boss comes to play.

Bolaji Alalade, Head of Marketing, Inter-

• David oyelowo in captive

Hollywood movie, Captive to premiere in Lagos

A

S Nigeria celebrates its 55th anniversary, The Rock Cathedral, in conjunction with the United States Consulate General, Lagos is set to offer Nigerians a taste of Hollywood with the premiere of the crimedrama thriller, Captive.

According to a statement from the US Consulate, the film which premieres at The Rock Cathedral, 4th Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, by 5pm on October 1, ‘aims to awaken a purpose-driven life for all Nigerians.’

Captive is a story of faith, redemption, and survival, based on the non-fiction book Unlikely Angel by Ashley Smith. It is a true story about Brian Nichols, who escapes from the Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta on

March 11, 2005 and holds Smith as a hostage.

Filming began in October 2013 in North Carolina. The film was released worldwide on September 18, 2015 by Paramount Pictures.

Captive tells the true story of Smith using Rick Warren’s best-selling book, A Purpose Driven Life, to find her own path to redemption and persuade her captor to find his. British-Nigerian actor and Golden Globe Award nominee, David Oyelowo, who recently portrayed Martin Luther King, Jr. in the film Selma, and American actress Kate Mara (House of Cards, The Fantastic Four) are among the cast of Captive.

The film was directed by Jerry Jameson and written by Brian Bird and Reinhard Denke.

• Hadiza Abubakar and Femi Jacobs on set of Middlemen

national Distillers Limited, explained his company’s involvement in the project. “We have decided to support this project because we have come to discover that soap operas are seen as a mode of relaxation for scores of families. The soap reaches out to people of all walks of life and it also cuts across all age strata.

That reach cannot be overlooked and it is a veritable opportunity to showcase our products while families are entertained,” he said.

The soap opera is being aired on various terrestrial and cable TV stations.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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NEWS

Regional integration and enhanced productivity as a recipe for paradigm shift in the Southwest (II) (Continued from last Friday)

Among these include the first television station in Africa (now NTA), the first stadium in West Africa (Liberty Stadium), the first tallest building tropical Africa (Cocoa House) and the famous free education programme.

What is most significant for me, within the context of today’s gathering and our concern, is the opportunity that these states now have to constitute a veritable model for national productivity, regional integration and other regional centres of excellence that others of the country and the continent can proudly emulate. The Schumpeterian spirits and unbridled entrepreneurship that were the building blocks of the foundation of the Old Western Region have been compromised.

The need to reform the national productivity paradigm of Nigeria became obvious to me a long time ago in my continuous attempt to resolve the dysfunctionality of the Nigerian Civil Service. The necessity of a radical rethinking of a productivity-oriented Nigerian state has never been more compelling than now. Nigeria’s long decades of oil exploration and high growth figures have been accompanied by low productive capacity (deindustrialization), high unemployment and rising poverty and inequality. Nigeria presents a good case of a development paradox – “poverty in the midst of plenty” or “a resource curse development syndrome”. Such a paradox calls for deep rethinking and reflection on the country’s development model and paradigm. Any development paradigm that is not anchored on productive capacity and human development will remain noninclusive and unsustainable. Such countries will not be able to effectively translate economic growth into economic development that substantially transforms the wellbeing and living conditions of citizens.

The philosophical underpinning of the Western Region was entrepreneurship – based on building the ‘cake of development’. In the process of sharing from the ‘national cake’, the Schumpeterian spirit and professionalism have been replaced with patronage, nepotism and clientelism. Sooner than later, the region experienced a cliff, by falling from its productivity apogee to a trough. Our ingenuity, innovativeness, and the cliché of a pace setter disappeared. The Yoruba euphemism of ‘ajise bi Oyo laari, Oyo kiise bi omo enikankan’ turned to become a business as usual spirit – a cancer that destroyed our innovativeness and originality.

At some point in time, the Western Region and Nigeria failed to emulate the paradigm shift that raised development frontier in the old western region. There are some of the structural factors that steadily took us to the development trough include: • The dynamics and operational mechanics of the relationship between productivity, performance and service delivery is not systematically managed, researched or tapped for effective policy implementation. Instead, we allowed nepotism and inefficiency to overtake productivity and performance.

• Government remains the single largest employer of labour and provider of services in the economy with size and wage bill that is unsustainable and cry for restructuring within the logic that it will get worse before it will get better or in the language of reform, you can’t eat omelette without cracking egg. By the time we realized it, the proportion of capital expenditure at the Federal Government level fell from 41.67 percent during 1981-1990 to mere 17.77 percent during 2003-2014. The situation in some states is even worse. The resources meant for the entire population is be-

ing used to service less than 1.0 percent of the population.

• The Nigerian economy remains mono-sectoral. The managers of the economy failed to decouple the economy and its sustenance away from oil.

While countries like United Arab Emirate and Norway succeeded in decoupling their economy from oil, Nigeria became more enmeshed in the fortune and vagaries of oil. We were trapped into boom and burst of oil revenues with rising expectations from the public on government, including wage increase, subsidies going beyond capacity, and free meal at schools.

Fiscal policy, if well managed, could be a veritable tool of development management. The Nigerian situation has proved worrisome and challenging in charting the course of development. Reversing the fiscal dependency syndrome remains a tall challenge.

The 1960s, when the Western Region was contributing to the Federal purse through the Cocoa Marketing Board, witnessed substantial regional and physical development such as the construction of the tallest house in tropical Africa and the most state of the art university (then University of Ife, known to be the second most beautiful university in Africa, after University of Alexandra in Egypt). However, when we moved from baking the cake to sharing the cake, development fortune plummeted. The region that was setting the pace of national development in the 1960s and 1970s became a region with ‘cap-in-hand’ thereafter – relying on the Federal Government to finance its development. State Governments barely generate about 17 percent of their total available revenues. Figure 1, shows the capacity of state government to generate internal revenues.

How do Western States performed relative to national average in revenue generation? Using 2013, as a reference year, only three states Lagos, Ogun and Oyo performed above the national average of 15.3 percent of total revenues. Over the years, Lagos has been collecting more than 50.0 percent of its total revenues: down from 63.5 percent in 2008 to 54.9 percent in 2011 and 53.02 percent in 2013. Next is Ogun from 27.5 percent in 2008 to 31.08 percent in 2013. Oyo is also above the national average – 19.2 percent in 2013.

The contiguity of these states, tends to promote fiscal policy harmonization, could be an advantage. The contiguity of the Western region therefore remains an opportunity that should rubon on all the states of the region. This calls for regional integration and fiscal policy harmonization. Although the fiscal power is still very low, Ondo State is one of the states with rising fiscal efforts. For instance, Ondo State ranked highest among states with an increased IGR/TR ratio from 2.1 per cent in 2010 to 8.6 per cent in 2011. This is followed by Kogi and Bauchi States.

The level of fiscal dependence has created some fiscal inequality among states (Figure 3) – with Lagos State accounting for about 50 percent of the total internally generated revenues in the country. This is further driving inequality in wages between the centre and the periphery and, consequently deepening underdevelopment of the sub regions. This calls for mentorship and benchmarking between performing and struggling states on IGR The current growth and development model, built around a resourcebase factor (oil) is counterproductive to the country and particularly the South West. The inability to decouple the national and state economies from oil is creating some dependency that could derail inclusive and sustain development in the Western Region. It takes little reflection to see why such a bottom-up growth trajectory automatically supports the craving for regional integration economies of scale among the states in the Southwest.

•Dr. Olaopa

Fiscal policy, if well managed, could be a veritable tool of development management.

The Nigerian situation has proved worrisome and challenging in charting the course of development Regional integration has equally been signalled as a potent factor in the economic successes of some of the advanced economic nations of the world.

The story of Chinese development remains incomplete without regionalization, especially the delta cultivation.

There is no reason why the southwest would not toe this path even if it is just to advance it’s development agenda.

The recalibration of Western Region development agenda call for some paradigm shift that allows for inclusive and sustainable development. This can be honed on two building blocks – productivity paradigm and regionalization prism. Building and enhancing productive capacity is the only long-term means of improving and sustaining national wealth.

Shifting the productivity frontier calls for a new service compact between the people and government, not only in terms of service delivery but also in terms of fiscal citizenship. There is quid-pro-quo in fiscal-development conundrum. Quality services propel people to willingly pay taxes and reduce tax evasion. Inefficiency service delivery creates a wedge between the government and the governed on taxes and levies. It also calls for a compact between the Governors and the various MDAs, and between the Ministries and their various departments and agencies as well as social contract between the public and the private sector as well as the civil organizations.

Moving on to the next level of development paradigm calls for a professional, agile, well-remunerated and committed public service.

Productivity enhancement provides the link between innovation and entrepreneurship. We need to unleash drivers of productivity growth to stimulate entrepreneurship – the imperatives of new business creation. For the Western region to stimulate innovation, substantial investment is needed in research and development (R&D), patenting and creative activities, and digital information. To successfully shift development frontier in the Western Region, states and local government must invest heavily on productivity enhancement, entrepreneurship development and technological building, diffusion and transfer.

A possible revival of regional eco-

nomic cooperation through intensification of trade, implementation of regional investment projects, could foster economic growth in the Western Region. In fact, the compelling justifications to do so also offer some strategic policy actions. Key factors that foster regionalization and development could accelerate sustainable development are: (i) Networking: The States in the region should prioritize networking on policies and strategies both at the technical and strategic levels. This facilitates sound development exchange through drawing on lessons and experience sharing among states issues of strategic focus. A good example is networking in revenue generation capacity for effective revenue diversification. This reduces the region susceptibility to vagaries and vicissitude of global oil process. Lagos and Ogun States stand out (Figure 2) for benchmarking. Lagos State is a leader in terms of capacity to generate domestic revenues (Figure 3). A regional approach provides opportunity for enhanced capacity among the collaborating states in the region is vital. (ii) Geographic cohesion: The compactness and contiguity of the region geographic opportunities in terms of the regional comparative advantage that could be used to unleash growth and development. This is where regional infrastructure such as rail, road, electricity generation, and irrigation and telecommunication backbones is critical. (iii) Institutional and policy change: Regionalization calls for policies, practices and process to be effectively harmonized. Contradictory policies and practices are centrifugal rather than propelling centripetal forces for concrete development actions. In vesting in sectoral and strategic policy harmonization is ineluctable. (iv) Adoption of fiscal harmonization calls for a regional partnership: The contiguous nature of the region makes tax and revenue harmonization an imperative. Heterogeneous taxes promote tax evasion and tax avoidance. Without a fiscal harmonization, people and companies move from states with higher tax rates to lower ones thereby reducing the tax bases of the affected states. A harmonised tax policy will increase overall revenues of the collaborating entities. (v) Economic diversification is an imperative. Relying on hands out from the federal allocation would merely deepen current deleterious dependency syndromes, with catastrophic effects. To decouple each state’s revenue from oil, economic diversification is critical. The starting point is for each state to identify its comparative advantage and use such as the anchor of economic diversification. The next stage, where Lagos is now, is to diversify from primary commodities to high-end value added and high-end services—activities whose consumption grows as income grows.

Harnessing resources from economic diversification could outpace revenue from oil. (vi) Establishment of growth poles and economic corridors. The south-western states must reflect on activities that propel economic corridors across the partnering entities. This could be in the form of free trade zones, dry ports, transport corridors, and agricultural settlements, among other factors. (vii) Setting up regional business hubs across the geopolitical zones would also serve as a big booster for trade across the region. Such trade centres could be used to encourage entrepreneurship in each state and large scale firms in various state hosted there to attract greater market access. The hubs would also serve as a one stop business start-up centre hence, making it easier for investors to do business easily. Government and private

sector should be committed to supporting business and industry development, helping new businesses to establish themselves, and assisting existing industries to grow and diversify. Building the institution for capital venture and integration between formal and informal sectors are equally vital. (viii) Development of Critical Infrastructure: Available data from the State Houses of Assembly shows that Lagos and Ekiti states have maintained a steady increasing commitment to developing critical infrastructure since 2010. The trend in capital expenditure for Oyo and Ondo state follows a similar pattern that suggests learning from one each other and greater linkage.

Average capital budget allocation from 2009 to 2013 for the South Western states shows that Lagos accounts for 41.1% of the total capital budget allocation in the region while Ekiti state has the least. Thus, greater integration across the six (6) states would provide greater cooperation in public financial management that would strengthen resilience in the SW region. This would help to grow their economy and deepen development in infrastructure. (ix) Deep-seated institutional reengineering: There is a compelling need to restructure the machinery of government to realign the capital-overhead-personnel budget structure in a remodelling that is rooted in a deep role of government redefinition with strong sensitivity to mystery index.

This would have implication for staff strength, wage bill, number of MDAs, number of Special Advisers/Assistants, scope of support to government functionaries, service delivery approaches that is much more aligned to PPP alternatives, waste reduction strategy that is linked to a new maintenance management policy and a new asset efficiency scheme around redefined guiding principles, gradual move from lifetime career-based to flexible employment policies that is rooted in performance management, productivity bargaining industrial relation practices and contractual obligations in service delivery, etc. (x) Establishment of regional development fund: Absence of sustainable funding of regionalization often lead to collapse of such partnerships.

This could be sourced from states and local government contributions, bond issuance, Diaspora Bond as was the case in Ethiopia and private sector funding via build-operate and transfer and any other form of equity financing. The states should decide the strategic areas this fund should be allocated to.

Conclusion What we are pushing here is not going to be a day’s job, and it is not going to be easy. It will take persistent political will and persistent commitment by succeeding governments to achieve. The experience of ensuring that the European Union and the Eurozone work as a buffer area that enables the member states to achieve regional strength in economic and political matters, is a very good example. It demonstrates the dogged attempt at making sure that the European member states stay together under one banner. It also demonstrates the immense benefits that accrue to each member state.

The consolation is that the Southwestern states will not be starting from a historical scratch. They have the historical legacy of the Western Region as the framework around which to build a collective dream of prudent fiscal management, critical infrastructural development, rapid industrialization, strengthened service sector, an enviable regional business hub, and so on. All these constitute a veritable bulwark against future economic recession and global oil downturn and severe fluctuation in revenue allocation.

(Concluded)

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MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

BAYELSA POLITICS

Last week, the Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries ended in fiasco. The result of the controversial shadow poll was cancelled. Major contenders are trading blames. Will chieftains repeat the same mistake or learn useful lessons from the sad episode as they prepare for another exercise? Correspondent MIKE ODIEGWU, who witnessed the flawed contest, examines the bitter struggle for the party’s ticket by aspirants.

Bitter struggle for Bayelsa APC ticket E

XPECTATIONS were high in Bayelsa State on September 22. Eyes were on the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from the state, was anxiously monitoring the governorship primary of the opposition party. Also, Governor Seriake Dickson, the PDP candidate, waited anxiously for the emergence of his rival.

But, the APC flag bearer did not emerge that day.

The anxiety was, no doubt, expected. The APC is the only viable alternative to the ruling PDP. As a new bride believed to have offered fresh hope to the people, many stalwarts of the PDP abandoned their party to embrace it.

But, the day ended on a bad note. Instead of producing an acceptable standard bearer for the party as a similar exercise did in Kogi State,the exercise was ended in fiasco. Criticisms are trailing the contest, which heralded crisis and bad blood. Observers believe that the crisis have implications for the party during the general elections.

Controversy: According to observers, the exercise was marred by violence, thuggery, intimidation of some aspirants and meddlesomeness by party officials. The The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Edo State Governor of Adams Oshiomhole, was held hostage. He was later smuggled out of the venue by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and soldiers.

The governor escaped from the scene under the pretence that he was going to have his meal. In fact, trouble started around 8am, when thugs, suspected cultists and ex-militants invaded the entrance of Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa, the venue of the exercise. The thugs hurled stones at delegates showed up for screening. There were chaos and panic.

The unruly crowd attacked the delegates. They ran and sent them running for their lives. Most of the delegates, especially those said to be loyal to one of the aspirants and former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe, ran away from the venue and refused to return out of fear.

The local government chairmen of the party in Sagbama, Ekeremor and Yenagoa, were attacked and wounded by the thugs. Despite, the deployment of over 1300 policemen led by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), the violence continued unabated.

Most of the delegates were not allowed access to the venue of the primary. The Chairman of the party, Chief Tiwe Oruminighe, and some of his executive members were angry at Alaibe and attacked him verbally. Alaibe maintained his cool as he uttered no word.

When the accreditation of delegates started, many people who presented themselves for the exercise were said to be fake delegates in possession of cloned voter cards. The Master of the Ceremony (MC) announced that some persons with cloned cards had been arrested and handed over to the police.

Three aspirants, Alaibe, Prince Preye Aganaba and Ebitimi Amgbare, who spoke with reporters, called for the cancellation of the exercise.

Alaibe said: “You have seen the rancourous process leading to the primaries. The process is being marred by irregularities, violence, intimidation and complete disrespect for aspirants, agents and party officials.

“This is an enactment of negative history for a party that stands on the mantra of change. I think something is missing somewhere and we need to get it right. We have had delegates perceived to be loyal to us, threatened, beaten wounded since morning “Quite a lot of people you see here are not delegates. Most of the authentic delegates are outside. We need to put a stop to this process. We will meet with the chairman of the committee and ask for the cancellation of the process.

“Some other times we can get the security dynamics rights so that we can get the methodology of the primaries right. We cannot continue with this process.”

Also, Aganaba described the process as shameful, adding that it has failed to represent the values and principles of the party.

He said: “I am ashamed of this process. I was a member of the Presidential APC in Lagos. It was a successful convention and when the winner emerged, all other aspirants supported the winner. But the process today is flawed.

“It is a pity that the chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, is not here.

We have been here since 8am and it is 1pm and he is not here.

Most of the delegates here are fake. I toiled for this party and sweated for it to be established in Bayelsa and if l am asking for the cancellation of this exercise, they should know how serious l am. I believe we should even move the primary to another state”.

But, another aspirant and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, said he had not received complaints of malpractices. He advised delegates and aspirants to conduct

•Sylva

•Alaibe

‘

I am not an agent and if there are people with clone cards, we will make sure they are arrested. I was part of the arrangements put in place. Among all the aspirants l am the only one with the credentials; someone who has done a term here

‘

’

themselves peacefully.

“I am not an agent and if there are people with clone cards, we will make sure they are arrested. I was part of the arrangements put in place. Among all the aspirants l am the only one with the credentials; someone who has done a term here.

“You know how unjustly l was treated in office. So, their sense of justice is still burning. Delegates should conduct themselves peacefully just as I advised all the aspirants to conduct themselves put peacefully”, he said.

As the aggrieved aspirants were protesting, Oshiomhole, who came late, entered the venue. The convoy of Oshiomhole came in the midst of the controversies, two minutes after Sylva arrived the area. Sylva was hailed by the crowd.

The Edo State governor suspended the exercise after he observed some irregularities. He held marathon meetings with members of his committee. After meeting with them, Oshiomhole also spent over an hour meeting with all the aspirants, which led to speculations that the shadow poll could be cancelled.

Following responses he got from the aspirants, the committee chairman started another round of meeting with the committee members. But, when feelers that the poll was to be cancelled and got to the camp of Sylva, tempers flayed with most loyalists of the former governor accusing Oshiomhole of compromise.

Matters got to a head when Sylva called the National ViceChairman of APC, South-South and complained that the process was designed to deny him the advantages of being the state leader.

He accused the committee and the National Chairman of designing a process that was bound to fail. He said it was impossible for the committee to come from Abuja to conduct an election without involving the local people.

No sooner had Sylva complained than youths loyal to him surged into the venue chanting songs of victory in his name.

Security operatives threw the gate to the complex open and allow the youths to come in their droves.

There was pandemonium as aspirants, reporters and other dignitaries took to their heels out of fear. One of the state executive members grabbed the microphone, threw tantrums at Oshiomhole and alleged that he had compromised. But, the governor sat quietly. He did not say anything.

Oruminighe announced that the accreditation of delegates

You have seen the rancourous process leading to the primaries.

The process is being marred by irregularities, violence, intimidation and complete disrespect for aspirants, agents and party officials

’

should continue. Oshiomhole later escaped from the scene. The exercise ended at about 8pm and Sylva was declared the winner.

Sylva was said to have been declared the winner by a member of the APC electoral committee identified as Nelson Alabar. He polled 726 votes to defeat his closest rival and former member of the House of Representative, Mr. Warman Ogoriba, who scored 10 votes.

The former governor described his emergence as a proof of the indivisibility of the APC. He said: “I have never been proud in my life. I have belonged to many political parties such as the defunct UNCP and the nearly dead PDP. But I am very proud of the APC with a very clear internal democracy.

“A few years ago, I was unjustly stopped from contesting a governorship primary by my former party.p My former party did that to me. A few days ago, they disqualified a serving senator from contesting.

“It is shameful. I have once again gone through a primary and emerged winner. It is contest like this that makes the difference.It is this contest that makes the difference between the APC and others.There is no doubt that we will win the election.”

Ogoriba, who spoke on behalf of other aspirants accepted defeat and commended the winner, Sylva.

Unresolved issues: In fact, before the primary, the party had some unresolved issues. There was a sentiment within the state executive members of the party and Sylva’s loyalists that they would not surrender the ticket to a new comer, no matter how popular the person is. So, despite the assurances by the national leadership that all aspirants would be treated equally, the executive members held a different opinion. Pundits observe that, before the primary, the party leadership could not rise above the old-new member sentiment to consider the overall interest of winning the general poll.

Again, there was a clear division in the party. While some old and new members backed the aspiration of Sylva, others supported the ambition of Alaibe. Apart from few aspirants like Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, considered to be independent-minded, •Continued on page 44

44

POLITICS

THE NATION MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

The election is not between enemies; it is not between opponents. The language in this ‘primaries is not to win and defeat and it is not to kill. The language must not be violent ’

•Continued from page 43 other aspirants belonged to either Alaibe’s or Sylva’s camps. The division was obvious at the venue of the primary as the two camps moved separately and sat separately.

At the eve of the primary, Oshiomhole led a seven-man electoral committee to Yenagoa.

The Edo governor emphasised that the party had no preference for any aspirant adding that whoever emerged the winner would fly the flag of the party.

The governor and his committee met with all the 19 aspirants in a hotel in Yenagoa and promised to follow the laid-down rules. He said any international passport issued to any delegate after the party released its guidelines for the poll would not be used for accreditation.

He said the accreditation of delegates would commence by 8am and end at 12pm, adding that late comers would not be allowed accreditation and voting. Oshiomhole said the rules guiding the exercise were sacrosanct and would not be compromised for any reason.

He said 1,508 were expected to turn up as delegates for the exercise, insisting that the most potent instrument of identification for the poll is the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). He said the primary is a family affair, stressing that the rules were not different from those used in Kogi and the presidential primaries.

He said two Board of Trustee (BoT)-former Governor Timipre Sylva and the Deputy Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank-were also eligible to vote. Oshiomole said the open ballot system of voting would used for the exercise.

He, however, warned aspirants against involvement in cloning identification cards. He said the party would deploy card readers to authenticate the identity cards and PVCs presented by delegates.

“If anyone is involved in criminal acts, we will ensure they are arrested. Cloning of cards is a criminal offence. The sponsor of such act and those caught with the cloned cards would be arrested”, he said.

The governor added: “The election is a family activity.The family is meeting to deliberate on who can be entrusted with the party flag to contest the December 5 election. Already, the fact that we can seat together in Bayelsa is a good sign.

“The election is not between enemies; it is not between opponents. The language in this primaries is not to win and defeat and it is not to kill. The language must not be violent.At the end of the day, there would be no looser.

Whoever emerges can not govern the state as a military administrator.”

“Out of 19, only one will emerged as our party’s flag bearer. l know I have visited the state on different matters and I enjoyed myself.But I know I won’t be able to enjoy myself like before.But I know I will come back when my party is in government.”

Friction among leaders: The aftermath of the controversial election has thrown the party into crisis. Observers contend that it may rob the Edo governor of an opportunity of visiting an APC-led Bayelsa after December 5. First, it has created friction between Sylva and Oshiomhole and the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

The governor lamented how thugs held him and members of his committee hostage. He accused the Sylva of insisting that the primary election should be held without following the guidelines. But, Sylva replied described Oshiomhole a liar and a mischief-maker. He also accused the governor of bias.

Mixed feelings: Following the report of the committee, Oyegun cancelled the exercise, saying another date would be chosen for a fresh primary. The cancellation was received with mixed feelings.

While most of the aspirants received it as a welcome development, Sylva and his camp totally rejected the move by the party to hold another internal election.

Some observers believe that the cancellation has further boosted the confidence and hope the people repose in APC. They believe that by so doing the APC had shown itself a non-nonsense party not ready to bend its rules and principles of internal democracy. To them it shows that nobody’s ambition is greater than the party.

Concerned youths from the state commended the national leadership of APC for annuling the party’s primary. The youths under the auspices of Bayelsa Youth and Student Volunteers for Progressive Change (BYSVPC) further hailed Oshiomhole, and his electoral committee members for rising above intimidation to

•Oshiomhole

•Odigie-Oyegun

What future for APC in Bayelsa? beleive in this party ‘ We and we have hope and confidence in it. We proud of the APC leadership for making a popular decision. The leadership has shown that nobody is greater than the principles of the party

’

insist that the right thing must be done.

The BYSVPC, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Ayere Egbetein, Secretary, B.J. John and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Okwa, said that the purported primary where Sylva emerged as candidate was a sham and fraudulent.

The group said the cancellation was a good development for the APC, adding that persons who desired to get to power through the back door had been taught a lesson of their lives. It condemned the intimidation and assaults on delegates and persons said to be loyal to Alaibe, at the venue of the bungled primary.

The group described the attacks as barbaric and lamented that the old order of things Bayelsa youths were clamouring to change was still present. It recommended to the national leadership of the APC that the rescheduled primary be moved to a neutral ground outside Bayelsa State to forestall breakdown of law and order.

It said: “We suggest that the rescheduled primary election be moved to a neutral ground outside the state. This will ensure safety and bring about credible elections or in the alternative, we pray the leadership of the party to over the security apparatus at the venue of the rescheduled date to boost delegates confidence and public participation and build confidence in the APC. “The party should work out a more credible process of accreditation of authentic delegates and where possible collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission to deploy more of its staff on identification of cloned PVCs to avoid impersonation and pseudo delegates who are only engaged to thwart the good reputation of the party.

“As youths and students, we are the worst hit in the emergence of any bad government. As people at the grassroots, we can only commend Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the national leadership of the APC for taking the right step.

“It urged the delegates to remain calm and committed to the process and not give in to threats and intimidation. It called on the teeming members and Bayelsans to stand by the candidate that can help the APC to succeed in the December 5 governorship election.

The group urged delegates to vote for Timi Alaibe, whom they said remained calm and unmoved despite attacks on his personality by some hired thugs. It said a vote for Alaibe would lift Bayelsa to the next level of development, adding that it is only Alaibe that could develop the state.

•Ikiogha

Reactions by aspirants: Also, some of the governorship aspirants hailed the decision of the national leadership of the party to cancel the primary election in the state. The aspirants said the body language of the party on due process had boosted their confidence in the APC and shown that no man’s ambition was greater than the founding principles of the party.

They also advised the party to ensure that proper security was put in place before conducting a fresh primary to forestall breakdown of law and order.

Ikiogha, applauded the cancellation of the exercise he described as a charade. He said the APC, for not pandering to impunity and lawlessness, had shown that it was different from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He disclosed that about 10 of his delegates were wounded during the violence that broke out at the last primary.

“I am attending to over 10 delegates who were wounded at the last primary. I can’t abandon them and travel. I hail the decision because what happened on Tuesday abnormal.

We are appealing to the party to put proper security in place before holding another primary”, he said.

Another aspirant and founding member of the party, Prince Preye Aganaba, said the cancellation and rescheduling of the primary, had confirmed APC as a law-abiding party.

“We are a party that has always organised free and fair primary. It is not about who wins, but the process. I am not surprised at the announcement cancelling the exercise”, he said.

Identifying himself as the first registered member of the APC in the state, Aganaba said he was not making noise about his status in the party because of his belief that delegates would do the right thing. He said persons who claimed to be popular in the party should not be afraid of contesting a free and fair primary.

He said the state executive members of the party has no business with the primary since all of them are delegates.

“The state executive members cannot constitute an electoral committee to screen out real delegates at the gate and allow thugs to come in as delegates. I know we will have a free and

fair primary in Bayelsa. I heard one Bolous Mbiamowei saying he was one of the founding members of the party. It is not true because he is not a registered member of APC. He has no membership card”, he said.

Also speaking, another aspirant, Mr. Ebitimi Amgbare, said the APC has not betrayed its members and aspirants.

“We beleive in this party and we have hope and confidence in it. We proud of the APC leadership for making a popular decision. The leadership has shown that nobody is greater than the principles of the party”, he said.

But, Sylva dared Oyegun, saying that he (Sylva) remained the party’s candidate for the December 5 election. In a statement by his aide, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, he described as misleading reports that the primary had been cancelled or rescheduled.

Buokoribo maintained that the primary was won by Sylva, adding that it was conducted in accordance with the rules and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said and the party had no basis to cancel the outcomes of the exercise.

He said: “We want to state categorically that since the primary election was conducted according to the rules and duly won by Sylva, he remains the candidate of the APC in Bayelsa State and any statement to the contrary is mere rumour.

“The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, does not have the powers to unilaterally annul a state primary election. We are even shocked that he allowed his name to be used when he has not even received the report from members of the electoral panel.

“Beyond the electoral panel’s report, there is also an Appeals Committee, which has the responsibility to examine complaints arising from the primary election. It is only after the Appeals Committee has concluded its job that the National Working Committee (NWC) will meet to consider all reports from the primary, including those of the security agencies.

“There are seven members of the panel. Let us say Governor Adams Oshiomhole has submitted his own report through the pages of newspapers, there are six members left and the NWC has to sit and debate the reports.

“Oshiomhole lied that the election was marred by violence. There are pictures and videos to prove that he lied. There are pictures and video to show that Oshiomhole presided over the election and handed over the exercise to the Secretary of the Panel on the excuse that he was going to eat.

“It should also be pointed out that only Oshiomhole left the venue of the election and that the remaining six panel members and INEC officials remained in the venue till the winner was announced.

“Oshiomhole must answer some questions relating to his conducts, which completely compromised his position as Chair of the election panel. Right from the beginning, it was obvious that Oshiomhole was working towards a pre-determined answer, unfortunately for him, the will of our people prevailed.

“Lastly, you cannot abort a baby that has already been born. The APC governorship primary has been concluded in Bayelsa State, a winner has emerged, and the winner is Sylva.

“We therefore, ask our teeming supporters to remain calm and ignore the rumour that a new primary is being scheduled.

Sylva also gave an indication that he will head for the court if the party cancels his victory and insists on another election. He gave the indication following reports that the two governors had been selected to assist Oshiomhole in conducting another election on Tuesday.

Buokoribo said any attempt by the party to hold a fresh primary would amount to an act of “illegality.”

He said: “Let us restate here that an APC candidate for the December 5, 2015 governorship election in Bayelsa State has emerged and that candidate is Chief Timipre Sylva. No amount of media manipulation can change that. This is a society of law and order.

“Besides, there is no way a hopelessly compromised Oshiomhole, who has also openly displayed his bias, can be asked again to go and conduct an election in Bayelsa State. Even his masters know that will be unacceptable to Nigerians.

“Similarly, as at Saturday, 26 September 2015, Tambuwal is in far away New York attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while Amosun is attending Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Are they going to conduct a virtual election?

“Despite the orchestrated lies and disinformation, the Sylva Campaign will again urge our teeming supporters to be law-abiding, peaceful but resolute. Victory is sure.”

45

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

How to develop,

by Perm Sec

CDHR to tricyclists: we share your grief

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

T

T

HE leadership of Lagos State council of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has visited members of the tricycle riders union at Ikotun in Alimosho area of Lagos State. The visit was in solidarity with them over the death of the wife of a member, Mr Godwin Ekpo.

The late Mrs Idongesit Ekpo was shot dead penultimate Wednesday at Obalagbe bus stop at 10pm. by a member of an eight-man team from the Isheri-Oshun Police Station that mounted a roadblock.

Ekpo, with his wife and their two-month-old baby was said to be returning from church when the incident occurred. He is critically ill at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) from gunshot wound. Their visit was also in solidarity with the Isheri-Oshun unit of the CDHR that challenged the police over the incident.

Addressing members of the union, state chairman of CDHR, Comrade Buna Ishak said the group is tackling the matter with police authorities.

Assuring the riders that justice would be done, Comrade Ishak stated that the human rights group has been discussing with police authorities to ensure t the victims get justice.

“The state council of CDHR

•Members of the CDHR and the tricyclists

By Chinaka Okoro

has met with the Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr Fatai Owoseni and he has given us the assurance that Ekpo is getting the best medical attention at LUTH. He also said the first surgery on him was very successful. The CP informed us that the police authorities have already spent over N500, 000 on Mr Ekpo’s treatment to ensure he lives,” Comrade Ishak said.

He said the human rights group seems to be calm because of the humane character of the police boss.

“The Commissioner and other senior officers have appealed to us for calm. The CP has given us the mandate to report any erring policeman direct to his office. We

should not wait until things become worse before we react to any issue,” he said.

Regretting the horrible activities of policemen against the masses, Comrade Ishak promised that his group would not relent in its fight against police brutality, intimidation, harassment and embarrassment of members of the public.

He said: “We’ll stop at nothing in our struggle to ensure that unwholesome activities of some policemen against the masses are stopped. I assure you that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Isheri-Oshun will not return to that station; because the community and its environs have complained much about his ugly antecedents.

“The CDHR is making frantic effort to ensure that the DPO is charged to court alongside the trigger-happy Corporal who killed the wife of your colleague and almost rendered your member useless. We are insisting that he and the leader of the team that mounted the roadblock should face murder charge as well as the policeman who shot at and killed Mrs Ekpo.

“We also want to inform you that the killer policeman has been dismissed and is currently in detention. He is facing murder charge at Yaba Magistrate’s Court where he was arraigned. The matter was adjourned till October 19.”

He said the CDHR is committed to seeking redress for

those whose rights are infringed on and get justice for them. Comrade Ishak also revealed that his group has mapped out strategies on how to curb police excesses.

“The DPO’s transfer is not enough. We want him disciplined. We are ready to work with the police to sanitise the society and to stop police from exploiting the masses. One cannot get one’s freedom by running away from the truth and failing to confront the oppressors head on,” he said.

He urged the tricycle riders to go about their businesses and be law-abiding.

He also advised them to join hands with the CDHR to ensure total emancipation of all oppressed people and to stop all forms of exploitation.

LAWMA official held for ‘stealing’ street light cable

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APID Response Squad (RRS) operatives have arrested a member of a two-man syndicate which specialised in vandalising and stealing street light power cable.

The suspect, Ibrahim Alli, 29, who claims he works with Lagos StateBy Tajudeen Adebanjo Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), was caught by a RRS patrol team last Friday at Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

His accomplice, Yunusa fled.

Police spokesman Joe Offor, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), who confirmed the arrest, said: “The policemen who were on routine patrol in the area, sighted the two men while in the act of vandalising the street light

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

power cable, which had left the entire community in blackout.

As the policemen were approaching, the two of them took to their heels, and immediately the operatives made a hot chase while one of the suspects was apprehended, the second suspect escaped.

“The suspect from his statement said he and his colleague were in the habit of vandalising and stealing the power cable which always has adverse effect on the entire community by letting the area in total blackout on several times.”

The suspect, who claims to be a native of Yola Local Government in Adamawa State, gave reason for his action, stating: “I am a staff of Lagos State

Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) at Onipanu, but I was not contented with my meagre salary. And my friend, Yunusa, introduced this act of robbery to me. On the midnight, I and Yunusa went to Opebi in Lagos to steal street light cable. While I was arrested, Yunusa, who is my leader, escaped. It is him, Yunusa, who used to sell the cable and I don’t know the receiver. I only assist him in vandalising the cables. He only gives me N1,000 or N1,500 after the sales”, he said in his confessional statement to the Police.

Police said the suspected has been charged to court.

The exhibits recovered from him include vandalised electrical cable, shovel, LAWMA Identity Card bearing his name and one wristwatch.

NURTW hails Ambode on LASTMA

By Musa Odoshimokhe

N

•Alli with ‘stolen’ materials

NASFAT celebrates Sallah with IDPs, less-privileged

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HE Nasrul-Lahi-liFaith Society (NASFAT) on Sallah day donated Over 1500 packs of food and drinks to the less privilege and displaced people at the Lagos state Rehabilitation Centre, in Owutu, Ikorodu.

Its Vice President Muhammad Abdullah said their coming was majorly to touch lives and to show case to the world that there are other segments of the society who lack various ameni-

By Solomon Odeniyi

ties to live a blissful life.

Abdullahi said: “We felt that by staying at our various homes merry- making with our friends, families and loved ones, we might not be touching lives as compared to this and wouldn’t attract enough rewards from Allah. Also this is our own way of reminding people out there that there so many people who don’t have access to food and other things

to live a pleasant life’’.

Responding to the inmates’ demands for an Arabic school, and an Asalatu group among others, Muhammad promised to discuss with the Nasfat Zone 1 chairman in Ikorodu to come up with a formidable blueprint on how this could be achieved. ‘’Nasfat doesn’t believe belief in doing things half way, we don’t want to start what we can’t finish, I will liaise with the Zone 1 chairman on

HE Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Mr Jamiu Adewale Ashimi, has recommended three key strategies for Nigeria to fight under development and achieve economic growth.

Ashimi, in his keynote address during the Investiture of the 10th President of Rotary Club of Akute, Rotarian Musiliu Animashaun, held at Alausa, Ikeja, said that if the Federal Government could deregulate the energy sector, construct five trunk roads with rail facility in the medians and improve industrialisation, Nigeria within a short time, would become economic independent and a better place for all.

The Permanent Secretary said if the energy sector is deregulated, interested investors could target initially, the industrial zones in specific parts of the country for initial investments and expand in a matter of few years to non-industrial customers.

He explained that the provision of rail facility in the median on the following roads- Lagos - Sokoto, Port-Harcourt - Kano, Uyo Maiduguri, West - East South and West - East North, would not only boost transportation system but ensure interconnectivity within the country to attract investors, improve trade and create employment opportunities.

Ashimi added that the road network would have divided the country into 12 key zones for investors to tap the natural resources.

This, he said, could only be achieved if relevant laws and regulations are relaxed to promote industrial friendly environment’.

how this can be achieved.

Hopefully next year when we will come here the school would have been established,” he said.NASFAT Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja samiat Mumuni said the gesture would bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, saying that she has no regret not celebrating the festival with her family.

She enjoined well meaning Nigerians not to leave the care of the inmates in the

hands of government alone.

“I want Muslims, organisations, industries and well meaning Nigerians to contribute their own quota towards the well beings of the inmates. They are just unfortunate to be here. I want them to come to a place like this at least once in a while to extend their hands of generosity to people here as this would help impact their lives positively; government alone cannot do this,” she said.

ATIONAL Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos chapter, Financial Secretary Tokunbo Seriki has hailed Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on his directives to protect road users against harassment.

He said Ambode’s directive that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials should not to arrest road users would serve as a relief to motorists who have been subjected to unnecessary exploitation.

Seriki urged road users not to abuse the governor’s gesture, noting that it was the change the people had looked forward to in the new administration.

“We must be frank, Governor Ambode meant well for Lagosians. We must not abuse this gesture, there is need to obey traffic rules and regulation,” he said.

He hailed members of the union for the peaceful way they conducted themselves during its delegate conference at Abuja.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

46

FOREIGN NEWS

Pope brings message of brotherly love to Philadelphia

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HE leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics brought his message of religious freedom and compassionate immigration to historic Independence Hall on Saturday, speaking in his native Spanish to a wildly receptive audience.

More than 40,000 people gathered to hear Pope Francis speak at the site where colonists declared their freedom from British rule.

"Society is weakened wherever and whenever injustice prevails," he told the crowd to applause. He said recent immigrants to the U.S. should not be discouraged by the challenges they face.

Omar Navarro, 34, from Clifton, N.J., was excited to get a glimpse of the pope. Navarro said the pontiff's message sharply contrasts with much of the rhetoric coming from Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.

Earlier Saturday, Francis arrived at Philadelphia International Airport to musical selections ranging from Ode to Joy to the theme from the movie Rocky. Then, after some warm smiles, kisses and handshakes, his modest Fiat was off into a city anxiously anticipating his arrival.

For many, the blockades and heavy police presence that locked down parts of the city were not a concern. Terri Desensi of Louisville, and her sister Pat Malouf of Greenwood, Miss., came with other church members, snatching a spot along the parade route seven hours ahead of the parade.

"I loved him since the day he was elected pope," Malouf said. "I wanted to come and show my appreciation."

Kammas Murphy, who teaches at a Catholic school in nearby Wilmington, Del., had a pope al-

• Pope Francis arrives for Mass and the canonisation of Juniper Serra at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul...yesterday

most-sighting early Saturday. She was about a block away from a Mass the pope celebrated Saturday and watched the police cars and vans that escorted Francis "We couldn't see him walk in, but the energy was there," the 25-yearold Wilmington native said. "It was lively."

The Mass was at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, where he celebrated for a crowd of 1,600, most of them clergy.

In a nod to Pennsylvania's homegrown saint, St. Katharine Drexel, Francis recounted Pope Leo's words to her when she complained of the

China pledges $2bn for developing world

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HINESE President Xi Jinping has pledged to establish a $2bn (ÂŁ1.3bn) fund to assist developing countries and to significantly increase investment.

Addressing a UN summit on development goals, Mr Xi said investment would reach $12bn over the next 15 years.

He also said China would cancel debts to the world's least developed nations, including small island nations.

Beijing, he added, would assist in 600 overseas projects in the next five years and offer more scholarships.

"Looking around the world, the peace and development remain the two major themes of the times," the Chinese leader said at the summit in

New York.

"To solve various global challenges, including the recent refugee crisis in Europe, the fundamental solutions lie in seeking peace and realising development.

"Facing with various challenges and difficulties, we must keep hold of the key of the development. Only the development can eliminate the causes of the conflicts," Mr Xi said.

His pledges of aid give a big boost to the launch of the UN's new Global Goals for Sustainable Development the day after all members states committed themselves to a hugely ambitious programme, the BBC's James Robbins in New York reports.

The plan aims to eradicate poverty and hunger by 2030.

Iraq to share intelligence on IS

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RAQ's military said Sunday it will begin sharing "security and intelligence" information with Syria, Russia and Iran to help combat the Islamic State group, a move that could further complicate U.S. efforts to battle the extremists without working with Damascus and its allies.

A statement issued by the Joint Operations Command said the countries will "help and cooperate in collecting information about the terrorist Daesh group," using the Arabic acronym for the IS group.

Iraq has long had close ties with neighboring Iran and has coordinated with Tehran in fighting IS - which controls about a third of Iraq and Syria in a self-declared caliphate. Iran has sent military advisers to Iraq and worked

closely with Shiite militias battling the IS group.

A U.S.-led coalition has meanwhile been conducting airstrikes against IS in Iraq and Syria as well as training and advising Iraqi forces, but U.S. officials insist they are not coordinating their efforts with Iran.

The U.S. also refuses to cooperate with Syrian President Bashar Assad, who Washington has insisted should step down. Russia and Iran have provided crucial support to Assad since Syria's uprising began in 2011.

The Baghdad-based spokesman for the U.S.-led campaign against the IS group, Col. Steve Warren, said the U.S. remains committed to working with Iraq to defeat the extremists.

needs of the missions. Leo, whom the pontiff called "a very wise pope," asked Drexel pointedly, "What about you? What are you going to do?"

"Those words changed Katharine's life, because they reminded her that, in the end, every Christian man and woman, by virtue of baptism, has received a mission," Francis said.

"Each one of us has to respond, as best we can, to the lord's call to build up his body, the church."

The pope's two-day visit wraps up a six-day trip to the U.S. that has lured millions of exhilarated fans and plenty of the curious to line streets and pack venues for a glimpse of the charming, humble leader. He visited President Obama at the White House

and gave a speech to Congress, spoke at the United Nations and said Mass at New York's Madison Square Garden, then headed here to speak to and pray with the families.

The 78-year-old Francis, who suffers from sciatica and a bad knee, has been walking with difficulty on his grueling trip that began with a fourday visit to Cuba. He has appeared to struggle on stairs, especially those on his chartered flights between cities. Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said the pope's physical troubles are not due to the grind of the most lengthy trip of his papacy.

The pope's day concluded with a "Festival of Families" event on the parkway, a broad boulevard expanse

PHOTO: EPA

that runs from City Hall to the Art Museum and was fashioned, by Franklin himself, in the tradition of the iconic Avenue des ChampsElysees in Paris. The event was hosted by actor Mark Wahlberg and featured musical performances by Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli and others, as well as a parade of testimonials about the importance of family.

Yesterday Francis met with bishops at a local seminary, then visit with a group of inmates at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. The main event of the day, and perhaps the entire trip, will be a late afternoon Mass on the parkway expected to draw 1 million people.

Vote may allow Bolivia president to seek re-election

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OLIVIA's Congress has voted to amend the constitution to allow the country's President Evo Morales to run for reelection again in five years' time.

The vote went through by a twothirds majority in a congress dominated by his supporters.

He has been in power since 2005, but the amendment discounts his first two terms, as those elections took place under a previous constitution.

The amendment is to go to a national referendum next February.

Speaking in New York where he has been participating in a meeting of the UN General Assembly, Mr Morales said he had been invited to

extend his term in office.

"It's the feeling of the people, even of Congress; I understand perfectly.

I'm not trying to stay in power forever. I also want to tell you, some have said, 'Evo forever'."

Mr Morales has said that he wants to complete his government's "Patriotic Agenda" by taking action on "13 pillars of action" by 2025.

They include the eradication of extreme poverty, ensuring health and education for all and ensuring Bolivia has an independent financial system and national control over food production and the exploitation of national resources.

Above all, Mr Morales has put at the centre of national life the culture and ideology of the Andean indigenous majority - he himself is an Aymaran indian.

He won a landslide victory in elections last year and his party, the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) dominates Congress.

Opponents of Mr Morales have protested that the constitutional reform is an attempt by the government to undermine democracy.

There were protests in Congress on Saturday from opposition parties during the debates in the lead-up to the vote.

Mr Morales is one of the most popular presidents in the world, with ratings standing at over 70%.

Clashes in Bangui after taxi driver killed

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EADLY clashes broke out in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), after a Muslim motorbike taxi driver was killed.

About 20 people have been killed with at least 100 others wounded in the violence.

UN peacekeepers took up positions as the fighting spread from the city's only Muslim neighbourhood to an area where many Christians reside.

CAR has experienced religious and ethnic unrest for more than two years.

The BBC's Max Allaroum in Bangui says Saturday's violence is some of the worst the city has ex-

perienced this year - with the largest death toll.

The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs tweeted that residents were fleeing the clashes, heading to displacement camps in the city.

Amadou Rufai, a mayor in the Muslim neighbourhood, told BBC Afrique that militia from the mainly Christian "anti-balaka" militia got involved in the violence and he feared this would mean the violence could continue.

Image copyright AFP Image caption French troops, patrolling here

north of Bangui on Th, deployed in December 2012.

Violence escalated in CAR in March 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian country.

Christian militias then formed and during that time about 25% of the population fled their homes.

Under regional pressure, the rebel leader resigned as president in January 2014 and an interim administration took over.

France deployed troops to its former colony to help restore order and last September a UN force, that currently numbers 10,000, began peacekeeping duties.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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FOREIGN NEWS

Cameron seeks new Syria peace drive at UN

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AVID Cameron has called for a new diplomatic drive to end Syria's civil war as he meets world leaders at the United Nations in New York.

The UK prime minister is expected to drop his opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad playing a role in any transitional government.

But he said Mr Assad "can't be part of Syria's future".

US Secretary of State John Kerry said he hopes the talks can help find a political solution to Syria's crisis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama will be among other leaders attending the 70th anniversary meeting of the UN General Assembly.

Image copyright PA Image caption David Cameron is also expected to urge more support for refugees En route to New York, Mr Cameron told reporters that President Assad had "butchered his own people" and was "one of the great recruiting sergeants" for socalled Islamic State.

"He can't play a part in the future of Syria and that position hasn't changed," the PM continued.

"Obviously conversations about how we bring about transition are very important and that's what we need to see greater emphasis on."

Despite signalling Mr Cameron would be prepared to discuss Mr Assad's involvement in a political transition, one senior British official told the Press Association: "The prime minister's view is still very

clearly that in the endgame you need a different leader to build a peaceful and inclusive Syria."

Asked if he believed Mr Assad should face prosecution at the International Criminal Court, Mr Cameron said: "People who break international law should be subject to international law."

Meanwhile, France has carried out its first air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.

President Francois Hollande's office said that French planes struck targets identified during reconnaissance missions conducted over the past fortnight.

UK officials also warned finding a solution to the four-year conflict had been made more complicated

by Russian military build-up in support of Mr Assad's regime.

Image copyright AP Image caption Mr Cameron is not expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin Russia is reported to have moved warplanes, helicopters, tanks, drones, artillery and troops into a military airbase near Latakia and the seaport of Tartus in Syria in recent weeks.

However, Russia has previously said this move was "defensive in nature" and about self-protection.

At the summit Mr Cameron is not expected to meet Mr Putin.

But British officials have acknowledged they will need to work with Russia to find a diplomatic solution.

"There has always been the idea that there will be a political tran-

Tit bits from United Nations:

• Cameron

sition and there are differing views between members of the international community... what the steps are in the process. That is where there is more discussion ongoing," a senior British official said.

Last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Mr Assad should be involved in peace talks, but France's foreign minister Laurent Fabius urged a united European strategy against such involvement.

Mr Kerry said he had discussed the crisis with Iran's foreign minister and would do the same with Russian representatives on Sunday.

Mr Cameron will speak at the sustainable development summit, ahead of the of the main General Assembly meeting which begins on Monday.

The prime minister is also expected to urge other leaders to do more to support the millions of refugees still in the region.

France launches air strikes in Syria

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RANCE has carried out its first air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria.

French planes destroyed a training camp in the eastern town of Deir al-Zour, President Francois Hollande said.

A US-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq for more than a year.

Speaking in New York, Mr Hollande said a political solution was needed to end the Syrian crisis, but President Bashar al-Assad

• Hollande

could not be part of it.

France, like the UK, has previously confined its air strikes against the Islamic State group to Iraqi airspace.

The UK announced earlier this month it had carried out a drone strike against two British citizens in Syria but has yet to fly manned operations in Syrian airspace.

The French air strikes in Syria reflect the shifting emphasis in the war against the Islamic State. Before now, France said that international law prevented it from attacking targets in Syria, and it was adamant that it would do nothing to help - even indirectly the Assad government.

But the situation h a s changed.

France now says it has evidence that IS planned terror attacks against it from Syria making air s t r i k e s against the militants legitimate under UN rules on self-defence.

European leaders gathering at

the UN are intensifying calls for a diplomatic push in Syria in the wake of a massive influx of refugees heading for Europe.

Approximately four million Syrians have fled abroad so far - the vast majority are in neighbouring Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan - and more are on the move.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron - along with US President Barack Obama and Mr Hollande - has previously demanded that Mr Assad be removed from power as a condition of any peace deal, a position consistently rejected by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In order to secure Russia's continued support, Mr Cameron is expected to soften that position this week by telling the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York that Mr Assad could remain temporarily in power at the head of a transitional government.

The urgency of finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict has also been reinforced by Russian military build-up in Syria in support of Mr Assad's regime.

And in an apparent further boost to Mr Assad's position, Iraq on Sunday announced that it had signed an agreement on security and intelligence co-operation with with Russia, Iran and Syria to help combat IS. Reiterating his support for President Assad, Mr Putin said Russia was co-operating with countries in the region, "trying to establish some sort of co-ordinating structure".

In an interview with CBS television, he said Mr Assad's troops "the only legitimate conventional army there" - were fighting terrorist organisations and Russia "would be pleased to find common ground for joint action against the terrorists".

AUDI Arabia is protesting any references to homosexuality in a sweeping new agenda for global development, saying it runs "counter to Islamic law."

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel AlJubeir told a U.N. summit of world leaders Sunday that "mentioning sex in the text, to us, means exactly male and female.

Mentioning family means consisting of a married man and woman."

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He asserted his country's right to not follow any rules that relate to any "deviations" from that belief as the world moves forward on the new development agenda.

The so-called Sustainable Development Goals include a target to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights by 2030. Some states like Saudi Arabia and the Vatican are concerned that references to "sexual rights" include rights for gay people.

REECE's prime minister has declared that the world can't talk about global development without addressing debt restructuring.

The newly re-elected Alexis Tsipras addressed a U.N. summit on sweeping new development goals over the next 15 years.

The goals aim to eliminate poverty, but Tsipras says the world can't tackle that "unless we can discuss how to build or improve welfare states instead of destroying them."

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Greece has depended on bailout loans from its European partners and the International Monetary Fund since 2010.

Tsipras told the U.N. gathering that the Eurozone economic crisis cut his country's GDP by 25 percent. He called debt a challenge "at the center of our global financial system."

Tsipras pledged Friday to fasttrack negotiations with international bailout creditors so Greece can get some much-needed debt relief.

USSIAN Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is urging the United States to lift its embargo on Cuba and to end other sanctions which "bypassed the UN Security Council."

The United States and Europe Union have imposed targeted sanctions on Russia for its takeover of Crimea and backing for rebel forces in eastern Ukraine.

He decried such coercive measures imposed in what he said were in violation of the U.N. Charter, saying they contradict new global development goals and undermine market principles in trade, finance and technology.

Commenting on a newly adopted program for combating global poverty, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to supporting the global agenda "despite the challenging economic environment."

The foreign minister said Russia was a global leader in the cumulative reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions. He said Moscow has over-fulfilled its

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commitments under the Kyoto Protocol by reducing emissions by 31 percent below 1990 levels..

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is equating advances in women's rights to development in all sectors of society and is urging all nations to translate lip service into action in granting women full rights.

Merkel spoke Sunday at a side event to the United Nations Summit that focused on women's rights. She invoked a U.N. Security Council resolution passed 15 years ago focused on women's rights and prevention of genderbased violence, in saying more must be done to protect women and promote their status.

Declaring that "women's rights are also human rights," she cited the fates of women exposed to violence in Syria, Iraq and other crisis regions. And she called for more concrete action to reach the goals of full elimination of inequality between the sexes, saying "Signals are good, actions are better."

KRAINE's president says the fighting in the eastern part of his country against pro-Russia separatists costs about $5 million a day that Ukraine could be putting into development.

Petro Poroshenko spoke to a U.N. summit Sunday, a day before Russian President Vladimir Putin was expected to make his first appearance at the U.N. General Assembly in a decade.

Putin wants to talk about fighting

U

extremists in the Mideast during his visit. Ukraine and its allies, including the United States, want to talk about the Russian-backed moves in eastern Ukraine that Poroshenko says "has led to the emergence to a new form of poverty, sudden or unexpected poverty" for thousands of people.

Poroshenko says the fighting that began in early 2014 has made Ukraine lose "about one fifth of its economic potential."

HE Belarus president is warning of another world war "if we make one more step toward global conflict," and the ally of Russia made a not-so-veiled attack on Western efforts to address the conflict in Syria.

"Why are you throwing a president out of office? How does this concern you?"

Alexander Lukashenko asked during his speech to a U.N. summit on global development that has drawn a record number of world leaders.

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"What do you want? What are you striving for?" He was speaking of Western demands that Syrian President Bashar Assad step down.

He lamented the "balance of power lost with the disintegration of the Soviet Union," of which his country was a member.

Lukashenko wasn't the only critic of the United States to take aim.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's speech railed against "one hegemon trying to impose its view on the world.'

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that in the next five years China will help developing countries establish 100 "health projects" for women and children.

He said China will also finance 100 projects to send poor girls to school, train 30,000 women from developing countries in China, and provide training opportunities for 100,000 women in other developing countries.

Xi did not mention criticism of China's arrest of women's rights activists.

HINA's President Xi Jinping has announced a $10 million donation to the U.N. agency promoting women's rights to implement the 1995 blueprint adopted by world leaders to achieve gender equality - which remains a new U.N. goal for 2030.

Xi, who is co-chairing a meeting to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the U.N. women's conference in Beijing that adopted the blueprint, also announced

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

NEWS Alaibe disowns planned protest

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HE campaign organisation of former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director, Chief Timi Alaibe, of Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC), has dissociated itself from a planned protest against last Tuesday’s primary of the party.

A text message circulated in Yenagoa, the state capital, by a member of the organisation, Mr. Patterson, said some people, allegedly sponsored by Alaibe’s detractors, had printed T-shirts in his name to pro-

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

test in Abuja and Yenagoa.

He said: “It has come to the notice of the Timi Alaibe Campaign Organisation that certain groups have printed Tshirts and vests in the name of Alaibe and are planning to stage violent protests in Yenagoa and at the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja.

“We dissociate ourselves from such protests and call on the public, security agencies and the national leadership of the APC to please take note.”

Pensioners decry unpaid entitlements

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HE Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the Southeast has lamented their unpaid entitlements, running into 15 years.

In a six-point communiqué at the end of its meeting in Abakaliki at the weekend, the pensioners called on the Federal Government to intervene in their situation.

The communiqué, signed by the Chairman, Prince Clement Igwe and Secretary, Evang.

Livinus Ashiegbu, condemned the situation, saying: “the governments are un-

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

friendly and insensitive to the plight of pensioners.”

The forum frowned at the government’s refusal to pay their pension increases of six, 15 and 33 per cent.

“This situation has made pensioners receive less than their counterparts. Based on this development, the Southeast forum is calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in our predicament,” the communiqué said.

Cleric hails Ugwuanyi

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HE Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga has hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for conducting an exemplary primary election in Kogi State.

The Bishop spoke during a mass to mark the 55th anniversary of Nigeria. Represented by the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. John Nwafor, bishop Onaga called on Nigerians to emulate the governor’s exemplary maintenance of rules and regulations in the conduct of elec-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

tions.

He noted that contenders accepted the result and became more united because of the transparent manner it was conducted.

Governor Ugwuanyi, who read the first lesson, called on churches to continue pray for leaders for good governance and peace to ensure service delivery.

He promised that his administration would continue to identify with churches to discharge their duties.

•Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (second right), his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, representative of the Chief Judge, Justice Ngozi P. Emehelu (first left) and Senator Chuka Utazi (behind) during a thanksgiving mass to mark Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu...yesterday

Kwara monarchs allege Saraki’s ‘persecution’

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HE Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council has described the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, as persecution. The monarchs advised the Federal Government to discontinue the trial.

In a statement by Saraki’s media office, the monarchs said they would continue to pray for Saraki to overcome the challenges.

Dr. Saraki is being tried for alleged false declaration of assets while he was governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.

The statement quoted the monarchs to have reminded the government that Nigerians voted for change and not for “political harassment of perceived opponents”.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who led a delegation of the monarchs on a solidarity visit to

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

Saraki, urged Nigerians to be wary of bad elements bent on dividing the country on account of political vendetta.

Sulu-Gambari said: “We are here for good reasons and to bring the goodwill of the Council of Chiefs. We are ready to support our son. We are here to see him on the various constitutional challenges, we would not call them problems, and may God not make them problems for us.

“It doesn’t take long for a 10year-old child to realise that our dear son, our precious son is being persecuted. The politics of persecution is not the right change for Nigeria.

“We want changes; we want it to be clean. He who seeks equity must come with clean hands. If you want equity, you must do equity.

“We know there are several stages of challenges before our leader, such that nobody in Nigeria can ever be clean enough. But do we want to upset the whole Nigeria because we want a beautiful change? Time and posterity will tell.

“But we want to appeal to men of goodwill that politics should not be with bitterness.

Politics should be about the unity of this country.

“We, therefore, came here to declare our support and solidarity to our precious son. If you (Saraki) look back, you will see us in various forms, begging Almighty Allah to protect you. Nigeria should beware of destructive elements. Nobody is perfect. We are in this scheme to make Nigeria very strong in the comity of nations.”

Thanking the monarchs for their support, Saraki assured

Rescue our brother, family begs Police

•Chief James

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HE family of an industrialist, Sir James Uduji, at the weekend, expressed worry that more than 20 days after, he is still being held by kidnappers.

The family urged the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase and the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fa-

tai Owoseni, to facilitate his freedom.

Udujim, the Group Executive Officer (CEO) of Cometstar Manufacturing Company in Lagos was kidnapped on his way home on September 7. Chief Uduji’s car was blocked at his 7th avenue residence in Festac Town.

His driver and another occupant were shot while the gang whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Family members reported the kidnap at the Area Command in Festac.

Residents of Festac Town are being terrorised by kidnappers. A week ago, a business man escaped after four his car tyres were riddled with bullets.

Vehicle owners get ultimatum

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HE Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of accidented and abandoned vehicles parked at Area Command, Otta and Mowe Division to remove them within 14 days of this publication or lose them to members of the public.

The vehicles at Area Command Ota, according to Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi are: Mazda 323 (XC 117 MNA), Volkswagen bus (XC 693 WER), Mazda 626 (KRD 380 AU), Nissan Almera (UU 772 KJA), Aristo (CF 517 FKJ), Nissan Almera (DK FFF 177 AA), Maxima (DK 743 FST), Mazda 323 (GG 492 LSR), Mazda 323 (BT 698 BDG), Honda Accord (MUS 482 AA), four unregistered Bajaj boxer, Bajaj (QR 556 AAA) and Bajaj (QD 709 FKJ).

In Mowe Division are: Golf Saloon (FST 947 AT), Toyota Hiace Cabster (XB 370 GBZ), Maxima Saloon unregistered, Boxer Bajaj (QY 223 KSF), Boxer Bajaj (QY 487 FST), Boxer Bajaj (QM 560 FST), Boxer Bajaj (QN 895 BDG), Boxer Bajaj (QH 356 KJA), three unregistered Boxer Bajaj LIFAN QK 536 KJA and unregistered Jincheng Also at Owutu Division, Ikorodu, is a Mazda 626 (CW 925 KJA).

them he would overcome his travails.

His words: “I am honoured and at the same time humbled to receive this visit from our royal fathers. The last time I had this honour was when I was still the governor.

“There is nothing more to add because you have spoken.

You have spoken from your years of experience as a father, and as someone who has headed a very great arm of government - the judiciary.

“Your words of wisdom and encouragement will continue to give me great confidence.

As you rightly said, it is a challenging time, not only for us the politicians, but generally the country.

“Be assured that with your support and your prayers, we will overcome it because the people know that this is not prosecution, but persecution”.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo(second left) exchanging banters with former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi at the African Union Peace and Security (AU-PSC) session of the General Assembly in New York...at the weekend. With them are other officials

Graduate nabbed for robbery From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE police in Enugu has arrested an accountancy graduate, Solomon Nnamdi Ugwuoke, 32, from Nguru Nsukka, for suspected robbery and car snatching.

Ugwuoke was heading to Onitsha to sell the car when he was arrested by policemen from the Anambra State command working on a tip-off.

In his confessional statement, Ugwuoke said he laid ambush at the victim’s house with a gang member, Remy (now at large). And as the victim approached his gate, they snatched the jeep at gun point.

He said after snatching the car, Remy told him to take it to a place called 33 near Onitsha but he was arrested on the Adani Nsukka road.

Police spokesman Ebere

•The robbery suspect

Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest, said Ugwuoke had before now been arrested for illegal possession of firearms but was set free. He said investigations have begun.

Be honest, cleric tells Christians

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HE Bishop of Aba Ngwa North Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rev. Nathan Kanu, has called on Christians to embrace righteousness and shun actions capable of denying them a place in God’s kingdom.

Kanu, in a homily titled: “We are strangers and pilgrims on earth” delivered at the burial of Sir Roland Nwaogu (Senator Nkechi Nwaogu’s husband), described death as a necessary end which every mortal must face, adding that the most worrisome thing was where one would spend eternity.

The cleric who read from 1st Peter 2:11, said as strangers and pilgrims, people should live their lives in accordance with the standard of where they would spend eternity, stressing that people would be judged according to the lifestyle they lived.

He urged Christians to shun corruption, greediness, selfishness and sin, and to live in total humility and obedience to God. His words: “People like to be commended for doing nothing and even want to be praised when they need no praising. We are in a society where people at leadership positions take others to be inferior. A society where people squander resources they should secure; a society where one at the top oppresses others.

“It is appointed unto man to die once and after that, judgment comes. The judgment of God will not be based on earthly wealth, title or bribery, but the standard of a righteous God. What a man sows is what he will reap and therefore, we should live a life worthy of emulation.”

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NEWS Kogi 2015: Salawu, Ozigi get support From James Azania, Lokoja

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WO groups from the Kogi Central Senatorial District have endorsed Enesi Ozigi of the Progressive People Alliance (PPA) and Dr. Phillip Salawu of the Labour Party (LP) as their governorship candidates ahead of the November 21 poll.

The groups, Citizen Change Entrepreneurs (CCE) and the Ebira Youth Congress (EYC), based their support on the need to actualise power shift in the state.

The CCE said its support for Ozigi followed the inability of the Central and West senatorial districts to come up with a consensus candidate in their quest for power shift.

The group, in a statement

by Prince Abdulkareem Omolori Okene and Sani Abdul, president-general and secretary general, said: “It has become necessary to support an amiable, reliable, suitable, capable and dependable candidate in the person of Ozigi, who will actualise the dream of the founding fathers of the state through innovative programmes that will have impact on the lives of the people.

Sallah: Ahmed dismisses online report

Six die in boat mishap in Sokoto

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IX persons have been confirmed dead in a boat accident, which occurred at the weekend on a river in Bengaji District of Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Confirming the deaths in a statement to reporters in Sokoto yesterday, Alhaji

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in motion, killing six of the passengers, who were from Kissa, Gadara and Kalangu villages.

“Nobody can tell me what really happened now, but further investigation will show the cause of the mishap.

“The deceased have been

buried according to Islamic rites and the injured are responding to treatment in hospital,” the statement said.

It said the overseer of the local government, Alhaji Ahmed Shehu, condoled with the deceased’s families and wished the injured quick recovery.

•Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki (right) with Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Sulu Gambari, when the monarch led the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council on a solidarity visit to him in Ilorin...at the weekend

‘70m affected by desertification, drought’

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has described as false, malicious and unfounded, a report published

by Saharareporters.com last Friday.

The report claimed that Senate President Bukola Saraki blamed the governor for miscreants’ attack on dignitaries at the Ilorin Eid prayer ground last Thursday.

In a statement in Ilorin, Dr. Muyideen Femi Akorede, the senior special assistant on Media and Communications to Governor Ahmed said at no time did the Senate president accuse the governor of leaving him vulnerable to attack by the miscreants, neither did Governor Ahmed blame Dr. Saraki for the miscreants’ attack on dignitaries.

Describing the report’s claim that Senator Saraki got N1billion of the N4.3billion bailout loan received by the state government from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as preposterous, malicious and provocative, Akorede said the Senate President neither received any kobo out of the money which was used to pay the two months’ salary arrears of civil servants last month, nor any other money from the government.

He said the former governor was preoccupied with the task of lawmaking and providing leadership at the National Assembly and had no time to either interfere with or control the state’s finances, which were under the jurisdiction of the government and its authorised officials.

Mika’ilu Sabo-Yabo, the assistant information officer of the local government, said the six persons died when the boat broke into two.

According to the statement, four passengers survived with minor injuries.

The statement said the boat broke into two while

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VER 70 million people living in the North have experienced the negative impact of drought and desertification directly or indirectly, the Federal Government has said.

The government has embarked on tree planting in 11 states to curb desertification.

The Director-General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Mr. Goni Ahmed, who spoke during a visit to Sokoto State by members of the agency, said

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

six-kilometre of shelterbelt, two hectares of orchards and one hectare of community nursery were established at Unguwar Lalle in Sabon Gari Local Government.

Ahmed, in a statement in Abuja at the weekend, said Sokoto was one of the states chosen as a focal point for the GGW project under the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

He said desertification

could plunge the state into environmental degradation and increased poverty if not tackled.

The director thanked Governor Aminu Tambuwal for his support to the agency by ensuring that a bill for the creation of NAGGW was passed when he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He solicited the support of the state government in the provision of land for the GGW programme and the es-

tablishment of state and local government committee in line with the GGW Act. Tambuwal hailed the agency, saying he was impressed by the work by the agency in the state.

He said the project was a direct benefit for the people, adding that the state would support and embrace the programme.

According to him, the state re-enacted a bill to ensure the control of desertification before the agency was created.

El-Rufai sends N20m gift to Kaduna pilgrims

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ADUNA State Governor Nasir Ahmad ElRufai has sent N20million as Eid-el-Kabir gift to the 5,710 indigenes in Saudi Arabia.

Each of the pilgrims got 50 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to N3,500.

The Amirul Hajj and Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, pre-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Makkah

sented the governor’s widow’s mite to the pilgrims in Mina.

He said El-Rufai rejoiced with the pilgrims on the successful completion of the hajj.

The emir said: “Governor El-Rufai asked me to

wish you happy sallah and congratulate you on the successful completion of the hajj. He prayed that Almighty Allah would accept your hajj.”

He urged the pilgrims to desist from spreading rumours concerning the casualties of last Thursday’s stampede in Mina, adding that they should wait for

•El-Rufai

the authorities to confirm the casualty figures and get across to the victims’ families.

My plans to restore Kogi, by Audu

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, has promised to accelerate the economic development if voted into office.

Audu, who made the promised while receiving the indigenes living in the United States (US), said it was regrettable that the state was stagnant and required efforts to terminate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government via the November 21 governorship election.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

The APC standard-bearer, who promised to ensure the development of the state, said Kogites in the diaspora would see a new state if they returned after six months of his administration.

He said the previous governments failed to improve on his performance when he left the Lugard House in 2003.

Ex-Governor Audu has

just returned to the country after trips to the United Kingdom and the United States where he conferred with stakeholders and business communities on his blueprint to build a new state.

He left the country after he picked a member of the House of Representatives, Abiodun Falake, as his running mate and inaugurated the Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign (PAAC) organisation in Lokoja, the capital.

Speaking on his plan for the state, Audu said: “I will advance on the infrastructure and human developments that have been in ruin. Kogi was the fastest growing state when I was the governor, but the same story does not apply now.

“Kogi is the poorest and most backward state in the country. So, it is sort of a great concern to all of us. We are very sad about it. This is why it is imperative for me to come back and take the state out of the woods.”

Ganduje frees 14 prisoners From Kolade Adeyemi Kano

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ANO State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has released 14 persons serving terms at the Kano Central Prison.

He said the gesture was to make them become responsible citizens, adding that the release was effected after he agreed to settle the fines imposed on them.

The governor said compassion and magnanimity were attributes expected to be exhibited by any Muslim, most especially when a person was in need of assistance, stressing that releasing the 14 convicts would make them to reconsider intention to commit crimes in future.

He said: “As we have effected your release, you are expected to be of good and unquestionable conduct.

Committing crimes does not pay under whatever guise. Your colleagues in prison will love to regain freedom too.

“Try as much as you can to prove that you are grateful for the gesture by becoming responsible citizens in future. Our society will be better off if the level of crimes reduces.”

‘Expand Abuja-Keffi highway’

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ASARAWA State Governor Umaru Al-Makura has urged the Federal Government to expand the Abuja to Keffi highway, to ease congestion.

Al-Makura, who spoke yesterday when inspecting facilities on the road, said the hardship faced by commuters from that axis to and from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was becoming unbearable.

He said the dual carriage road, which was about 30 metres wide, could be expanded to five lanes and walkways.

The governor said the Nasarawa State government would open discussion with the Federal Government to fast-track the expansion of the road.

He said the expansion would ease the gridlock on the road, thereby saving commuters loss of hours.

Benue community leader dies

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AMA Nyiwan Uja, the step mother of The Nation reporter in Benue State, Emmanuel Uja, is dead.

She died last Thursday at Sabon Gida Takye in Gassol Local Government. She was 70.

The woman is survived by two daughters, Ade and Nyimar.

A statement by his step son said Mama Nyiwan Uja would be buried on October 17 at Tse Dzungwe, Mbakorya, Tommbo ward, Gaambetiev, Logo Local Government.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

51

NEWS

Army seizes boats, N3.4m diesel in Rivers

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HE Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have seized 2.3 million litres of allegedly stolen diesel worth N3.45 million from an illegal bunker.

The petroleum product was siphoned from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines.

Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, the Commander of Operations of OPS, formerly known as the Joint Task Force (JTF), addressed reporters yesterday at Tamunotonye Ama in Ogu-

Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Okunlola said two suspected oil thieves were arrested at the bunker, while several equipment used by the operators of the illegal bunker were seized during the raid.

He said: “On September 23, troops of Sector 2 of OPS of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt stormed Tamunotonye-Ama community and discovered a large bunkering site, which operated illegally.

“The troops, during the

raid, discovered and seized eight large metal badges laden with stolen Automated Gas Oil (AGO), commonly referred to as diesel; another 23 empty barges were also seized.

“Two of the eight metal badges have estimated capacity of seven tanker trucks each.”

The OPS commander told reporters that other items found at the site included 44 large plastic tanks, 22 illegal pumping dumps, 18 pumping machines, three speedboats,

two outboard engines and a lengthy hose.

He added that 19 storage tanks filled with stolen crude oil were also seized from the site during the operation.

Okunlola said: “Two suspects in our custody will be interrogated, while the barges have been towed to Ogoloma Jetty in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State.”

The commander said investigation into the activities of the operators of the illegal bunkers had begun.

He said the investigation would show how they operated in the area without being detected.

Okunlola noted that under his command, the OPS had increased the frequency of raids in a bid to end oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

The site is located near the Onne Sea Port and the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone where several multinational oil and gas companies are operating.

Oyovbaire: I wasn’t fanatical about Jonathan’s re-election From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

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FORMER Minister of Information and Culture in the Ibrahim Babangida administration, Prof Sam Oyovbaire, has written a former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters to ex-Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, Sen. Abba Aji, that there was no time he was fanatical about Jonathan’s ambition or held a meeting with him on his re-election.

Oyovbaire, who clarified this in a statement, was reacting to reports credited to Sen. Aji in some newspapers.

The reports said Oyovbaire held a meeting with former governor of the old Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and President Jonathan, where he allegedly stood his ground that Jonathan should complete his tenure.

But Oyovbaire described the reports as false and unfounded.

He added: “We hardly knew each other. The nearest we had was a very private meeting over a private affair on a possible sale of a private property in Abuja. This is as long as 2004 or thereabout.

“There he expressed excitement for knowing me, because he happened to be a student in my former university, the Manchester University in United Kingdom (U.K). He was most excited because, according to him, he read my PhD work on the Nigeria State and Federalism and he was glad to meet me.

“I never had any meeting with him, whether private or political. It was quite surprising that he would drag me into an interview he granted. When a friend called me that AbbaAji referred to me in a newspaper, I thought he may have been reacting to a very carefully worded interview I had with Tell magazine of May 4, 2015, on page 22, where I expressed a strong position about the failure of Jonathan to get the party together to win its election.

I said the failure of the PDP was a price paid for the survivor of democracy in Nigeria.

“I have never held any other meeting with Jonathan when he was Acting President or when he became President, where I now took a serious position on why he should or must complete his tenure; where I was so fanatical about Jonathan’s ambition.

“The only time I attended a meeting with Jonathan was when he was the Vice President. This was a period leading to the amnesty in which a committee under civil rights activists and lawyers was put in place...”

•Children celebrating Eld-El Kabir festival at Water Park, Ikeja, Lagos...at the weekend.

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Sylva may sue APC for Bayelsa primary

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FORMER Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva may sue the All Progressives Congress (APC), if the party insists on cancelling last Tuesday’s controversial primary held in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Following reports of violence, intimidation and harassment, which marred the primary, the party, through its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, cancelled it.

APC said a new date would be fixed to conduct another primary.

But Sylva said he remained the party’s candidate for the December 5 governorship election.

In a statement by his campaign orgsnisation’s spokesman, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, the former governor described as misleading and untrue reports that APC’s September 22 primary was cancelled or rescheduled.

The statement said Sylva won the primary, adding that it was conducted in accordance with the party’s rules and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Com-

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

mission (INEC).

The statement said: “We want to state categorically that since the primary was conducted according to the rules and duly won by Sylva, he remains the candidate of the APC in Bayelsa State; any statement to the contrary is a mere rumour.

“The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun, does not have the powers to unilaterally annul a state primary. We are even shocked that he allowed his name to be used when he has not even received the report from members of the electoral panel.”

But there were reports that the party’s leadership had fixed next Tuesday as a new date for a fresh primary.

It was gathered that the Chairman of the Electoral Panel and Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole had threatened to step down but was prevailed upon by the party’s leadership to conclude the primary.

Oshiomhole would be joined by two other governors to conduct the fresh primary.

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and another governor from the Southwest were reportedly being considered to participate in the primary.

But it was learnt that Sylva might go to court, if the party conducted a fresh primary.

The Timipre Sylva Campaign Organisation dismissed the report that another primary would be conducted tomorrow.

The organisation, in a statement by Buokoribo, said that there was no way a fresh primary could be organised on Tuesday.

Buokoribo said any attempt to hold a fresh primary would amount to an act of “illegality”.

He said: “Let us restate here that an APC candidate for the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State has emerged and that candidate is Chief Timipre Sylva. No amount of media manipulation can change that. This is a

society of law and order.

“The latest disinformation through the media goes to show the level of desperation of some people who want the APC governorship ticket through the back door. An election was conducted, Sylva won, the whole world has seen it.

“Besides, there is no way a hopelessly compromised Oshiomhole, who has also openly displayed his bias, can be asked again to conduct an election in Bayelsa State. Even his masters know that will be unacceptable to Nigerians.

“Similarly, as at Saturday, September 26, Tambuwal was in far away New York attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while (Ogun State Governor Ibikunle) Amosun is attending Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Are they going to conduct a virtual election?

“Despite the orchestrated lies and disinformation, the Sylva Campaign will again urge our teeming supporters to be law-abiding, peaceful but resolute. Victory is sure.”

I’ll earn your trust, Ayade tells Cross River residents

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ROSS Rivers State Governor Benedict Ayade yesterday assured the people of the state that he will earn their trust through good governance.

Ayade spoke at an interdenominational service at the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Calabar, the state capital, as part of events to celebrate Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary.

The governor urged the people to have faith in him but not trust.

He pledged to earn their trust through purposeful leadership.

Ayade said: “With time and patience from you, I will earn your trust by the achievements I will record. But, please, don’t trust me until I earn your trust.”

The governor was presented with a holy Bible and rosary.

Ayade said he inherited a “state rich in character and quality men”.

He added: “I believe I inherited a wealthy state with great potentials. The potentials need to be nursed and harnessed. I come with the intellect, the capacity, humility and fear of God to harness all of these resources for the betterment of

the people of Cross River State.”

Ayade said he had a clear picture of the direction he was taking the state‘.

The governor noted that he had kept to his promise to pay workers’ salaries before the 25th of every month.

According to him, salaries have been paid frequently on the 25th of every month, despite the meagre resources available to the state.

He said Cross River had not borrowed in the face of the current financial challenges.

Ayade called for a reversal

of the nation’s privatisation policy.

The governor described it as unacceptable because it did not augur well with the true African philosophy of providing a shoulder for fellow brothers to lean on.

He added that Nigeria’s current state of development does not support privatisation.

Ayade listed the reasons for his stance on tax exemption for low income earners.

The governor said his background played a vital role in shaping his philosophy of governance.

NDDC builds model school in Rivers

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HE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has completed a model primary school at Amalem, Abua Central in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The school, which replaced the building of Agbebi Memorial State School, built in 1957, has 10 standard classrooms, common rooms, toilets, washrooms and water tanks, among others.

NDDC’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Dr. Henry Ogiri, said the model school would be replicated in the nine states in Niger Delta to stop decaying infrastructure in the Education sector.

Ogiri, who addressed reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said the commission’s objective was to enhance teaching and learning in a way that would make education interesting to pupils.

He said: “The NDDC feels that education is an all-encompassing training process. If the school is in a way that can support learning effectively, then students will be motivated to go to school.”

The director said the NDDC realised that many schools were in deplorable conditions with dilapidated structures.

He noted that in some of the schools, students were required to attend classes with their desks, while others studied under trees.

Ogiri said: “The NDDC thought it necessary to remodel these schools and bring them to the standard of modern-day schools that can support effective learning.”

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Chief Isaac Ukwe, who inspected the model school in company of other stakeholders, expressed delight at what he called the beautiful edifice the NDDC built for his people.

He noted that as an oil-bearing community, which had contributed to the economic growth of Nigeria, his local government area deserved the attention the NDDC had given to it.

Akwa Ibom prosecutes 44 sanitation defaulters From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

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HE Akwa Ibom State government at the weekend prosecuted 44 sanitation law offenders.

During last Saturday’s sanitation, the 44 were caught flouting the state’s sanitation law.

They were arrested by the monitoring team at various parts of Uyo, the state capital, and taken to the sanitation court.

Some of them were accused of wandering or engaging in other things during the sanitation hours, from 7am to 10am.

Rosemary Monday and Joy Daniel Essien, two of the defaulters, were accused of wandering and plating hair at a saloon during the sanitation hours.

They pleaded guilty and promised to take the sanitation more seriously.

The sanitation tribunal, presided over by Magistrate Mrs Winifred Umoh-Andy, sentenced them to two months imprisonment or payment of N2,000 fine each.

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

52

NEWS ‘No delay of ministerial list’

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HE senator representing Ondo North, Prof. Ajayi Borrofice, has said the Senate will not delay the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial list.

He said the senators have sworn to an oath of office to do according to the mandate given to them by the people.

There have been speculations that senators loyal to Senate President Bukola Saraki may not approve ministerial nominees to “pay back” the Presidency.

The lawmaker spoke with reporters at his hometown in Oka, Akoko Southwest

Local Government Area.

Boroffice said if one of the Senate’s duties is to approve the ministerial list, it will amount to delimitation of duty if it refused to do so because of Saraki’s saga.

He added that approval of ministerial list by the Senate is a constitutional requirement.

“We swore to do everything according to the mandate given to us, and if one of the mandates given to us is to approve the ministerial list, it will be delimitation of our duties if we refused to do it because of what is going on.”

Ambode: I’ll fulfil campaign promises

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AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has promised to fulfill his electoral promises.

The governor, who spoke at the 2015 Ojude Oba Epe Festival at the Epe Recreation Ground, Epe, said the previous administration’s infrastructural renewal drive would receive adequate attention.

“One of the promises during the campaign is that we will continue with my predecessor’s infrastructural development and improve on it.

“What we have to do is improve on the network

which Babatunde Fashola had laid down,” he said.

Ambode said he used the first three months of his administration to set up an institutional framework, assuring that going forward, Lagosians will begin to witness development across the state.

“I have no choice, I have to do it for all Lagosians, that’s what I am committed to do, I have said I am going to be selfless about service and that’s what I am going to do and you will see it.

“What I have done in the last three months is to set up

the institutional framework and if you want to build a house, you have to lay the foundation, you will now see what I’ll be doing in the next three and half years, just watch and you would see it,” he said.

He assured the people of Epe that development would also get to the area, saying aside being a native of Epe, the town has witnessed less development in recent times.

“For Epe, you can see, in terms of the rural local governments, Epe is the most rural and in terms of the divisions, Epe is the least of all

the five divisions. So for them, the best thing we can do is to increase the infrastructural development here in Epe and help them to develop in other areas,” the governor said.

Dignitaries at the festival include the Oba of Epe, Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, Asiwaju of Epeland, Justice Adesola Oguntade, Chairman Eleganza Group, Chief Rasak Okoya, Senator representing Lagos West, Adeola Olamilekan Solomon, Chief of Staff to the governor, Olukunle Ojo.

PDP: APC ashamed From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has said the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is opposed to the airport project because “it is ashamed that a PDP government is showing the political will to do the project”.

In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Jackson Adebayo, the party said: “The APC is known for reneging on its promises and this, the people of Ekiti State have known.

Fayose and the PDP are known for scoring first in good things in Ekiti State.

“All the states created in 1996 have airports or at least airstrips. The APC is only showing malice and bitterness about the project because it knows that the project will be executed by Fayose and an airplane will land on Ekiti soil very soon.

“Leaders, stakeholders, including traditional rulers, who mean well for the state, are solidly behind the project. They know there is need to open up the state for businesses. They know that even if it is a standard airstrip the state deserves one.”

Retreat for exco members

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HE Ekiti State government will hold a twoday retreat for members of the executive council, permanent secretaries.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Governor’s Office, Sunday Adebayo, on behalf of the Head of Service, Olugbenga Faseluka, said the retreat begins today at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti.

The retreat, according to

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

the Head of Service, is to reequip the state’s political and bureaucratic leadership with more knowledge.

Faseluka said the retreat would provide a solid base for cooperation and deepen mutual collaboration between chief executives and accounting officers for effective governance and efficient service delivery.

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Deputy Governor Mrs Yetunde Onanuga (second left); the deceased’s daughters Mrs. Tola Oyediran (right) and Mrs. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu; when the governor visited the Awolowos to condole with them on the death of their mother, Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo at Ikenne...yesterday

Group extols HID’s virtues From Damisi Ojo,Akure

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GROUP, Asiwaju Change Movement (ACM) International, has commiserated with the Awolowo family on the demise of its matriarch, Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Mrs. Simisola Jegede-Ayoade and Secretary Feyi Duyile, the group described her death as a loss.

The statement reads: "Mama, God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put His arms around you and whispered come to me my daughter.

"Although the ACM loves you dearly, if we had our way we will make you stay a little longer. You are worth celebrating for sustaining the good legacies of your late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The group urged women to emulate the Yeyeoba by supporting their husbands in all aspects.

Ado Poly reschedules post-UTME test

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HE Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has rescheduled its post-UTME screening earlier scheduled to hold from today and Wednesday.

A statement yesterday by the Polytechnic’s Deputy Registrar, Information, Ade Adeyemi-Adejolu, said the post-UTME will now begin from October 5 to October 9.

The latest postponement, the statement said, was due chiefly to challenges experienced by many prospective candidates in possessing their e-transact PIN from banks.

It said: “The rescheduling

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

became imperative to enable a hitch-free preparation and successful conduct of the screening test.

“We urge parents, guardians, and qualified candidates to note that the Computer-Based Test will now hold from October 5 to October 9 at the Polytechnic Digital Library.

“Consequently, all interested candidates who are yet to complete their online application now have the opportunity to do so until midnight of Wednesday, when the admission portal will be closed.”

•General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye flanked by Mrs. Oyediran (right) and Mrs. Awolowo-Dosumu...yesterday.

PHOTOS: SOLOMOM ADEOLA

APC accuses Fayose of plan to divert bailout cash T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has challenged Governor Ayo Fayose to declare how he intends to spend the bailout cash.

The party said this became necessary in view of the governor’s announcement that pensioners’ entitlements and other category of workers would no longer be captured in the disbursement of the cash.

The APC in a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said it was putting the following agencies on notice- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Debt Management Office (DMO), Economic and Financial

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

It urged the people to resist the governor’s plan to “divert” the money to other wasteful use.

“Fayose has started his usual stunts of the ‘more you look the less you see’ antics.

Ekiti people will no longer tolerate any juggler playing games with the bailout cash.

We will like to see the breakdown of the loan explicitly

stated.

“We are still at a loss as to why pensioners’ arrears are not included in the bailout fund when we were initially told that all debts to civil servants and former political office holders were included,” Olatunbosun said.

The APC spokesman said the party could not understand why a governor, who claimed he did not owe any salary, would suddenly become the first to apply for bailout loan.

“Fayose said he did not owe salaries and that means he didn’t need the bailout

loan, but he was the first to secretly apply for the loan before he subjected the matter to a public debate.

“We have it on good authority that Fayose is planning to divert the money to pay contractors.

“Fayose should realise that the bailout fund is not free money from the Federal Government but a loan which the state will pay back over 20 years as specified in the loan terms.

“We wish to notify Fayose that failure to declare the breakdown of the bailout fund publicly will lead to employing the instrumentality of the FOI Law to demand for same at the Central Bank and the DMO.”

THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Junior Ajayi scores in CS Sfaxien debut N

IGERIA U23 star Junior Ajayi commenced his career at Tunisian club CS Sfaxien on a flying note when he scored on his debut in a 3-1 win over Gasfa.

The former Shooting Stars striker hit the target in the 34th minute to give CS Sfaxien the lead for the first time in the game after

they had gone down 1-0 to a third minute strike from Ghezi Chellouf.

Ajayi is the leading scorer of the Nigeria U23 squad who won Bronze medal at the recent 11th All Africa Games football event in Congo Brazzaville.

He was initially a target for another Tunisian club, Esperance.

• Ajayi

Squash expert updates Nigerian coaches

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IGERIA international squash player, Yusuf Durosinlorun has confirmed that the only African cum-Nigeria certified squash coach in the continent, , Sakiru Matti was brought in from Canada to update the coaches at a 2-day coaching clinic just concluded at the Lagos Country, club Ikeja.

Durosinlorun stated: "Sakiru Matti is a thorough bred squash coach who had carved a niche for himself as a player and in the field of coaching and we believe tapping from his wealth of knowledge will not only broaden our knowledge but also bring back the game to reckoning in Nigeria".

He stressed further: "Squash is a game of fun and we hope to bring up younger generation who have the right passion for the game that will replace the old ones when they retire".

In the same vein, the President of Professional squash players’

By Stella Bamawo association of Nigeria, Seun Peters commended Matti for finding time to come and update Nigerian squash coaches, which he also sees as a way of giving back to the society, while he enjoined other elite players in diaspora to emulate the good example of coach Matti by giv-

ing back to the society that gave them fame and fortune.

Meanwhile, the clinic will also be hosted in the Federal capital, territory, Abuja in the next few days.

Squash coaches and players had turned out in en-mass to attend the 2-day coaching clinic, while which saw the Lagos Country filled to capacity.

Enyimba closing in on seventh title

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HINEDU Udoji was the hero for six-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba FC in the 2-0 win over Wikki Tourists on Sunday.

The Enyimba captain netted either side of the break; his second a well-taken penalty as the Peoples Elephant eased to a routine win over the Bauchi club.

Enyimba are now five points clear of second-placed Sunshine Stars having amassed 58 points from 31 matches.

Tunde Adeniji plundered the only goal of the game as Sunshine moved up two places to second following a 1-0 success over Abia Warriors in Akure.

Warri Wolves dropped one place to third despite picking up a point in a dramatic game at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

Moses Ekpai’s penalty had put the champions in the driver’s seat but Ikechukwu Ibenegbu equalised for Wolves at the death to keep their title aspirations alive.

Sharks FC clawed their way from the relegation zone after a 1-0 win over Dolphins in the Port Harcourt derby at the Sharks Stadium.

Chima Akas’s sweetly-taken volley early in the first half was the difference between the two sides.

FC Ifeanyiubah and Giwa FC played out a 1-1 draw in Nnewi.

The hosts took the lead through Jolly Osas but David Sunday gave the Jos-based visitors a share of the spoils with an 89th-minute equaliser.

FC Taraba and El-Kanemi Warriors also shared the spoils in another 1-1 draw while Enugu Rangers came back from a goal down to beat Kwara United 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Segun Alebiosu scored for the visitors in the 44th minute but Rangers stormed back through second-half goals through Osas Okoro and Bobby Clement to seal maximum points for the Flying Antelopes.

Lobi Stars and Shooting Stars ended their encounter 0-0 at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.

The game between Bayelsa United and Hertland at the Oghara Township Stadium was postponed and will now be played on Monday as a result of heavy rain which left the pitch water-logged.

Akwa United had earlier beaten Nasarawa United 2-0 in a compelling game on Friday night at the Nest of Champions.

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THE NATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

SUPER EAGLES FRIENDLY

Joel Obi sent off in Italy

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Wenger releases Iwobi • Player vows not to disappoint Oliseh

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HE father of Arsenal Football Club, England teenage striker Alexander Iwobi, Chuka Iwobi has told NationSport

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja from his base in London yesterday, that Arsenal

• Iwobi

RESULTS Globacom Premier League Pillars 1-1 Wolves FC Taraba 1-1 El-Kanemi Lobi Stars 0-0 Shooting Rangers 2-1 Kwara United FC IfeanyiUbah 1-1 Giwa Enyimba 2-0 Wikki Sunshine 1-0 A.Warriors Sharks 1-0 Dolphins Akwa United 2-0 Nasarawa Bayelsa vs Heartland (pp) England - Premier League Watford 0 - 1 Crystal Palace England - Championship Middlesbrough 3 - 0 Leeds England - FA Cup Coleshill 2 - 0 Stamford Gloucester 4 - 2 Kidlington Italy - Serie A Genoa 1 - 0 AC Milan Bologna 1 - 2 Udinese Hellas 1 - 2 Lazio Sassuolo 1 - 1 Chievo Torino 2 - 1 Palermo Inter 1 - 4 Fiorentina Italy - Serie B Bari 2 - 1 Avellino Spain - Liga BBVA Gijon 1 - 2 Real Betis Deportivo 3 - 0 Espanyol Getafe 3 - 0 Levante Sociedad 0 - 0 Bilbao Germany - Bundesliga E. Frankfurt 1 - 1 Hertha Dortmund 2 - 2 Darmstadt France - Ligue 1 Marseille 1 - 2 Angers Guingamp 3 - 3 Monaco Montpellier 2 - 1 Lorient Netherlands - Eredivisie Graafschap 2 - 2 Willem II ADO 3 - 3 Excelsior Feyenoord 2 - 0 Zwolle FC Twente 2 - 1 Roda Belgium - Pro League Lokeren 0 - 1 Club Brugge Anderlecht 1 - 0 St.Truiden Kortrijk 1 - 0 Genk Portugal - Primeira Liga Maritimo 1 - 0 Tondela Nacional 1 - 1 Vitoria Arouca 2 - 2 Belenenses Estoril 2 - 1 Uniao Guimaraes 0 - 1 Braga Turkey - Super Lig Konyaspor 2 - 0 Mersin Antalyaspor 1 - 1 Sivasspor Besiktas 3 - 2 Fenerbahce Switzerland - Super League Sion 0 - 1 FC Vaduz

manager Arsene Wenger has agreed to release the player to join the Super Eagles in Belgium for the two friendlies against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroun next month.

The elated father of the teenage striker said that his son would join the team in Belgium as arranged by the Nigeria Football Federation.

The Iwobi senior also assured that his son was ready to grab fully the playing opportunity the Super Eagles, Coach Sunday Oliseh had granted him to play for the Nigerian national team in the two friendlies against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroun in October 8th and 11th 2015 in Belgium.

Chuka who hails from Onitsha, Anambra in Nigeria indigene was however full of thanks to the Eagles coach Oliseh and the Nigeria Football Federa-

tion for extending invitation to his son whom he said was eager to put on the green-white-green jersey of his fatherland.

“It’s an honour and a privilege for anybody to be called up by his country. I am delighted by the efforts the Nigeria Football Federation has put in getting clearance for Alex to play for his country Nigeria. It also shows how much they want him to be involved. As a family we are very, very proud and as a Nigerian too. I am hoping that he would do well playing for his country.

“He is already looking forward to going to Belgium for the two friendlies since his Manager has granted him permission to do so and we will always be there to support him as one family. His invitation to the Eagles is an honour and we are very delighted with the ways things have turned out.

Falconets beat DR Congo 2-1

N

IGERIA’S Women under-20 team, the Falconets, on Sunday defeated DR Congo 2-1 away in the Africa leg first leg, second round qualifiers for the 2016 Fifa Under-20 Women World Cup. Two quick goals in the first half fromChinazaUchenduinthesixth minute and Chiwendu Ihezou in the 12th minute gave Nigeria a comfortable lead as the Falconets took control of the game.

DR Congo were able to pull a goal back just before half time as the second period failed to produce any goals in an entertaining game.

Nigeria had eliminated Liberia 14-1 on aggregate in the first round and will look to complete the job against DR Congo in the return leg in Nigeria.

Coach Peter Dedevbo will hope to get his girls into the main qualifying round, which is yet to be decided by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Falconets were silver medalists at the last edition in Canada in 2014 where an Asisat Oshoala inspired side reached the final but were beaten 1-0 by Germany.

The 2016 event will be hosted

by Papua New Guinea.

E

gerian top flight match day 31 clash on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

The llorin outfit got the match opener through striker Segun Alebiosu while the Coal City side scored two quick second half goals off the feet of duo

• Godwin Aguda of Rangers against David Ayeni of Kwara United during their Glo League clash on Sunday

We were unlucky —Taraba coach

F

FC Taraba head coach Ndubuisi Nduka has said his side were unlucky in the score draw against El Kanemi Warriors.

Taraba were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Maiduguri-based side in Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 31 clash at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo.

Striker Ibrahim Sanusi scored the opening goal in the third minute of the encounter while attacking midfielder Emmanuel Agali levelled score for his side in the 82nd minute.

Nduka said his players gave the match their very best and deserved to have gone home with the three points at stake.

“Today (Sunday) was not our day as the players gave the match everything to pocket the three points but ended up with a point.

“We even lost a penalty in the 47th minute, that’s how unlucky we were in the clash against El Kanemi Warriors.

“We dominated play especially in the second half of the match only for El Kanemi Warriors to rally to score a late equaliser.

“I think El Kanemi Warriors were lucky to have run away with a point in a game they were 100 percent outplayed.

“We will keep on with the survival fight till the last day.

We have seven matches left on the calendar and we believe something dramatic could still happen in those seven matches.

“We remain hopeful to keep our top flight status,” said the former Dolphins coach to supersport.com.

The draw against El Kanemi Warriors brought FC Taraba's total earnings to 30 points from a possible 93 in the 31-week-old top flight.

Ajagun wins it for Panathinaikos

E • Dedevbo

Rangers deserved win — Amapakabo NUGU Rangers’ head coach Imama Amapakabo has said his sidedeserved the hard fought victory against Kwara United..

The Flying Antelopes came from behind to win 2-1 against the Harmony Boys in the Ni-

• Joel Obi

IGERIA midfielder Joel Obi was sent off in Italy while in action for Torino in a Serie A match on Sunday against Palermo.

Torino won 2-1 at home.

Obi, who was making his second appearance in the Serie A for Torino since his summer switch from Inter Milan, was given the marching order in the 90th minute for a dangerous challenge.

He will now miss the next game against Carpi.

Compatriot Efe Ambrose also saw red in Scotland at the weekend when he caused a professional foul to stop a last-minute winner by Hearts.

Chisom Egbuchulam and Bobby Clement to claim the three points at stake.

Amapakabo said three points were crucial though his side could have ended the clash with a higher goal margin.

“Yes, coming from behind to win match is almost becoming a tradition but I think what matters at the end of the day is the three points which we have in our kitty.

“We knew right from start that it won’t be easy against a relegation bound team and Kwara United gave the encounter their everything.

“Of course, as a coach it will be unfair to say we were not the better side on match day after my boys came from behind to earn a deserved victory.

“The goal margin would have been wider if we had converted the several chances that came our way.

“Anyway, I think the three points are key, it keeps us going and makes everybody happy,” said the former Sharks coach to supersport.com.

Rangers take their points haul to 43 from a possible 93 in the 31-week old Nigerian top flight.

X-NIGERIA U20 captain AbdulJeleel Ajagun was Panathinaikos hero on Sunday as he scored the only goal to earn his team all three points against Platanias.

Panathinaikos are second on the league table with 12 points from five games.

The former Dolphins midfielder struck in the 45th minute.

Ajagun has now scored two goals in the last two games fir Panathinaikos.

However, he lasted for 58 minutes in the game before he gave way to Mehdi Abeid.

• Ajagun

Plateau Utd returns to Nigeria top-flight league

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LATEAU United have staged a return to the Nigeria premier league after five seasons in the lower league following a 2-1 win at Spotlight of Katsina on Sunday.

Plateau needed to win this final Nigeria National League (NNL) match to pip closest rivals Adamawa United to a place in the premier league.

Adamawa also won 2-1 at Supreme Court of Abuja, but lost out on goals difference to Plateau after both teams finished on 29 points each.

Plateau finished with +15, while Adamawa were on +7.

The Jos club, who gave Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi his first break in football, thus joined Ikorodu United, MFM FC of Lagos and Niger Tornadoes to gain promotion to the top league come next season.

In the meantime, Kaduna United ensured they stayed up in the NNL after they dumped Yobe Desert Warriors 3-0 in their final match of the season on Sunday.

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 10 NO 3350

‘The predicament of Falae has brought to the fore two serious security concerns which the current regime has to confront. They are the twin issues of clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers over grazing lands and kidnapping’ EMEKA OMEIHE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

N his earlier incarnation, Eleyinmi hid his hands under a voluminous agbada. It was a display of a sort of royal extravagance. His face skewed with disdain, his carriage lofty like a peacock, he spoke from a high pedestal. His voice, with its peculiar polish, played out of a palatial voice box. He walked not on earth but above it, above all who thought they were on the same soil. He is, after all, called Oloye, and an Oloye does not belong to the pedestrian promenade.

He abided the sort of illusion that former American President Abraham Lincoln inspired in blacks when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation that freed blacks. One famous quote of that era came from a legend. A black man was reported as saying in his poetic pidgin “Massa Linkum, he be ebery whai; he know ebery ting; he walk the earf like de lord.” Translation: “Master Lincoln, he is everywhere; he knows everything; he walks the earth like the Lord.” The sentiment was exaggerated, but the awe was genuine. The blacks breathed liberty after over a century of chains and shame.

Oloye Eleyinmi might have lived that delusion of grandeur, and thought words like that came from his fawning followers. He probably heard them.

But the present Eleyinmi saw what he had not seen, felt what had not touched him, and ran away from what had always run away from him. So, Eleyinmi was used to hiding his hands as a flourish of royal joy. But last week, when he was asked to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, he ducked before he was docked. This time, he was not just hiding the hand, he was hiding the whole massive fabric of royalty. They sought him in court, and he was not found. Oloye was royalty. Royalty is court. How dare anyone redefine royalty by subjecting it to the logic of obedience? That was probably the refrain of his thought.

Suddenly though, we saw that Eleyinmi could not hide anything, not agbada, not hand, and he appeared in the court. Even at that, his self-image was not vitiated. He still affected the superior gaze of the palace. His band of adoring followers, in regalia and dance and court flattery, trailed him like a boisterous wave.

He at one moment wanted to play Awolowo on the dock. He looked back at another royalty, a genuine one not built on bloodline but on industry and timetested wisdom. He thought he was an

RIPPLES

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

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

•Winner, Informed Commentary (DAME)

Oloye Eleyinmi

‘

Again Tinubu did not hide like Oloye.

He did not say he was above the law

’

•Dr. Saraki

Awolowo and in his peroration after his treasonable felony trial. But Oloye Bukola Saraki was not Awolowo, and he had taken advantage of judge’s magnanimity in allowing him to say a word, and he turned it into a political platform for tirades.

He and his folks say it is political persecution, and so the matter should be allowed to lie. That was a lie. The Oloye was at work. He does not know that this is no royalty but democracy. And in democracy, it is the rule of law, and not the sentiment of the big man. He was part of the change mantra and he is about to be a victim of a tiger he let out of the zoo.

By the way, his is no royalty in a traditional sense, but in a contrivance of our big man politics. He inherited it from his father, and he has been adept at it in a small pond in Kwara State. In the ocean,

ON PROFESSOR VINCENT

I

received an outpouring of emotions from some Nigerians over last week’s column. A few have offered to help.

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), former governor of Lagos, called with example. He has committed N1million. A few others have

HARDBALL

POLICE NEED NIGERIANS TO FIGHT CRIMES –Ex AIG

B

The same NIGERIANS you MAIM and MOLEST everyday?

however, the tilapia discovers he is not master but in contention with larger jaws and deft swimmers. Tilapia is about to end up in a jaw he pooh-poohed.

In democracy, law enforces liberty. The individual is subsumed in what French philosopher Jean Jacque Rousseau termed “the collective will.” When he appeared in court, he must have realised that his royalty was a ruse. That accounts for his charge that he was a victim of persecution. That charge is neither here nor there. There are specific charges. He should account for himself and not hide under victimhood the way he hides his hands under his massive agbada.

His supporters are also appealing to pity by referring to an earlier case, and saying that his example of persecution was akin to that of Asiwaju Tinubu during the era of Goodluck Jonathan. Are

AYELSA State is in the news, but not always for the right reasons. The All Progressives Congress (APC) held a primary election for the prime seat of governor. The news said former Governor Timipre Sylva won with what was apparently a landslide. But a new narrative came into the spotlight. One was the announcement credited to the party Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun that the election had been cancelled and a new date would be set.

The second was the issue of who built the party, who sowed and who wanted to reap.

First to Oyegun’s statement. He made a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria, and said the primaries had been cancelled.

Yet, a few days later, the APC announced that its National Working Committee (NWC) would examine the complaints today and arrive at a verdict. Meanwhile, former Governor Sylva still holds the ace.

The questions is, why did Chief Oyegun say the elections had been cancelled when the party had not sat to decide the way forward.

Hardball smells a rat. The party chairman was not in a position to decide whether or not the primary election was in order. Yet he

they kidding? His was about an account he operated before he became governor, and certain other facts were clear. It was dud because even the bank wrote him to show the account was closed. Again Tinubu did not hide like Oloye. He did not say he was above the law. He had even earlier won a case against Ribadu’s EFCC with a N10 million damage awarded to him.

He said in a release after he was acquitted: “I was ready to defend my name and most importantly blunt the dangling sword of Damocles over my head. Then I challenged them to go to court and maintained that those who allege must prove.

I am glad that the Code of Conduct Tribunal, consistent with the laws of the land and after painstaking trial, have dispensed of my case.”

Oloye should not have ducked. He suffered the humiliation of appearing in the box of the accused. What we are seeing is the architecture of political disgrace. In 2002, the U.S. Senate Leader and equivalent of Senate President in Nigeria, Trent Lott, fell into scandal. He had uttered a statement that affirmed he was a racist.

He said he voted for Strum Thurmond, a self-confessed segregationist, who hated freedom for blacks. Lott asserted in the man’s 100th birthday that he supported him still. The statement triggered a windstorm that swept him out of office as the top legislator in the land.

The world has seen quite of few scandals. In Nigeria, scandal often is associated with murder and financial fraud. In other lands, it adds a steamy context: sex.

John Edwards loft his prestige and ended his quest to be U.S. president when he was caught in an affair, especially when his wife was dying of cancer. We know of the Keating Five about lobbying corruption, and it involved five U.S. senators. In Italy, we know of Silvio Berlusconi, playboy, pedophile, gangster, fraud and swindler and his famous party for nubile girls called bunga bunga. Lott resigned when the American public frowned. But here we want a way out. Well, Eleyinmi would have to confront the bear ahead. Already his friends are shopping for his replacement. He is literally and metaphorically in a box. Who will help Eleyinmi?

pledged some sort of support. I am still working on how to get the family of Vincent involved in a transparent arrangement for help.

•Prof. Vincent

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Impunity and carpetbaggers in Bayelsa flew to the media with a glib remark on behalf of a party.

It was a clear case of impunity. Those who were sent to the field to conduct the election had not returned to Abuja. The process is usually simple and straightforward. The panel was expected to submit a report to the NWC, and then an appeal committee presides and recommends to the party.

So was Oyegun the panel that went to Yenagoa to conduct the election? No. Is he the NWC? No. So when did Oyegun become the panel and the decision maker at the same time?

As a party chairman he should beware of the statements he utters. He should not be seen to be a chairman of a group of people.

That is not the logic of his high chair. Tragically, he has not uttered any retraction of that ignoble statement. In democracy, we do not work from answer to question. That is what is called impunity. When we work from question to answer, it is called due process.

That should be lesson 101 in democracy for the APC chairman.

The other issue that arose was the question of who sowed and who wanted to reap.

Those who made much of the acclamations during the primary election said no one should reap where he did not sow.

The APC was regarded as anathema by the political elite in BayelsaState during the inglorious era of former President Goodluck Jonathan. They all pitched tent with Jonathan and mouthed their solidarity with various degrees of volubility to the Otuoke man.

Suddenly with Buhari’s victory, APC became the bride, and the elite who swore by Jonathan suddenly made a shameless pirouette and APC became the Mecca. It is not only that they did not sow, they want to be lords of the manor. This is becoming a trend in our politics, and it is an opportunistic game that rewards carpet baggers. As the Good Book says, those who did not sow should not reap. It is high time it meant something in our democracy, if it should grow.

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Editor Daily:08111813080, 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